The Sam Jenkins Group
CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate

Sam Jenkins
Founder

James Sheehan
Broker

Valerie Sancrainte
Broker

A Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer, the Sam Jenkins Group has facilitated transactions in all areas, including million-dollar land deals, multi-unit conversions and new construction single-family homes. “We’re calm and we see the big picture, so that allows us to be proactive rather than reactive, and clients appreciate that,” says founder Sam Jenkins. The team, which also includes brokers James Sheehan and Valerie Sancrainte, brings a combined 20-plus years in real estate to the table — along with expertise in finance, design, and customer service. They’re currently working on a number of properties, such as new construction single family and condominiums in the Lakeview and Lincoln Park areas. CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate has recognized them for top production each year from 2011 to 2016.

Before entering the real estate industry, Jenkins was a personal trainer in the Chicago and London markets for six years. Sheehan, originally from Dublin, Ireland, worked for the Chicago Board of Trade for ten years. Sancrainte worked in visual merchandising on Michigan Avenue and held administrative roles for both Conlon & Co and CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate.

Jenkins draws from his personal training background often in real estate. “There are a lot of similarities between that profession and working as a real estate broker, as both are primarily about helping people who have specific aspirations,” he says. “How you interact with clients, and manage relationships and transactions, is critical to your success because this is ultimately a people business,” he says. He credits Sean Conlon and his brokerage with teaching him how the industry works, and helping him weather the market’s ups and downs.

Sancrainte’s interest in real estate began at an early age. She enjoyed watching industry experts operate on home improvement television; this pastime prompted her to begin analyzing local, national and global markets. From this she has gained an appreciation and desire to help buyers find their perfect home. Today, she continues to grow as a broker through the Chicago Association of Realtors, as well as Young Professional Network meetings and events. She has participated in Senate sessions and open discussions with legislators at the Illinois Realtor Capitol Conference.

Sheehan learned the importance of managing relationships in Dublin, where his parents operated a bar. “I know how to connect with people and talk with them, and that’s critical in this profession,” he said. After earning his degree in economics from University College of Dublin, he moved to the U.S. and worked in finance before entering real estate.

Each member of the Sam Jenkins Group is involved in charitable organizations that allow them to give back to the community. Jenkins is auxiliary past board member of Stimulus Social Club, which raises money for several Chicago-area charities.

Sheehan volunteers with Chicago Animal Care and Control, which ensures the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement and education. Sheehan is also the current President of the Ireland Network in Chicago, an organization that connects newly arrived Irish immigrants with the wider Chicago business community through business events and social gatherings.

Sancrainte works with the Glass Slipper Project, a nonprofit that provides free prom wear to Chicago-area high school juniors and seniors. She is an active volunteer with Chicago Cares, and is a participant in the Chicago Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Children’s Charities/Special Olympics Chicago.