Cindi Sodolski can’t be stopped. Since her first feature in Chicago Real Producers back in June 2019, Cindi has continued her upward trajectory, achieving remarkable success while maintaining a personal touch that sets her apart. Her momentum certainly hasn’t waned, and her success is just another example of how she approaches everything in life: with fierce passion, grit, and heart.

Cindi catapulted into her real estate career in 2012. Although she caught the Chicago market on a near-perfect upswing, she was amply prepared from her years of community service. While her four kids—triplets, and a son who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum and with severe food allergies in his early years—were in school, Cindi worked with countless fundraising efforts, raising money for sports, schools, and charities. She also became a voice for the voiceless, spearheading inclusion and allergy committees to help children with special needs and life-threatening food allergies.

“I was working full-time to help others, and I simply transitioned that same concept to selling homes—helping people for the greater good and enjoying it immensely,” Cindi explains. 

Cindi’s efforts to help people started well before she ever had kids. She has a long and diverse medical background as a registered radiological technologist, registered diagnostic medical sonographer, registered vascular technologist, and registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer. Cindi was a “Jill-of-all-trades,” teaching, demonstrating ultrasound equipment, giving talks at large seminars, and working with high-profile physicians.

The incredible work ethic and professional acumen Cindi possesses were deeply instilled in her by her family as she was growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, a small steel town.

“Youngstown is a gritty kind of town, and I always say, ‘You can take me out of Ohio, but you can't take the Ohio out of me,’” Cindi asserts.

Cindi spent her early life performing in cheerleading and dance, and running neighborhood carnivals in the backyard. While growing up, she looked up to her mom and grandma in particular. “Neither went to college, but they were the most honest, hardworking, and funniest people around, and they always tried to help people. There are many successful people out there making a lot of money, but if you aren't a good person, then success doesn't even matter,” she states.

Among her notable achievements: Cindi was one of only three people accepted into her college program out of hundreds of applicants; she was one of the youngest people in the US to complete her boards (X-ray, ultrasound, neurosonology, vascular, and cardiology), as well as one of only twenty people to obtain so many certifications; and when she got her sales job out of college, she was the youngest person hired in her position.

Such a high achiever can’t be stopped. So when Cindi found herself in her mid-forties with her children getting closer to attending high-cost colleges, she felt the pull to start a new career. As it happened, she and her husband had recently purchased a new-construction home in North Center, and she became intrigued by the whole process and the real estate industry. 

Transitioning into real estate, Cindi leveraged her extensive background and deep-seated work ethic to quickly make a mark. Today, she runs a small, personal real estate business, ensuring her clients receive the highest level of service. "All teams and agents run their businesses differently. It is the era of big teams and lots of support. But I have chosen to run a small, personal business, where I show up to everything," she explains.

Cindi's husband, Steve, joined the team, bringing his MBA from Vanderbilt University and extensive experience in finance and sales to the table. His transition from the capital markets to real estate was seamless, and his role allows him to support Cindi and enhance their business while organically turning it into a family business. 

Lily Machmouchi, the team’s operations manager, adds another layer of strength with her technological proficiency and organizational skills, overseeing transactions from start to finish and managing all marketing. Described by Cindi as “a great sounding board,” Lily has become like family and embodies the team’s ethos of support and excellence.

Cindi’s business thrives on referrals and repeat clients, a testament to the trust and respect she has earned over the years. This success is underpinned by her unwavering dedication to putting clients’ interests first, a philosophy that has guided her career from the beginning.

Looking to the future, Cindi envisions continuing to grow her business while maintaining the personal touch that has become her hallmark. “With my national connections through Compass and other networking groups, I can assist clients all over the country and the world, for that matter. There is no box that I need to fit into or be encompassed by. I can go anywhere and be successful using the same concepts I have applied to my business here in Chicago,” she reflects.

Balancing a demanding career with family life, Cindi finds joy in simple pleasures like traveling, playing games, exercising (Pilates and yoga), and trying new restaurants. Her goldendoodle, Archie, adds to the warmth and happiness that define the family’s home life.

For Cindi, success means more than professional achievements. It’s about inspiring others, supporting her family, and making a positive impact in the world. 

“Inspire people, do good in the world, and love what you do,” she says.