Sean Ronkoske

Owner/Lead Real Estate Broker
First Class Realty

Sean Ronkoske established First Class Realty in 2011 as the real estate market was rebounding from the nation’s economic downturn. Starting one’s own business can be difficult under even the best of circumstances; doing so on the heels of a financial crisis is simply daunting. Despite the industry’s challenges, Ronkoske’s stick-to-itiveness paid off: his business has grown and become a well-respected brokerage throughout Chicagoland, especially in Lake County. As a result of his success, earlier this year he launched The Sean Ronkoske Sold One team, further expanding the reach and impact of his multimillion-dollar business.

A native of Antioch, Ronkoske grew up watching his father own and manage various companies. Those observations played a significant role in his entrepreneurial ambitions. He strives to bring a superior level of customer service to every client. “Every client I serve has specific needs and wants, so I strive diligently to customize how I approach their transaction so it’s as personalized as possible,” he says. His multiple designations, which include Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Certified Negotiation Expert, e-PRO Certification, and Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification, position him to do just that with the confidence and skill his clients expect. “Every decision we make as a brokerage prioritizes our buyers and sellers, so they can rest assured that we’ll take great care of them.”

Ronkoske also helps take care of police officers, firemen, teachers, physicians, nurses, and military veterans through a program called Homes for Heroes. The program honors those individuals’ civil service by offering either a discount on the purchase of a home or refunding a percentage of the purchase price. Ronkoske gives back 25 percent of his commission to those buyers. “Homes for Heroes allows my brokerage to give back to our nation’s best of the best, who make life better for all of us,” he explains. “There’s no other program like it, and I cannot tell you how proud I am to be part of it.” He also volunteers at his community food pantry, including actively participating in its food drives.

A proud husband and father, the smiles on Ronkoske’s children’s faces always remind him that what he does is worth it, even when days seem hard and hours are long. “The love and support from my wife for helping and guiding me to make our dreams a reality is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given, and I’m forever grateful to her,” he says. Now more than ever, he cherishes what he has been given and finds joy in sharing life with the people who matter most. “I realize my most rewarding experiences come from my relationships with family, friends, loved ones, and the people I’m blessed to serve, and I’m incredibly thankful to have them in my life.”

Thanks to Heidi Seagren for letting us use her beautiful listing for our photo shoots.