OpticWise – Revolutionizing Commercial Real Estate with Data & Digital Infrastructure Ownership to Maximize NOI and Shape the Future of Smart Buildings

The commercial real estate sector is evolving rapidly. In an industry where efficiency and profitability go hand in hand, property owners and developers are embracing cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead. Buildings are becoming smarter, more connected, and more profitable through advanced data utilization. In this transformation, digital infrastructure is no longer just a system—it’s an essential asset.

At the forefront of this transformation is OpticWise, a company redefining how commercial properties operate and generate revenue. OpticWise is revolutionizing commercial real estate with Building Intelligence, a groundbreaking approach that leverages property data to increase net operating income (NOI). The company specializes in digital infrastructure and in-building connectivity, ensuring that property owners gain full control over their digital assets and unlock new revenue streams.

With OpticWise, building owners don’t just install technology, they monetize it. By integrating advanced proptech solutions, the company enables seamless, secure, and private access to digital services, enhancing tenant experiences while driving financial gains. Whether in office buildings or multifamily residences, OpticWise transforms digital assets into strategic advantages.

Beyond operational efficiency, OpticWise empowers its clients with premium positioning, financial leverage, and full ownership of their digital infrastructure. This means property owners are no longer reliant on third parties—they own, control, and profit from their buildings’ technology. Headquartered in the Denver metro area, OpticWise supports innovative real estate projects nationwide, helping commercial property owners turn connectivity into a competitive edge.

At CIO Bulletin, we had the distinct honor of interviewing Bill Douglas, CEO of OpticWise. He shared valuable insights on how he and his seasoned team, with deep expertise in CRE technology, are transforming commercial real estate through cutting-edge business intelligence services.

Interview Highlights

Every great company starts with a vision. What was the key problem in commercial real estate that led to the creation of OpticWise, and how has your journey evolved since then?

From the beginning, OpticWise was founded on the belief that commercial buildings should be more than just spaces—they should be intelligent ecosystems that enhance operations, improve tenant satisfaction, and unlock new revenue opportunities. As the CEO, I recognized a significant gap in the industry: buildings were often hampered by outdated digital infrastructures, putting owners at a significant disadvantage in an increasingly connected world.

This insight led to the creation of our innovative solutions that turn properties into data-driven, interconnected environments. We empower property owners with real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and automated optimizations to boost efficiency, sustainability, and tenant experience. As technology continues to evolve, OpticWise remains committed to providing smart, future-ready solutions that redefine the commercial real estate technology landscape.

Whether it’s a multi-tenant office or a multi-family residential community, each comes with unique digital infrastructure needs. How does OpticWise tailor its solutions for these diverse environments?

At OpticWise, we understand that every property type has its own unique set of data and digital infrastructure needs. That's why we take a customized approach, designing solutions that are specific to the demands of each environment.

For multi-tenant offices, our focus is on creating seamless, high-performance connectivity that supports both the operational needs of the property owner and the tech-savvy demands of tenants. We integrate advanced network systems that ensure fast, secure internet access for all business tenants, along with scalable solutions that can easily accommodate future upgrades. The digital infrastructure here supports more operations systems, resulting in more data and more touch points given the significant amount of common areas.

In multi-family residential settings, we prioritize tenant satisfaction by delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity that enhances the living experience. Our solutions also include smart building integrations that improve energy efficiency, security, and sustainability for both operators and residents while reducing operating costs for property owners.

By understanding the unique needs of each environment, OpticWise tailors its digital infrastructure solutions to provide enhanced performance, better tenant experiences, and long-term value.

Data is one of the most valuable assets in real estate. How does OpticWise’s Data & Digital Infrastructure Management Services help property owners monetize their building data effectively?

We believe that building data holds immense potential for property owners. Our Data & Digital Infrastructure Management Services empower owners and operators to unlock this potential by transforming data into actionable insights that drive profitability. By providing a comprehensive view of building operations and environmental factors, among other elements, we help owners make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Through our platform, owners and operators optimize operations, increase sustainability, and identify new revenue opportunities. Whether it’s offering data-driven tenant services or using insights to drive smarter utility consumption, we ensure that data isn’t just a topic—it’s a strategic tool that enhances property value and maximizes ROI.

