Last Thursday night, realtors from all over the city dressed up and headed to the iconic Field Museum for the Chicago Association of Realtors‘ Sales Awards. I’ve attended this event almost every year since I started my real estate career — but this one was different: Melanie Everett & Company received recognition, and I was honored to accept our award on stage. A dream come true for a college kid turned licensed broker turned small business owner like me!
On the day of the event, I grew anxious. I carefully laid my outfit on our bed — an airy, dark blue dress by Rebecca Taylor with my favorite bag — and paced around the room. This isn’t a big deal, I told myself. Relax. But, of course, it was a big deal! It was a major milestone for M&Co. It was something I’d wanted for more than seven years.
To walk across the stage. To be amongst the real estate greats. To be known.
Andrew, as he always does, calmed me down. He donned a handsome blue suit and drove us down to the South Loop. We stopped by a quick happy hour first (we got to ride in a golf cart from our car to the museum entrance, so fun!). Soon, it was time to take our seats in the auditorium.
Over the next hour, top producers of all kinds were honored by our association: rental brokers, commercial brokers, and finally, residential brokers. This was it! I stood up with other honorees, and just like that, I crossed the stage. The award was placed in my hands — wow! I stared down at it, silently thanking God — the author of that very moment.
The rest of Thursday was a blur. After the ceremony, the crowd milled into the Stanley Field Hall. CAR really went all out for this celebration! There was a band, dining stations and passed apps, and several bars. The room buzzed with music and conversation. Andrew and I sauntered around, stopping to chat with industry friends of mine. We left the party after a few hours and decided to stop at Lux Bar, where I happily devoured fries and a platter of chips and guac. What a night it had been!
Over the last couple of days, I’ve thought a lot about what this award means to me and to Melanie Everett & Company. It is a tangible representation of my team’s accomplishments in 2021. A trophy for our never-ending hustle, our commitment to our clients, our love for what we do each day.
It is an honor that isn’t just for me.
It’s for the talented and tenacious M&Co. team.
It’s for the buyers and sellers who’ve trusted us.
It’s for every single person who has supported, referred, and cheered on this boutique real estate brokerage.
So, to all of you (you know who you are!): Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
