For the first time in quite a while, a lot of the Realtors I’ve spoken with have had positive things to say about the market. It’s true that the great weather has brought a spring into everyone’s step, but I like to think it’s more than just sunshine that is making people in the real estate industry feel better. 

It’s clear that we have a ways to go, but we have to start somewhere. If you need a little inspiration, then this is the perfect issue to remind you that there are still great things going on in the industry. 

In this year’s edition of our full-color Who’s Who issue, we’ve brought together 35 of the most exciting industry members who have continued to find success in a market that many view as challenging. Like last year, Kevin, Theresa, our fantastic photographer Dan Machnik and I powered through some long days of photo shoots at the gorgeous Dana Hotel downtown and the fabulous InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, as well as some smaller shoots at various locations. It was great spending this extra time with important members of the industry, and gaining firsthand information about how Realtors keep busy year-round. We also had the chance to pick the brains of these industry standouts, and see what makes them tick. 

This is one of the most entertaining issues to make, and I hope that you find it fun to read. Instead of reporting on the doom and gloom, we at CA try to prove that the homes are still being purchased, which means someone out there is making a sale. There is no reason why that someone can’t be you.