Real estate was a career reinvention for Brian Behan. After 17 years at the Chicago Board of Trade, he was uninspired and in need of a change. He transitioned to real estate seven years ago and it turned out to be an excellent choice.

Behan, a real estate agent with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, built his business 100% organically and quickly gained market share in his hometown of River Forest. In fact, he has sold more homes in River Forest over the past five years than any other individual agent. The community accounts for 70% of his business, which is mostly based on referrals and repeat clients.

A natural people person, Behan grew up in the town of tree lined streets dotted with interesting homes and became fascinated by architecture. Many of the homes that caught his eye were designed by Oak Park native Frank Llyod Wright, EE Roberts, Jerome Cerny and The Buurma Brothers.

A regular presence in the community and a true student of his market, Behan has made sure that residents know what he does and that he is at the top of his game. His do what it takes attitude, deep knowledge of the area and connection to contractors from every possible trade, has made him a much sought after agent.

“I’m not in it for a quick buck,” he says. “I want my clients to truly feel like they are taken care of, and not pressured into a sale and then forgotten. I build real relationships. Almost all of my clients are friends. We hang out before, during and after a deal.”

In his downtime, Behan likes to work on and drive his vintage car, ride motorcycles, and hike, fish and ski in the Rockies with his family.