Real estate was Jim Abbott’s first love. As a child, he enjoyed looking at floor plans in design magazines and sketching furniture placement. A Chicago native, Abbott was intrigued by the city’s unique architecture, always curious about the homes’ interiors. Eight years ago, he made the move to real estate and is the founder of The Abbott Group with Baird & Warner. His team includes Lory Attolico, who grew up and lives in Deerfield, and Todd McDonald, who has great corporate connections. “I feel so lucky that my passion and hobby has translated into a full-time career,” he admits.

Specializing in luxury and design, Abbott works with people relocating to the area or moving between the city and suburbs, focusing on the North Side, the North Shore and the western suburbs. “I previously worked in retail, most recently as a district manager with stores all over Illinois, so knowing the community was pivotal, which really helps in matching neighborhoods to clients,” he explains. “Managing a huge workload with hundreds of employees taught me how great management and communication skills were necessary to be successful and it is no different in real estate.”

A certified relocation expert, Abbott was named a Chicago Association of Realtors’ Top Producer from 2017 to 2022 and consistently ranks in the top 1%-2% of all Baird & Warner agents. “I have been called a home matchmaker because I know what my client will like and often suggest a style or neighborhood they hadn’t thought of on their own,” he shares. “I also help clients design their homes. Seeing before and after pictures and their enthusiasm thrills me to no end.”

A huge animal rights advocate, Abbott admits he and his husband have tried to foster dogs but end up keeping them. Recently they gave up the condo life and bought a single-family home with a fenced yard for their four dogs. They love traveling and have been to five continents and over 40 countries in the past 20 years.