For Jana Pierce, real estate is a dynamic blend of human connection, strategic problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a difference. With a background in social work and nonprofit management, Jana approaches every transaction as more than just a business deal; it’s a chance to empower her clients and her team.

“I’ve always been intrigued by how human behavior influences business,” Jana shares. “I never planned on becoming a REALTOR®, but transitioning from the nonprofit sector to the business world felt like a natural way to apply what I’d learned about people and their motivations.”

Jana’s professional journey began far from the world of real estate. She grew up in the small farm town of Mason, Michigan, where her family have lived for over a century. Her father and grandfather ran an insurance business, and her mother was a high school teacher. “I learned the value of perseverance and having a strong work ethic from my family,” she reflects.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from Olivet Nazarene University and a master’s in nonprofit management from Loyola University Chicago, Jana spent her early career writing multimillion-dollar grants for an Illinois health center, where her efforts supported thousands of employees. After years of working in the nonprofit sector, she yearned to transition into a more dynamic, business-oriented field.

Her chance came when a friend connected her with a commercial brokerage job near her home in Chicago’s South Loop. “Although I never planned on becoming a REALTOR®, I was excited to learn the behind-the-scenes side of the business, as well as use my knowledge of human behavior to help people accomplish their real estate goals,” she says.

Jana launched her real estate career in commercial leasing in 2014, but it wasn’t long before she transitioned into residential real estate. “As I gained more skills, I began to see the difference I was making—saving people money, guiding them toward long-term solutions, and becoming someone they could trust with their questions,” she says.

Her ability to analyze situations and navigate challenges has kept Jana in the industry. “Real estate is like solving a puzzle,” she explains. “Every deal has its twists, and it’s gratifying to figure out what’s driving the behavior behind it and create a positive outcome.”

By 2018, Jana had expanded her influence beyond individual clients, planning and executing the Kellogg School of Management’s Housing Fair at Northwestern University for two consecutive years. Her efforts connected incoming graduate students with top, off-market housing options in Evanston and provided a seamless rental experience.

Her leadership skills grew even further when she joined the Qamar Group, where she recruited and trained the leasing and sales teams while building a strong administrative team—contributing to a 120 percent year-over-year increase in team volume. “Seeing the growth in my team members has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” she shares. “We’ve got each other’s backs through tough times and celebrate the wins together.”

Although real estate wasn’t her original career plan, Jana is deeply grateful for the lessons the field has taught her. “I’ve learned that the skills I’ve developed in real estate—conflict resolution, strategic thinking, and relationship-building—can transfer to any field,” she says. Looking ahead, her goals include continuing to support her team, helping clients, and embracing new challenges.

Jana defines success in simple yet profound terms: “Leaving people better than I found them.” It’s a philosophy that extends beyond her work. An avid supporter of Best Buddies in Illinois, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Jana values giving back to her community.

When she’s not working, Jana recharges through nature walks in Chicago’s forest preserves, cycling along Lake Shore Drive, or diving into a good book by the fire. She also carves out time for a group of childhood friends who gather annually for “a ladies’ long weekend.”

For aspiring agents or those navigating the industry’s ups and downs, Jana offers sage advice: “Don’t take anything personally. Focus on finding solutions, no matter how weird the twists in a deal may be. Surround yourself with the people who have the businesses you aspire to have too, and learn from how they handle challenges. Make as many mistakes as possible. No one who is doing better than you will take the time to criticize you.”

Balancing strategy and heart, Jana brings a unique perspective to everything she does: solving problems, empowering her team, and building lasting relationships. Whether guiding clients, mentoring colleagues, or cherishing moments with family and friends, Jana’s thoughtful and collaborative spirit leaves a meaningful and enduring impression on everyone she meets.