“Helping people ‘Move Confidently.’ is not just a motto,” says REALTOR® Brita Pagels, co-lead of the Pagels Group, noting the BHHS tag line. “It’s the guiding principle behind everything I do.”

As a fourth-generation broker, you could say that real estate is in Brita’s DNA, and in fact, she was immersed in the world of real estate from an early age. Her mother, Elaine, now her business partner at the Pagels Group, set an inspiring example of tenacity and perseverance, proving that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges.

“I’ve had incredible mentors and colleagues throughout my life,” Brita adds. “They’ve shaped my perspective and fueled my desire to bring value to others through meaningful relationships and service.”

Before stepping into the world of real estate, Brita pursued a path in urban planning, where she collaborated with local governments to achieve their energy, climate, and sustainability goals.

Her academic pursuits took her to Syracuse University and Florence, Italy, where her appreciation for design, history, and architecture deepened, and included internships at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, Syracuse University Art Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the Frederick C. Robie House (designed by Wright), and others. These experiences, combined with her master’s degree in urban planning and policy with a focus on sustainability planning, created a foundation that would later define her approach to real estate.

“I wanted to merge my interests and skills while creating something entrepreneurial,” she recalls. “Real estate provided the perfect platform. Understanding housing inequities and their impact on people's lives guides me in serving clients with empathy and fairness, acknowledging my role as a continuous learner and advocate for change.”

Brita’s transition to real estate was both intentional and inspired. During the fallout from the mid-2000’s recession, she became an independent consultant to local governments, nonprofits, and a few real estate brokers. She says that seeing the challenges and opportunities within the industry firsthand, and knowing she had Elaine and her managing broker’s encouragement, solidified her decision to build a career in real estate.

Brita recalls, as she describes it, the long runway needed to establish herself in the field. Early on, she collaborated with seasoned brokers, and then worked diligently to create a cohesive team. 

“Investing in a strong personal and professional support system was critical,” she says of creating her success.

That foundation proved essential when life threw unexpected challenges her way. A cancer diagnosis shortly after the birth of her daughter, Rosie, tested her resilience. 

“As I was finishing chemotherapy, my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with cancer. We underwent surgeries and radiation around the same time,” Brita shares. “Family medical emergencies were overwhelming, but my support network and determination to push forward got me through that chapter.”

Through it all, Brita remained steadfast in her commitment to her clients and community. About twelve years ago, she joined Elaine and others in forming what is now the Pagels Group—a three-generation family team with Brita’s grandmother and Elaine’s mother, Lucy. Since then, they’ve grown into a larger team that includes both family and non-family agents and support staff. Over the past ten years, they’ve worked in 98 ZIP codes and served more than 660 clients, maintaining their focus on helping clients successfully navigate the often-stressful real estate journey. 

“For most, buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions they’ll make. I want to make that process as seamless and empowering as possible,” she says.

Beyond her work, Brita’s life is rich with family and community engagement. She and her husband, Ken, share a love for travel, adventure lunches, and spending time with their toddler, Rosie. 

“We’re always exploring,” she says. “Whether we’re trying a new restaurant or visiting friends and family across the globe, we cherish those moments together. Relaxing isn’t my strong suit. I’m happiest when I’m learning and connecting with people.”

Brita is also deeply committed to giving back. Her involvement spans numerous organizations that are focused on providing food and shelter to those in need, such as Digs with Dignity, the Chicago Tool Library, and the Downers Grove Area FISH and Food Pantry. 

“I’ve also always believed in the importance of rehoming objects and materials—it’s about creating more sustainable and equitable communities,” Brita adds.

Looking ahead, Brita envisions continued growth for her team and her role within the real estate industry. 

“My goal is to build on the tapestry of people and knowledge I’ve been weaving for decades,” she says. “Success, to me, is about time, space, well-being, and relationships. I want to help others achieve those things too.”

In that spirit, Brita offers this advice to aspiring REALTORS®: “Define your personal and professional objectives and build a plan to achieve them,” she says. “Surround yourself with people who will both challenge and support you, and never lose sight of your ‘why.’ Operate from a perspective of abundance and kindness. That’s how you thrive.”