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CHICAGO EDITION

THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

FEATURED AGENTS

GUIDO PIUNTI MARGARET GIFFIN

COOPERATION, NOT COMPETITION, CREATES MUTUAL SUCCESS FOR AGENTS

COVER STORY

JEFF MA Business Growth Hack:

ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS' STRESS!

HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE

OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR

CHICAGO EDITION

GUIDO PIUNTI MARGARET GIFFIN

Top Agent Jeff is an estate, two decade history of working as always well-informedbecause about curre Amidst the dynamic world ofMareal the 7 influential figure in the 16 20 officer, Guido Piunti was Giffin destined ket trends and local happenings. Margaret emerges asChicago a distinguished ent’s well-b greater investor community, hosting cess as a real estate agent. He lived agent, setting herself networking apart from the rest. support thro events and rked all acrossWith the United States When it comes to marketing his l a background innurturing PR and marketing, aspiring real estate professionals through revious career, she but after returningcombined Guido and his team leverage the ex has expertly her passion for Margaret’s a coaching program. ometown of Chicago, resources provided bylistings their affiliati homes he anddecided knack for storytelling to creis m a new path. “Iateearned my real @properties and Christie’s Intern a unique real estate experience for her individual p icense in 2015,”clients. he explains. His “They have a system they For the past decade, she’s built a ing designed is onlin ve experience in various aspects we input our properties in MA GUIDO MARGARET GIFFIN thrivingJEFF business that shows no PIUNTI signs of they there, have ah home buying process, including our marketing department takes ov slowing down. Together with a fellow enworks only a title company, has made him explains. This comprehensive ma trepreneur and friend, Margi Hamilton, and persona to be reckoned with. Together approach includes creating social they rebranded their business to Ellyn & Main, focused with her team, to make lexa Hara, Guido formed a powand Instagram posts, as well as on creating a sustainable CONTENTS and inclusive environment In addition to their stro e team in 2017, and they now lead use of a platform that allows for t for their growing team. Serving the Chicagoland area also relies on word-of-m p of eight talented agents, operatcreation of promotional materials and beyond, their home concierge team both are extensive network of ag GROWTH 17)assists COOPERATION, one of the4) topBUSINESS teams at their Gold listings automatically pushed buyers andCovering sellers, providing guidance on renovations ABSORB YOUR COMPETITION, office withHACK: @properties. a vast area 400NOT websites across the country and around the and connecting them with a vast network of trusted Community is importan CLIENTS' STRESS! CREATES MUTUAL Winnetka to Hyde Park and West Loop, their main As one of the top teams at @properties, they have professionals. than just transactions, theybranding are AGENTS lymanager participates variout FOR ies in the bustling downtown More Chicago. Thanks to SUCCESS a full-time whoinassists 14)service, 9committed THINGS nurturing relationships with her teamupdating at Kellertheir Wilw exceptional Guidotoand his teampersonal have fine-tuning their ad campaigns, BEST LEADERS 21) HOW specific TO THE clients and offering comfortable,and pressure-free ex- GET Oktoberfest and Pics an he perfectTHE balance between new anda returning promoting properties. NEVER SAY RECHARGE OUT perience. As an a testament the teams’BIGGEST dedication, an ents, and they support t Their business now boasts impressiveto50% OF is YOUR LUNCH HOUR astounding ofbusiness their business from repeat has to com illow and another 50% from90% repeat and comes Guido deeply involved incontributed his community an referrals. school district for 15hey s, proving that clients when itand comes to Chicago real mitted to giving back. For every transaction withchosen an organization c Guido and his team are the ones to trust. he donates $50 to a charity by @properti Phone 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 What truly sets | Margaret and her year, team supporting apart as real population a wideunderserved range of causes from | truly www.topagentmagazine.com s approach mag@topagentmagazine.com to client is what lessness to cancer. of realeducation, estate, Guido estaterelationships agents is their ability to make the buying andOutside lessness, an portion of this process issue may be reproduced in anyagent. manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Agent Magazine m apart asNoan exceptional real estate traveling and exploring theTopMargi diverse selling as seamless as possible for their clients. ners, &culinary Kim, alss is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top ng in treating clients the way he would Chicago. As animalnizations lover andlike dogthe owner, They above and beyond to to take the off their Ronalh Agent Magazinego cannot be held responsible forwant opinions expressed or weight facts supplied byan its authors. subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. ed, he neverTopressures them to make hasty decitime with two dogs. shoulders, handling every aspect ishes of thespending transaction onhis Wheels. In her free t Published in the U.S. nd understands that perfect home canto do this for a reason, fromfinding start tothe finish. “We chose to visit her children, wh future, continue growing h ocess. “I know it’s a process,” he explains. “I justplateFor right? So we take that off their andthe make the Guido buy- plans the to world. andthem,” supporting his agents Top to Agent help Magazine them thrive y clients thatexperience they need,amazing show for 2 the information ing or selling Margaret With hisofdedication both clients an e properties they want to see, and I let them form andcareers. explains. Margaret’s empathy understanding In the to coming years, Ma With a strong drive to succeed, Jeff Ma’s journey in the real estate world is a testament to resilience and determination. A real estate crash course sparked his interest in the field, paving the way for a career built on unwavering persistence. He always knew he wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial path. “My family owns a restaurant, so I grew up in the kitchen,” he explains. “I saw how hard my parents work, even to do this day, and I knew I wanted to find a path that would allow me to find financial success for myself while also allowing me to help out my parents.” His first deal, selling his mother’s house, was a defining moment that launched his success in the industry. By focusing on relationship building, Jeff’s business flourished. Today, he is an influential figure in the greater Chicago investor community, hosting networking events and nurturing aspiring real estate professionals through a coaching program. With a continually growing business, Jeff’s inspiring story proves that with the right mindset and dedication, dreams can become reality.

