Liz Turnbaugh with The Leslie McDonnell Team
A Passion for Connection
Liz Turnbaugh is a natural connector, someone who’s built her career, and her life, around creating meaningful experiences and guiding others toward their goals. Her journey from corporate executive to trusted real estate advisor and entrepreneur is grounded in a lifelong passion for service and a commitment to building relationships that last.
Liz’s journey into real estate was, in many ways, a natural extension of the entrepreneurial spirit she’s had since childhood. Growing up, Liz was always the one setting up lemonade stands and bake sales in her neighborhood, raising money for local causes and connecting with her community. These early ventures weren’t just fun; they taught her the basics of sales and customer service, laying the groundwork for skills she’d use throughout her life.
“That entrepreneurial spirit has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others achieve their goals, which drive my success in real estate today,” Liz explains.
Liz’s professional journey began in corporate America, where she built a successful career in sales and marketing. She rose to the position of vice president of sales and marketing for a large bourbon company, overseeing major campaigns and refining her skills in negotiation, client management, and strategic relationship-building.
In 2020, a company reorganization presented Liz with a pivotal decision: relocate out of state or explore new paths. With her family’s roots firmly planted in Lake County and her two youngest children still in school, Liz opted to stay and seek a career that aligned with both her professional expertise and personal values. Around this time, she spoke with her friend, and soon-to-be mentor, REALTOR® Leslie McDonnell about the possibility of transitioning into real estate—a field that had long intrigued Liz and felt like a natural extension of her skills.
“When the opportunity arose to work with Leslie, a respected expert in the field, I knew it was the perfect chance to learn from the best—I couldn’t pass up the chance to pair my skills in sales, negotiation, and client relationships with Leslie’s mentorship and make a positive impact on clients’ lives through real estate.”
Encouraged by Leslie’s guidance, Liz officially entered real estate in July 2020 and joined the Leslie McDonnell Team. Not only was this transition a testament to Liz’s adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, but during the pandemic, as she navigated her new real estate career, she also launched two businesses: My Charcuterie, a catering company specializing in artisan charcuterie boards, and the Board Room, a restaurant that earned the title of Best New Restaurant in Lake County in the Daily Herald’s “Readers’ Choice Best of the Best” in 2023.1
“I’ve learned that life is about adaptability and having the grit to pursue your goals relentlessly,” she says. “I believe in not giving up, no matter the obstacles.”
Now as a REALTOR®, Liz is driven by a passion for helping clients make informed, meaningful decisions. She sees each client relationship as an opportunity to exceed expectations and build lasting trust. One of her most rewarding experiences came recently, when she helped a young family buy their first home. “Seeing their excitement reminded me why I do this,” she shares. “It’s moments like these that make this work truly fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, Liz envisions her future in real estate as one focused on building a client-centered business. She aims to specialize in helping first-time homebuyers and families, offering a seamless experience that’s tailored to their needs. In addition to her real estate goals, Liz hopes to become a mentor, sharing her knowledge and helping new agents navigate the field.
Beyond her work, Liz’s life is filled with family, faith, and a deep connection to her community. Together with her soon-to-be husband, Mark, and their five children—Nate, Kyle, Jake, Bella, and Vivi—she cherishes their tradition of Sunday dinners. It’s a time for all of them to reconnect and share stories.
Outside of real estate, she stays busy running her restaurant and catering businesses, where her passion for hospitality shines through. A Safe Families for Children volunteer, Liz also channels her commitment to helping others by opening her heart and home to children in need.
If she could talk about one thing all day, however, it would be the evolving trends in home design and architecture. “It’s exciting to see how different styles reflect lifestyle changes and community needs,” she says. “I enjoy sharing this knowledge with my clients, helping them envision the potential of a property beyond its current state.”
Liz believes success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about leaving a positive impact on others. “At the end of the day, I want to be remembered for how I made people feel and the support I provided,” she says. Her advice to up-and-coming agents is simple yet profound: “Stay curious, stay resilient, and always put your clients’ needs first.”
Liz’s journey into real estate was, in many ways, a natural extension of the entrepreneurial spirit she’s had since childhood. Growing up, Liz was always the one setting up lemonade stands and bake sales in her neighborhood, raising money for local causes and connecting with her community. These early ventures weren’t just fun; they taught her the basics of sales and customer service, laying the groundwork for skills she’d use throughout her life.
“That entrepreneurial spirit has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others achieve their goals, which drive my success in real estate today,” Liz explains.
Liz’s professional journey began in corporate America, where she built a successful career in sales and marketing. She rose to the position of vice president of sales and marketing for a large bourbon company, overseeing major campaigns and refining her skills in negotiation, client management, and strategic relationship-building.
In 2020, a company reorganization presented Liz with a pivotal decision: relocate out of state or explore new paths. With her family’s roots firmly planted in Lake County and her two youngest children still in school, Liz opted to stay and seek a career that aligned with both her professional expertise and personal values. Around this time, she spoke with her friend, and soon-to-be mentor, REALTOR® Leslie McDonnell about the possibility of transitioning into real estate—a field that had long intrigued Liz and felt like a natural extension of her skills.
“When the opportunity arose to work with Leslie, a respected expert in the field, I knew it was the perfect chance to learn from the best—I couldn’t pass up the chance to pair my skills in sales, negotiation, and client relationships with Leslie’s mentorship and make a positive impact on clients’ lives through real estate.”
Encouraged by Leslie’s guidance, Liz officially entered real estate in July 2020 and joined the Leslie McDonnell Team. Not only was this transition a testament to Liz’s adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, but during the pandemic, as she navigated her new real estate career, she also launched two businesses: My Charcuterie, a catering company specializing in artisan charcuterie boards, and the Board Room, a restaurant that earned the title of Best New Restaurant in Lake County in the Daily Herald’s “Readers’ Choice Best of the Best” in 2023.1
“I’ve learned that life is about adaptability and having the grit to pursue your goals relentlessly,” she says. “I believe in not giving up, no matter the obstacles.”
Now as a REALTOR®, Liz is driven by a passion for helping clients make informed, meaningful decisions. She sees each client relationship as an opportunity to exceed expectations and build lasting trust. One of her most rewarding experiences came recently, when she helped a young family buy their first home. “Seeing their excitement reminded me why I do this,” she shares. “It’s moments like these that make this work truly fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, Liz envisions her future in real estate as one focused on building a client-centered business. She aims to specialize in helping first-time homebuyers and families, offering a seamless experience that’s tailored to their needs. In addition to her real estate goals, Liz hopes to become a mentor, sharing her knowledge and helping new agents navigate the field.
Beyond her work, Liz’s life is filled with family, faith, and a deep connection to her community. Together with her soon-to-be husband, Mark, and their five children—Nate, Kyle, Jake, Bella, and Vivi—she cherishes their tradition of Sunday dinners. It’s a time for all of them to reconnect and share stories.
Outside of real estate, she stays busy running her restaurant and catering businesses, where her passion for hospitality shines through. A Safe Families for Children volunteer, Liz also channels her commitment to helping others by opening her heart and home to children in need.
If she could talk about one thing all day, however, it would be the evolving trends in home design and architecture. “It’s exciting to see how different styles reflect lifestyle changes and community needs,” she says. “I enjoy sharing this knowledge with my clients, helping them envision the potential of a property beyond its current state.”
Liz believes success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about leaving a positive impact on others. “At the end of the day, I want to be remembered for how I made people feel and the support I provided,” she says. Her advice to up-and-coming agents is simple yet profound: “Stay curious, stay resilient, and always put your clients’ needs first.”