Erin Ward & Gwen Farinella

Brokers
One Bennett Park Sales Team
Related Realty

Erin Ward and Gwen Farinella make a powerful team because their backgrounds are so similar. The two One Bennett Park Sales Team brokers were both born and raised in Chicago, giving them keen insight into the trends of Chicagoland’s markets. They have 35 years of combined experience, and they have the awards and accolades to show for it.  Ward was named one of the top residential producers of 2016 by the Chicago Association of Realtors. Farinella has been recognized as a top producer by the Chicago Association of Realtors every year from 2011 to 2015.

Growing up in Chicago isn’t the only thing these Realtors have in common; before real estate, they both worked in the fashion industry, where they honed their sales and communication skills. Farinella worked in sales in the apparel industry and later as an executive manager. “That experience developed my people skills and my understanding of business management and operations,” she says. She went into real estate so she could spend more time with her family in Chicago. Ward worked as an event planner for Marshall Field’s before Macy’s acquired it, but decided to pursue a career in real estate in 2001 so that, like Farinella, she could stay in Chicago. She hasn’t stopped serving clients since. “No matter who I’m working with, be it a walk-in at a sales center or a referral from one of my past clients, I think a customer who works with me knows I am going to listen to their needs and do my best to meet them,” she says.

Currently, Ward and Farinella are leading sales for developer Related Midwest’s ultra-luxury residential tower in Streeterville: One Bennett Park. With architecture and interiors by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, One Bennett Park will feature 69 condominiums, as well as 279 apartments and a 1.7-acre park designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. The team of two also serves a range of clients throughout the Chicagoland market. They love the Chicago real estate industry because it’s close to both of their hearts. “I think it comes naturally if you love what you do,” Ward says.