“As a lifelong entrepreneur, I always knew I wanted a full-time career that offered me the opportunity to run my own business,” says agent Wendy Pusczan of Keller Williams in Naperville. “After a divorce, a single life, and finally a new marriage, I was at last in a partnership that offered me the support and opportunity to take a gamble and live out my dream of becoming a REALTOR®.”

Wendy inherited her entrepreneurial spirit from her parents who founded their own office supply business immediately after they were married. Wendy, who grew up in Chicago, watched her parents partner together to make their dreams a reality. Their inspiring example made a tremendous imprint on her.

“I grew up in a family business where my parents offered summer jobs to me and all my friends,” she says. “They taught us to set goals and overachieve.”

As a female salesperson, Wendy’s mother, Fern Pullman, was a pioneer in her industry and showed Wendy that women could do anything they set their minds to. Wendy’s parents also demonstrated the path to success in any business is to treat your clients with respect and provide exceptional service. 

“They also showed me that you can build a strong business through creating clients for life—that strong relationships are the foundation and cornerstone of everything,” says Wendy.

 

After high school, Wendy attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study speech communications and computer science. She worked in computer sales for twelve years, earned her MBA from Loyola University at night, and bought her first condo at age twenty-three. Over the next several years, Wendy would reach the highest heights as a top-performing salesperson, as well as experience the lowest lows in her personal and professional lives.

“I had a very successful career,” Wendy says. “I got married and built my dream home. The only thing missing in my life was kids. After eight years of struggling with infertility, we decided to adopt our daughters, Jade and Cloe, from Russia.”

However, life wasn’t simple for Wendy. “My ex-husband was unable to work due to mental health issues, so I had to support my daughters on my own; I was the sole provider,” she explains. “I’d wanted to become a REALTOR® for years, but I needed the insurance benefits of my previous job. I went through a divorce, lost my job, and eventually lost my dream home. The fear of being homeless and disappointing my daughters hovered over me for years.”

Recalling her life lessons from childhood, Wendy returned to her entrepreneurial roots to obtain a new career and a fresh start. 

“My mom is one who never took no for an answer,” Wendy says. “She would find a solution for everything. If one door closed, another would open, and she’d be there to open it.”

In addition to wanting to run her own business that held unlimited opportunities, Wendy dreamt of a job where she could give back and make a difference in other people’s lives. Real estate checked all those boxes. Wendy struggled in her first year, but she soon found success, opportunities to give back, and even true love.

“When I met my now husband, Brian, we realized we had so much in common,” Wendy says. “He even had two adopted daughters too—twins, Maddie and Alicia, from Poland. We fell in love, got married on the beach in Michigan, and bought a new home together as a family. Having a true partner allowed me to thrive in my new career.”

Wendy and Brian are not only partners in life, but also in their real estate business. Brian is a buyer’s agent who is also certified in commercial real estate. Along with their marketing director, Danielle Graves, they hope to someday add more agents and expand into other states to help more people.

“While working with your spouse is always a challenge, it has brought us even closer,” shares Wendy. “I’ve never been happier.”

When they need to unwind, you’ll find Wendy, Brian, and their four daughters, along with extended family, relaxing at their lake home in Wisconsin. Wendy also supports causes and charities in her community, especially those that help the homeless. “Money is good for the good money can do” is a motto she lives by.

Keller Williams selected Wendy to be their Luxury Regional Ambassador, a role she considers a huge honor. Working with first-time homebuyers, however, is still what brings her the most joy. 

“I try to go to all my closings because they remind me why I do what I do,” says Wendy. “The client’s excitement, tears, and smiles at the closing table and when I hand over the keys . . . there is no better feeling in the world than knowing I helped them get there.”