For Connie Vavra, real estate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about creating a lasting impact in the lives of clients, colleagues, and the community. As the president of Mainstreet REALTORS® and the designated managing broker at RE/MAX American Dream, Connie champions sustainability and collaboration, fostering a profession built on shared success and thoughtful growth.

 

“Our industry is facing significant challenges—everything from outside media influences to uncertainties within our own client base,” Connie explains. “Consumers are hesitant, overwhelmed by the constant flow of information and the uncertainty about making a move. That’s why collaboration is key to not only capturing more business, but also to guiding families confidently toward achieving their dreams.”

 

For Connie, sustainability means more than eco-friendly practices; it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient real estate industry. Through education, shared success stories, and emerging trends, she inspires agents to adopt strategies that benefit both clients and communities—a mindset shaped by her early experiences.

 

Connie grew up on Chicago’s South Side, and as she grew, her love for learning flourished. A self-described “total nerd,” she embraced activities ranging from marching band and choir to the debate team. “I loved being part of the band,” she recalls. “It taught me the value of teamwork and contributing to something bigger.”

 

After high school, she attended community college, but left to support her family when a relative fell ill. She shifted her focus to the restaurant industry, in which she had been working since the age of sixteen, and quickly climbed the ranks into management. “It taught me how to handle different personalities and stay composed under pressure,” Connie says.

 

In 2010, life took another turn when Connie, a single mother, needed to leave her job to focus on her two young children, as one was exhibiting developmental delays. “It was a scary time with hospital visits and therapy sessions,” she recalls. “During naptime, I’d watch home improvement shows and think, ‘I could outshine these agents. I could build a career that supports my family.’”

 

That realization sparked her journey into real estate. Connie earned her license in 2013 and threw herself into the industry, attending training sessions and events to build her knowledge. Initial struggles to find clients led her to the REO world, managing accounts for Freddie Mac and HUD for a prominent firm in Naperville. “That experience fast-tracked my understanding of the business,” she says. “It taught me how to navigate complex transactions and connect with clients.”

 

By 2014, Connie had found her calling in leadership, joining a RE/MAX brokerage as a trainer and recruiter. Her passion for mentoring others earned her a promotion to the position of designated managing broker in 2016. “I love seeing agents grow and reach their potential,” she says. “Helping others thrive is incredibly rewarding.”

 

In 2022, Connie stepped away from her brokerage to explore other opportunities, but soon realized how much alignment and fulfillment mattered to her. So she returned to RE/MAX American Dream, where she now manages two offices. “That journey was a lesson in trusting the process and staying true to what feels right,” she says.

 

Today, Connie’s vision remains rooted in growth and service. “My goals include maintaining a growth mindset for my business and supporting the incredible agents at RE/MAX American Dream,” she says. Beyond her brokerage, she’s passionate about industry leadership, serving on committees for Illinois REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. “I look forward to exploring new opportunities at the state and national levels,” she adds.

 

For Connie, success goes beyond business metrics. “Success is about happiness,” she says. “Are you truly happy? That’s what matters most.”

 

Despite her busy schedule, Connie cherishes time with her three children, Aidan (17), Mackenzie (16), and Vinny (7); as well as their two dogs, Carl and Cora; and their cat, Beanie. Family time often involves bowling, movie nights, and board games. Connie finds joy in her local book club and Girls Night Out group, too. “It’s been a wonderful way to relax and build friendships,” she says.

 

Connie also finds fulfillment in giving back. She volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds beds for children in need, and she donates monies to the Children’s Miracle Network with every transaction. “It’s close to home for me,” she shares. “It’s so fulfilling to support causes that truly make a difference.”

 

For Connie, life is about maintaining balance between leadership and service, growth and happiness, work and family. Whether mentoring agents, leading in the industry, or creating memories with her family, Connie Vavra leads with heart and with purpose, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.