Jennifer Ames, License Partner and Private Office Advisor
Karen Arenson, License Partner and Designated Managing Broker
As business partners and co-owners of the Engel & Völkers Chicagoland franchise for nearly five years, Jennifer Ames and Karen Arenson are truly blessed. Their shared values and complementary skills are an ideal match. They bring out the best in each other, empowering each to give generously to those around them. Along with a third partner, Paul Lazarre, whom Arenson describes lovingly as “Oz behind the curtain,” they set out to create a brokerage like no other in this market.
Their beautifully designed offices are called shops because they are modeled after high-end boutiques, offering their advisors and clients a consistently elevated experience. The pair is excited to build a beautiful new North Shore shop on Green Bay Road in downtown Winnetka, scheduled for completion in early 2026.
Together, Arenson and Ames have created a highly supportive and collaborative environment. With the help of an incredible staff, they offer extensive training, support and guidance for their advisors. Integrity and professionalism are praised, and healthy living and work-life balance are encouraged. Their experience as working moms has shaped their approach.
Arenson’s almost two decades of recognized brokerage leadership and prior experience as a high school teacher and technology administrator serve the company and advisors well as they seek to grow their businesses. The founder of one of Chicago’s first residential sales teams, a consistent top producer and a well-respected industry leader, Ames enjoys sharing the lessons she learned through her “boots on the ground” experience with colleagues who want to take their business to the next level. Their expertise, dedication and deep commitment to the success of each advisor at Engel & Völkers set them apart.
When Ames and Arenson are together, the energy is palpable. They smile, laugh and finish each other’s sentences. For them, it’s about the people and ensuring that the culture is something special that the advisors want to be part of and contribute to. They are on a mission to have fun and bring joy back into the business of residential sales.
