“Our goal is to leave every person we encounter happier than they were before meeting us,” says Courtney Monaco, leader of the Courtney Monaco Group with Keller Williams Experience in Downers Grove. “The real estate transaction can be one of the most stressful points in our clients’ lives, and it is our goal to help alleviate that stress as we assist them in transitioning to a new chapter.”

This team of four real estate pros understands that the stress of the real estate transaction is often not the only factor: people often move when life presents them with new milestones like marriage, children, new jobs, divorce, death. “These milestones are some of the most pivotal moments in our clients’ lives,” notes Courtney. So she and her team keep this fact first and foremost in their minds, and it’s one of the main reasons why they are so inspired to excel at taking care of their clients throughout the process. She continues, “We help our clients every step of the way—from first meeting to post closing. We create a seamless transaction with excellent customer service.”

The team’s awareness of these life milestones influences their work culture too. “During our yearly business planning meeting, we focus on our own personal ‘big rocks’ first: family, vacations, and goals,” explains Courtney. “Once we plan out our dreams, goals, and aspirations for the year, we then move on to our business plan. Our business goals are created to support our life goals.”

This strategy helps the team to remember how to “live life by design,” and to prioritize this mindset within their client relationships. It helps to make each interaction special versus just transactional.

“We know that when we reach our [personal] life goals, we are better armed to aid our clients in reaching their life goals,” shares Courtney. “Our goal is to create our life by design and to aid our clients in creating theirs [via real estate]. Assisting them through this process is, and should be, an honor.”

Since 2011, when she transitioned from marketing, promotions, sales, and admin roles at companies like ESPN Radio and CDW, Courtney has consistently demonstrated outstanding natural leadership as a REALTORⓇ. Over the last seven years, she has developed her team to now include two other brokers and an operations expert.

Doug Lee was the first to join the Monaco Group. Previously a marketing and operations professional at McDonald’s Corporation, Doug has been awarded the office’s Sunshine Award many times. 

“He deeply cares about our clients and partners, and it shows,” says Courtney. “He’s a ray of sunshine to everyone he meets.”

Next to join the team was Tara Basta, who serves as the operations manager, overseeing the day-to-day details that keep the business moving forward. She utilizes her experiences as a professional photographer and roles in the hospitality industry to improve the client experience for the firm. 

“Tara is our rock,” says Courtney. “She keeps the business functioning at a high level. Our business wouldn’t be nearly as successful without her.”

Then, around two years ago now, Amy Chowaniec joined the team as a broker. Amy holds a master’s degree in organizational and professional communications development from Ball State University, and she previously taught public speaking. Her aptitude as a communicator and experience working with students give her a unique set of skills. 

“The four of us thoroughly enjoy working together, and we continue to evolve our systems to offer an amazing client experience, which includes extra services and advice,” shares Courtney. Amy is well-versed in house hacking and loves teaching clients how to create passive income; Doug enjoys instructing clients about commercial and residential leases; and Courtney just recently obtained her license in Wisconsin to aid clients with lake house and vacation rentals.

Because they focus so much on their own life goals, the team makes a big deal out of celebrating each one together and supporting each other. Doug and Amy each welcomed their first children this year, which gave them extra cause for celebration. The team also often take yoga classes and outdoor hikes together, and they stay active in local community organizations. The Darien Lions Club, A Rae of Joi—an organization that supports parents with children who have childhood cancer, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital are the team’s go-tos.

Looking forward, Courtney knows that her team will have to continue to adapt to an ever-changing market, both in terms of what clients expect from REALTORSⓇ and what they look for in homes. It’s an exciting challenge that Courtney approaches head-on, like she has the many obstacles she’s overcome in her seasoned real estate career.

“The real estate industry continues to change, and we are looking forward to changing with it,” says Courtney. “We are excited for the growth the coming years will bring, both personally and professionally.”

“As a team we are quick to pivot and evolve,” she adds. “Change is the only constant in life, and we always strive to be at the forefront of it. Together, we have built something much bigger and better than we could have alone.”