On Wednesday, it was my honor to be crowned Compass’ 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Although I’m hopeful that I’m still in the midst of my lifetime, this recognition caused me to reflect on a career which has spanned over three decades - a career which I could never have contemplated.
As a young lawyer practicing commercial real estate and corporate law, I knew then that law was not my life’s calling. Open-minded to what the future might hold, I started a file which I kept on the floor close to my desk. I titled it “Project H” for project happiness. Whenever I came up with a business idea, potential educational pursuit or investment, I wrote it down and placed it into my Project H file. Over the course of three years, the file grew thick with ideas ranging from opening up an alternative bowling alley to obtaining a degree in psychology to importing commando boots from Israel and distributing them through hipster stores.
I also took the real estate broker’s exam and got my license, essentially, because it couldn’t hurt to have it.
Ultimately, I took a year’s leave of absence from my law firm to open a studio and produce furniture art and decorative accessories which I sold to companies and galleries nationwide such as Barney’s, Hammacher Schlemmer, and Elements (those pieces are now probably worth A LOT of money).
But on the side I began to help my friends and family buy and sell their homes, a pursuit which proved to be way more fun. With my background in law, business, and design, my clients trusted my judgment, negotiating skills, and complete dedication to their well-being. After the year leave of absence, I advised my firm that I would not be returning, closed my art studio, and focused on selling real estate.
Over the years, my business has grown organically from referrals. Now, with over $1 billion in career sales and a small but mighty team of nine incredible agents who reflect my own values (go Jim, Anne, Stewart, Brittany, Bracken, Rusti, Yoni, and Judd!!), we are consistently ranked among the top 10 Chicago teams and remain highly regarded in the community.
Although selling real estate was not included in my original Project H file, looking back over the decades I can honestly say that my own project happiness was completely fulfilled.
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Mother's Day Festa at Eataly Chicago
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Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Festa at Eataly Chicago on May 11. Guests will get to indulge in bites from over eight tasting stations—including suppli, baked three cheese pasta and limoncello tiramisu—and sip on a glass of complimentary prosecco as they explore the first floor of the marketplace. Tickets are $45 per person.
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Now in its 19th year, the Andersonville Wine Walk, which benefits the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, sees businesses throughout the neighborhood turn into wine destinations. You'll be able to sip, tour and shop your way through two wine routes curated by In Fine Spirits. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine tasting glass and a card highlighting each wine before embarking. Thank you to event sponsors and partners: In Fine Spirits, State Representative Kelly Cassidy & WYNK.
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5 Bed | 4.2 Bath Bucktown
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4 Bed | 4.2 Bath Lincoln Park
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1040 N. Lake Shore Dr, #25D
3 Bed | 3.1 Bath Gold Coast
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5 Bed | 4.1 Bath East Lakeview
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1040 N. Lake Shore Dr, #4D
3 Bed | 2.1 Bath Gold Coast
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3400 N. Lake Shore Dr, #3A
2 Bed | 2.1 Bath East Lakeview
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3 Bed | 2 Bath Gold Coast
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3920 N. Lake Shore Dr, #9S
3 Bed | 3.1 Bath East Lakeview
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711 S. Dearborn St, #503-603
2 Bed | 2.1 Bath Printer's Row
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3430 N. Lake Shore Dr, #10P
2 Bed | 2 Bath East Lakeview
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5 Bed | 5.1 Bath Northbrook
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3 Bed | 3.1 Bath Near North Side
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3930 N. Pine Grove Ave, #406
1 Bed | 1 Bath East Lakeview
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5 Bed | 6.3 Bath Gold Coast
Spectacular renovation of historic
greystone mansion.
To be offered at $5,595,000
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3 Bed | 2.1 Bath Streeterville
Fabulous renovated residence
To be offered at $1,775,000
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1100 N. Lake Shore Dr, #33A
3 Bed | 2.1 Bath Gold Coast
Fab duplex in the sky.
To be offered at $735,000
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Oversized open concept layout with private outdoor space & parking.
To be offered at $625,000
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2 Bed | 2 Bath East Lakeview
Gracious pre-War residence.
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2 Bed | 2 Bath East Lakeview
Stunning penthouse in boutique
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Check
out our
Brad Lippitz Group?"
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Modern. Vintage. Architectural. Cool.
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And everything in between.
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Check out previous "Into the Weekends" here.
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© Compass 2024 ¦ All Rights Reserved by Compass ¦ Made in NYC
Compass Real Estate is a Licensed Real Estate Broker with a principal office in New York, NY and abides by all applicable equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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