A former special educator, Joe Gerber’s rapid climb into the ranks of Chicago real estate came naturally. Helping people in need has always been at the core of everything Gerber does. While teaching at a charter school on the South Side in 2015, he was inspired by a student’s story of her family’s impending foreclosure and her mother’s unwavering commitment to become a homeowner once again. Having been raised by a single mom whose commitment to her children was unwavering and awe-inspiring, Gerber connected with his student and felt a calling to help play a supporting role in helping others search for their dream homes.

When he realized his real estate career and role as an educator were both going to remain constants in his life, he began to coach and mentor newer agents looking to build an organic business on a fixed budget (as he did when he was new), or experienced agents looking to dramatically reimagine their business by utilizing new and improved tools. Gerber and his mentees have amassed more than 250 closed transactions and nearly $100 million in sales volume across three states.

An avid coach and mentor, Gerber has helped multiple agents master new ways to prospect, build a brand and become top producers in their own right. “Our industry often focuses on the dollars as a measure of success, but it is imperative we remember that our true success lies in the stories of financial independence, freedom and new adventures we help people write for themselves,” he says, referring to both his work with clients and fellow agents.

A firm believer in the importance of giving back to the communities that once served him, Gerber served as the inaugural vice president of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance in Illinois, is a director on the board of directors for the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors and regularly participates as a volunteer with multiple organizations close to his heart.