Way back when I started out in this business, before most of you were even born, I focused on a little niche to help grow my business. Since I always aim high, of course that niche was the luxury market, and that’s why I’m still swimming in luxury listings to this day. Once my business started to boom, I didn’t have to focus on one thing, because this town quickly figured out that I was good at everything. So find out what you’re good at, and nurture that little pocket of business like a seed. Give it lots of love and water, and it will sprout into a huge sunflower, and then you can sprout more and more. If you keep at it, maybe one day you can have your own yacht as well. If not, maybe you can make friends with people like me who will let you ride on their yacht.

First and foremost, this week I’ve got to give a shout-out to my little buttercup Brett Decker. He should know why. He’s such a sweetie pooh I couldn’t let it slide. I see you out there little Deck.

In other news, Ryan Cotter is leaving Federal Savings for Bridgeview Bank. In case you didn’t know, Ryan is the organizer of the Real Estate Rumble. New recruits at Bridgeview Bank better watch out or he might sign you up to get knocked out.

Baird & Warner Glen Ellyn was proud to unveil an expanded, state-of-the-art office on June 6. The event included beverages and “bites”, but thankfully not the kind that come from mosquitos. There was also a ribbon-cutting ceremony, though I’m sorry to report the scissors weren’t abnormally large.

We all know that the Guaranteed Rate folks love to throw a party! On June 7, Julius Barrutia held a night out filled with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and “mystifying magic” at a stunning luxe penthouse. I’d love to tell you all about the magic that went on that night, but I don’t want to be the one demystifying anything. And I may have had too many of those vague drinks to remember. So maybe you should’ve just gone yourself if you wanted to know about the magic.

Then on June 15, the Guaranteed Foundation hosted a BBQ at Studio Paris Night Club, with all procceeds benefiting families in need. Tix were going for $150, so you knew it was going to be a good time. The third annual event featured savory BBQ, premium bourbon and down-home blues. Guests got to stuff their faces with food and drinks from an open bar while South of 80 performed.

It’s summer! Let’s have some fun with summer birthdays. Ginna “Gin ‘n’ Juice” Ryan celebrated on June 18, and Jennifer “Long Days of Summer” Leong partied on June 19. June 21 was a big day for Roz “Bees Buzzing” Zweig, Julius “Magical Party” Barrutia, and Coleen “Cool Breeze” Harper. Then on June 22, Rebecca “Jumpin’ in the Pool” Jensen had a b-day, while John “NBA Finals” Post and Heidi “Out to Sea” Seagren partied on June 23 and 24, respectively. Dan “Tail-Wagging Good Time” Wagner gets a shout on June 27 along with Chip “‘n’ Salsa” Cornelius. Then on June 28, Aimee “Backpacking” Babcock and Tony “The Name Is Already Awesome” Arse will get another year older.