Who is Lance Chody?
Lance Chody is an American entrepreneur and a prominent real estate developer. He has made a significant impact on two diverse but equally competitive industries: real estate and food. As the visionary behind Chody Real Estate Corp., Lance has demonstrated his expertise in real estate development, making his mark in the bustling city of Chicago. As the chairman and CEO of Garrett Brands LLC, Lance has expanded the iconic Garrett Popcorn Shops chain into an international retailer, delighting customers with its signature cheddar and caramel popcorn and Frango chocolate mints. He is 63 years old and has a net worth of $50 million as of 2024.
Early Life and Education
Lance Chody was born on March 12, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of entrepreneurs. His father was a successful businessman who owned several companies, including a furniture store, a car dealership, and a construction firm. His mother was a homemaker who supported his father’s ventures and raised their four children. Lance grew up in a wealthy and supportive environment, where he learned the values of hard work, family, and innovation. He attended the prestigious Latin School of Chicago and graduated with honors. He then enrolled at Northwestern University, where he studied business administration and finance.
Married/Dating?
Lance Chody is married to Denise Chody, a nurse and a pickleball player. They met at a charity event and got married in 1989. They have three children: Lance Jr., Lauren, and Logan. The family lives in Lake Forest, Illinois, where they enjoy playing pickleball, golfing, and boating.
Career and Net Worth of Lance Chody
Lance Chody started his career as a real estate developer in 1980, when he founded Chody Real Estate Corp., a Chicago-based real estate development company that specializes in retail, industrial, office, and residential properties. He has acquired and developed over 100 properties in the Chicago area, totaling over 10 million square feet of space. Some of his notable projects include the Northbrook Court Shopping Center, the Lincolnshire Corporate Center, the Deerfield Village Centre, and the Lake Forest Academy. He has also partnered with other developers, such as Hines, Trammell Crow, and Opus, to create and manage joint ventures. He has earned recognition and reputation in the industry, as well as awards and nominations, such as the Chicago Business Hall of Fame, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and the NAIOP Developer of the Year .
Lance Chody also ventured into the food industry in 2005, when he bought Garrett Popcorn, a Chicago-based popcorn company that was founded in 1949 and had 10 stores in the city. He saw the potential and opportunity to grow the brand and introduce it to new markets and customers. He invested in improving the product quality, variety, and packaging, as well as expanding the store locations, delivery service, and online presence. He also launched new products, such as Frango chocolate mints, which he acquired from Macy’s in 2012. He has grown Garrett Popcorn into an international retailer, with 48 stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Madrid, Tokyo, and more . He has also made Garrett Popcorn the official popcorn of the Chicago Sky women’s professional basketball team. He has earned praise and loyalty from customers, celebrities, and critics, who love the taste and freshness of Garrett Popcorn and Frango chocolates.
Lance Chody earns money from his career as a real estate developer and a food businessman, through sales, rents, contracts, and commissions. He also has investments in real estate and other assets. He lives a lavish and luxurious lifestyle, owning multiple luxury cars, houses, jewelry, and clothes. He also spends money on traveling, parties, and philanthropy. He has a net worth of $50 million as of 2024, making him one of the richest and most successful entrepreneurs in the world.
Height, Weight & Body Measurements
Lance Chody is 6 feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He has a fit and healthy body, which he maintains by working out regularly and following a balanced diet. He does strength training, cardio, and yoga to improve his fitness and wellness. He also follows a Mediterranean diet that includes fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.