By the time a transaction closes, Heather Hillebrand and her clients have learned a lot about each other from spending so much time together. “I like to joke that we’ll know each other’s grandparents’ names,” says Hillebrand, designated managing broker of Dream Town Realty. “The more I understand who someone is and what motivates them, the more I can help them achieve their real estate goals. This isn’t about the deal for me; it’s about the people.”

The same holds true at the office. Hillebrand manages a dynamic Lincoln Park office of brokers who trust one another and work together to deliver exceptional and authentic service. She has helped build an office filled with brokers who are passionate real estate and supportive of the idea that the success of individual brokers is better for the office, the company and the brand. “I hope my clients and the brokers in my office feel that they get 100% of my attention,” she says. “My ability to keep a lot of balls in the air and surround myself with a team of people who love what they do and what we do as a team, that’s my real strength.”

Specializing in Lakeview, Hillebrand has 14 years of experience assisting buyers and sellers. “Real estate is a second career for me,” notes the MBA grad who had a “very corporate” job in consulting for 12 years. “I fell into real estate after selling my condo and buying a house with my husband in Lakeview.” She hit the ground running despite the mortgage crisis that hit a year later. “I had to build a business in a very difficult market,” she recalls, noting that it was also the best thing that happened to her. “It prepared me for the hard work and 100% commitment it takes to build a successful real estate business in Chicago.”

Whether serving her clients, supporting her team or office, or spending time with her two boys and husband, Heather is enjoying doing it all.