CRE investors are increasingly prioritizing technology-driven assets. How do OpticWise’s solutions enhance property valuation and long-term investment potential?

By implementing cutting-edge digital infrastructure and IoT integrations, our solutions help properties stand out in a competitive market, driving higher valuations and attracting top-tier tenants.

Our data-driven approach optimizes energy usage, improves tenant experiences, and ensures that properties are future-ready. These enhancements lead to reduced operational costs, greater sustainability, and increased tenant retention—factors that directly impact a property’s long-term value. For investors, this means higher returns and a more resilient asset portfolio, as properties equipped with advanced technology are better positioned to adapt to future market demands.

Your company enables multi-tenant office spaces and multi-family communities to maximize NOI through smart data strategies. What are some of the most overlooked revenue opportunities in CRE today?

One of the most overlooked revenue opportunities in CRE today is the ability to monetize building data. Many property owners try to collect vast amounts of data but fail to leverage it strategically. By analyzing asset usage, space utilization, and energy consumption patterns, owners can uncover new ways to optimize leasing strategies, offer premium services, and reduce operational costs.

Additionally, energy efficiency improvements—enabled by smart automation—reduce waste and lower utility expenses, directly impacting NOI. Another missed opportunity is integrating managed connectivity as an amenity. Tenants increasingly expect seamless, secure, and high-performance internet, yet many buildings leave this responsibility to individual occupants. By offering managed Wi-Fi and smart building services as part of the lease, property owners create additional revenue streams while enhancing tenant retention.

The intersection of sustainability and smart building technology is a hot topic. How does OpticWise contribute to energy-efficient and environmentally responsible real estate operations?

We view sustainability as integral to the future of commercial real estate. Our solutions contribute to energy-efficient operations by providing real-time insights into energy consumption, enabling property owners to identify inefficiencies and implement data-driven strategies to reduce waste. Through smart automation, we help optimize heating, cooling, and lighting systems based on real-time occupancy and environmental data, ensuring that energy is used only when needed.

Also, by integrating renewable energy solutions and reducing overall energy consumption, we support property owners in meeting environmental goals, lowering carbon footprints, and enhancing their reputation as environmentally responsible operators. Our technology-driven approach ensures that sustainability not only benefits the planet but also leads to cost savings and higher property value in the long run.

As one of the top CRE companies to watch, what’s next for OpticWise? Are there any upcoming industry partnerships, expansions, or innovations we should be excited about?

We are expanding our relationships overseas with the intention of international expansion. Since our inception, we’ve intended to change the status quo. In that vein, we plan to generate and donate standards to raise the level of privacy, security, and interoperability of CRE technology.

What legacy do you and OpticWise hope to leave in the commercial real estate industry? How do you envision your solutions shaping the future of smart buildings and digital infrastructure?

We want OpticWise to be remembered for making technology simple and less daunting for the CRE industry. Drew Hall (Founder and Chief Architect) and I are publishing a book this year with Fast Company Press titled “Peak Property Performance – Game-Changing AI & Digital Strategies for Commercial Real Estate” to share a playbook for CRE data and digital infrastructure. We use plain language and share real-world experiences with owners and operators. Our desire is to positively impact the industry and give everyone the tools to embrace data and digital.

The Stalwart Leader behind OpticWise’s Unwavering Success

Bill Douglas is the CEO of OpticWise, leading the company with a commitment to innovation and excellence in the smart building and IoT space. With his deep experience in technology-driven solutions, Bill has been pivotal in steering OpticWise’s growth and success. Under his leadership, OpticWise has developed a suite of cutting-edge digital solutions that help commercial real estate owners optimize building operations, enhance tenant satisfaction, and boost profitability.

Bill’s strategic vision focuses on scalability, security, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that OpticWise remains a leader in the industry and continues to deliver value to property owners for years to come.

“We empower property owners with real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and automated optimizations to boost efficiency, sustainability, and tenant experience.”