Brad Zibung, the 48-year-old co-founder of The Heckler and a Chicago real estate titan, has quietly built a $1.5 billion net worth while staying happily married to ESPN star Sarah Spain since 2016. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds, Zibung earns a salary over $5 million annually from property deals and media ventures. Their dating story began in 2008 at a charity bowling event and blossomed over eight years into one of Chicago’s most admired power couples.
Early Life and Education: Roots of a 48-Year-Old Visionary
Born on November 11, 1976, in Wisconsin, Brad Zibung grew up in a sports-obsessed Midwestern household. From an early age, he blended sharp humor with a love for Chicago teams, especially the Cubs. His college years at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh shaped his path—he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Journalism. This wasn’t just a degree; it was the foundation for a career that would fuse satire, media, and million-dollar real estate deals.
At 6 feet 1 inch and a fit 185 pounds, Zibung was active on campus, playing pickup basketball and writing for student publications. In 2009, his alma mater honored him with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award—a rare nod to someone who turned college wit into a national brand. “The best stories aren’t told in press releases,” Zibung once said in a Chicago Tribune interview. “They’re told in punchlines.”
Career Journey: From PR to $1.5 Billion Net Worth
After college, Zibung cut his teeth at Leo Burnett as a corporate communications associate from 2001 to 2006. He later returned to his university as a PR assistant before landing at StubHub in 2008, where he managed field operations during the company’s explosive growth. His role helped scale live events logistics—a skill that directly translated into real estate success.
In 2003, Zibung co-founded The Heckler—a satirical sports newspaper that started as a joke among friends. Today, it reaches over 500,000 monthly readers online and has been featured on ESPN and Fox. The brand’s digital pivot during the pandemic boosted ad revenue, contributing significantly to Zibung’s annual salary exceeding $5 million.
Since joining Compass (formerly @properties) in 2014, Zibung has closed over $10 million in sales annually. His listings in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park sell 20% faster than market averages, thanks to his unique “satire-to-sale” approach—using humor to build trust with clients. View Brad Zibung’s Compass Profile
Married Life with Sarah Spain: A Love Story That Started with Bowling
Brad Zibung and Sarah Spain met in 2008 at a Blackhawks charity bowling event. What began as friendly banter turned into an eight-year dating journey. Their first official date? A Cubs-Cardinals game in 2009—neither called it a date, but the chemistry was undeniable. Zibung proposed during a 2014 safari in Tanzania, and the couple tied the knot on May 29, 2016, in a lively Chicago wedding with 300 guests.
Now happily married for nearly a decade, the couple lives in Wicker Park with no children—by choice. “We’re a team of two, and that’s perfect,” Spain shared on her podcast Good Game. They honeymooned in New Zealand and Australia, combining adventure with Zibung’s 40th birthday celebration. Follow Sarah Spain on X
Height, Weight, and Fitness: Staying Sharp at 48 Years Old
At 6 feet 1 inch and 185 pounds, Brad Zibung maintains a lean, athletic build through regular basketball games and gym routines. He jokes that his height gives him an edge during property showings—“I spot water damage in ceilings before anyone else.” A 2025 wellness study found men in their 40s with consistent physical activity report 15% lower stress levels—a stat Zibung lives by amid high-stakes deals and deadlines.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Zibung doesn’t just build wealth—he shares it. He co-founded Hear the Cheers with Spain to support the Chicago Hearing Society and has donated over $500,000 since 2020 to causes like Peace for Pits and the Syrian Community Network. In 2023, his GoFundMe for a Venezuelan family raised $25,000 in 48 hours. “Giving back is the real ROI,” he told Sporting News in 2024.
Brad Zibung Biography: Full Timeline
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bradley Zibung |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1976 |
| Age (2025) | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | Wisconsin, USA |
| Education | B.S. in Public Relations & Journalism, UW-Oshkosh (1999) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Weight | 185 pounds |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 billion |
| Annual Salary | Over $5 million |
| Marital Status | Married to Sarah Spain (2016) |
| Dating History | Met Spain in 2008; dated 8 years |
| Career Start | Leo Burnett (2001–2006) |
| Key Venture | Co-Founder, The Heckler (2003–present) |
| Real Estate | Compass Chicago (2014–present) |
| Awards | Outstanding Young Alumni Award (2009) |
| Philanthropy | Hear the Cheers, Peace for Pits |
| Residence | Wicker Park, Chicago |
| 2025 Update | The Heckler hits 500K monthly views |
Future Outlook: What’s Next for This Married Mogul?
At 48 years old, Brad Zibung shows no signs of slowing down. With Chicago’s real estate market up 7% in 2025, his green retrofitting projects are gaining traction. The Heckler is exploring podcast and NFT ventures, while joint charity events with Spain continue to break fundraising records. Their 2024 Hear the Cheers gala raised $100,000 in one night.
Zibung’s story proves that success isn’t just about net worth or salary—it’s about impact, humor, and staying grounded. Whether closing a multimillion-dollar deal or roasting the Cubs in print, he does it with authenticity. Learn more about Sarah Spain on Wikipedia
