Sheila Rugege Dantzler’s journey into real estate began serendipitously when she purchased her first condo in Hyde Park. Through working at the sales center and interacting with customers, she gained valuable insights into new-construction sales. Eventually she decided to pursue real estate full time, and she’s never looked back. “Learning about being service- and customer-oriented has been invaluable,” says Dantzler. “My clients have often said that I have the patience of Job. I have a very even-keel personality and have learned how to manage difficult clients and situations.”
Dantzler specializes in residential and luxury properties at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. With 17 years in the real estate industry, she sees more than 90% of her clients come from referrals. Having sold properties in various neighborhoods across Chicagoland, she claims an expertise that extends throughout the city.
One of Dantzler’s most significant professional accomplishments in the past year was being ranked in the top 1.5% of Realtors nationwide based on production by RealTrends magazine. “I’m a master networker,” she shares. “My friends and clients say, ‘She knows everybody!’ I don’t get to know people for the purpose of building a business, though. When it is an authentic connection, then a new friend is made, or a possible client is referred.”
Dantzler is chairwoman of the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Professional Standards Committee and was also named to Crain’s Notable in Real Estate list for 2021. She’s an active member of the Chicago chapter of the Jack and Jill of America organization, which focuses on creating innovative activities to nurture children into compassionate and knowledgeable future leaders.
As an immigrant from Uganda, Dantzler reports that her upbringing instilled in her the values of education, family bonds, compassion, kindness and gratitude. She cherishes each day as a gift and remains grateful for her opportunities. “I’ve learned that you become what you think about,” she muses, “so I guard my thoughts and focus on being well, being a great mom and wife, and growing my business. I have accomplished all of that.”
