Looking to live a more intentional life, Lisa Petrik left newspaper publishing to pursue the artistic and sales sides of real estate. For Petrik, a broker with Jameson Sotheby’s, it’s been a more fulfilling world to inhabit. “I literally wake up excited to help my clients,” she says. “I work almost every day, at least in some capacity. When something makes you happy, you don’t ever want to stop working on it.”
Petrik’s career allows her to inspire clients to live their best lives. “I consider myself a home matchmaker,” she says. Since Petrik understands that looking for a home can often be overwhelming and stressful, she makes the experience as fun and light as possible. “I like to compare the home-purchasing process to dating: Blind dates are rarely fun, but my clients have me to help lead them.”
Much of Petrik’s business is composed of resales and relocations, but she also has a soft spot for those who are new to the process. “First-time buyers are near and dear to my heart,” she says. “I’ve been there as a first-timer. I know a lot of the hesitations they are experiencing and make myself available for all levels of questions.”
Petrik gets a great sense of satisfaction from adding value to clients’ experiences. “So many of my clients connect me to their friends and coworkers who are relocating from out of town, because they know I will be patient and understanding, explaining how the transportation system and Chicago real estate work,” she says. “I connect to each client individually. Each person’s needs are different, and each person’s level of knowledge on the process varies.”
After overcoming personal challenges in 2018, Petrik says she learned how to better balance the personal, professional and playful aspects of her life. “I am stronger and more mindful than ever before,” she says.
Petrik is working on developing a new love of cooking; she also enjoys spending time with her “fur babies” Zoey and Joey, being active outdoors and making new discoveries about the city. Spending time with cancer patients through her volunteer work with Gilda’s Club also brings joy to her life.
