Home Top Innovative Companies to Watch 2025 Empowering Smart Buildings with Data & Digital Infrastructure Solutions

Empowering Smart Buildings with Data & Digital Infrastructure Solutions

Empowering Smart Buildings with Data & Digital Infrastructure Solutions

OpticWise is revolutionizing commercial real estate by transforming buildings into intelligent ecosystems—where data, AI, and digital infrastructure converge to drive performance, efficiency, and profitability.

What is OpticWise’s core mission and how does it aim to transform commercial real estate?

OpticWise’s core mission is to enhance the value of technology in commercial real estate by prioritizing data and digital infrastructure ownership and control. The company is transforming the industry by leveraging AI and data to drive unparalleled operational efficiencies and profitability, ensuring optimized performance for properties and portfolios.

How does OpticWise’s Building Intelligence approach differ from traditional building management systems?

OpticWise’s Building Intelligence approach stands traditional apart from building management systems by serving as a vendor agnostic, proptech middleware platform rather than merely offering additional systems. Instead of requiring commercial real estate (CRE) owners to adopt new technologies, OpticWise integrates and connects various existing systems—whether smart or not—into a unified framework.

This approach follows the company’s 5C’s methodology, with a strong emphasis on three key stages: Connect, Collect, and Control. The first step is to Connect, ensuring all building systems interact seamlessly with a central data repository, forming the Collect stage. Once data is gathered, it transitions into the Control phase, where AI and analytics generate actionable intelligence for CRE operators.

By prioritizing data and digital infrastructure ownership and control, OpticWise enables CRE owners to and unlock operational efficiencies enhanced capabilities. decision-making Unlike traditional building management systems that operate in silos, this holistic approach ensures data-driven optimization across all aspects of a property’s performance.

Why is controlling digital infrastructure crucial for a building’s performance and profitability?

Controlling a building’s digital infrastructure is essential for enhancing its performance and profitability. By owning and managing this infrastructure, building owners can capture and analyze operational data, leading to strategic increases in net operating income (NOI). This control enables the optimization of energy usage, bolsters security measures, and elevates tenant experiences, resulting in higher retention property rates and increased value. Conversely, dependence on third-party networks can expose owners to issues such as unpredictable costs, limited access, and potential cybersecurity threats. Therefore, owning your digital infrastructure is a game-changer in today’s commercial real estate market.

What are the key benefits of OpticWise’s IoT-enabled and smart building solutions for property owners?

OpticWise’s IoT-enabled and smart building solutions offer property owners a transformative approach to managing and enhancing their assets. Central to this approach is the Building of Things® (BoT®) strategy, which integrates all devices and systems—such as security cameras, telecommunication systems, climate controls, and automation technologies—into a cohesive, interconnected network (ie, digital infrastructure). This seamless integration ensures that building operations are more efficient and also provide competitive advantages in the real estate market.

A key benefit of adopting OpticWise’s solutions is the empowerment it grants property owners over their digital infrastructure. By owning and managing this infrastructure, owners can capture and analyze all of their operational data, leading to strategic increases in net operating income (NOI). This control also enables the optimization of energy usage, bolsters security measures, and elevates tenant experiences, resulting in higher retention rates and increased property value.

OpticWise goes beyond mere connectivity by offering robust network protection and data aggregation services. Their solutions are designed to monetize technology assets, thereby reducing risks and enhancing business operations. For instance, their 5S® Managed WiFi service provides superior connectivity for both employees and tenants, transforming what was once a basic amenity into a revenue generating asset. This service emphasizes seamless mobility, security, stability, speed, and service, ensuring ultimate privacy and satisfaction for all users.

OpticWise’s comprehensive Building Intelligence solutions are tailored specifically for commercial real estate (CRE). These services include the design and management of advanced digital infrastructures, business intelligence audits, and the connectivity of IoT devices and disparagte networks. By leveraging these solutions, property owners can transform their buildings into smart, connected, and highly profitable assets, positioning themselves advantageously in the evolving real estate landscape.

OpticWise’s IoT-enabled and smart building solutions provide property owners with unparalleled control, efficiency, and profitability. By integrating and managing all building systems cohesively, owners can optimize operations, enhance tenant satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams, thereby maximizing the potential of their properties.

How do services like managed Wi-Fi and data monetization help increase net operating income (NOI)?

Managed Wi-Fi and data monetization play a pivotal role in increasing net operating income (NOI) by transforming a building’s digital infrastructure into a powerful revenue generating asset. Traditionally, internet access was seen as just another utility, but with OpticWise’s 5S® methodology— Security, Speed, Stability, Scalability, and Sustainability—building owners can leverage their networks for profitability, efficiency, and long-term value.

A managed Wi-Fi solution ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity for tenants and employees while providing owners with full control over network performance. This minimizes costly downtime, enhances tenant satisfaction, and ultimately leads to higher retention rates and rent rolls. By eliminating reliance on third party providers, property owners can avoid unnecessary expenses and monetize their networks through internet services, premium access options, and strategic partnerships.

