Teri Denis’s decision to become a REALTOR® was inspired by her grace and integrity, and personal experiences that shaped her vision for serving others. Her journey began when she and her family moved from the Midwest to the East Coast and realized they were working with a real estate agent who lacked both market insight and the genuine care they needed. 

“The agent didn’t understand the market and pushed us toward homes that simply didn’t fit our lifestyle,” Teri recalls. This disheartening experience became a lesson that has stayed with her—a reminder of what clients should never have to deal with.

Upon returning to the Midwest, the family met a REALTOR® who was the antithesis of the first. This agent took the time to listen, understand their needs, and guided them with thoughtfulness and care. The experience was not only inspiring but a turning point for Teri: she realized that in real estate, she could provide exceptional service and fully utilize her background in sales and home design. 

“My mission has always been to create a ‘white glove experience’ for my clients and ensure they never feel lost or pressured in their home search,” she says.

Teri attributes her deep values in teamwork and perseverance to her Minnesota roots and time living in Naperville, Illinois. A lifelong lover of hockey, she was a member of the first girls’ hockey team in her area; she played right wing on the top line. Her team’s journey to win the state tournament, and eventually compete in the first-ever national girls’ tournament, taught her what it meant to be a part of something greater—a team working toward a common goal.

“These experiences shaped who I am. Being a team player and wanting to win drives everything I do,” Teri shares.

After earning a degree in marketing and communications from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Teri launched her sales career in Chicago. While the move to the East Coast came with its own challenges—she found herself away from extended family and familiar support systems—it led her to discover her passion for interior design. Teri attended the prestigious New York School of Interior Design and soon after founded Teri Denis Designs, where she worked as an independent consultant, blending her design expertise with her love for homes. Her knack for staging homes would become a powerful tool for success in her real estate career.

Now a broker associate at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, Teri collaborates closely with other agents to ensure her clients always receive that white glove experience. Her business thrives on referrals, a reflection of the trust and admiration she’s cultivated over two decades. For Teri, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about building relationships, offering peace of mind, and always putting the client first.

“Over the years, I’ve realized clients value someone who has been through it all, who can navigate the process with expertise, and who has the connections to make things happen,” she says.

At the heart of Teri’s life, however, is her family. Married to Joe for forty-one years, Teri takes joy in spending time with him, her two children, and her granddaughter—whether it’s gathering around the dinner table or embracing the simple moments of grandparenthood. She is as devoted to her family as she is to her clients.

She continues to pursue her passion for interior design, frequently sharing insights with her clients and hosting events to discuss emerging design trends. She also enjoys golfing and walking her beloved black Lab, Ralph, in the peaceful surroundings of the forest preserve.

Teri’s compassion extends to her community and beyond. One cause close to her heart is the MidAmerica Service Dogs’ Foundation, Inc., an organization that trains service dogs in partnership with the inmates at Logan Correctional Center, giving both the inmates and those in need a new lease on life. This cause is personal to Teri because her daughter, who lives with an autoimmune disease, has a service dog and its support has been life-changing for her.

“My daughter’s service dog has been an absolute lifeline,” Teri shares. “The dog helps her with everyday tasks, stabilizes her when walking, and provides her emotional support. The bond they share is truly incredible.”

To aspiring REALTORS®, Teri offers simple yet profound advice: “Your reputation is everything.” For Teri, who is known for her quiet confidence, steadfast dedication, and true heart, integrity isn’t just a guiding principle, it’s a way of life.

She remains as driven as ever to make her mark on the real estate industry and the lives of her clients because beyond the white glove experience, Teri’s mission is to make a lasting difference.