A dear friend once told me the worst speeches start with defining a simple word like “love” or “friendship”… or “rookie”. But since this is a column, I deserve a pass, no?
The word “rookie” is defined as a first-year participant in a major professional sport. And it’s not a huge leap to call real estate a major professional sport. If you pour in the blood, sweat, tears and smiles — and drink a lot of Gatorade — you could be making those pro salaries! But, if you’re happy just sitting on the bench watching the action, you won’t get far. Pretty nice analogy wouldn’t you say? And I don’t even watch sports! Now that I’ve shared some deep thoughts, let’s get to the good stuff.
Real Data is real-ly here! The MRED’s Q2 numbers are in, and I got a sneak peek at who made the coveted Top Producers list. Not a ton of surprises there, with Compass’ Jeffrey Lowe landing at the top and Matt Laricy of Americorp, Ltd. nipping closely at his heels. Then we’ve got three magnificent women rounding out the top five: Jane Lee (RE/MAX Top Performers in Lake Bluff), Leila Zammatta (Magellan Realty LLC Chicago) and Emily Sachs Wong (@properties Christie’s International Real Estate Chicago).
But enough of numbers. Summer means umbrellas in your cocktails, frosé and parties! On June 29, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate held its annual Road to Rolex awards at the Museum of Contemporary Art. There, agents who raked in over $10 million in sales volume this past year received either a Rolex or a Cartier watch. A whopping 169 agents went home with a heavier rise. Check out The Scene for some fabulous photos.
The Dearborn Realist Board held their annual member appreciation picnic July 14 at The Bar 10 Doors on Taylor Street. Folks gathered to celebrate 81 years of advocacy in the black community. There were games, drinks, music, drinks, prizes and, did I mention, drinks?
On July 21, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® held their Young Professionals Network Summer Mixer at Vu Rooftoop. Light appetizers and a cash bar were available, which was only necessary if you finished off your two drink tickets before the party ended. Spoiler alert! I made good friends with the bartender.
Weinberg Choi Residential’s 2022 Golf Outing had everyone yelling “Fore … charity!” The golfing agents raised $55,000 for the Nora Project at their sixth annual outing. If you’re going to be traipsing around with golf clubs strapped to your back for the day, it might as well be for a good cause!
Now, before summer ends, it’s time to celebrate those August bdays. Michael Shenfeld celebrates on Aug. 1 and Jeff Bushaw, John Gormley and Janet Owen are a triple threat with their birthday crew on Aug. 3. Kevin Grady celebrates on the 4th, Stephanie Andre-Ouellette gets the 5th to herself, and Niko Apostal claims the 6th. Akos Straub and Maria Munoz can party down on Aug. 8, while Mike Billodeau will wait until Aug. 10 and Debra Dobbs will raise a glass on the 12th. Mimi Mack and Susan Morrow share an August 15 b-day, Dennis J. Papiernik celebrates on Aug. 21, and Adam McLain and Mike LaFido are birthday twinsies on Aug. 23. Rounding out the month is Honore Frumentino on Aug. 26.