It should come as no surprise that luxury is one of my favorite topics. I like to be pampered! I want it all! And this issue is inspiring some serious new fantasies for me. From the lavish homes to the chic agents peddling them, luxury is hot in Chicago right now. But the gossip is even hotter.
On March 29, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® held its annual Sales Awards soirée at Navy Pier. It, too, was a night of luxury as agents turned out in their finest looks to receive top-producing honors. The glam event is always a highlight for CAR members, and you can check out the photos in Chicago Agent’s latest scene feature.
And the party continued right along as the Dearborn Realtist Board held its own black tie-party on March 30. The board’s 2023 Installation Gala and Awards Ceremony took place at the South Shore Cultural Center and celebrated the induction of Gwendolene Newton as president.
On April 3, the National Association of REALTORS® released its annual 30 Under 30 — and two Chicago agents made the coveted catalog. With thousands of votes case online, Kelly Carlson, an advisor with Engel & Völkers Chicago, was named the Web Choice winner … definitively earning her spot as the most popular agent in the city. The rest of the list was determined by judges, and Caira Button, a broker with Compass – Maven, was also honored.
Meanwhile, a former 30 Under 30 star had a super exciting month. On April 12, Lauren Mitrick Wood, who made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2011, welcomed a baby girl into the world: Blair Francis Wood. And she shares a birthday with mom! Baby Blair has so many agents in the family, including dad, Charlie Wood, and I am thrilled to see the legacy continue!
We also just heard that Vincent Anzalone is fighting People’s Gas to remove a gas regulator the company stuck right in front of his doorway! The crazy story made the Sun-Times. Good luck, Vincent!
And if all that’s not enough for you, here’s something to look forward to: Chicago REALTORS® 360° Summit. The annual event takes place June 22 and tickets are available now.
Until then, though, there’s more fun to be had. Birthday fun! On May 2, Nicole Fabiano-Oertel and Justin Lopatin celebrate, followed by Leslie Struthers on May 3 and both Frank Quintero and Susie Pearson on May 4. On May 6, Nykea Pippion McGriff turns a year older with Sam Powell celebrating the next day on May 7. On May 9, Danielle Dowell and Eve Benton are birthday twins with Katherine Sather partying the next day on May 10. Then, on May 12, it’s a b-day three-fer for Mimi Harpur, Brett Decker and Jonathan McCulloch. And that weekend finishes strong with Doug Horwich’s birthday on May 13 and a Mother’s Day b-day for Carrie McCormick on May 14. Then, skipping ahead into the month is a whole streak of birthdays with Shelly Cellak on May 19, Glen Tomlinson and Jim Chittaro on May 20, Jamie Franz on May 21, Amir Syed on May 22, Juany Honeycutt on May 23 and John Ristau on May 24. And finally, we have Karen Ranquist finishing out the month strong on May 28.