Nov. 3, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Austin Luecke, a commercial real estate broker at Bender Cos.

Name: Austin Luecke

Age: 36

Hometown: Groton

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I moved here to attend and play football at Augustana back in 2008.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My wife, Kate, and I met here in Sioux Falls at Augustana, and from then on, it’s where the rest of our lives have unfolded. From having our four children here to various business endeavors, Sioux Falls has become our home and where our community has formed. Whether that be spending time with our friends and their kids, working out with our Origin Strength crew or spending valuable time with the Embrace Church groups, we couldn’t imagine life anywhere else. It is a great community to raise a family in, and we love it here!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Every day is something different. Whether it be working with a client to find them a new or improved space for their business or hearing about the next development coming to our community — it’s exciting! I love having the opportunity to come to work every day and see what it has in store.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My previous career was in agriculture lending, so I got to participate in financing many agriculture real estate transactions. I was always drawn to the brokering side of the deal. When an opportunity to join the Bender team arose, it was too good to pass up!

Describe your workplace in three words.

Trusted. Honest. Energetic!

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a massive sweet tooth. Ice cream, baked goods, candy — I’m a sucker for it all!

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I love doing anything that promotes and supports youth. Mentoring, coaching youth sports, leading youth small groups, etc. I was lucky enough to have some awesome influential adults in my childhood that I am grateful for to this day. I hope to be able to pass that along to the next generation.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

PopStroke! Can you ever have too much golf?!