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Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress! Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth. 4

You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable. Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family. And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions. Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service. Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly. Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted. Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 6

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’” Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares. If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help. When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

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JEFF MA

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Top Agent Jeff Ma is an influential figure in the greater Chicago investor community, hosting networking events and nurturing aspiring real estate professionals through a coaching program. With a strong drive to succeed, Jeff Ma’s journey in the real estate world is a testament to resilience and determination. A real estate crash course sparked his interest in the field, paving the way for a career built on unwavering persistence. He always knew he wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial path. “My family owns a restaurant, so I grew up in the kitchen,” he explains. “I saw how hard my parents work, even to do this day, and I knew I wanted to find a path that would allow me to find financial success for myself while also allowing me to help out my parents.” His first deal, selling his mother’s house, was a defining moment that launched his success in the industry. By focusing on relationship building, Jeff’s business flourished. Today, he is an influential figure in the greater Chicago investor community, hosting networking events and nurturing aspiring real estate professionals through a coaching program. With a continually growing business, Jeff’s inspiring story proves that with the right mindset and dedication, dreams can become reality. 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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Jeff’s unique background in the restaurant industry, coupled with his relentless motivation, sets him apart as a real estate agent. His ability to forge meaningful connections has helped him reach great heights. With a commitment to continuous learning and growth, he is sought out not only for his expertise as an agent, but also as an investor. Moreover,

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Jeff’s passion for sharing his knowledge and experiences with others through networking events and his coaching program highlights his dedication to empowering others in the field. “It’s 100% the mindset,” he explains. “And building the habits and the self-discipline to really be successful in real estate.”

Jeff’s ability to forge meaningful connections has helped him reach great heights. With a commitment to continuous learning and growth, he is sought out not only for his expertise as an agent, but also as an investor. He takes a hands-on approach to marketing his listings, placing a strong emphasis on personal connections and meaningful conversations. “I think the unique way now is going old school, picking up the phone and calling people,” he says, highlighting the importance of oneon-one interactions in an increasingly digital world. This approach demonstrates his commitment to building solid relationships with clients and leaving a strong impression. Jeff’s philosophy of “slow is the fastest way to get to where you want to be” showcases his dedication to intentionality and authenticity in his work. By prioritizing meaningful connections and genuine conversations, he distinguishes himself as a real estate agent who truly cares about his clients’ needs and experiences. Those who work with him love to tell others about their experience. One recently said, “Jeffrey made my home buying purchase a very smooth one. Being a first time home buyer I had a lot of questions and Jeffrey was always more than happy to assist or direct me. Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

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He is very knowledgeable and always has a positive attitude. He made sure to always show me homes he knew would be within my areas of interest. He’s always more than happy to provide guidance. I truly enjoyed working with Jeffrey and would recommend him to anyone.” In the future, Jeff envisions growing a small, close-knit team where he can actively

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participate in his team members’ businesses and lead by example. He believes in fostering a community of like-minded individuals who collaborate and work together, coming from a place of abundance rather than scarcity. With his inspiring story and a focus on collaboration and humility, Jeff aims to create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed in the real estate industry.

