After five years working in the restaurant business, Stacey Elowson had an epiphany that she wanted to work for herself and enjoy more flexibility in her life. Recalling how much she enjoyed going to open houses as a child and observing interior design techniques, she looked into real estate. Her research convinced her the industry was the perfect fit. For the past four years, she’s put the patience and relatability that restaurant work taught her into her career as an agent.

Elowson primarily serves first-time homebuyers and investors in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. Whether she’s connecting with the listing agent to find out what’s most important to the sellers or scurrying to put in an offer, Elowson goes above and beyond for her clients. “I really stick by their sides during the entire transaction. My goal is to do as much as I can to help make the home buying or selling process as seamless as possible,” she notes.

Reflecting on her career change, Elowson admits she underestimated what it would take to be a real estate agent. “This career has really pushed me outside of my comfort zone and has challenged me in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” she says. “I continue to grow in knowledge and keep getting outside my comfort zone in order to be the best version of myself, which, in turn, provides me with an edge in helping my clients.”

Named a Top Producer with Main Street Real Estate Group in the past year, Elowson lays claim to the firm’s highest year-over-year growth percentage. Though they were among the most challenging for the world at-large, Elowson considers the past two years as her best. She credits her clients — who trusted her with their most important financial decisions amid global turmoil — for the growth of her business and the ability to purchase her very first home.