CIO Bulletin

‘Pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box—it’s what sets us apart as innovators’: Drew Hall, Chief Systems Architect of OpticWise

In today’s competitive world of commercial real estate, where success hinges on innovation, OpticWise emerges as a transformative force. Specializing in data & digital infrastructure services tailored for commercial real estate (CRE) owners and operators, OpticWise redefines the traditional approach to property operations & management.

OpticWise revolutionizes the CRE sector by unlocking the full potential of data & digital assets for office and apartment building owners. With a forward-thinking approach, the company engineers cutting-edge in-building connectivity to provide tenants with seamless, mobile, secure, and private access to a myriad of technological solutions.

At OpticWise, it’s not just about optimizing properties; it’s about empowering owners with premium positioning, financial leverage, and digital ownership in the competitive real estate market. With a focus on innovation and client-centric solutions, OpticWise paves the way for CRE owners to thrive in the digital age.

In an exclusive interview with CIO Bulletin, Drew Hall, the Founder and Chief Systems Architect of OpticWise, delved into how he and his team of experts are revolutionizing the commercial real estate landscape and reshaping the industry’s standards by delivering cutting-edge communication and connectivity solutions to tenants and operators.

Unifying CRE with Innovative Digital Infrastructure

In the world of Commercial Real Estate (CRE), innovation is the name of the game. Drew Hall, the Founder and Chief Systems Architect of OpticWise, believes that staying ahead of the curve is crucial in an ever-evolving industry. “Innovation is at the heart of OpticWise’s success,” he says.

Drew and his team constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology in the CRE industry. Their latest projects and developments have been making waves, setting OpticWise apart as an industry leader. “Our pioneering strategy empowers property owners with complete data and digital infrastructure ownership,” Drew explains.

One of OpticWise’s key innovations lies in their ability to streamline and centralize data and digital infrastructures. By seamlessly connecting disparate technologies and networks into a unified digital infrastructure owned entirely by the property owner, OpticWise is changing the game. “This unique capability enables property owners to collect and analyze data from disparate property systems,” Drew says.

Examples of such disparate systems include HVAC/BMS, access controls, video monitoring, security systems, occupancy, power quality, and many more. OpticWise’s approach allows property owners to gather valuable insights that optimize operational efficiency, cut costs, and boost revenue. “By securing this data in their own data warehouse, property owners can make informed decisions that enhance their Net Operating Income (NOI),” Drew emphasizes. This comprehensive approach to data collection and management is what sets OpticWise apart as an industry leader.

Turning Connectivity into Revenue

In the world of commercial real estate, where every edge counts, Drew Hall is on a mission to revolutionize the industry. “At OpticWise, we’re all about turning connectivity infrastructure into a profit center for property owners,” Drew shares.

He explains, “Our approach empowers property owners to fully own their digital infrastructure. This ownership model not only provides internet connectivity and seamless mobility across properties but also significantly enhances Net Operating Income (NOI).”

But what sets OpticWise apart is their innovative business model. Unlike typical Managed WiFi solutions, where the service provider controls the infrastructure, at OpticWise, the property owner takes charge. “This means they can offer services to retail tenants in the building, creating additional revenue sources.”

And there’s more to it. OpticWise’s solution supports Smart Building strategies, allowing for the integration of any IP-driven technology without the expense of deploying new networks. “We take full responsibility for the design, implementation, and ongoing support of data & digital infrastructures,” Drew explains. “We even provide end-user support for tenants and property management staff, ensuring a seamless and efficient operation.”

By transforming connectivity infrastructure into a profit center, OpticWise’s innovative business models and service offerings deliver substantial value and competitive advantage to property owners.

Bold and Calculated Risks: OpticWise’s Secret to Success

In commercial real estate, innovation isn’t just about thinking outside the box—it’s about taking calculated risks that can lead to groundbreaking advancements. OpticWise knows this all too well. “At OpticWise, innovation is in our DNA. And sometimes, that means taking bold risks.”

One such risk that paid off significantly was OpticWise’s decision to pivot from traditional network solutions to a fully owned data and digital infrastructure model for CRE property owners. “It was a bold move. But we recognized that property owners needed more control over their data and their digital assets.”

The transition required significant investment in research and development, along with a complete reengineering of their service and support offerings. “We knew it was a gamble, but we believed in the vision and it paid off.”

By unifying disparate technologies into a single, owner-controlled digital infrastructure and integrating a centralized data warehouse, OpticWise gave property owners the power to harness their data for actionable insights. “It was a game-changer, and our clients saw remarkable gains because of it,” says Drew Hall.

Today, this innovative leap has become a cornerstone of OpticWise’s business model, showcasing their commitment to pioneering solutions that drive tangible value for their clients. It’s proof that sometimes, taking risks is the key to success.

Future-Proofing the CRE Industry with Strategic Approach

In any business, staying ahead of the curve is essential. OpticWise is unwavering in this approach. “At OpticWise, we’re all about future-proof solutions. It’s about anticipating what’s coming next and designing networks that can evolve with the times.”

Their approach begins with a deep dive into emerging trends and potential future demands of CRE property owners and tenants. “We keep a close eye on industry developments, advancements in technology, and shifting market needs. We strive to stay one step ahead.”

And that’s where their innovation comes in. OpticWise designs scalable solutions that aren’t just robust for today’s needs but are also adaptable for tomorrow’s challenges. Drew adds, “We build with the future in mind. Our solutions incorporate modular architectures that allow for easy upgrades and expansions as new technologies emerge.”

Their commitment to research and development is also key. “We’re always collaborating with technology leaders and participating in industry think tanks. It’s how we ensure our strategies are aligned with the latest advancements.”

By focusing on scalability, adaptability, and continuous innovation, OpticWise ensures that their solutions are built to last. “We provide our clients with the confidence that their infrastructure will support their growth and technological evolution for years to come.” And with that mindset, OpticWise continues to lead the way in future-proofing the CRE tech industry.

OpticWise’s Innovation Manifesto

At OpticWise, nurturing a culture of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. Drew Hall believes that fostering innovation starts from within. “Here at OpticWise, we push boundaries and think outside the box. It’s what sets us apart as innovators.”

Their core value, “Make It Better!” encapsulates this mindset perfectly. “We believe in constant improvement and encourage a hunger for knowledge, always striving for more.”

To cultivate this environment, OpticWise empowers its employees with autonomy. “We give our team members the freedom to explore new ideas and take ownership of their projects. Independent thinking is key to our success.”

But it doesn’t stop there. OpticWise fosters a collaborative work culture, where diverse perspectives are celebrated. “We hold regular innovation workshops and brainstorming sessions. It’s all about sharing ideas and working together towards our goals.”

Recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas is also a priority for OpticWise. “We celebrate creativity and encourage risk-taking, and our open-door policy ensures that everyone’s voice is heard.”

Their workplace is designed to inspire creativity, with flexible workspaces and state-of-the-art technology. “We want our employees to feel inspired and empowered, want to create an environment where innovation thrives.”

By embedding these principles into their company culture, OpticWise ensures that creativity and out-of-the-box thinking are not just encouraged but are integral to their daily operations. “It’s what keeps us at the forefront of innovation,” Drew concludes.

Meet the Visionary Technology Leader at OpticWise

Drew Hall, OpticWise Founder, and Chief Systems Architect, is a distinguished expert in network architecture with a proven track record of leading teams in the design and operation of high-security, low-latency network applications on a global scale. Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Baylor University.

Beyond his professional achievements, Drew is a dedicated family man, married, with two young sons. In his leisure time, Drew enjoys family time, mountain biking, and performing improve comedy, reflecting his dynamic and multifaceted personality.