“It’s hard work. Don’t underestimate that,” says Lisa Blume, founder of the Blume Group, reflecting on creating success. Lisa’s path moved her from Louisville to New York City and then to Chicago, where she has become one of the Windy City’s most respected REALTORS®.

 

“Following good habits, even when you’re feeling discouraged, absolutely works in the long run,” she adds. Steadfast commitment has not only driven Lisa’s personal success, but is behind the success of her dynamic, customer-focused real estate team that recently expanded to Florida.

 

Lisa left Louisville, where she grew up, at age eighteen; it was a brief modeling career that brought her to the Big Apple and introduced her to international travel. She eventually earned a degree in marketing from Pace University, which set the stage for her successful career in advertising. Working for major names like House Beautiful and other design-focused publications honed her eye for aesthetics, a skill she would later leverage in real estate.

 

“Those years in advertising taught me the importance of assessing clients’ needs and how to present things in their best light,” Lisa says. Those skills and experiences quickly became essential in real estate, allowing her to help clients showcase their homes to sell quickly and at top value.

 

But it wasn’t only her talent and skills in sales and marketing that led Lisa to real estate. As a single mother to her daughter, Grace, whom she adopted from China, Lisa wanted a career that would provide stability without the demands of corporate travel.

 

“When Grace was younger, I didn’t want to be in a corporate job that would have me on planes 24/7,” Lisa says. Real estate offered her flexibility, control, and the chance to be her own boss. Plus, she adds, “There’s no cap on your earning potential, only how hard you want to work for it.”

 

Lisa faced the challenges of starting a real estate career from scratch, with many long days of building relationships and staying dedicated. Her background in sales and marketing certainly helped, but it was her drive and persistence that made the difference.

 

“You can never anticipate where the business will come from,” Lisa notes. “You have to be open and try to help as many people as you can.”

 

After five years as a solo REALTOR®, Lisa launched the Blume Group and joined Keller Williams. Today the team has expanded to four agents and two support staff, each bringing unique strengths to the table.

 

The Chicago-based team includes award-winning REALTOR® and original investor in Keller Williams ONE Chicago, Tawnya McVicker; Jazmin Suarez brings her dedication to community work and her knowledge, as a native Chicagoan, to each transaction; and agent Jill Craig provides knowledgeable advice on Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and schools.

 

“Having a team with multiple perspectives makes us all better,” Lisa explains. “Our team excels at local expertise and strives for a high level of customer service, delivered by kind and caring individuals.”

 

The Blume Group is also represented by agents in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Naples, Florida. They ensure that clients receive the same “white glove service” in Florida as they would in Chicago.

 

“We’re aiming to not grow too big—it’s about maintaining quality,” Lisa explains. “We’ll add maybe one more person in Chicago, and continue to expand thoughtfully in Florida.”

 

Looking ahead, Lisa is committed to establishing systems that guarantee exceptional and consistent experiences for clients. Her vision for the future includes providing more flexibility and security through team growth and creating a foundation that allows her to continue teaching and coaching other agents.

 

“I’m not sure if I will ever retire but I’d like to travel a bit more, so having a team I trust to uphold the same standards is incredibly important to me,” she says. “It’s about creating freedom to do what you want, when you want.”

 

When she’s not working, Lisa spends time with Grace, who is now a sophomore at the University of Illinois. Together, they enjoy exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Lisa also enjoys simple pleasures like sitting in the sun with a good book, getting together with friends, and cooking. She also stays active in her community, supporting Care for Real and the Brown Elephant in Edgewater—two organizations that are close to her heart.

 

Recently, Lisa downsized to a high-rise on Lake Michigan, and she finds tranquility in her new space.

 

“The balcony, sunrises, and view of the water make me feel like I’m on vacation,” she says.

 

For Lisa, real estate has become a lifelong career and pursuit shaped by hard work, adaptability, and a desire to serve. With the Blume Group, she has built a business rooted in integrity and client care—a legacy that’s sure to continue to thrive in the hands of her dedicated team.