“I was stuck behind a desk in front of three screens for the first eight years of my professional life,” says REALTOR® Kavan Hoff of @properties' Grossman Group. “Now my ‘work’ day consists of walking through beautiful homes with new people every day. It’s the biggest blessing and something I will never take for granted.”

Growing up in the small town of Rochester, Indiana (population 6,000), Kavan’s appreciation for architecture and community started on the tree-lined streets of his childhood. “I grew up in an old Victorian home, and family trips to Indianapolis for Colts games meant driving past historic mansions on Meridian Street,” Kavan recalls. “We’d spend the drive picking out our favorite homes and imagining the stories behind them.”

Kavan left Rochester for the slightly larger small town of Oxford, Ohio, to attend Miami University and then to Chicago in 2010. The jump from smaller towns to a metropolis reopened his fascination with architecture. Living in Lincoln Park, he would walk past many iconic Chicago homes. That’s when he began to envision a future in real estate.

But the fruition of this dream wasn’t immediate. For eight years, Hoff worked in a customer sales role at Command Transportation, a logistics company, and stayed on after it was acquired by Echo Global Logistics. It was a career that taught him invaluable skills, including negotiation, customer service, and adaptability. 

“One moment I’d be on the phone with a C-level executive at a Fortune 500 company, and the next, a truck driver stranded somewhere in Middle America,” he adds. “My job allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life." Despite his professional success, Kavan felt something was missing. “I was very appreciative for the experience and lifestyle the job afforded me, but I knew I wasn’t passionate about my work,” he admits. “I wanted to wake up feeling excited every day.” 

Kavan purchased his first investment property in April 2015, and the process reignited his love for real estate. In June 2018, he made the bold decision to leave his corporate career and pursue real estate full-time. By November of that same year, he was officially a REALTOR®, ready to take on the challenges of Chicago’s competitive market. 

Starting from scratch in a new industry wasn’t easy, and he was banking on the network of people he had made over the previous eight years. “A lot of REALTORS® in Chicago grew up here and had established connections from day one,” Kavan explains. “I had to build my network from the ground up.”

Kavan leaned on his Midwestern work ethic, professional background, and sheer determination. He credits his success to always putting his clients first, always ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout the buying or selling process. 

“Because real estate transactions can be stressful, I make myself available 24/7 for my clients. Whether it’s Saturday morning or midnight on a weekday, I’m there to help,” Kavan says. “When clients tell me the process was fun and enjoyable, I find that most rewarding.”

His commitment has definitely paid off: today Hoff is recognized for his ability to balance optimism with professionalism. He’s also become deeply involved in his adopted city, supporting local businesses and exploring the vibrant neighborhoods with his friends and family. 

“Walking through Old Town and Lincoln Park never gets old,” Kavan says. “The architecture, the energy, the people—it’s all part of what makes Chicago my favorite city in the world.”

Though his professional life keeps him busy, Kavan prioritizes time with his family. His parents, who instilled in him their values of hard work and compassion, remain his greatest inspiration. 

“My dad built a successful medical practice, and my mom ran our family’s other businesses while creating the most loving home. But neither one ever missed a single meaningful event in my life or important milestone,” he says. “They showed me the kind of life that balance and dedication can provide.”

For Kavan, real estate has become his lifelong pursuit. His goals include expanding his portfolio of investment properties, helping more clients navigate their own transitions, and continuing to grow in a career he genuinely loves. 

“Success used to mean a specific number to me,” he admits. “Now, it’s about freedom and quality of life.”

Kavan’s passion is evident in every transaction, every conversation, and every home he helps his clients find. “Helping people through one of the most significant moments of their lives is an honor,” he says. “Whether it’s a starter home, a place for a growing family, or a condo for people who are ready to downsize, I’m here to help guide them.”

Looking back on his journey—from being an admirer of old Victorian homes in Hoosier country to a thriving real estate professional in Chicago—Kavan is both proud and grateful. 

“I live in one of the greatest cities in the world, doing what I love,” he adds. “That’s a dream come true.”