Tell us your story and about your company:
I remember playing with legos and building elaborate homes when I was a kid. I would draw floor plans for fun. And then I was a Resident Assistant (RA) in college. All of this before I knew I’d end up in a career in Real Estate when I got older. I’ve been a Real Estate Advisor now in Chicago for over 12 years and work with the largest independent brokerage in Illinois, also with the largest market share in the city of Chicago – @properties. I founded The OSC Team back in 2015, with a small group of like minded Realtors to collaborate and offer the best experience for everyone we work with. Our motto is ‘Offering Concierge Level HOUSE-pitality to all clients.’ @properties is the best company to work for in a city like Chicago as they offer amazing service, marketing, technology, training but more importantly, culture. I love what I do, and its not a job for me – its my career!
What does PRIDE month mean to your company?
The first time I was looking for a condo in Chicago myself with my boyfriend at the time, we got immediately snubbed by an old disrespectful agent who looked at the two of us and in that snide condescending voice said, “Don’t you want a TWO bedroom?” Not only did we not buy that condo from her, but I immediately vowed never to let that happen to an LGBTQ+ person if there was anything I could do about it. I am super proud of who I am and the person I’ve become – and I’m proud to work in a progressive city and a super supportive company. Pride month (shouldn’t be just one month) but is a love letter to all my sisters and brothers saying I See You, and I Love You! We are stronger sticking together – and be PROUD.
How have you integrated the message of acceptance and inclusion into your business?
I have an entirely separate vendor list with 30+ professionals that identify as LGBTQ+ that I offer to clients, outside of a primary vendor list with everyone that I work with in this business. From an LGBTQ lender, to attorney, to inspector, even a contractor – if a client would like to keep it within the family and support our community during their home buying process, I’ve developed a network. It is important to keep the message of love and acceptance in our daily work. And though the members on my team are also LGBTQ, we feel that 50% of our business comes from those who we know outside of our community who are advocates and supporters as well. It’s super important in my opinion to treat every client the exact same – no matter their gender, gender expression, race, age, sexual orientation, price point, desired location or otherwise. If you are a client of The OSC Team, you are respected and appreciated.
What can members of the Chicago community learn from PRIDE month?
Pride should mean family. Pride should mean strength. Pride does mean Proud, but should also mean No Shits Given. We’ve come so far, but have so much further to go. We are people just like those not in the LGBTQ+ community and deserve to have (more than) a month of celebration of who we are. Pride month is inclusive of all people and is a message of love.
Website – www.olinsellschicago.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/olinsellschicago/?hl=en
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/olinsellschi
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/olin-eargle-abr-cne-gri-rene-b849a05/