One of the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Top Producers for the past two years, Zach Koran has lived west of the highway for over 15 years and understands the importance of becoming an expert in where you live. He started out in the fitness industry, where he learned how to build a client-based business.

Koran sold over $20 million in volume across more than 50 transactions in 2022, earning the Icon Agent Award at eXp Realty for the second year in a row. He says emotional intelligence is key in such a client interaction-based industry. “Everyone is wired differently,” he says. “Taking the time to listen and understand their needs is number one.”

As the founder of the Zach Koran Group, Koran leads one broker, Transaction Coordinator Kaytie Faries, as well as one marketing agent. Each team member has key responsibilities throughout the process, which he says helps to ensure seamless transactions.

The vast majority of the team’s business comes from referrals and referral partners. “I truly love what I do and wake up feeling blessed every day to do what I love,” he says. “Success in this business isn’t always linear, but if you can keep clients’ needs number one you can do very well and be very happy in it.”

Koran recently founded Dwellish, an Airbnb host and management company. Outside of work, he recently joined households with his partner, Stephanie. He’s the proud father of a teenage son, Myles, and a Frenchie named Frank.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Koran works with many veterans and other individuals in the mental health and substance abuse recovery space.