Due to the topic of this issue, now is the perfect time to reveal that I’m throwing my hat into the ring to be the next president of the United States. Representing which party, you may be wondering? Well, that’s the tricky part. Like the lovely ladies of the Real Housewives of any city, I prefer not to reveal my political affiliations. Which I guess would make it difficult for me to run for president. It’s probably also a little late for me to get started anyway. I do believe I would make an excellent politician, so maybe next time around. In the meantime, take a look at the cover story to meet some people who are doing good things with their political efforts in a city that isn’t necessarily known for that type of thing.
Speaking of doers, is there anything Rebecca Thomson can’t do? Just recently, she moderated two of the Accelerate Summit panels for this magazine’s sister publication in Houston. In other smart broker news, Loreal Flowers of EXIT Strategy Realty has been conducting an Octoberfest learning series on social media. I’ve been tuning in see if there’s anything I don’t already know yet, and I suggest you do the same.
Folks put their pumpkin spice lattes into a thermos (and some added their own special adult spices… whiskey is a spice, right?) and headed out to some of the many events to start the season out on the right foot. On Oct. 2, the West Suburban Women’s Council of Realtors helped people train their brains for success with Robb Zbierski coming in to teach attendees how to harness the creative capacity of their minds. While harnessing, they also enjoyed two drink tickets and a buffet as they voted on candidates for the 2020 board. Pretty eventful day if you ask me.
On Oct. 3, Joel Schaub of Guaranteed Rated held his third annual Bingo, Boats & Brews event. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of networking and some big prizes that included Cubs tickets (oops, hope that’s for next year), an Apple watch and a $1,000 shopping spree. Spoiler alert: I didn’t win anything. However, I did enjoy plenty of brews and lots of boats. The Dowell Group came super close to winning a 12-person private yacht cruise, but had a little trouble understanding the concept of “X marks the spot” on a bingo card.
Also on Oct. 3, the Elite 6 held a night of glamour, generosity, and industry insider insight. The panel and cocktail party, benefiting Imerman Angels, was held at Eris Brewery and Cider House. Libations and delicious bites were available, as were some of the 2019 members like Amir Syed, Erin Mandel and Nykea Pippion-McGriff. There was also a live painter whose pieces were being sold via silent auction throughout the night. Never come late to an event where Amir is present, because he had no problem calling out his wife Arsiak for her tardiness to the panel session.
This issue’s birthdays start with my favorite last name ever as we give a birthday shout out to Maria Thanasouras on Oct. 14, along with Ryan Wynia. Kevin Serafin celebrates on Oct. 16, with Christina Breuer McNamee on Oct. 17. Karen Peterson parties down on Oct. 22, and maybe she’ll hit up Matt Garrison and Emily Sachs Wong to join her since their birthdays are the next day on Oct. 23. Last but not least, Amy Duong Kim and Jon Goldman will both get another year wiser on Oct. 24.