Baird & Warner
Real estate was a natural career choice for Patti Michels. Growing up with parents in the home construction and remodeling business, she spent her childhood visiting open houses and construction sites. Through those experiences, she learned the importance of hard work and not quitting until the job was done.
After 10 years in sales with a large company, Patti wanted more control over her future. Real estate sales were a perfect fit, but it didn’t come easy at first. “It was really tough my first few years in the business. I learned quickly that there was going to be no substitute to the long hours necessary to learn this business. I continued to work hard and eventually my business began to expand,” Patti says.
The most rewarding part of the business for Patti was when her son, Chase, decided to join her in 2015. He had previously worked in commercial real estate, where he learned the importance of client relationships and building trust throughout the sales process. The combination of knowledge and experience from Patti’s 21 years in the industry, partnered with Chase’s marketing and technological skills, have created a dynamic team.
Patti and Chase have grown their business every year since teaming up. They credit that success to focusing their efforts locally. “Chase and I will never take a client for granted. We approach every sale as if we were doing it for a family member. I think this goes a long way with our clients,” Patti says. “They appreciate us being upfront with expectations and following through on what we say we are going to do. Our goal at the end of every sale is to have a satisfied client; if we do that we increase our chances of future referrals and lifelong customers.”
In 2017, they finished No. 1 in sales volume in Downers Grove and eclipsed $30 million in total sales. They also finished in the top 1 percent of all Baird & Warner agents and ranked in the top 15 for all agents in DuPage County. “Baird & Warner does a tremendous job supporting us. We’re very proud to be a part of an industry leader. It’s exciting to see our personal growth coincide with our company’s growth,” Chase says.
Patti enjoys starting her day in the gym and spending as much time with her family and friends as possible. She also loves to travel with her husband. Chase lives in Chicago and enjoys all the city has to offer. He spends his free time playing golf, participating in sports leagues and traveling.
