BILL MAAS

Block & Company, Inc., Realtors

Story by Ann Butenas | Sponsored Content

When Bill Maas crashes through barriers these days, it’s not opposing offensive lines he’s breaking down – it’s real estate deals. The former NFL All-Pro defensive lineman has transformed his competitive drive from the gridiron to the commercial real estate arena, where he’s become a respected force at Block & Company, Inc., Realtors.

“When you partner with me, I am going to work for you,” emphasized Maas, whose transition from professional football to real estate seems almost predestined. During his decade-long NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers – where he earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and two First-Team All-Pro selections – Maas was already laying the groundwork for his future, investing in rental properties, warehouses, and retail strips.

“I was always passively involved in these types of investments,” he noted.

The University of Pittsburgh graduate, where he was both a two-time All-American defensive end and Academic All-American, brought more than just his business acumen to his second career. The leadership skills and competitive spirit that made him a force on the football field have proved equally valuable in commercial real estate. In 2015, Maas achieved his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, a prestigious recognition in commercial real estate that demands rigorous study and expertise.

“It was like going back to school,” Maas reflected on earning his CCIM, “But I really enjoyed the experience.”

His path to Block & Company was paved through a longtime friendship with David Block and his family, whom Maas describes as “the original Kansas City Sports fans.” Following his NFL career, Maas spent 12 years as a national broadcaster with FOX Sports, all while maintaining his interest in the real estate investment arena.

Now licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, Maas works extensively with Eastern Jackson County Economic Development and several Missouri cities, including Lee’s Summit, Independence, Raytown, and Kansas City. His role at Block & Company, a full- service firm, keeps him engaged in everything from property brokerage and sales to restaurant deals and leasing.

“There are always new concepts, development centers, and shopping centers opening up,” he explained. “And what I enjoy most is getting deals done, finding clients a place to get them into, and getting it open. When the client is happy, you’re happy.”

The parallels between professional football and commercial real estate might not be obvious to most, but Maas easily articulated clear connections.

“Both require strong communication skills, the ability to build trust, and an unwavering belief in what you’re doing,” he expressed. His intuitive understanding of client needs, combined with his people skills, makes him a natural in his second career.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Maas remains deeply connected to the Kansas City community as an active member of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors. This group promotes goodwill throughout the area, working with various charitable organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, The University of Kansas Hospital, and Camp Quality of Kansas City.

“This is a very enjoyable career for me,” Maas said. In this field, as in football, he continues to be a game-changer – just with different kinds of deals on the line.