“Ever since high school I knew I wanted to do something in real estate or finance,” says REALTORⓇ Guido Piunti of the REV Group with @properties in Chicago. “I think the deciding factor that pushed me toward real estate was being held up at gunpoint as a bank teller.” While this event was certainly shocking and upsetting, Guido’s transition into real estate didn’t require such drastic persuasion. 

Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, Guido attended Northern Illinois University and earned a degree in finance. After graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the US Treasury Federal Credit Union.

After working at the Treasury, Guido went into the private banking world. “Entry-level positions back then were bank tellers. I was one of the lead tellers when we were robbed at gunpoint,” explains Guido. “I told the branch manager that I was going to look for another job, but they wanted to keep me as an employee, so they offered me a position in the mortgage department. That’s how I got my start in real estate.”

Guido worked his way up from the position of mortgage loan processor to junior underwriter, to underwriter, and finally to mortgage loan officer—a role he would hold for over twenty years and in various parts of the country including D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and the Pacific Northwest. He was also part-owner of a title company in Washington D.C. But in 2015, he moved back to Chicago, wanting a fresh start in a more people-centric career, as well as to be back with his family and be in the city that’s dear to his heart. 

“While I did work with people as a mortgage loan officer, I didn't get to interact with them as closely as I do as a real estate agent,” explains Guido. “Mortgage loan officers complete hundreds of transactions a month but never really get to know their clients. I prefer working with fewer people and having more meaningful interactions and work relationships.”

Two of Guido’s biggest inspirations are his parents, both serial entrepreneurs in their own right. He watched as his father and mother launched and operated their own businesses over the years—everything from restaurants to grocery stores, a car restoration business, and even a construction company. Guido saw firsthand what it took to be the master of one’s destiny, especially as he was often a front-line participant in the family ventures.

“You would think working for your parents would get you a plush job, but that's not the case,” Guido says. “I was a dishwasher in my father's restaurants and a roofer and painter for my mother's construction company. The jobs gave me a strong work ethic and the drive to do big things.” 

Launching his career as a REALTORⓇ, Guido leaned on his entrepreneurial know-how and background in finance and real estate. He also watched his team members and other leading brokers closely, learning their methods and then putting his own spin on things. He credits much of his early success to sticking to the basics. It’s advice he would give to any new agent.

“Make sure you network, prospect, do open houses, follow up when you say you are going to; and for God’s sake, answer your phone when it rings,” says Guido. “I love it when I’m sitting with a group of agents and somebody's phone rings with an unrecognized number and they push it off to voicemail. Numbers I don't recognize are the best because more than likely they are referrals.”

Now, nearly a decade into his career as a REALTORⓇ, Guido makes it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest changes in real estate and client needs. He’s certainly moved past the basics and aims to achieve growth by expanding his client base and gaining a better understanding of local markets and the ins and outs of shifting regulations. But he’s not just thinking about his personal book of business these days.

Ultimately, that same entrepreneurial spirit his parents demonstrated is in him and it has kept him motivated, first as a contributor to a team and now as a leader of his own.

Guido says that the most rewarding part of his business now has been building a team with his business partner, Alexa Hara. Today, the REV Group boasts a team of eight agents that they co-mentor.

When he’s not serving clients or building his team, Guido remains a devotee of family. He spends as much time as he can with his husband—they enjoy relaxing, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with their two dogs, Booger and Lucky. They also love to explore Chicago’s many restaurants, vacation, and go boating. Guido prioritizes quality time with his mother, siblings, and many nieces and nephews, too. Sadly, his father passed away in 2006, but his memory still inspires Guido’s results-driven mindset and love of the daily grind. 

“I've always had the goal of becoming self-employed and being responsible for my own paycheck,” states Guido. “I now own my own business and 100 percent of what I earn comes from the work I do; real estate gives me the ability to control my own success.”

Clearly passing on his family’s inspiring drive and mentorship mindset, Guido adds, “You don't have to be a genius to be a successful real estate agent. You just have to create a routine and follow it. Even when you feel you're not achieving results, things will start to happen. I remind myself of all the little things I do on a daily basis that got me to where I am today,” he says. “I always say the old adage, ‘Successful people do the things others don't like to do,’ is true.”