“Back in India, my grandmother wanted to build a house but lacked the funds to do it, so my grandfather bought a few bricks each day with his earnings, and she built walls with them,” says Raj Potluri, REALTOR® with Real People Realty in Naperville. “They continued this routine for years until the house was finished.” 

 

“It became a beloved home where many generations, including mine, were born and raised,” he adds. “Today, the house still stands as a symbol of perseverance and determination.”

 

As Raj grew up, he’d recount this story to himself for inspiration for his own future. He aspired to become a businessman, but at that time in India, students were pressured to pursue careers in either medicine or engineering. After studying electrical engineering, Raj eventually ended up in the software industry, working at many major financial institutions across his two-decade career and gaining strong insights into the world of investments.

 

In 2020, his was one of the many jobs that were cut due to the market disruptions caused by the pandemic. Realizing he had a unique chance to try something new, Raj began to consider real estate after being approached with the idea by his good friend, SaiRavi Suribhotla.

 

“Initially I was apprehensive, given my proclivity toward technical pursuits,” says Raj. “But SaiRavi reassured me that my acumen in investment banking plus real estate affairs, augmented by my technical prowess, was a good fit.”

 

SaiRavi, who also grew up in India, has a very similar story. “I admired my parents for saving enough money to build their own home. They were so determined,” he says. “My firsthand experience of the entire process left a lasting impression on me and sparked an interest in home building and real estate.”

SaiRavi and Raj's journey from friendship to business partners is a tale woven with shared, common experiences and deep-rooted camaraderie: both studied electrical engineering, traversed the terrain of the software industry, found fulfillment in their shared passion for community involvement, and realized real estate ignites genuine internal zeal.

SaiRavi's move into real estate was sparked by a less-than-ideal experience as a buyer client. He was working in IT and was the co-owner of Karaikudi Indian Grill in Naperville at the time, but he knew his heart was searching for something else. Disappointed by his REALTOR® and knowing he could do better, he ventured into real estate part-time after obtaining his license in 2016. But he soon went full-time.

Now as a team, in just three years, SaiRavi and Raj have netted 350+ closed transactions ($150M in volume).  “We embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Each day presents us with fresh insights and discoveries,” says Raj. “What sets us apart is our symbiotic synergy. Our unique talents and expertise blend together seamlessly,” claims SaiRavi.

 

“SaiRavi is an inspiring and motivational REALTOR® who is known for his unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, every single time,” says Raj. “With a singular focus on integrity and excellence, he approaches every aspect of his work with dedication and precision, earning the trust and admiration of our clients and peers alike.” 

 

“Raj and I support each other very well and have a good understanding between us,” says SaiRavi. “We are always willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best service. Most of the time, we are [thinking] on the same wavelength, and we always believe that two REALTORS® are better than one for our clients.”

It isn’t surprising they are often on the same wavelength. SaiRavi and Raj's strong friendship was forged over ten years ago. Among their many adventures, they’ve played leading roles in skits directed by SaiRavi's mother. In one comedy, they played twin brothers where the antics of the one living in the US impacted the other in India. “The uproarious laughter that filled the auditorium echoed the depth of our connection and the joy we find in each other's company. Our journey exemplifies the beauty of friendship evolving into a partnership grounded in passion and laughter,” shares SaiRavi.

The two friends’ dedication to generously supporting those in need, in their community and beyond, is a fundamental part of who they are. Favorite organizations include the American Red Cross and Feed My Starving Children, as well as local food banks and animal shelters. However, their connection to the Asha Jyothi Foundation in India is closest to their hearts; the partners have a shared passion for safeguarding the well-being of mentally disabled and abandoned children.

SaiRavi and Raj are also committed family men. Raj counts his wife, Jyothirmayi Vangara, a talented artist, as his biggest supporter. Their daughter, Akshaya, is currently studying for a career as a pro bono lawyer at Stoneybrook University. Together they share a passion for Indian dance, art, and storytelling. SaiRavi and his wife, Hiranmay Vennelakanti, have three daughters—Alekhya, Akshara, and Amritha—and a son, Abhiram. Everyone in the family enjoys traveling, eating out, and watching movies, and you’ll often find them engaging each other in a competitive pursuit.

SaiRavi and Raj are amazed at where life has taken them. In their IT days, they could never have foreseen the fulfilling careers that awaited them as REALTORS®.

Looking ahead, they aspire to grow their business in other states—they are currently licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida, and look to add a few more; provide clients with new-construction options; build their own property portfolios; and guide their clients toward lucrative investments. 

While their approach to real estate is a holistic blend of client-centric principles and industry expertise, their straightforward approach to service has been the cornerstone of their success. They leverage their market knowledge and awareness to craft tailored solutions that align with each client's unique goals, and ensure first-time buyers feel empowered and informed throughout the process. SaiRavi and Raj are also dedicated to transparency, open communication, collaboration, and serving their clients well beyond the transaction.

“Our guiding principle is simple: we wouldn't recommend a home to a client that we wouldn't choose for ourselves in their position,” states Raj. “Our motto is ‘Do it right, every day, every time,’” says SaiRavi.