When leaving his position in corporate finance, Jeff Bushaw realized his passion was in real estate, where he and his business partner have grown a successful brokerage in Lincoln Park. Bushaw, managing broker and owner of Main Street Real Estate Group, says, “Working at a desk from 9 to 5 wasn’t for me on a daily basis. I appreciate the challenge, competitiveness and variety that real estate provides.”

Bushaw is a partner to his clients throughout the buying and selling process, available 24/7 and always puts their interests first. “Treating each client with respect, even if it means biting your tongue at times, goes a long way toward creating trust and rapport,” he says. “Referrals are the best compliment I can receive, and I appreciate each and every one.”

In his business, Bushaw uses social media as one channel to stay in front of his network. “I try not to overdo the real estate content but mix work and personal posts,” he explains. “I believe this is critical because when someone in my network considers buying or selling real estate, I’d hope to be top of mind.”

Bushaw works with first-time buyers, sellers and investors throughout the city, as well as the northern and western suburbs. Direct referrals and leads from listings account for the majority of his transactions. Bushaw adds that success in real estate starts with being consistent on a day-to-day basis across the board. He’ll occasionally come across new marketing techniques and incorporate them into his own efforts. If they’re successful, he will pass them on to the agents in the brokerage. “I’m always learning myself and like to see our agents succeed, so collaborating and sharing ideas is something we love to do.”

In his spare time, Bushaw enjoys boating, coaching his children’s little league teams, golf and any day at Wrigley Field.