Early in her career, Michele Marks learned that whatever she had planned for each day, she should plan for it to shift, because in real estate change happens often and fast. “Change is necessary,” says Marks, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty. “It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t always feel good or make sense. However, there is good reason for it. I am open-minded and willing to adjust my sail as necessary.”

The tide shifted in Marks’ own life when she became a single mother and had to give up a freelance job as a decorator for Wilton — creating cakes, cupcakes and cookies for its product packaging, yearly catalog and retail store signage — to become a real estate broker. She chose a career in real estate because she wanted one with exponential growth and opportunity. But also, she had a great experience with her own agent when she relocated to Naperville from the East Coast. “To see that sparkle in a client’s eyes, hear the joy in their voice, see the smile on their face and know they feel like they are home, it’s rewarding and fulfilling,” she says. “It’s always about the client and their needs, wants and best interests. They need to feel special, like they are the only and most important client I have.”

Named a February top agent at her office based on volume and ranked No. 2 for listings in April, Marks has maintained her status in the Coldwell Banker International Sterling and Diamond societies for the past six years. A certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert, she is also a trained and certified Cartus Relocation Agent, specializing in both typical and military relocations.

Active in business and charitable organizations, Marks is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Illinois Realtors and Mainstreet Organization of Realtors. She also supports the Coldwell Banker Charitable Foundation and hosts an annual fundraiser for the nonprofit organization Feed My Starving Children.