2022 Individual Sales Volume: $4.6 million
2022 Individual Transaction Sides: 10
Finding Balance, Making a Difference
Kelly Carlson, 28, and her husband enjoy traveling to all types of places. One destination that will be hard to top is South Africa. “The beauty, the people, and the totally different experiences—you won’t get that anywhere else.
Her travel enthusiasm began when she was a civil engineering student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, during which she studied abroad in both Copenhagen and Stockholm. Today, travel helps to balance her busy real estate career. “I can step back and do the things that fill my cup and make me a better broker because I am in a better state of mind,” she says of her work-life balance. She also turns to yoga for stress relief. She earned her yoga instructor certification not to teach but “to understand the ancient wisdom.”
Carlson cultivates client relationships by keeping in touch on a monthly basis. She enjoys producing her regular newsletter, which includes data-driven insights about the Chicago market and recommendations for buyers and sellers. Another passion of Carlson’s comes from her commitment to Sarah’s Circle, an organization helping homeless Chicago women with housing and other supportive services. She now serves on the organization’s associate board. “Everybody deserves the safety and comfort of home,” Carlson says.
With 5,277 out of a total of 57,881 votes cast in March, Carlson is this year’s 30 Under 30 Web Choice Award winner. Read more about how Carlson rallied her network for support.