David Pisor has carved a remarkable path in hospitality and real estate, transforming ideas into iconic properties and dining experiences that captivate guests. As an entrepreneur, he has built a reputation for creating luxurious hotels and innovative restaurants that set industry standards. From the award-winning Elysian Hotel in Chicago to the celebrated Maple & Ash, Pisor’s work reflects a blend of vision, hard work and a commitment to excellence. His journey, shaped by family influences and a relentless drive, offers insight into a leader who thrives on turning possibilities into realities.
“I’m not as smart as the next guy,” Pisor says. “But I can work hard and longer than the next guy.” This ethos has propelled him through a career marked by bold ventures and tangible results.
As co-founder of the What If Syndicate, he has driven the success of dining concepts like Etta Collective and Maple & Ash, while his real estate projects have redefined luxury. Now, Pisor continues to shape the hospitality and real estate landscape, guided by a philosophy rooted in authenticity and execution.
Pisor’s early years were shaped by the wisdom of his grandfather, a consultant to Fortune 500 CEOs who emphasized emotional intelligence in leadership. Sitting at his grandfather’s side, Pisor absorbed stories of turning struggling companies around by inspiring their people. “He believed in the emotional intelligence of a leader and how it shaped the success of a company,” Pisor says. Those lessons became a foundation for his approach to building teams and brands that resonate with guests and employees alike.
His father also left a profound mark, serving as a model of perseverance and integrity. Family has been a constant anchor, grounding him as he navigated the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship. This personal foundation has informed his professional decisions, from choosing partners to designing spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Pisor’s career proves his ability to take risks and deliver. He calls himself a serial entrepreneur, a title earned through starting four companies from scratch and guiding each to a successful exit. His ventures span hospitality and real estate, where his knack for creating memorable experiences has set him apart.
David Pisor’s work on the Elysian Hotel in Chicago stands as a cornerstone of his career. The hotel quickly became a symbol of luxury, earning the top spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2011.
The Elysian’s success was no accident. Pisor oversaw every detail, ensuring the hotel delivered an experience that felt both opulent and personal. The hotel’s ability to blend sophistication with warmth reflected Pisor’s vision for hospitality, creating spaces where people feel special.
Beyond Chicago, Pisor’s hospitality skills and knowledge extended to Miami, where he partnered with fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger on The Raleigh Hotel. The project showcased his ability to collaborate with high-profile brands while maintaining a focus on luxurious design and exceptional service. The Raleigh, like the Elysian, became a standout property, further cementing Pisor’s reputation as a developer who could bring bold visions to life. His ability to navigate complex partnerships while delivering high-end results has been a hallmark of his career.
The Elysian’s accolades were a turning point, validating Pisor’s approach to hospitality. The Michelin stars for the hotel’s restaurant were particularly significant, as they highlighted his ability to integrate culinary excellence into the guest experience. By prioritizing quality at every level, from design to service, Pisor created a property that resonated with travelers seeking something extraordinary. The hotel’s success also opened doors for future projects, establishing him as a leader in the industry.
Through the What If Syndicate, David Pisor has redefined dining with concepts that balance innovation and tradition. Maple & Ash, a Chicago steakhouse, exemplifies this approach, blending contemporary flair with classic steakhouse techniques. In 2022, Restaurant Business Online ranked it the No. 4 independent restaurant in the U.S., praising its luxurious ambiance and inventive menu.
The What If Syndicate itself earned recognition as a North Star Leasing All-Star, evidence of its rapid growth and creative dining concepts. The group’s portfolio, including Etta Collective, reflects Pisor’s ability to create restaurants with distinct identities while maintaining a commitment to culinary excellence.
Each restaurant under the syndicate’s umbrella carries Pisor’s signature: a blend of quality, creativity and guest-focused design. The syndicate’s success highlights Pisor’s knack for spotting trends and turning them into dining experiences that resonate with a wide audience. By combining culinary innovation with smart business decisions, he has built a portfolio that stands out in a competitive industry.
Starting a new venture requires a clear strategy and Pisor has honed his process over the decades. “Lots of research and lots of reading,” he says. “And then create a detailed business plan.”
For Pisor, the real test comes when pitching to investors. “Raising capital for a new venture is the secret hack,” he says. “All projects have holes and when you are forced to pitch a project over and over to potential investors, all the holes get filled.” This iterative process refines the plan and confirms its viability. If investors commit, Pisor knows the project has potential.
To stay ahead in a fast-moving industry, Pisor relies on YouTube for podcasts, subscribing to channels that offer up-to-date insights on trends and technologies. This habit keeps him informed and adaptable, allowing him to anticipate shifts in the market.
Pisor’s disciplined approach extends to his team-building philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with talented, reliable people. “Surround yourself with good people and everything will work out well,” he says. By fostering trust and collaboration, Pisor ensures his projects succeed on both creative and operational levels.
For David Pisor, personal and professional values are inseparable. “Honor your commitments,” he says. “Say what you are gonna do and get it done. Treat everyone as you would treat yourself. Be genuine.” These principles guide his interactions, whether he’s negotiating a deal or mentoring a team member. His commitment to authenticity has earned him respect from colleagues and partners, creating a culture of trust in his ventures.
This focus on people shone through during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his restaurants faced unprecedented challenges. Operating with skeleton crews and struggling with takeout, Pisor found a way to make a difference for one employee. A valued team member, a Polish immigrant expecting his first child, hadn’t seen his mother in four years. With travel restrictions and fears for elderly loved ones growing, Pisor surprised him with plane tickets to bring his mother to the U.S. The gesture reflected his belief in treating others with care and respect, a value that defines his leadership.
Pisor’s values also inform his approach to work-life balance. To manage stress, he prioritizes health and family. “I eat well, don’t drink and walk a lot,” he says. “I do cold plunges and spend time with the family as much as possible.” These habits keep him grounded, allowing him to tackle the demands of entrepreneurship while staying connected to his wife and four children. His commitment to family is a reminder that success, for Pisor, is about more than professional achievements.
As Pisor reflects on his career, his definition of success has evolved. “I thought it was about having lots of money,” he admits. “But lately, as I get older, it’s about having time to do whatever you want.” At 60, he’s proud of his family and his professional achievements.
His admiration for Steve Jobs, whom he calls a “true creative genius,” reflects his own drive to create things people didn’t know they needed. “I love how he built things that he knew people wanted but they didn’t know they wanted them,” Pisor says.
His past community involvement includes a decade on the board of Steppenwolf Theatre, where he supported Chicago’s vibrant arts scene and time with Lurie Children’s Hospital, contributing to pediatric care.
Now, Pisor is turning his attention to a new mission: improving the U.S. food supply. “In the rest of the world, a McDonald’s French fry has only three ingredients—oil, salt, and potato,” he says. “Now, there are 16 ingredients in a McDonald’s fry and two are known to cause cancer.” This concern for quality and health signals a new chapter in his career, one focused on making a broader impact.
Pisor’s journey is one of vision, perseverance and a passion to create something meaningful. From the Elysian Hotel to the What If Syndicate, his work has elevated the hospitality and real estate industries.
His leadership, rooted in authenticity and hard work, continues to inspire those around him. As he looks to the future, Pisor remains focused on building a legacy that blends innovation with purpose, proving that success is about creating experiences that last.
