Teammates Craig Hogan and Rudy Zavala are transitioning to Engel & Völkers (E&V) Chicago, where they will serve as luxury real estate advisors.

Previously, Hogan and Zavala were brokers with the GC Luxury Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, focusing on neighborhoods throughout the city’s North Side and the Loop areas.

Originally from Houston, Hogan began his career in investment insurance and selling for Mary Kay, becoming the first man to earn their coveted pink Cadillac. Later, after transitioning to real estate, Hogan spent five years as the managing broker for Keller Williams’ Gold Coast office until the firm’s city offices were acquired by Coldwell Banker Realty in 2012.

Hogan then continued with the Coldwell Banker network, leading the sales team for the Ritz Carlton Residences Chicago from 2013 to 2015 and serving as the vice president of luxury for Coldwell Banker Real Estate from 2015 to 2021. Additionally, Hogan served as editor-in-chief for the company’s Homes & Estates Magazine. He called the experience a “huge highlight” and, speaking to Chicago Agent, highlighted his interest in E&V’s own GG Magazine.

Zavala, meanwhile, moved to the U.S. from Mexico in 1979 and pivoted from marketing research into real estate in 1998. He’s served the Chicago market ever since, beginning with The Cardinal Group, a boutique firm, before moving to Keller Williams in 1999 when the company opened in Chicago. Like Hogan, he stayed on with Coldwell Banker Realty after the 2012 acquisition.

Outside of real estate, Zavala pursues his passion for floral design and opened the company Freesia Fresh Flowers in Lakeview.

Of the transition to E&V Chicago, both Hogan and Zavala shared their excitement.

“E&V was a clear next step. It is truly global and at the highest level,” Hogan said, emphasizing that both he and Zavala had never switched companies since beginning their work in real estate. “We were not interested in just a move. We wanted to be sure … It was a long time in the making.”

As for reasons why, Hogan cited the company’s demonstrated support of the LGBTQ+ community as well as “global brand consistency.” E&V operates 1,000 shops worldwide, and the first Engel & Völkers shop opened in Chicago in 2019. Since then, it has expanded to Chicago’s North Shore suburbs and Southwest Michigan.

“Brands that have a focus on luxury are what we know. Our time with the luxury division of Coldwell Banker has been an exceptional one,” Zavala said, adding that, “We’ve been very aware of the E&V brand for a long time — and so have our clients. It’s a wonderful fit.”

Jennifer Ames, licensed partner of E&V Chicago, also shared her excitement. “We are thrilled to welcome Craig and Rudy to our Engel & Völkers family. Their values and work ethic align perfectly with our culture, as they are collaborative, high-integrity brokers who consistently put their clients first,” Ames said. “It is a win-win for everyone!”