Designated Managing Broker and Vice President of Brokerage Services at @properties, Goose Island

Kim Kerbis originally got her Illinois managing broker’s license the year after she started selling real estate in the late 90s, thinking it would be a great way to gain additional training. In the back of her mind, though, she did think that “one day” she might want to become a managing broker.

Today, she’s the vice president of brokerage services and designated managing broker for @properties’ Goose Island office, one of the top-producing real estate offices in the entire Chicagoland area. The office counts more than 350 licensed brokers who generate over $1.2 billion in annual sales volume.

Kerbis has always approached her career with an attitude of service; her motto is, “Everything to help and nothing to hinder.” Now that she’s shifted to a management role, she thinks of the agents of @properties as her clients. Her goal is to share all that she has learned in the field with the sales associates at her office, as well as the next generation of agents.

Kerbis said being recognized by her peers was thrilling, and that she’s motivated to work even harder in the coming year because of it. “Wowza! Thank you, Chicago Agent magazine,” she said. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by my industry peers; people who I have looked up to, learned from and worked with over the years. The real estate profession is not an easy one; I have so much respect for all the hardworking agents out there who dedicate their lives to helping other people achieve their dreams.”

Finalists: David Bailey, Baird & Warner; Darlene Little, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff