Roger Jenisch rarely sells real estate. Instead, he focuses on preparing his brokers to succeed. Respected for his high-level knowledge of real estate, the 40-year veteran is highly skilled not only in sales but also operations, mergers and acquisitions, negotiations, training and project management.
“My clients are my brokers,” Jenisch explains. “Preparing my brokers to succeed is making myself available to them, providing the latest tools and technology and providing training so they can master their craft.” This includes navigating his organization through the NAR settlement and everything swirling around it. “Allowing the organization to pivot properly to provide a path forward will help my brokers grow their business and expand the footprint that EXIT Realty has in Northern Illinois,” he continues.
As a child, the second-generation real estate professional helped at his father’s company, R.A. Jenisch Insurance and Real Estate, by distributing flyers, cleaning properties and taking MLS listing photographs. He joined the firm on his 18th birthday and spent the first 20 years of his career specializing in commercial insurance sales and managing the operations of two offices. In 2007, tough times led to a complete rebuild of his business. “I’ve gone from canned tuna fish and boxed mac and cheese to owning six EXIT real estate offices, a title company, a real estate license referral and holding company, and a real estate investment firm,” he shares.
Jenisch served as chair of the Bloomingdale Planning and Zoning Board before being elected commissioner of the DuPage County Forest Preserve, elected member of the DuPage County Board and finally an Illinois state representative. He has been recognized as Legislator of the Year and a Lincoln Land Legend. In real estate, he was named Managing Broker of the Year by EXIT International for the Central United States.
A self-described cigar aficionado and whisky sipper, Jenisch enjoys country music, biking trails and hiking. He currently serves Lake County Responds to Veterans as a board member and Wish Upon a Rescue as a volunteer.
