Catherine Holbrook, Broker
Matt Laricy, Managing Partner
Mike Opyd, Broker
Joe Rueck, Broker
Mickey Hobson, Broker
The Matt Laricy Group/Americorp Real Estate
“Rocky Balboa said life’s not about how hard you get hit, but how hard you get hit and keep moving forward,” says Matt Laricy. Realtor Magazine honored the Matt Laricy Group managing broker with its “30 under 30” award and he recently made REAL Trends’ list of the top 1,000 agents nationwide.
Real estate is in Laricy’s blood: Some of his earliest childhood memories are of his father’s real estate office. Today, his expertise is in helping clients buy and sell property in downtown Chicago. “I remember standing in front of Home Depot, giving out my business cards during the recession, while other Realtors laughed at my unorthodox approach, but Rome wasn’t built in a day!” he says. Now this Five Star Professional award winner and Make-a-Wish board member says he wakes up each day ready to deliver whatever his clients need.
Whether they’re joined by blood or friendship, the members of the Matt Laricy Group are like family.
Broker Catherine Holbrook also had a father in real estate, and grew up watching him operate his mortgage business. She had a career in leasing eight years ago before joining Coldwell Banker and then The Matt Laricy Group. “My expertise is definitely first-time buyers. I pride myself on being an expert in Chicago’s neighborhoods and finding the best match for my clients’ lifestyles,” she says. “I may show a $2 million home in Lincoln Park one day and three flats in Logan Square the next. I like that our team doesn’t just serve one market; we serve all of them.”
A family history in real estate prompted Mickey Hobson to join The Matt Laricy Group. “My family works at the largest real estate firm in South Africa, so the opportunity to join this team was one I couldn’t pass up,” he says. Hobson believes in being available whenever clients need him. He primarily works with renters and first-time buyers. Though he entered the profession just two years ago, he closed $4 million his first year. An Illinois State University graduate, Hobson decided to live in Chicago after graduating. “One of the best things about being a Realtor is meeting so many new people each and every day,” he says. “It keeps things interesting!”
Joe Rueck, also a new broker, entered real estate upon graduating from college. “My communication skills helped me make the transition, and so did shadowing Matt [Laricy] the first few months,” he says. “I’ve always found change exciting. I love communicating that enthusiasm to my clients as they begin the next chapter in their lives.” He excels in helping buyers purchase downtown condominiums and streamlining the purchasing process. “I want to be a top-producing agent who provides expert service while leaving my mark on the city.”
A nine-year industry veteran, Mike Opyd’s expertise is supporting buyers. His communication skills are on display in his book “How to Buy Your First Chicago Home,” a guide to buying in the city for the first time. Opyd credits his degree in management for his business mindset. “Entrepreneurs are people willing to take a risk on themselves,” he says. “My colleagues and I are entrepreneurs and have followed our passions. The fact that people entrust us with these major transactions drives us to meet and exceed their goals.”
Thanks to AtWater Apartments for letting us use their beautiful location for our photo shoots.