New Business Spotlight: HB Equities
HB Equities is proud to be part of the ongoing revitalization happening right here in Downtown Kankakee!
Location: Kankakee County Phone: (815) 693-6863 Visit Their Website | Follow on Facebook
Q&A
What inspired you to open your business in Downtown Kankakee? I live near downtown and want to be a part of the revitalization that is happening.
In one sentence, what makes your business unique?
We try to enhance our investment properties to increase the value of the whole area and not just for the most rent possible.
What's your favorite thing about being part of this community? I love the diversity and the genuine Midwest nature of the area.
What's one thing you want everyone to know about what you offer? We try to counter the negative reputation that landlords have received throughout the years by offering well cared for properties and responsive service.
If you could describe your business in three words, what would they be?
Cooperative, Responsive, Professional.
What gap in the Kankakee community were you hoping to fill, and how does your business address it? I think that many landlords only looked at getting the highest rent for the least work and ignored how those investments impacted the area. We find that you can add value to the neighborhood and also be profitable; the two are not mutually exclusive.
What has surprised you most about opening here, and what have you learned from the community so far?
I've been surprised at how many people care about downtown as well as how many people from neighboring town refuse to come here thinking that it's violent.
More About HB Equities:
HB Equities is a family-owned real estate investment and redevelopment firm established in 2012 by brothers Matthew and Steven Harder. With roots in residential construction dating back to 2001, their experience spans remodeling, property management, and commercial development throughout Kankakee County.
What began with single-family investments has grown into a diverse portfolio including multi-family and commercial properties - each approached with intention, care, and long-term vision.
HB Equities is committed to doing things differently.
Rather than focusing solely on maximizing rent, they prioritize enhancing their properties in a way that adds value to the entire neighborhood. Their belief is simple: profitability and positive community impact can - and should - go hand in hand.
Their property management approach is centered on being:
Cooperative
Responsive
Professional
This commitment has led to strong relationships with tenants, low vacancy rates, and a reputation built on reliability and trust.
Each property is thoughtfully remodeled with modern updates and functional design, creating spaces that not only serve tenants well but also attract quality businesses to the area. By offering unique and well-maintained commercial spaces, HB Equities plays an important role in supporting local business growth and strengthening Downtown Kankakee.
Their connection to the community runs deep. After relocating from Chicago to Bourbonnais, they quickly discovered Downtown Kankakee and the Riverview area - and saw the potential that continues to inspire their work today.
They’ve also witnessed both the challenges and the progress - seeing firsthand how much people care about this community, even while working to shift outdated perceptions from outside the area.
HB Equities remains focused on thoughtful growth, quality investments, and contributing to a Downtown that continues to evolve in the best ways!