“Service distinguishes you from the crowd,” says REALTOR® Stana Vukajlovic of Compass in Hinsdale. “Serve your clients well, and the returns are tenfold.” 

Whether she is helping families find the perfect home or ensuring the best sale price for their existing home, Stana’s passion lies in making the entire experience stress-free and successful by putting her clients’ needs first. This deep-seated dedication was shaped by her upbringing, diverse career and personal experiences, and unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. 

The eldest of six children, Stana was born into modest beginnings in urban Gary, Indiana. But life would provide her with experiences to give her an amazing perspective on the world and its people.

In addition to growing up within a melting pot of cultures in her youth, when her family later moved to a farm near Valparaiso, Stana experienced the stark contrast between a city and a rural lifestyle. Then, when she participated in a language immersion program at Indiana University, it sparked her love for travel, learning about other cultures first-hand, and her appreciation for diverse perspectives.

She found inspiration, support, and a strong sense of family in her large family. Her grandmother was one of her biggest influences—without knowing English, she bravely made her way to the US through Ellis Island to meet her future husband. Stana adds, “My grandmother and mother taught me to be open to new ideas and that if you do something, you should do it right. I hold those words to the highest standard in my work every day.”

While Vukajlovic values formal education, she says, “Book learning is great, but life experiences offer so much more. Talking and listening to people's thoughts, lifestyles, and history gives you a better understanding of who they are.”  Her unending curiosity about people makes her a great listener, which aids her in guiding clients to their perfect homes.

Stana’s professional career began in personal and corporate banking at UBS Chicago, where she gained a strong background in finance while learning the importance of financial decisions and planning for both families and corporations. She later transitioned to the real estate company LaSalle Partners (now JLL), where she worked in an administrative and presentation preparation role. 

In 1989, following the birth of her son, Stefan, Stana entered the world of residential real estate. The decision was a natural one, knowing she could blend her background in finance, marketing, and customer service with her husband’s family’s home-building and renovation business. Also, real estate’s flexible schedule gave her the ability to remain deeply involved in her children and family’s lives.

No stranger to hard work and resilience, having been financially independent since the age of eighteen, Stana took on the challenges of entering the industry. Her career experiences and interest in helping people became both the leverage and foundation of her business. And her experiences with people from diverse backgrounds helped her understand that each client requires a fresh approach.

“Every client and family has their own unique circumstances, ideas, and perspectives, and their needs are diverse in an ever-changing market. Navigating for the benefit of others is the best feeling. Knowing my clients have a special place to call home is the very best part of this business,” she says. 

For Stana, family is at the heart of everything she does. She and her husband, Grad, and their three grown children—Stefan (35), Sonja (33), and Eva (24)—cherish the time they get to spend together—whether traveling, playing pickleball, attending festivals, or simply walking through the Fullersburg Woods forest preserve. 

“Being together is what matters most,” Stana says. “We appreciate that simple joy, as well as spending time with extended family and friends.”  

Stana is also deeply involved in her community. When she learned that her older daughter, Sonja, is on the autism spectrum, it fueled her passion for education and advocacy. She supports organizations like Aspire, which provides training and job placement for adults with disabilities.

That a high percentage of Stana’s business comes from repeat business and referrals is a testament to the exemplary service she provides her clients, who often become her friends. 

Even after nearly thirty-five years in real estate, Stana has never stopped learning, and she recommends the same mindset to everyone, especially the agents she mentors. Along with exploring different cultures, she enjoys reading and engaging in discussions about history and education.

Looking ahead, Stana sees real estate as a continuation of her life's work. 

“My future is based on my past—it’s a continuum,” she says. “Bringing security, joy, and success to others will always be at the core of my business and personal life.”

Her definition of success? “Doing what you love, bringing joy to others, and ensuring your family is happy.” For Stana’s clients, one thing is certain: “Their happiness is my joy.”