"The harder you work, the luckier you get." It’s a motto that REALTOR® Brandon Blankenship lives by—a reminder that success in real estate isn’t about shortcuts or secrets, but rather, grit, consistency, and staying the course.

The last time we spoke to Brandon in 2022, he was still learning the ropes, having recently transitioned into his new career in real estate and to a new market: not long before, he’d moved back home to the western suburbs. Since then, he’s leaned on the experiences of veteran agents and mentors to build his expertise and network. He’s also picked up some notable recognition for his results.

“I quickly realized that I loved being in control of my own success,” Brandon says of his early days as an agent. “There’s just something about real estate that allows you to build a life on your own terms if you’re willing to put in the work.”

In California, where Brandon earned his license right before the height of the pandemic, he got his start making cold calls. It was a crash course in resilience, salesmanship, and communication—skills that would serve him well when he moved back home to Chicagoland and committed himself to real estate full-time.

Like many new agents, Brandon faced the challenge of learning the business while trying to generate enough leads to survive. But he leaned on his finance background and sales experience, trusting that consistent action would build momentum.

“One of the biggest things I learned from the start is [the importance of] speed in implementation,” he says. “A lot of agents get caught up in learning and never take action. For me, it has been about trying things fast, figuring out which things I loved, and then doubling down on them.”

That mindset helped Brandon carve out a niche at Keller Williams Premier Properties in Glen Ellyn, where he blends his old-school work ethic with modern marketing savviness. Social media quickly became his greatest tool, not only for lead generation, but also for community building— Brandon takes pride in the fact that he’s now known by many as “the unofficial mayor of Chicago’s suburbs” within his market.

“I went all in on social media when I got back to Chicagoland,” Brandon says. “It’s been a huge part of my business, and honestly, I just want to be the most-known person in the suburbs: my goal is to make our community a better place.”

Through Instagram, Facebook, and local engagement, he’s built a brand rooted in authenticity and connection—proof that showing up consistently pays off. His hard work was recognized on a national stage in 2024 when he made the National Association of REALTORS® “30 Under 30” list1—a goal he’d chased from day one.

“For me, it’s never been just about sales volume,” he says. “It’s also been about being seen as an advocate for our industry. That achievement [making the list] validated all the work I’ve put in over the years.”

While his business continues to grow, Brandon remains focused on refining his craft and setting up a future built to last. Currently supported by a virtual assistant and a transaction coordinator, he plans to hire an executive assistant soon and eventually build out a full team.

Of course, scaling a business isn’t without its challenges. “Becoming a better leader is one of the hardest things I’ve faced,” he admits. “It’s a different skill set. Leading others is about helping them achieve their goals, too.”

Through it all, Brandon remains grounded by his long-term vision: to build not just a successful real estate business, but a legacy. But his personal goals have shifted as his business has grown—he’s thinking more about the family he hopes to have someday, and the role he wants to play in his loved ones’ lives.

“I’ve learned to work hard but to also live in the moment,” he says. “I want to get closer to my family, help others achieve their dreams, and really just enjoy the journey.”

In his downtime, Brandon allows himself more chances to live in the moment. He has developed a newfound appreciation for bourbon and for savoring the quiet moments that balance the fast pace of real estate. He’s also finding ways to give back through mentoring new agents and sharing his story in hopes of inspiring others.

“I want agents to see me and think, ‘If he can do it, I can do it,’” he says. “There’s no secret sauce to success. Just work hard, stay consistent, and believe in yourself.”

Looking ahead, Brandon envisions one day leading one of the top real estate teams in the Chicago suburbs that’s known not just for its great numbers, but for its great community impact.

“My goal is to be seen as a public figure who is helping to build the Chicago suburbs up to their true potential,” he says, reflecting the heart behind his “unofficial mayor” moniker. “At the end of the day, it’s about making a difference in the place I call home.”

1 “Dynamic and Driven: Meet the 2024 Class of 30 Under 30,” Realtor Magazine Media, NAR®, April 15, 2024, https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/30-under-30/dynamic-and-driven-meet-the-2024-class-of-30-under-30.