Get to know our members who share their expertise to help shape the future of our association and industry!
We chatted with one of our 2022 Directors Chris Pezza, The Apartment Source, to find out more about his career path, why he volunteers and more.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
16 years
WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE?
I always loved architecture, but I couldn’t draw a straight line, so I chased my love of real estate by helping people meet their investment goals instead.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
Winning the 2019 REALTOR® Achievement Award was a nice reminder of all the hard work over the years, but my favorite achievement is every time I help someone buy their first piece of land. That feeling never gets old and the importance of what we are doing never fades.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
My family, co-workers, closest friends, industry partners and all the mentors I have gained by getting involved with CAR.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I just love knowing at the end of the day I have done my part to make someone happy at home, and that I have the ability to add to the beauty of the Chicago skyline.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO TAKE THEIR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
GET INVOLVED! Can I type that in bigger letters?
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING MEAN TO YOU?
Volunteering on CAR committees means that I can use my voice to bring the progress I want to see to our industry and to positively impact our industry and city.
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST VALUABLE TO YOU/YOUR BUSINESS SINCE YOU GOT INVOLVED IN OUR INDUSTRY?
As a property manager, the knowledge I have gained about the ever-changing local ordinance and city practices has launched me to the forefront of this niche area of real estate in Chicago.