Broker at Dream Town Realty, Chicago

Though she’s only been a full-time real estate professional since May 2019, Kinga Ryczek has been racking up experience as quickly as she can. She’s hosted more than 30 open houses, conducted more than 100 showings, and closed more than 10 rental units.

Fresh from earning a degree in finance and real estate from DePaul University, Ryczek hasn’t stopped being a student, either. She works closely with her team lead and mentor, Lindsey Richardson, to continue to hone her skills and expand her growing business.

Ryczek is quick to acknowledge her deep understanding of Chicago’s neighborhoods and her fluency in Polish as two skills that set her apart from her peers. But also, she noted that none of her early success would have been possible without the clients who have trusted her to represent them.

“Thanks to my clients, this journey is a success,” she said. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as the Rookie of the Year, and I’m extremely grateful for this acknowledgment. The first year in real estate is not an easy one, but it is definitely worthwhile.”

Finalists: Kavan Hoff, @properties; Shannon Sutton, Baird & Warner