Entrepreneurship runs in Marki Lemons Ryhal’s blood. Her family has long shaped Chicago’s business landscape, from Lem’s Bar-B-Q to a newspaper stand in Washington Park. By the age of 10, she was already working in these businesses, gaining hands-on lessons in what it takes to run a business. That early foundation set the stage for her remarkable career in real estate.
As she considered how to turn her skills and interests into a career, real estate called. Lemons Ryhal started as a loan officer, but she was drawn to the flexibility and work-life balance that being a real estate broker offered. She focused on real estate market trends and remained consistent in her data-driven activities, which continued to drive her success. Mentorship became central to her journey due to the friendship of Frank Williams of F.J. Williams Realty, LLC; Williams had known her grandfather, and his brokerage magnetic calendars were a fixture at Lem’s Bar-B-Q throughout her childhood.
Then, with one suggestion from Williams, Lemons Ryhal earned her license as a real estate and continuing education instructor, a step that transformed her career. By 2007, while few were talking about short sales or foreclosures, Lemons Ryhal’s attention to the numbers signaled that change was on the horizon, leading her to develop the Accredited Distressed Property Representative course. This course, which is solely owned by Lemons Ryhal, was taught in conjunction with REALTOR® associations.
Since then, Lemons Ryhal has become one of the industry’s most dynamic voices, particularly on emerging technologies such as social media and artificial intelligence. She was among the first two million people to adopt ChatGPT, and her forward-thinking approach has fueled the creation of more than 125 courses on real estate and business development. Over the years, she has educated more than one million real estate professionals through speaking engagements, course instruction and more.
Her expertise has earned her national recognition. She has been invited to speak at the National Association of REALTORS® Conference & Expo 12 times and now hosts the NAR podcast Drive With NAR, where she engages REALTORS® nationwide in conversations about hot topics and strategies for success.
This year, her innovation, leadership and unwavering dedication to elevating others have earned her induction into the 2025 Hall of Fame.
