Chicago native Pablo Galarza Jr. realized a dream in 2023 when he opened his Century 21 New Beginnings office in Hickory Hills. Empowered by their ability to achieve record-high numbers during the pandemic, he and his award-winning team decided together that the time was right. “This experience has definitely taught me a lot about myself and the team I’ve brought along with me,” Galarza reflects after his first year as an owner-broker. “It is truly a blessing to watch what was once just an idea come to fruition.”

The office itself provides a homelike setting designed with agents in mind. “We incorporate music throughout the office daily, offer an event room for VIP client events and have an intimate gym with a full bath to accommodate agents who are short on time but still want to maintain an active lifestyle,” Galarza says, adding that he is a firm believer in work-life balance.

No stranger to hard work, Galarza joined the real estate business 20 years ago following a layoff from the steel industry. After the market crash of 2008, he went back to school full time to earn his bachelor’s degree in business while simultaneously working full time as an agent. He thanks the culture of the steel industry for helping him develop a strong work ethic and commitment that helped shape his goals and commitment to his real estate career and his team.

Together, the group has been recognized as a NAHREP Top 100 team, landing in the top 50 in 2023, and a CAR 2023 Top Team Producer. Known for his strong negotiation skills, individually Galarza has earned the Century 21 Centurion Award and Mainstreet Organization of Realtors’ Top 2% Transactions recognition. “Our team has over 200 five-star reviews on Google, Zillow and Redfin,” he adds.

Galarza and his team volunteer at the New Life Community Church food pantry. He is also a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs Council in Little Village, where he was born and raised.