“My decision to start in real estate was needs-based: my husband was very sick and in need of a heart transplant,” explains REALTORⓇ Ellyn Collins of Coldwell Banker in LaGrange. “Failure was not an option.”

Throughout Ellyn’s life and career, working through the health issues of others has built grit and perseverance into her character. It has also reframed her priorities: she focuses less on everyday challenges and more on what it takes to overcome them.

“These experiences have helped me to understand what I think is important in life,” says Ellyn. “Life is precious—a gift, and at times it is difficult. With strength and a positive attitude, I have always moved forward.”

Growing up in River Forest, Illinois, Ellyn was raised by a strong father with a notable work ethic. Inspired by her dad, she started working at age fifteen. After attending Lake Forest College, marrying, and having kids, Ellyn began working with young children at the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education—her first experience with being a champion for people with limitations.

“I had the chance to work with three-to-five-year-olds who had speech needs,” she says. “My role was to encourage and support them and to help create a positive learning environment.”

When Ellyn’s husband had to leave the workforce in 2015 due to a serious illness, she needed a career with flexibility and growth opportunities, and quickly. Her natural skills in communication, setting expectations, networking, and as a tenacious negotiator made her an instant success in real estate. Also, her experience in overcoming difficult personal situations has made her an ideal client advocate.

“My life experience enables me to have difficult conversations and better connect with people,” says Ellyn. “I can assist [clients] in managing the various big emotions tied to a home sale or purchase, and I am not afraid to tell clients what they need to hear, even if it’s not always what they want to hear.”

Because real estate is her chance to provide for her family and contribute to the lives of others, Ellyn sees her career as a privilege. Since she started her REALTOR® career, Ellyn has seen continued success year after year, which has come mostly through referrals. As her confidence and reputation have grown, Ellyn has built out her team. About four years ago, Ellyn brought on Jeanne Blauw, a home stylist, and almost two years ago, Ellyn’s son, Michael, joined the team as a licensed agent.

“[Previously] Michael was in the medical device industry and was very successful. I discouraged his leaving and joining me, as I felt he had a better path forward with medical devices,” Ellyn shares. “Fortunately, he did not listen to me.”

Ellyn met Jeanne through their similar love of fitness—something they still share. In fact, you can add “fitness instructor” to Ellyn’s long list of roles and skills, as she regularly teaches barre and deep water running. And Ellyn’s past community involvement included her active volunteer work at AMITA Health LaGrange (now AdventHealth LaGrange) and Hinsdale hospitals—a familiar setting for Ellyn and her family—where she served on one of their boards.

Looking forward, Ellyn aims to grow her vibrant and successful team, and mentor Michael to become her business partner. Through it all, she stays motivated by focusing on putting her clients first and her original reason for becoming a REALTORⓇ: a way to support herself and her family.

“I am passionate about putting a deal together. I am not driven by units sold or the commission,” states Ellyn. “I had to work to provide for my family while maintaining their emotional and spiritual needs. There was so much on the line.” 

“Real estate is directly tied to my quality of life when I retire,” she adds. “I am working toward that goal while guiding others through to their real estate dreams.”