Bill Douglas, OpticWise CEO: “Our CRE technical expertise ensures that our clients’ commercial properties have data and digital infrastructures that support both day-to-day operations and long-term growth.”

OpticWise was founded 21 years ago by Drew Hall with the goal of transforming commercial real estate (CRE) through innovative technology solutions. Bill Douglas joined as CEO 8 years ago, which is when they identified a significant challenge: the problem that many CRE properties lacked advanced digital infrastructures, advanced connectivity, and smart capabilities that modern businesses and residents require. Too many CRE properties were burdened with outdated systems that failed to support the growing digital demands of tenants and operations, putting property owners at a significant disadvantage. Today, OpticWise is leading the charge in intelligent building innovation, helping commercial real estate owners turn digital, data, and connectivity into a competitive advantage, driving higher tenant satisfaction, reduced operational costs, and new revenue opportunities in an increasingly connected world.

OpticWise delivers a comprehensive suite of data and digital infrastructure solutions designed to help CRE owners and managers optimize building performance, enhance tenant experiences, and unlock new revenue opportunities. At the core of OpticWise’s offerings is its Digital Infrastructure Management service, which applies to the various networks of systems, devices, and data. Instead of relying on outdated networks that limit efficiency, OpticWise operates resilient, vendor-agnostic infrastructures that integrate IoT devices, legacy systems, and advanced data solutions—all managed through a secure, centralized solution. Included is the standout service of 5S^® Managed Wi-Fi, which provides fast, stable, and secure connectivity throughout a property. Unlike standard Wi-Fi installations, OpticWise ensures that tenants experience uninterrupted, high-quality, private, and secure internet access, turning connectivity into a competitive amenity that can drive lease value and increase tenant retention.

Beyond connectivity, OpticWise offers Data Infrastructure Services, helping property owners leverage big data and AI-driven analytics to improve decision-making and operational efficiency. By collecting and analyzing building data, managers can proactively address maintenance needs, optimize energy usage, and enhance overall building intelligence. Additionally, OpticWise conducts BoT^® Building Intelligence Audits, assessing the networks, systems and data sources within a building’s digital infrastructure. These audits help property owners uncover hidden inefficiencies and identify new monetization strategies, ensuring their assets are fully optimized for future growth.

By integrating these services, OpticWise empowers CRE professionals to transform their properties into smart, connected environments that maximize operational efficiency, improve tenant satisfaction, and increase Net Operating Income (NOI)—all while ensuring their buildings stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

In conversation with Bill Douglas, CEO of OpticWise

How does OpticWise’s building intelligence solution help commercial real estate owners increase NOI and enhance operational efficiency?

OpticWise helps commercial real estate owners increase NOI and improve operational efficiency by turning buildings into intelligent, self-optimizing assets. Our data-driven focus ensures that systems such as HVAC, lighting, security, etc., adjust based on real-time data. This reduces expenses and extends the lifespan of critical systems, saving on long-term maintenance, and it increases tenant satisfaction with improved service and proactive support.

Security and privacy are just as important. With enterprise-grade cybersecurity, we protect tenant and employee data and building operations data from potential threats, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted service.

By combining automation, data-driven operations, cybersecurity, and seamless connectivity, OpticWise helps property owners maximize revenue, reduce both CapEx and Opex, and enhance tenant experiences, all of which drive long-term profitability.

In what ways does OpticWise help property owners improve building performance and create new revenue opportunities?

At OpticWise, we help property owners get the most out of their buildings by making facilities smarter, more efficient, and more profitable. Our data-powered strategies highlight operational improvement opportunities as well as new revenue opportunities.

Beyond saving money, we help property owners bring in new revenue. Our 5S^® Managed Wi-Fi lets them offer high-speed internet as an added service, creating an extra income stream while keeping tenants happy. Plus, with deeper insights into how their buildings are being used, owners can introduce new amenities and services that boost lease renewals and long-term profitability.

When expense reductions are coupled with new, high-margin revenues, our CRE clients consistently experience impressive NOI gains.

How can OpticWise’s managed digital infrastructure help property owners optimize building operations and improve tenant satisfaction?

OpticWise designs and operates client-owned digital infrastructures. Our innovative infrastructure designs reduce both CapEx and OpEx, and enable the gathering of data from multiple operating systems. This enables the

ability to analyze data across systems, within a property and/or portfolio. No more being tied to a vendor’s system to get data; It’s your data -- you should own and control it.

On the tenant side, seamless, high-speed internet is a must-have and our 5S^® Managed Wi-Fi ensures they always have reliable, secure connectivity. Whether it’s businesses that rely on strong networks or residents who expect uninterrupted service, better connectivity leads to happier tenants—and happier tenants are more likely to renew their leases. By combining efficiency, reliability, and modern digital services, OpticWise helps property owners maximize operational performance while delivering an exceptional tenant experience.

What role does OpticWise’s expertise in managed digital infrastructure play in improving the performance and security of commercial real estate properties?

We believe strong digital infrastructure is the backbone of a high-performing, secure building. Our expertise in networks and digital infrastructures ensures that our clients’ commercial properties have fast, reliable, and secure networks that support both day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

One of those critical pieces is physical security, including access control and video monitoring. These should not operate on rogue networks – we believe they should be integral to a core, resilient digital infrastructure that operates under any and all conditions.

A digital infrastructure should serve as the resilient core that connects all users and operations platforms in a CRE property. Once connected, vendor-agnostic data can and should be collected into a client-owned repository. This is especially critical as more buildings adopt smart technology, where operations and security systems rely on real-time data to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.

On the security side, we take a proactive approach by implementing enterprise-grade protections that safeguard both tenant and building data as well as physical and virtual systems. With more IoT devices in play, cyber threats are a real concern, and our built-in network security measures prevent breaches, keep sensitive information safe, and protect against costly downtime.

Meet the leader behind the success of OpticWise

Bill Douglas is the CEO of OpticWise, leading the company with a commitment to innovation and excellence in the CRE technology space. With his deep experience in technology-driven solutions, Bill has been pivotal in steering OpticWise’s growth and success. Under his leadership, OpticWise has developed a suite of cutting-edge digital solutions that help commercial real estate owners optimize building operations, enhance tenant satisfaction, and boost profitability. Bill’s strategic vision focuses on scalability, security, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that OpticWise remains a leader in the industry and continues to deliver value to property owners for years to come.

Bill Douglas and Drew Hall have authored a book, Peak Property Performance – Game-Changing AI & Digital Strategies for Commercial Real Estate, published by FastCompany Press in June 2025. It outlines five strategic moves that will have 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.

“With enterprise-grade security, we protect tenant data and building operations from potential threats, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted service.”