Ayn Bartok, broker-owner of All in One Real Estate Company in Harrisburg, says the best reason she can give to serve on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors starts with a quote from Reid Hoffman: “The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.” 

“This quote says it all!” says Bartok. “I want to be a better REALTOR®, leader and mentor to others. I have my own skills and experiences to share and much to learn as I serve with others to improve our industry.”  

Bartok, AHWD, CIPS, GRI, SRS, e-Pro, has served on numerous Illinois REALTOR® committees every year since 2016. She is the vice chair of the 2020 RPAC Fundraising Working Group, the Federal Political Coordinator for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro and a graduate of the 2017 Leadership Development Class. She’s a past president of the Egyptian Board of REALTORS® and she has served as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Board of Directors and the NAR Risk Management Issues Committee. 

“I look at each opportunity to serve as an opportunity to grow, personally and professionally,” Bartok says. “As I learn and serve with others from across my association, my state and the nation, I have been able to grow an incredible network of REALTORS® I can truly call friends. We help each other out with a text, email or a Facebook group post to solve any REALTOR® dilemma I may face.  

“It isn’t always possible to know everything real estate–related yourself, but it is important and helpful to have a network of resources and professionals who can help you when you need it,” she says. 

Bartok says she defines success by helping her clients get the homes they need without being thwarted by complex issues that can arise. Networking, continuing education classes and association activities have been critical to expanding her industry knowledge, she says. 

She is one of six members are slated to be installed Thursday on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors in 2021, including four newcomers. The others are:  

• Linda Dressler of RE/MAX Suburban in Schaumburg, 
• Tracey Royal, president and designated managing broker of Team Real Estate Services in Oak Park, 
• Eddie Ruettiger of Baird & Warner in Plainfield, 
• Matt Silver (returning), partner of Corcoran Urban Real Estate in Chicago and 
• Nancy Suvarnamani, president of Century 21 SGR in Chicago.