Born in Chicago, Kim Kerbis grew up with the unusual distinction of having trailblazing architect Gertrude Kerbis as her mother. “Design, real estate and construction was always a topic of conversation in my house,” says Kerbis, vice president of brokerage services and designated managing broker with @properties. “When I left my 9-to-5 job, it seemed natural to pursue real estate, as I had been surrounded by it my entire life. Also, I loved the idea of a profession where rewards are directly dependent on effort.”

As the director of student services at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Kerbis learned how to listen to and be present with clients. Named the 2019 Managing Broker of the Year in Chicago Agent magazine’s Agents’ Choice Awards, Kerbis pursues excellence each day.

In her management role, Kerbis sees her agents as her clients and endeavors to provide the tools, training and boots-on-the-ground advice they need to grow and thrive. Personable but process driven, she has procedures in place that keep her on task, which she often shares with up-and-comers. Known for her timeliness and ability to bring in serious and qualified buyers, Kerbis also maintains a reputation for listing properties that show well. “Real estate has taught me so much about focus, dedication and service,” she says. “There is no end to your success if you work hard, provide value and believe in yourself.”

A member of the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Professional Standards, Forms and Contracts, and Finance committees, Kerbis also serves on the board of the Chicago Women in Architecture Foundation, is a trustee of the Francis W. Parker School, and recently revived the James McLaughlin Memorial Fund, a scholarship program named in honor of her late friend that provides funding for graduate students in the University of Iowa’s Department of Cinematic Arts.

In her free time, Kerbis can often be spotted either on the tennis court or in her favorite movie theater.