Recruiting can be a tricky business. There needs to be something about another office and managing broker that is different – and better – to be able to recruit top agents.

Nina Fotopoulos, the managing broker of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Hinsdale, which has 80 active agents, says that when it comes to actively recruiting agents, it’s more of an attraction than recruitment.

“We’re a dominant force in the Chicago market,” she says. “When other agents see a seasoned agent grow their business, it’s very attractive and they’ll call to ask, ‘Can you help me?’ Our business model is to help agents build their careers.”

Fotopoulos says her agents are constantly being recruited, but her agents are also constantly recruiting on behalf of Coldwell Banker. “They’re my best recruiters, and that makes my life a lot easier.”

Jeanine McShea, the vice president and managing broker for Related Realty, which has 50 agents, also values input from her agents when it comes to recruiting top talent. “They tell me when they’ve had a great showing with someone or a great deal with someone and think they would fit the culture,” she says. “I look for a high level of professionalism, work ethic and drive, like any firm. I cultivate relationships with people I see out in the business with the qualities I admire, who conduct their business from a hard-working, ethical orientation. I identify people that way.”