“This new season has been a great opportunity to reflect, recharge, and set fresh goals for the future with excitement for what’s ahead,” says REALTORⓇ Tracy Driscoll of the Driscoll Crisp Team. She and her business partner and fellow REALTORⓇ Diane Crisp have seen many seasons of transition since their partnership launched fifteen years ago. Their latest may be the most thrilling.

 

Rooted in their shared experiences as busy working moms, Tracy and Diane have built a thriving agency based on their nearly two-decade, close friendship. Since the last time we checked in with them in 2022, the pair have continued to evolve their services as the needs of their clients change. Evolution is a concept not foreign to either, as their own careers and team have had to adapt many times over the years.

“Being successful in today’s challenging real estate market has been especially meaningful. It reminds me of the volatility I experienced during the Dotcom crash in the late ’90s when I worked in tech. Weathering that storm taught me resilience—something that’s served me well in real estate,” says Diane. “Our perseverance and expertise have really helped us stay ahead.” 

Long before their names graced yard signs, the duo became fast friends through their involvement in the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club and their children's preschool. As their kids moved into elementary school, both women found themselves at a pivotal life juncture, shaped both by their husband’s career transitions and the growing need to contribute financially to their households. By working together, Tracy and Diane have been able to achieve an ideal work-life harmony.

“Real estate can be all-consuming. Partnering together has allowed us to balance our work and personal lives,” says Diane. “Our goals and situations have been pretty much the same throughout the years, which has contributed to our partnership’s success.”

Now that the pair are empty nesters, they can reflect on how lucky they were (and are) to have each other. The two agents have not only built a thriving business, but also raised their families alongside each other, supporting one another through successes, struggles, and grief.

“The loss of my husband a few years ago was incredibly difficult. But it deepened our bond even more,” Diane says of her friendship with Tracy. “The support we give each other has enriched our lives far beyond business.”

As Diane and Tracy continue to grow and evolve their business, which now includes high-end properties alongside diverse real estate sales, they continue to finesse and sharpen their approach. The Driscoll Crisp Team has expanded to include REALTOR® Candice Roberts, who brings custom home design expertise to the table; Doug Lee, a seasoned agent with a decade of experience; and Kathy Stopka, the team’s marketing manager. The Driscoll Crisp Team continue to stand out for their ability to deliver results and provide expert, personalized guidance.

“What truly sets us apart is our collaborative mindset: every client benefits from the strength of our entire team, not just one agent,” says Tracy. “We pride ourselves on clear communication, strategic negotiation, and a seamless process from start to finish.”

Over their years in the industry, Tracy and Diane always found fresh ways to stay engaged. Recently, they both recognized that that challenge had new color, yet found their answers.

“After these many years in the business, I found myself needing a reset,” shares Tracy. “Real estate can be incredibly demanding. I knew I had to approach things differently to stay energized and continue delivering at a high level.”

“So at the end of last year we both started working with a business coach, not just to grow our business, but to also operate with more intention and clarity,” she adds. “That decision has already made a noticeable impact on how we approach our goals and support our clients.”

Echoing that sentiment, Diane says, “One challenge I faced recently is something many seasoned agents probably experience but don’t always talk about, and that’s questioning my purpose after being in the business for over twenty-four years.” 

“There have been moments when I’ve asked myself, ‘What’s next?’ That little spark of restlessness ended up reigniting my passion,” she continues. “I’ve been more intentional about finding new ways to be creative, serve clients better, and challenge myself.”

Looking forward, the Driscoll Crisp Team is poised for continued success through creativity. They’re not only mentoring new agents, but also planning client appreciation events and embracing innovative marketing tools to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Their vision is clear: to be the top-producing, most trusted team in the western suburbs, known as much for how they treat people as for the results they deliver.

“We want our current team to be happy and successful and to know that they are supported,” says Diane. “We continue to collaborate [as partners and as a team] so we can help as many clients achieve their dreams of homeownership.”

“We’re not just business partners; we’re great friends who genuinely enjoy working together,” adds Tracy. “We want to continue doing work we’re proud of, with people we love, in the community we call home.”