Debbi Nick has always been drawn to life’s big moments. From her early days in hospitality and event planning to her thriving career in real estate, she’s found purpose in being part of the milestones that shape people’s lives. For Debbi, real estate isn’t just about buying or selling homes; it’s about connection, celebration, and creating lasting memories.

Raised in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Debbi’s Chicago roots run deep. She attended Lincoln Elementary and Lincoln Park High School, forming lifelong connections with friends from all corners of the city. “Growing up here gave me an appreciation for how diverse and dynamic this community is,” Debbi shares. “I know Chicago like the back of my hand, and it’s been an incredible foundation for my work.”

Debbi’s journey to real estate wasn’t immediate. After college, she spent years in the hospitality industry that culminated in a role at the iconic Spiaggia restaurant, where she planned weddings and events. “I loved being part of those special moments,” Debbi recalls. But at that stage of her life with young kids at home, the unpredictable hours were tough.

Encouraged by a friend in real estate who saw her potential, Debbi made the leap in 2012. As a career changer, Debbi wanted to make an impact right away. Upon Sean Conlon’s recommendation, Debbi met Jim “JimB.” Buczynski, and the trajectory of her career immediately took off. He was generous with his knowledge and mentored Debbi without ego. The mentorship morphed into a partnership, and Debbi has been a part of JimB. & Partners for over ten years now. Today, Debbi is mentoring their newest team member, Sugandhi Chugani, and is loving the opportunity to pay it forward.

Over the past thirteen years, Debbi has built a business grounded in trust, service, and authenticity. Her passion for helping people shines through in every transaction. “I love seeing homes through my clients’ eyes,” she says. “Whether it’s a first-time buyer finding a place to call their own or a family moving into their next chapter, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.”

Debbi compares her success in real estate to running a marathon—something she’s done many times before. “Running a marathon is all about setting a goal and then working backwards to create a plan,” she explains. “I apply the same mindset to my business. If you stay consistent and focus on the steps, eventually, you’ll cross the finish line.”

That same dedication extends into Debbi’s personal life, where she’s found balance and joy with her family. Together with her man, Steve, they’ve built a blended family that brings her endless happiness. Their four children—Heath, Micah, Ezra, and Audrey—are scattered across the country. The boys are attending different colleges, while Audrey is soaking up her new role as the “spoiled only child” at home before heading off to college in the fall. Family time often includes trips to visit the boys, playing Scattergories, tackling escape rooms, or simply sharing a meal.

“Food is a huge part of my life,” Debbi says, laughing. “From exploring signature dishes at new restaurants to prepping a meal at home, I could talk about food all day. I geek out about a good soft cheese like Robiola, a crunchy Honeycrisp apple, a freshly baked baguette from La Boulangerie, or a glass of Sancerre.”

To relax, Debbi enjoys long walks through her Lakeview neighborhoods of Roscoe Village and Southport Corridor. Sometimes it’s with a podcast like SmartLess in her ears, and sometimes it’s simply for quiet moments of reflection. Her favorite part is running into people she knows on her route and giving them a wave or a smile. Along the way, there’s almost always a stop at Trader Joe’s, but sometimes, Debbi will also duck in for a glass of wine at Lush Wine & Spirits.

As Debbi looks to the future, she’s ready to take her business to new heights. With her youngest child leaving the nest this fall, she sees this as her time to soar (and to finally take hot showers without interruption). “Though I’ll miss my kids, I’m excited to focus on growing my business,” she says. “Every day, I realize how much more there is to learn and how many opportunities there are to make a difference.”

Reflecting on her journey, Debbi defines success in simple terms: meaningful relationships, happy clients, and finding joy in the present moment. For Debbi, it’s not just about reaching milestones, such as holding the record for the city’s highest-ever home price south of the Loop at $4,800,000;1 it’s about appreciating the journey while building connections that last a lifetime.

1 Rodkin, Dennis. 2023. “This is the city’s highest-ever home price anywhere south of the Loop.” Crain’s Chicago Business, July 10. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/printers-row-house-sells-citys-highest-price-south-loop