After buying her first condo, Jennifer Downey Piehl became fascinated by real estate. She continued checking new listings, visiting open houses and watching the market. She encouraged friends to explore homebuying, kept in touch throughout their journeys and passed along the advice she learned.

“I rented for years, but after a few months of owning my condo, I began to see the value of homeownership as property values around me appreciated,” says Piehl, a broker with @properties who assists buyers, sellers and investors on the Northwest Side of Chicago. “I wanted to share this experience with others looking to build their wealth while loving where they live.”

Piehl left a career in product management at a health care company to become a broker. Instead of managing teams from across one business, she coordinates the different players in real estate transactions to close deals efficiently and for the best price. “Working in a business-to-business environment was incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “But I appreciate the one-to-one connection of helping someone make a life-changing decision.”

Last July, Piehl closed five deals in one month, resulting in more than $2 million in sales — her best month since entering real estate 3 1/2 years ago. “Closing $2 million in one month requires a smart and engaged Realtor who puts clients first,” she says. “Three of my clients encountered a roadblock, and we navigated those difficult situations together. With a level head and a good strategy, we found the best option.”

An Accredited Buyer’s Representative and member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, Piehl has a strategy for keeping her pipeline full of new buyers who need her help: Build trust with everyone she meets. “Not everyone wants to own property, but by genuinely caring about the people I meet, it’s easy to stay in touch.”

A new mom, Piehl supports Ronald McDonald House, enjoys working out and loves dining at dog-friendly restaurants.