Bill Bean
Principal
NAI Hanning & Bean
200 E. Main Street Suite 580
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
United States
260.422.2150
Scope of Experience
Bill Bean’s career has spanned across multiple industries, marked by innovation, growth, and an unwavering commitment to his community. Starting in the world of aluminum smelting, Bill’s journey into the business world has led him to become a recognized leader in real estate, recycling, hospitality, and more.
Bill’s professional journey began at US Reduction, an aluminum smelting company, where he spent 15 years honing his expertise. In 1989, Bill made a pivotal shift into the recycling industry, launching CARE Recycling. His innovative approach included running trailers on the lots of other businesses, allowing people to bring in their recyclables. This initiative evolved into a larger venture as Bill collaborated with the City of Fort Wayne to develop a curbside recycling program. Under Bill's leadership, CARE Recycling expanded, eventually establishing facilities in Fort Wayne and Elkhart, becoming the largest material-recovery facility in the state of Indiana. In 1998, Bill sold CARE Recycling to Republic Industries, marking a successful exit after nearly a decade of hard work.
After the sale of CARE Recycling, Bill partnered with OmniSource, a scrap metal recycler, to create Superior Aluminum Alloys, a smelting operation. But Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 2000, he and his wife Ronda founded Hanning & Bean Enterprises, seeking opportunities in real estate, development, and business. Over the years, Bill secured significant transactions with a diverse range of clients, from local businesses to Fortune 100 companies such as Chase Bank, Kroger, General Dynamics, Swiss Re, and Raytheon.
Bill’s keen eye for opportunities led him to form an alliance with ANYI Management in 2002, a large real estate and property management company based in Michigan. Over the next two decades, Bill facilitated the acquisition and management of millions of square feet of real estate in northeast Indiana. In 2023, Bill bought out ownership of several of the properties they had jointly owned, further solidifying his role as a leading force in Indiana's real estate market.
In 2016, Bill took a major step forward by acquiring the NAI Global franchise for 14 counties in Indiana, creating NAI Hanning & Bean. Under his leadership, the company has grown to manage over seven million square feet of real estate across a wide area, from Angola to New Haven, Peru to Hartford City. The firm offers full-service commercial brokerage and property management services while benefiting from the global network provided by NAI Global.
Beyond real estate, Bill’s passion for hospitality led him to open Bill’s Bistro, now known as The Pub @ 1802, a popular local establishment that he still owns. Bill’s hospitality ventures also include Ramada Plaza with Deusey’s, Bill’s Smokehouse (which closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and Summit Grill Kitchen & Cocktails. Additionally, Bill owns Chestnut Hills Golf Course, further diversifying his portfolio.
Bill Bean is known for his visionary leadership. He has the ability to see potential where others may not, transforming underutilized properties into thriving businesses that benefit the local economy. His business ventures are driven by a deep commitment to providing jobs and contributing to the community. Bill's work in revitalizing large industrial buildings to lease space to multiple tenants has made a tangible impact on northeast Indiana, creating economic opportunities for many.
Though Bill has a passion for golf, it is business that truly drives him. His ability to navigate complex industries and develop long-lasting partnerships reflects his dedication to growth, innovation, and community improvement. Bill's journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to creating lasting value.
