REALTOR® Linda Dressler of RE/MAX Suburban in Schaumburg sees a term on the Illinois REALTORS® 2021 Board of Directors as an opportunity to learn more about her profession and the opportunity to later share what she’s learned with her peers. She’s one of six members slated to join the board at the end of the Online Fall Business Meetings.

“Real estate isn’t just a job, it is my profession and my passion,” says Dressler. “I’m sorry I didn’t find it sooner in life, but I’m sure glad that I did! In this career, as I learn new things, the world opens up to me. The more I can learn through service and volunteerism with Illinois REALTORS®, the more I will be able to give back and share that opportunity, excitement and knowledge with colleagues and clients.

“If I’m involved, I’m engaged. And if I’m engaged, I belong. And if I belong, I take ownership and responsibility,” Dressler says. “My responsibility is to serve and to pave the way for those behind me who discover that Illinois REALTORS® is more than just a membership in a professional organization. It is so much more.”

Dressler, CNE, SFR, SRES, ADPR, PSA has been on multiple committees for Illinois REALTORS® since 2016 and was a member of the 2016 Leadership Development Class. In 2020, she served on the Professional Standards Committee, the Affordable Housing and Community Involvement Committee and the REALTOR® Party Action Committee (RPAC) Fundraising Working Group. She’s a past president of the Northwest Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and she is the president for the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®.

What has she learned in REALTOR® organizations?

“Perspective is a powerful thing,” she says. “After being in the business for a dozen years or so, it is interesting for me at least, to realize the change in myself personally. I’m encouraged by the confidence and support (sometimes gentle nudges forward) that my colleagues have given me to help me learn, grow and achieve what I have in the positions I’ve held.

“Their trust in me is humbling,” she says. “I take great pride in that trust – knowing what a valuable gift that is – by being mindful in everything that I do for the organizations that I’m involved with and positions I hold.”

In addition to Dressler, others slated to join the 2021 board include:

• Ayn Bartok (returning), broker-owner of All in One Real Estate Company in Harrisburg,
• 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.