The moment I realized life is 100 percent about taking responsibility for your own actions, I discovered how much I was capable of,” says REALTOR® Zack Redden, co-founder and managing broker of Redden + McDaniel. “I also learned that I could spend my time doing what I wanted, with the people I wanted to do that work with.”

For Zack, this realization marked a turning point, propelling him toward a career in real estate that blended his passions for history, architecture, and community. Today, as a thriving REALTOR® and team leader, Zack has built a reputation not only for his expertise in Chicago’s vintage housing market but also for his collaborative spirit and commitment to preserving the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Zack’s connection to Chicago began long before he called it home. He grew up in suburban St. Charles but always admired the fact that his father was raised in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. 

“I was jealous that I wasn’t born in the city,” he admits. “I’ve always had an affinity for Chicago’s rich and complex history, as well as the crafting of its vibrant communities and homes.”

Zack’s childhood was shaped by a family deeply involved in housing: his mother worked at a title company before becoming a lender, and his father was a contractor. These influences instilled in him a fascination with the craftsmanship and character of historic homes.

He was also interested in a different kind of crafting: after graduating from culinary school during the economic downturn in 2007, Zack embarked on a decade-long professional career in the food service industry, which he’d actually started in long before then. “I started working as an ice cream specialist at a Dairy Queen at age thirteen, and ended [that career path] as a butcher at age thirty,” he says.

However, Zack’s love for Chicago’s architectural history never waned. In 2014, he pivoted into real estate, inspired by his love for vintage buildings and the desire to “breathe new life into them while preserving their unique character.” Transitioning into real estate wasn’t without its challenges though. 

“I had to overcome myself,” Zack explains. “While I have always been a positive person, I struggled with blaming external factors for my own setbacks. When I took more ownership, it changed everything.”

A key turning point in Zack’s career was meeting his mentor, Terry McMahon, an experienced real estate investor who taught him the value of patience and having pride in one’s work. 

“Under McMahon’s guidance, I honed my skills in sales and property restoration, finding a niche in Chicago’s vintage housing stock,” Zack says. “I love the stories these buildings tell and the eras they represent—times when people were proud of what they made.”

In 2020, Zack partnered with Chase McDaniel, a colleague from a previous brokerage, to form Redden + McDaniel. 

“Chase and I share the same goals and passions, and we push each other to grow,” Zack says. “We recharge each other (vs. drain each other). That is key to our success.”

Together, Zack and Chase have built a dynamic partnership that blends Zack’s deep appreciation for history and sales expertise with Chase’s contracting knowledge, work ethic, and empathy. Redden + McDaniel’s approach is rooted in communication, market expertise, and a commitment to standing out in a competitive industry. 

“We help clients see the hidden potential in properties, whether through restoration or matching them with their dream homes,” Zack explains. “Our efforts are driven by a shared goal: to enhance Chicago’s livability while preserving its architectural heritage.”

Despite his success, Zack remains grounded, defining success as “being able to do what you want to, when you want to.” He emphasizes, “On tough days, I remind myself that there are people in the world praying for the opportunities I have.” This philosophy extends to his family life, where he finds joy in spending time with his wife, Tess, and their daughter, Lily, who was born last year. 

“We love traveling, live music, and trying new restaurants,” he says. They also appreciate the simple pleasure of walking through their Independence Park neighborhood and marveling at its original homes.

Looking ahead, Zack envisions growing Redden + McDaniel into a brokerage that continues to make a meaningful impact on Chicago’s real estate market. He is particularly passionate about mentoring new agents. “Call the people you admire and ask questions, and never stop learning,” he advises. As Zack Redden continues to grow Redden + McDaniel, he remains committed to his mission: to honor the past while shaping the future, one vintage building at a time.