Data monetization further enhances NOI by enabling property owners to gather and analyze building wide data to optimize energy consumption, improve security, and enhance operational efficiencies. Through OpticWise’s Business Intelligence Audit, owners gain insights into their current digital assets and uncover new opportunities to maximize profitability.

By integrating managed Wi-Fi and data monetization into their digital strategy, property owners can future proof their buildings, reduce operational risks, and create new, sustainable revenue streams—all while increasing the overall value of their properties.

Can you share a success story where OpticWise’s solutions improved a client’s efficiency or tenant satisfaction?

OpticWise has a proven track record of enhancing client efficiency and tenant satisfaction through its innovative solutions. A notable example is their collaboration with INDUSTRY, a company specializing in modern, open office communities. INDUSTRY faced the challenge of providing reliable and secure network connectivity across multiple office campuses to support their diverse tenant base, primarily small and medium-sized businesses.

OpticWise implemented a tailored solution in locations such as Salt Lake City and Denver. This solution ensured seamless connectivity, significantly improving the user experience for tenants. By streamlining networks, OpticWise delivered more client benegits from enhanced operational efficiencies, making it easier to conduct daily business activities. This improvement not only boosted tenant satisfaction but also contributed to higher retention rates.

Moreover, INDUSTRY’s reputation as a leader in was elevated due to the enhanced digital infrastructure. The reliable and secure connectivity provided by OpticWise became a key differentiator, attracting more businesses to their modern office spaces. This partnership exemplifies how OpticWise’s solutions can transform network challenges into opportunities for increased efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

How does OpticWise integrate with existing building systems, especially older infrastructure?

Integrating modern technology with existing building systems, especially older infrastructures, can be challenging. OpticWise addresses this by first conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current data and digital infrastructures to identify opportunities for enhancement without unnecessary overhauls. Their approach focuses on optimizing existing systems and strategically implementing smart technologies to improve efficiency and profitability.

Central to OpticWise’s approach is their Building of Things® (BoT®) strategy, which integrates all devices and systems into a cohesive, interconnected network (ie, digital infrastructure). This framework ensures that the resulting digital infrastructure is robust, secure, and capable of adapting to future technological advancements. By embedding these components into the user experience, both property owners and tenants benefit from enhanced connectivity and operational efficiency.

OpticWise’s services bridge the gap between traditional real estate and advanced digital ecosystems, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies with existing infrastructures. This approach allows property owners to maximize the potential of their current systems, reducing costs and minimizing disruptions. The goal is to enhance building performance and profitability without the need for complete system replacements.

By focusing on strategic enhancements and leveraging their unique methodologies, OpticWise effectively integrates modern solutions with older building systems, ensuring a smooth transition to a more connected and efficient environment.

How do you ensure tenant and operational data is securely handled?

Ensuring the security and privacy of tenant and operational data is a top priority for OpticWise. We implement a multi layered approach to safeguard information, starting with the integration of advanced security measures into the digital infrastructure. This includes the use of encrypted networks and stringent access controls to prevent unauthorized data access. Our proprietary 5S® User Experience provides each tenant with private, secure Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and Next-Generation Firewalls, ensuring maximum protection.

To maintain data integrity, we separate tenant data from building operations data and from any other users, eliminating the risk of accidental access or data breaches. Regular security audits and real-time threat detection are conducted to identify and address potential vulnerabilities promptly. Our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently, ensuring continuous protection of your data.

We also commit in writing to the Ultimate Privacy Policy. This comprehensive approach ensures that both tenant and operational data are handled with the utmost care and protection.

Who are the key members of your leadership team, and what strengths do they bring to the organization?

OpticWise’s leadership team comprises seasoned professionals dedicated to addressing complex technical and business challenges within the commercial real estate sector.

Bill Douglas, CEO: With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Bill has been instrumental in leveraging technology to solve intricate business problems. His strategic vision and industry relationships have propelled OpticWise’s rapid growth, positioning the company as a leader in commercial real estate technology solutions. Bill’s commitment to innovation ensures that OpticWise remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.

Drew Hall, Founder and Chief Architect: As the technical mastermind behind OpticWise, Drew brings extensive expertise in designing high-performance networks for both commercial and government clients. His passion for redefining connected spaces led to the establishment of OpticWise, where he continues to drive technological innovation and accessibility in building intelligence solutions.

Bill Douglas and Drew Hall have authored a book, Peak Property Performance, published by FastCompany Press in June 2025. It outlines five strategic moves with far-reaching financial and competitive advantages for your commercial real estate business. With real-world examples, compelling sports analogies, and practical tools, Douglas and Hall lead you toward establishing data driven, AI-enabled commercial real estate powerhouses.

“Leading the Future of Connected Spaces with Vision and Expertise.”

“Innovative Leadership, Smarter Buildings, Greater Profitability.”

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