Kelly Johnson never imagined that stepping away from the corporate world to raise her two boys would eventually lead her to a thriving career in real estate. But life has a way of guiding people toward their passions, and for Kelly, that passion turned out to be helping others navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives: finding a home.

Originally from a small town outside Richmond, Virginia, Kelly’s journey took her to Maryland and Washington, D.C., before she and her husband, Michael, planted roots in Chicago in 2010. The city’s energy, warmth, and sense of community quickly made it feel like home.

“I became a city girl for the first time when I lived in D.C., and I loved every minute of it!” Kelly exclaims. “What I love about Chicago is that everyone is so welcoming, friendly, and down to earth. It was easy to meet people and form new friendships, and friends quickly became family. Chicago truly is home, and it’s the only place I could ever see us living.”

Before diving into real estate, Kelly worked as a service sales representative and account manager for an elevator company—a role that reinforced the importance of building and maintaining strong client relationships. But when her youngest son started kindergarten, she finally had time to focus on what she really wanted.

“I missed interacting with clients and co-workers, but I knew I didn’t want to return to the corporate world,” she explains. “I wanted a career that used my strong skills in communication, as well as my deep honesty, empathy, and positivity. A career in real estate felt like the best way to blend my interests and personality. I was always interested in design and architecture, and I considered getting my real estate license before we started a family, but the timing wasn’t quite right.”

Earning her license in 2018, Kelly quickly established herself as a dedicated and compassionate REALTOR®. Though stepping into a competitive industry was daunting at first, she found strength in her ability to connect with clients on a personal level. “I worried about how I could compete with top producers, but I realized that being new wasn’t a disadvantage: it allowed me to give my clients my full attention.”

That commitment paid off, leading to referrals, glowing testimonials, and a reputation built on trust. For Kelly, success is about more than sales numbers. “It’s about being recognized and respected for doing something really well. My clients trust me wholeheartedly, and they know I will always be honest and do my best for them.”

Education and communication are at the core of Kelly’s approach. She ensures that her clients feel informed and empowered throughout the process and that expectations are clear from day one. “Buying a home, at any price point, is a huge accomplishment. I love knowing that my clients will make lasting memories in their new homes.” Sellers particularly appreciate Kelly’s gentle approach, understanding that she knows how emotional it can be to get their home ready to market. 

Beyond real estate, Kelly’s world revolves around her family. She and Michael, along with their sons Ian (15) and Kipton (13), spend much of their free time at the baseball field. “We’re a baseball family. When I’m not working, you’ll find us cheering on our boys. That’s my happy place.” They also share a love for travel, whether they’re relaxing on a beach, hiking, or skiing.

Kelly’s passion for helping others extends into her community involvement. Every year, she participates in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, fundraising for months and working alongside colleagues at the annual event to help build homes for deserving women in Chicago.

Looking ahead, Kelly sees herself in real estate for decades to come. Her husband often jokes that he’ll become her assistant when he retires, though Kelly’s not entirely sure it’s a joke. “We worked together once before and were a great team. Michael is my biggest cheerleader, and he’s proud of what I’ve built. I honestly couldn’t do this without his support.”

To those just starting in real estate, Kelly offers this advice: “Be kind and work together. Whether you’re representing the buyer or seller, [remember] we all want the same thing: a smooth, successful transaction. Don’t be intimidated by what others have done before you. Focus on what you can bring to the table—real estate is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Kelly has built her career by staying true to what matters most: relationships. She didn’t set out to be a top producer; she set out to do right by her clients, and the success followed. The same instincts that helped her create a home for her family in a new city now help her guide others in finding theirs. And for Kelly, that’s what real estate has always been about.