The world has undergone a lot of unexpected changes this year, which is why putting together an issue that Chicago Agent magazine has been publishing for more than a dozen years offered a bright spot for me.

While this year has been unlike any other in recent memory, it underscores that fact that those who succeed in real estate tend to be the people who find a way to thrive no matter what the market is like. The best in the industry know how to adapt and meet the challenges ahead.

That’s what we look for when we begin sorting through the many nominations that come into us from managing brokers and other trusted sources. Some of the names that came in were relatively new to the industry, while others have been around for decades. But they all work together to keep Chicagoland’s real estate market moving.

So, what’s the common thread between the hundreds of participants in this year’s issue? Many people think Who’s Who is all about production and numbers, but that’s not what we focus on. We’re looking for real estate professionals whom others like to work with or see at the other end of the closing table. They are the ones who can be counted upon to help keep deals together. They are the brokers, lenders, developers, association executives and affiliates who help their organizations shine and put clients’ needs first. And I am incredibly proud to be the one who gets to introduce our readers to them.

I’m also incredibly proud of the team that brought such a massive issue together, this year and every year. Thank you to all the writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, administrators and interns who made this possible.

I hope you enjoy this issue just as you have every other year, or maybe even more so than usual. And if you want to learn more about the process or nominate someone for next year’s Who’s Who, please get in touch with our publisher at marci@agentpublishing.com.