Stephanie Sims is Chicago Agent’s managing editor.

Recruiting quality team members is vital for any business. After all, a successful business needs to keep moving on with the right people in place, people who can keep improving and drive the business ahead. This is why it’s important to really never stop recruiting – constant recruitment is the best way brokerages can stay ahead of the curve and competition.

Keeping a positive office environment is part of what recruits top agents. Mike Popowcer, the managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate in Palatine, says he is available for his agents and does his best to provide what they need, whether it’s support or problem-solving.

“If an agent likes where they are, they will attract others,” he says in our cover story.

Jeanine McShea, the managing broker of Related Realty (pictured on our cover), agrees, and her agents not only attract other agents for her, but also help her know what agents are worth recruiting; they always let her know when they’ve had a good experience doing a deal with someone, or if they’ve had a great showing with an agent. And seeing as how she looks for agents who can elevate the client’s experience, she makes sure to investigate the people her agents suggest to her.

“I look for a high level of professionalism, work ethic and drive, like any firm,” she says. “I cultivate relationships with people I see out in the business that have the qualities I admire, who conduct their business from a hard-working, ethical orientation. I identify people that way.”

Check out all of the tips in our cover story on page 12, and let me know what you think of this issue: stephanie@agentpublishing.com.