Matt Ayo developed a relentless work ethic and consistent “get up when knocked down” attitude from his experience as an entrepreneur and five years in a leadership role at Apple.
Now a real estate broker with The Ben Lalez Team at Compass, Ayo moved to Chicago from Brooklyn, New York, in 2008 to pursue an engineering degree. He put his education to work as an audio engineer, operating his own business within music venues and street festivals across the city. However, he had to pivot when business halted during COVID. “I began having conversations with former colleagues from many different industries, and real estate seemed like an instant fit,” he recalls. His instincts were spot on.
Ayo began assisting buyers and sellers on Chicago’s North Side in 2020. A sizable portion of his business came from the rental sector until he transitioned to full-time sales in September 2025, achieving stellar results along the way. He was named a Chicago Association of REALTORS® Top Producer from 2021 through 2024 and a 2023 CRE Future Leader by the Illinois Real Estate Journal.
“I take the time to understand what my clients actually care about before offering solutions, which makes my guidance feel personal instead of generic,” Ayo explains. “When people feel heard, they relax … when they relax, they can absorb information and make better decisions. It’s why my explanations land and my advice sticks.”
Ayo keeps clients updated about what’s happening, why it’s happening and what comes next. That reliability, combined with his ability to simplify complex processes and understand what clients actually want, makes buyers and sellers feel understood, protected and empowered to make smart decisions.
When the weather permits, Ayo plays golf and loves to explore new restaurants with his family.
