"It's never too late to reinvent yourself." This mantra perfectly encapsulates the life of Liesel Jankelowitz. Her story demonstrates how passion, resilience, and the courage to embrace new opportunities can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

Liesel's connection to the world of business and real estate began in her childhood in South Africa. Her father was an industrious entrepreneur who built up a successful retail and wholesale food business, and owned and managed various residential and commercial properties.

“My dad worked crazy hours, often starting at 3 am,” Liesel recalls. “If I wanted to spend time with him I went to his business, and I loved it. I would work weekends—on the cash register, pricing items, packing shelves, greeting customers. My payment was usually a juicy hamburger. He taught me that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

In addition to the benefits of a strong work ethic, Liesel draws inspiration from her mother, who boldly transitioned to a career in real estate after dedicating years to raising her family. 

Always driven to work hard, Liesel held three jobs—working as a benefits consultant, waiting tables, and coaching high school field hockey—while earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees in business management. 

Liesel was twenty-three years old when she first decided to take her life in a completely new direction. She left South Africa, her family, friends, job, and everything she knew to start a new life in a new country. Arriving in St. Louis, Missouri, alone with just two suitcases, Liesel obtained a benefits consulting position at Towers Perrin. She would later transfer to the company’s Chicago office.

As a benefits consultant, Liesel managed high-profile client relationships and led large multidisciplinary teams. She also took on the responsibility of overseeing her family's business in South Africa and all the properties they owned, which allowed her to deepen her understanding of the real estate industry.

Liesel has always dedicated significant time to her local community, too, particularly in support of Jewish life and education. She served on the board of directors for the Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago for nine years, including two years as president, where she played a crucial role in guiding the school's strategic direction. She was also a board member of NA'AMAT USA, the US chapter of the largest women's organization in Israel, which supports women’s health, rights, and education in Israel.

In addition, her family has been a top fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), forming the team Adam's Amigos after her older son, Adam, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Liesel remains active in local community engagements, contributing to school boards and civic groups, and she supports various charitable causes through fundraising and participation in events.

Through her extensive community involvement, Liesel demonstrates a strong commitment to making a positive impact and fostering growth, education, and well-being in her community.

“One of my most significant accomplishments has been, over time, building a family and community,” she says. “On holidays each year, our home is bursting at the seams with all our friends. I am proud that I am a strong contributor to our community—that has given me and my family so much.” 

Liesel’s recent entrance into real estate marks her latest reinvention. She first considered a career in real estate nine years earlier, after going through the buying and selling process. She knew then that real estate would be her next chapter, it was just a matter of when. 

“The timing wasn't right for our family then,” she recalls. “But when the management of my family’s business in South Africa became less time-consuming, and my kids were older, I knew I was ready for my next chapter. Now here I am, doing what I love and making a real difference to my clients.”

Liesel officially got her license and joined the Lotzof Malk Residential team at Compass over a year ago. Quickly finding fulfillment in helping clients make the significant life decisions encompassed in buying and selling homes, her ability to blend her professional expertise with her genuine passion for real estate has been a key factor in her success. 

Passionate about building lasting relationships with clients as she helps them achieve their dreams of homeownership, Liesel views success not just in terms of sales volume, but also in the joy and satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Outside of her professional and community commitments, Liesel loves to spend time with her husband, Larry, a physician and Liesel’s “true hero,” and their two sons, Adam and Ryan, whenever possible. She enjoys racquet sports like tennis, paddle, and pickleball. She also loves to bake, and meringue and orange cake are her specialties.

Liesel's vision for her future centers on continuous reinvention and helping others achieve their dream of homeownership. Her story shows that in every moment there is an opportunity to start anew, proving that with passion and resilience, profound transformations are always possible.