Peter Breitlander & John Federici

Founders and Managing Partners
KRAIN Real Estate

Unwavering drive and commitment enabled John Federici and Peter Breitlander, founders and managing partners of KRAIN Real Estate, to confidently build their company over the past decade from a start-up to one of Chicagoland’s premier brokerage houses. Now, working with a staff of 50 professionals to deliver unparalleled service rooted in professionalism and integrity, the pair has established KRAIN as a leader in property purchase, sale and rental.

Federici believes that a real estate career can always withstand even the toughest of times if one possesses a willingness to “pay one’s dues.” “You just have to put your fear and doubt in check and focus on your goals,” says Federici. Having always felt drawn to the profession, a background in business management equipped him with the skills necessary to found KRAIN, and his experience as a loan officer taught him invaluable lessons in real estate finance. A self-described pragmatist, he remains a student of the industry as well as an analyst of the stock market, interest rates and technology trends to understand these variables’ effects on his business and clients. “I believe we should make decisions based on well-informed findings about the world around us,” he says.

Breitlander agrees that success in this business is achievable if someone truly wants it. “My personal mantra is, ‘You are the architect of your own life,’” he says. “I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be in real estateandbemyownboss.” Armedwiththeself-reliance that his father instilled within him, he pursued studies in industrial engineering and construction. He expertly leverages that knowledge when helping clients execute renovation and development projects. Breitlander’s primary focus is on the Chicago luxury market and on the purchase of secondary luxury homes abroad. Breitlander characterizes his buyers and sellers as extremely sophisticated with refined taste, which motivates him. “I excel in working with clients who appreciate the finer details in architecture and construction, as well as the lifestyle that these amenities reflect,” he explains.

As outstanding producers in Chicago real estate – each consistently ranks among the city’s top 1 percent of Realtors – Federici and Breitlander find inspiration in loved ones and colleagues. “My family inspires me, especially my wife, Sarah, and two children, Kaiser and Elsa,” says Breitlander, adding that his family also administers the Kaiser Breitlander Memorial Fund to support the education of less advantaged children. As for Federici, he believes that, “Waking up every morning knowing that we have the greatest group of brokers who share the same passion for this industry inspires me and keeps me motivated.” With this encouragement and passion, there is no doubt these partners will continue as industry exemplars who show no signs of losing momentum.