For more about Jeff Ma, call 773-345-6556 or email jm@jeffmarealty.com

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes. There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component. It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment. Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions? Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team. Top Agent Magazine

THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement. No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition. Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future. Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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GUIDO PIUNTI With a two decade history of working as a loan officer, Guido Piunti was destined for success as a real estate agent. He lived and worked all across the United States in his previous career, but after returning to his hometown of Chicago, he decided to try a new path. “I earned my real estate license in 2015,” he explains. His extensive experience in various aspects of the home buying process, including owning a title company, has made him a force to be reckoned with. Together with Alexa Hara, Guido formed a powerhouse team in 2017, and they now lead a group of eight talented agents, operating as one of the top teams at their Gold Coast office with @properties. Covering a vast area from Winnetka to Hyde Park and West Loop, their main focus lies in the bustling downtown Chicago. Thanks to their exceptional service, Guido and his team have struck the perfect balance between new and returning clients. Their business now boasts an impressive 50% from Zillow and another 50% from repeat business and referrals, proving that when it comes to Chicago real estate, Guido and his team are the ones to trust. Guido’s approach to client relationships is what truly sets him apart as an exceptional real estate agent. Believing in treating clients the way he would want to be treated, he never pressures them to make hasty decisions and understands that finding the perfect home can be a process. “I know it’s a process,” he explains. “I just give my clients the information that they need, show them the properties they want to see, and I let them form their own decision.” Staying connected with past clients is also crucial to Guido’s success. He engages in direct marketing through monthly mailers, e-blasts, and personalized birthday wishes, ensuring that his clients are

always well-informed about current market trends and local happenings. When it comes to marketing his listings, Guido and his team leverage the extensive resources provided by their affiliation with @properties and Christie’s International. “They have a system they designed, where we input our properties in there, and then our marketing department takes over,” he explains. This comprehensive marketing approach includes creating social media and Instagram posts, as well as making use of a platform that allows for the easy creation of promotional materials. Their listings are automatically pushed to over 400 websites across the country and around the world. As one of the top teams at @properties, they have access to a full-time branding manager who assists them in fine-tuning their ad campaigns, updating their website, and promoting specific properties. Guido is deeply involved in his community and committed to giving back. For every transaction he closes, he donates $50 to a charity chosen by @properties each year, supporting a wide range of causes from homelessness to cancer. Outside of real estate, Guido enjoys traveling and exploring the diverse culinary scene in Chicago. As an animal lover and dog owner, he cherishes spending time with his two dogs. For the future, Guido plans to continue growing his team and supporting his agents to help them thrive in their careers. With his dedication to both clients and team members, Guido remains an influential and well-respected figure in the Chicago real estate market. “What I love most about what I do is helping people navigate through the process.”

For more information about Guido Piunti, please call 312-983-2630 or email guido@atproperties.com

Cooperation, Not Competition, Creates

Mutual Success for Agents When people get along during a business transaction, everyone comes out happier. And in a service industry like real estate, agents have the power deliver that happiness. By working cooperatively, sharing advice and helping each other help clients, agents not only enhance their own reputations, but that of real estate in general. Top Agent Magazine

“Bring everyone together” Matt Kobelski, with Credentials Real Estate Group in Massachusetts, points out that providing good service involves more people than the party you’re representing. “I’m not afraid to bring together all the parties in a deal and say, ‘OK, let’s figure out a solution that works best

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Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem

for everyone,” he explains. “My goal is to avoid being adversarial.” Real estate, he believes, should always be a field in which each person can win. “It’s about working toward a mutual goal, shaking hands, and walking away happy that a seller sold, a buyer bought and everyone got what they wanted.” But Is it that simple? Most agents have experienced the ways conflicting personalities and tension during a transaction can heat up even the most cordial relations. In reality, however, it’s more productive to let down your guard and work with others as a team than it is to allow stress and competition to preside. South Florida REALTOR® and broker associate, Risë V. Siegrist, for instance, has zero interest in competing with other agents. “It’s more important to be professional and associate with competent, caring people,” she says. By serving others with a cooperative spirit, experienced agents like Risë set an excellent example for emerging real estate stars. Risë hopes to be a model for the next generation of agents, training people who may one day become part of her team. Risë’s position on cooperation inspires more reasons for nurturing relationships with other agents. Over the decades, many agents change brokerages several times. Who knows if that agent across the table will one day work at the 18

same brokerage you do? Perhaps you’ll even have an opportunity to partner on an exciting, future transaction. Good relations keep doors open to endless possibilities.

Co-listing cooperation Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem. In fact, some agents cleverly capitalize on their collective attributes, rather than competing against one another. South Carolina REALTOR® Kimberly Pannit is a perfect example of the universal benefits of co-listings. Although she has always been an independent agent, Kimberly works hard to form professional alliances that give her business the feel of a cooperative network across brokerages. This cooperative approach may be nontraditional, but it benefits clients in unique ways. By working closely with agents at other brokerages, she shows how agents can improve client service while helping one another. Kimberly’s cooperative approach began in her own neighborhood, where an agent friend from a different brokerage also lives. “Several years ago, I approached her because both of us were friends with our neighbors. I asked, ‘Why don’t we give our neighbors superior service and

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co-list together? We both love our area and are passionate about our jobs, the location and schools.’” She also didn’t want to make their mutual friends choose between them when they could work together. “I said, ‘Let’s give them amazing service together!’” With their brokers’ permission, two weeks later the agents co-listed their first home and put extra energy into ensuring uninterrupted client service.

