When Justin Greenberg thinks about the future, he doesn’t just see homes: he sees legacies, families putting down roots, agents discovering their stride, and a team that’s more than just productive—it’s purposeful. And that’s exactly what he’s built with the JG Group.

Over the last few years, Justin’s business has grown from a solid foundation into a powerhouse presence in Chicago’s northern suburbs. Since his last feature, the team has more than doubled its transaction count, expanded to five full-time brokers, and found a new home at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. In 2024 alone, the JG Group closed over $32 million across 89 transactions—with even bigger goals on the horizon.

“This year, we’re aiming for $50 million and 150 to 180 transactions,” Justin says. “But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about sustainability, quality service, and helping everyone on the team grow their business in a meaningful way.”

Justin’s path to real estate was personal. He started out as a caddie at a local country club—not just learning golf etiquette, but the power of networking, professionalism, and high-level service. That early experience still shapes how he shows up in business: with hustle, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people.

His team mirrors that same ethos. Beth Danner, a former pastry chef, brings precision and warmth to every transaction. Ricky Sakoda, also with a culinary background, offers steadiness and empathy. Elizabeth Pavalon, a charter boat captain and former fashion model, brings tenacity and flair. Jack Wiley, the newest addition, shares Justin’s roots in the country club caddie system, and brings investment experience to the team. Finally, Carrie Greenberg—Justin’s wife and full-time special ed teacher—keeps the team’s social media buzzing in her spare time.

“We’ve built a team where everyone supports one another,” Justin says. “There are no egos here. We celebrate each other’s wins, pitch in when it’s needed, and treat every client like family—no matter what or where they’re buying.”

That philosophy was tested with a recent client who went under contract nine times—each time backing out, changing their mind, and even switching locations. But instead of burning out, the JG Group rotated roles, leaned on each other, and stuck it out. “No one got frustrated. Everyone stepped up with grace. That’s who we are,” Justin affirms.

Justin’s personal priorities have shifted since he became a dad. With a five-year-old son, Jaxon, and a two-year-old daughter, Rylynn, he’s more focused than ever on work-life balance. He and Carrie have been playing a lot of pickleball recently, and with Jaxon in hockey, Justin is spending more time on the ice.

Looking ahead, Justin is focused on laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth. His vision for the JG Group includes expanding to a tight-knit team of seven to nine people—of whom six or seven will be full-time agents—and building out a strong support staff to elevate client service and engagement. “It’s about creating the right systems and processes now so that we’re set up for success for years to come,” he says.

He also hopes to step into the development side of real estate—a longtime passion rooted in his artistic background and love for design. “It would get my creative juices flowing and allow me to build something tangible—something my kids could be a part of one day,” he says. For Justin, brokerages and new development go hand in hand: “It’s a business model that not only supports our clients, but also contributes to the long-term health of the local housing market.”

Whether it’s luxury listings, first-time buyers, or developing communities the JG Group’s mission remains the same: help people. With backgrounds in hospitality, education, fashion, and medicine, Justin’s team is proof that the heart of real estate isn’t the transaction; it’s the service—the steady guidance, the trust built, and the belief that what you do can matter deeply to someone else.

“We all got into this business to make a difference,” Justin says. “We’re serious about helping people—and we have fun doing it.” That fun shows up in everything from team outings to working lunches to the steady stream of inside jokes during meetings.

So what’s next? Continued growth—with intention. And maybe a few more closings squeezed in between hockey practice and a competitive round of pickleball or golf. Because for Justin, it’s not just about building a business; it’s about building a life that feels just as good as it looks.