Recognizing that she’s only in competition with herself, Deanna Mihalek enjoys a good win. “It’s an internal drive,” she says. “It’s like training for a 5k or 10K and being in first at the finish line! To be great, you have to be committed and practice consistently.” For the past eight years, that is precisely the formula by which she’s achieved success in real estate.

Mihalek was first introduced to the industry by her husband. Together, they have bought, sold and served as landlords for many properties. She previously worked as a commercial property manager and lease coordinator. When her career took a downturn in the recession, Mihalek remained optimistic, took a leap of faith and built her business. Today, she brings eight years of experience in multiple facets of the industry to her residential real estate clients while also managing her and her husband’s personal portfolio.

Growing up in Chicago, Mihalek has either lived or worked in many of the suburbs where she now operates. Specializing in single-family home listings, she’s open to working wherever her car will take her, typically operating within a 40-minute radius of the Downers Grove, Homer Glen and Bolingbrook areas. Also known for her skill set, Mihalek provides a transparent and fluent experience for her clients. Mihalek asks the right questions, provides checklists and communicates expectations to ensure her transactions are not just transactional, but transformational. Her professionalism was awarded by Baird & Warner in 2020 and 2021 with her entry into the company’s Founder’s Club.

For Mihalek, the rewards of working in real estate are abundant. “I get the opportunity to learn something new from each and every one of the people I help,” she shares. “I have been richly impacted by their life circumstances, and I hope I have — for at least a brief period — impacted their lives for the better.” In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, shopping and dining.