At the crossroads of unity and integrity you will find Keystone Home Hub, a premier real estate team serving the Chicagoland area, run by Michelle Gassensmith and Amy Foote. The team’s name represents their philosophy: just as a keystone provides strength and stability to an architectural structure, so do they create a network of agents who are committed to ensuring their clients' success.

One half of the dynamic Keystone Home Hub real estate team is Amy Foote, who has demonstrated resilience, growth, and an unfaltering commitment to her clients and her business over the years.

Amy's real estate career began in 2002, and was the start of her enduring love of the industry. Before she became a REALTOR®, she served as the director of marketing for a psychological testing company; she’d climbed the ranks for over five years while simultaneously pursuing her MBA at night. Her diverse professional background equipped her with valuable skills that would prove instrumental in her real estate career.

After the 9/11 tragedy, she lost her job in the corporate world. In February of the following year, a suggestion from someone within her circle steered her toward real estate. With few job options at the time, she decided to give it a go. She quickly saw the growth potential and how great a fit it was for her, and embraced the profession with open arms, taking it on with her innate people skills and unrelenting determination. To this day she says, “I’m so happy I never pursued anything else!”

The other half of this dynamic duo is Michelle Gassensmith, a trusted name in the industry for more than eighteen years. Michelle’s extensive knowledge, coupled with her dedicated passion for helping people find their dream homes, has positioned her as an accomplished and highly regarded REALTOR®.

Her journey into the real estate realm began when she was hired as an assistant at a prestigious agency. Michelle immediately displayed her skills and dedication, setting the stage for her notable career. In no time, she transitioned into handling both residential and commercial properties, showcasing her versatility and keen acumen.

Amy and Michelle originally met when they were both working at the same brokerage before joining Compass, but their connection took root during an incentive trip to Mexico around fourteen years ago. During that weekend they spent quality time together, and that laid the foundation for their future collaboration.

Amy and Michelle officially teamed up this fall, bringing together their decades’ of experience to Keystone Home Hub, where honesty and integrity are paramount. With their now combined team of twenty-nine members, their reputations for trustworthiness, reliability, and commitment to guiding clients throughout the real estate process is sure to only strengthen.

The two women are clearly so happy to be finally working together: “Michelle brings a sense of calm along with her amazing ability to delegate effortlessly,” shares Amy, reflecting on what she most appreciates about working alongside her business partner. Michelle recognizes Amy’s absolute love and enthusiasm for the business. “Amy loves real estate—it [that feeling] just exudes from her all the time!" shares Michelle. “Her excitement excites others!”

It's all about community, camaraderie, collaboration, and participation within the Keystone Home Hub team. “The goal for each is to be a good team member and treat each other with respect at all times,” shares Michelle. “We [Amy and I] spend so much time with the team and with each person we bring into the fold. We want to make sure that every person wants to be a part of our little family,” adds Amy.

The synergy between Michelle and Amy is very apparent when they approach the business. This has created a harmonious and productive working relationship.

Amy and Michelle are also proud of how the entire team works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and ensure they are met to the best of their ability.

They are intentionally building a community of skilled professionals: through training, mentorship, and ongoing education, they empower the Keystone Home Hub team to navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence and expertise. Based on their years’ experience, Amy and Michelle believe that by actively promoting and supporting a deep understanding of the real estate business among their team, they can provide the highest level of service to their clients: the keystone of their business. 

When asked what the key to their success as leaders is, Amy states, “Placing emphasis on open communication.” The duo believe that understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses, and then leveraging their strengths within the team, is crucial for success. They extend this leveraging-strengths approach to their broader team, too, where they work collaboratively and cohesively.

Outside of the office, Michelle feels refueled after spending quality time with her family, which includes her spouse, Steve; their sons, Garrett and Grant; and their daughters-in-law, Rachana and Tressa. “I believe that a balanced personal life enhances my ability to connect with my clients on a deeper level,” shares Michelle. “I am able to better understand my clients' unique requirements and provide personalized solutions.” Michelle also enjoys remaining active within the community by volunteering and supporting local charities.  

Amy enjoys going on adventures with her large family. Now that their children are mostly grown, she and her husband, Jim, make it a priority to take the whole family—up to as many as thirty people—on a family vacation every couple of years. Amy, too, is deeply connected to the community and serves on the board of directors for the D300 Food Pantry.

Looking to the future, Michelle and Amy have a clear vision for Keystone Home Hub. They aspire to achieve substantial growth: their aim is to become one of the top real estate teams in the McHenry and Kane counties. Amy shares the advice she shares with her team members, and her enthusiasm shines through: “At the core of it all, this is a relationship business. Never forget that. It’s not about clicks or leads or likes or views. It’s about making a genuine connection with people. So, set aside the keyboard, put down the phone, and put yourself out there!” 

Given the unity, integrity, and a shared vision Keystone Home Hub possesses through the leadership of Michelle and Amy, this is a team that’s poised for success.