Real estate is not only a career for Sam Powell but also a lifestyle, threaded throughout her work and play. A broker with Pride Homes Chicago, powered by Dream Town Realty, Powell has nearly two decades of experience in real estate and the skills to show for it. “You can negotiate a multimillion-dollar deal in shorts, a baseball cap and flip-flops,” she says. “You don’t have to drive a Lexus to be a successful Realtor.”

Her tagline — “Real answers, real people, real estate” — speaks to the culture she has created with co-workers and clients serving the LGBTQ community in the city and suburbs. “This is the best career a person who wishes to be themselves 100% of the time can have. It allows that authenticity to be the magnet that attracts customers,” she says. “I have the best clients for that reason!”

Powell pursued a career in real estate after a friend of hers suggested she join him in the industry. A six-time recipient of the Chicago Association of Realtors’ award for top-producing teams, Powell has also been recognized by Dream Town Realty as a top producer for the past three years and has received several awards for charitable giving from numerous industry organizations. She also gives back by co-hosting weekly workshops for peers via Zoom, offering them assistance with technical issues and education about apps that might have a meaningful impact on their business.

Since 2013, Powell has primarily focused on listings; her business partner handles the buyer side and rental clients. Clients feel empowered to work with Powell because she helps them understand that they are in the driver’s seat throughout the buying and selling process. “My role is as an educator, responsible for helping them get super comfortable and confident before the next step,” she says. “That way, when we are there, they jump through the hoops with confidence and clarity.”