Real estate always stood out to Carla Gorman as a desirable profession, because she believes a person can be successful — regardless of education, background or age — if they hustle and put in the time and effort.

Before finding her true passion and helping clients realize their real estate dreams, Gorman earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lewis University and a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She put her education to use working for a nonprofit organization specializing in fundraising and events for children and adults with disabilities. When her position was eliminated due to a lack of state funding, she switched to a career in real estate after some urging from her husband, who previously had flipped properties. “If I hadn’t been let go, I would have never had the guts or opportunity to utilize my true potential and start a new career in real estate. It’s been the best decision I have ever made,” she says.

Now a broker with Baird & Warner, Gorman assists first-time buyers, sellers, investors and relocation clients in the city and suburbs. She grew up in the southern suburbs and has been working extensively in and around the area. “Helping someone’s dream become a reality gives me the utmost satisfaction. It’s truly the best feeling,” Gorman says. “I’m not just in the real estate business; I’m in the people business.”

Five and a half years later, she has sold more than 230 homes, closed $48 million in sales and earned several honors, including Baird & Warner’s Rookie of the Year, top office producer based on sales and units, and top 1% companywide.

Involved in the Jim Gorman Memorial Golf Outing, which benefits a Chicago parish and school, Gorman also likes traveling and exploring new places. “My husband and I went to Greece last August,” she says. “It was the trip of a lifetime.”