Real estate has always been part of Brian Pistorius’ life, as well as his family’s story. His great-great-grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from Italy and founded a real estate business, A. Saccone & Sons, in 1890. His wish was to help fellow immigrants secure housing and make better lives for themselves.

As a fifth-generation real estate broker, Pistorius shares that same goal. “It’s so important to remember the reason we are in this business,” says Pistorius, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago. “We are helping our clients build a better life.” Growing up, he worked part time in the family business and learned all he needed to know about real estate from his grandfather.

After graduating from college in 2003, Pistorius earned his real estate license and began working full time for his grandfather. Although he has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, he took some time away from real estate and picked up skills that would be instrumental in his return. Pistorius did inside sales for a startup company and graduated to managing a sales team. In the process, he became proficient in negotiation, client management and business development. Before resuming his career as a broker, he flipped houses, which gave him the ability to see problems or find potential in properties that other brokers might not notice. All of these experiences led to his receiving the BHHS President’s Circle award for the past two years.

Pistorius’ ability to compile, decipher and present market data to buyers, sellers and other agents is integral to his success. “It is extremely difficult to argue with numbers and facts,” says Pistorius, who assists buyers and sellers in the city. “Agents who are able to make their case based on market data and numbers represent their clients most effectively.”

When he is not working, Pistorius enjoys spending time with family and his fiancee, Nicole.