Networking and “Co-opertition” When the ultimate goal is to match a client with the perfect home or create optimal terms of sale for a listings, networking with other agents can facilitate that ideal buyer-seller match. Nashville REALTOR® and broker/owner Lisa Land embraced every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the real estate industry and to her local market, even before building her own team. “Agents would frequently ask me for help or advice,” she says, noting that she shares, rather than guarding, the methods she uses to get through difficult or confusing transactions. “I was fortunate to have great mentors when I started in real estate, so I’m always

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willing to offer help, even to agents outside of The Luxe Collective.” Meanwhile, on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Janet Leigh Scott describes the climate between agents as relaxed and professional. “While the real estate market is highly competitive, we’re truly a ‘co-opertition’ market; agents work together and a have greater sense of community than you might experience in off-island brokerages,” Janet says. “If I have buyer coming into town, I’ll reach out to agents I’ve done transactions with to ask if they have anything coming up that might not be on the market yet.” Even in hot, competitive L.A. real estate, independent agents such as Andrej Nagy of The Agency RE knows the importance of receiving and providing professional mentorship. “My relationships with clients are extremely important,” he says. “But my relationships with agents on the other side of a deal are also important.” For REALTORS® like him, working smoothly with other agents is a privilege. Doing so builds rewarding relationships while ensuring win-win transactions for everyone at the closing table.

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MARGARET GIFFIN Amidst the dynamic world of real estate, Margaret Giffin emerges as a distinguished agent, setting herself apart from the rest. With a background in PR and marketing, she has expertly combined her passion for homes and knack for storytelling to create a unique real estate experience for her clients. For the past decade, she’s built a thriving business that shows no signs of slowing down. Together with a fellow entrepreneur and friend, Margi Hamilton, they rebranded their business to Ellyn & Main, focused on creating a sustainable and inclusive environment for their growing team. Serving the Chicagoland area and beyond, their home concierge team assists both buyers and sellers, providing guidance on renovations and connecting them with a vast network of trusted professionals. More than just transactions, they are committed to nurturing personal relationships with clients and offering a comfortable, pressure-free experience. As a testament to the teams’ dedication, an astounding 90% of their business comes from repeat clients and referrals. What truly sets Margaret and her team apart as real estate agents is their ability to make the buying and selling process as seamless as possible for their clients. They go above and beyond to take the weight off their shoulders, handling every aspect of the transaction from start to finish. “We chose to do this for a reason, right? So we take that off their plate and make the buying or selling experience amazing for them,” Margaret explains. Margaret’s empathy and understanding of her clients’ needs are evident in her interactions. In one instance, she recounts working with an older client who felt overwhelmed by the tasks ahead. Sensing her distress, Margaret assured her that she would manage the entire process, without charging any extra fees for her services. Clients return to work with Ellyn & Main

because they genuinely care for their client’s well-being and offer unparalleled support throughout the real estate journey. Margaret’s approach to marketing their listings is multifaceted and tailored to each individual property. “The very first showing is online,” she explains. To ensure they have high-quality visuals, Margaret works only with top-notch photographers and personally takes care of staging, along with her team, to make the properties look fantastic. In addition to their strong online presence, Margaret also relies on word-of-mouth marketing through their extensive network of agents in the city and suburbs. Community is important to Margaret, so she frequently participates in various events and charities. She and her team at Keller Williams organize events such as Oktoberfest and Pics and Sips with Santa for their clients, and they support the local food pantry. Margaret has contributed to community outreach in the local school district for 15 years and is currently involved with an organization called Outreach, which assists underserved populations with issues such as homelessness, education, and business training. Her partners, Margi & Kim, also engage with charitable organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels. In her free time, Margaret enjoys traveling to visit her children, who live in different cities around the world. In the coming years, Margaret plans to continue growing Ellyn & Main naturally and organically, while prioritizing their clients’ needs and providing a high level of value. Margaret’s dedication to her clients’ satisfaction, combined with her ambition to potentially expand her real estate brand to other states, promises a bright future for her work.

For more information about Margaret Giffin, please call 312-215-2255 or email margaretgiffin@kw.com 20

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create Top Agent Magazine

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon. But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule? Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed. Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order. 22

PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list. Top Agent Magazine

Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow. Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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