Agent Spotlight: Vicki Kellick

Get to know Vicki Kellick, a rising star at the Baird & Warner Fox Valley office. Vicki has been expertly guiding clients through the buying and selling process since 2018, and she brings with her a storied, multifaceted background that spans many professions and specialties. 

After earning her Juris Doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School (now the UIC Law School), she quickly realized that practicing law wasn't her calling. She spent several years post-graduation working for two local textbook publishers but eventually moved on to a more meaningful career at a national hunger relief nonprofit. Eventually, Vicki stepped away from the professional world to tend to what she affectionately calls "the best job I've ever had," raising her children. 

As an agent, Vicki was able to transition back into the workforce and into a career that was exciting and rewarding. "I am always honored to be that advocate that people rely on for help in so many of the aspects of buying and selling property," she says. As that advocate, she approaches every transaction with empathy and compassion. 

At the Fox Valley office, Vicki has found the support she needs to thrive. "The Fox Valley office is absolutely a family," says Vicki. "We are here for each other to give support, share laughs, seek information and get answers." Outside of work, Vicki enjoys spending time with her family, reading and crocheting. To learn more about Vicki, check out the following interview. To get in touch with her, you can email Vicki at victoria.kellick@bairdwarner.com or visit her website.

What is your background? Have you always been a real estate agent? If no, please explain.

After college, I attended The John Marshall Law School (now the UIC Law School) because I knew that I wanted to help others. However, I realized fairly early on that practicing law wasn't what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. After graduation, I worked in the bids & contracts departments of two local textbook publishers for several years which was interesting but unfulfilling. So, I switched careers to work for a national hunger relief nonprofit securing product donations for food banks across the country. I later left for the best job I've ever had: staying home to raise our children.

How many years have you been a real estate agent and why do you enjoy being one?

I've been with Baird & Warner since I got my license in 2018. Being a real estate agent is so fulfilling because I can make such a difference in people's lives. I am always honored to be that advocate that people rely on for help in so many of the aspects of buying and selling property.

What is a meaningful real estate experience you've had with a buyer or seller? 

My buyer client and I were walking around the property of a beautiful home on which my client wanted to make an offer. We had seen others but this one was special to her. My client was daydreaming and pointing out where the garden would go and the grandkids would play, etc. Then she stopped and told me that she and her oldest children were homeless and struggling with issues many years before. 

She was so proud of and thankful for how far she'd come and how much happiness this home could provide to her family now. She and her husband were grateful to have someone on their side not only through the transaction but to help celebrate the immense joy that lie on the other side of it.

What's one piece of advice that you can share with other real estate agents?

Stay in your lane! It's so easy to get distracted by others' successes that your own business can feel inadequate. Focus on your clients, focus on your business, and focus on being the best you that you can be.

What do you think is the key to a successful real estate business?

Empathy and compassion. There is no way anyone can get their clients to the closing table successfully by ignoring what their clients truly need, want and fear. This is not just a transaction. It can involve hope, or loss, but always change. Understanding the people behind the home or commercial property is the only way to make a difference in your business and their lives.

What is something you like about Baird & Warner and/your Baird & Warner office?

The Fox Valley office is absolutely a family. We are here for each other to give support, share laughs, seek information and get answers. Our amazing managing brokers, Renee and Gus, are truly the best.

What is one of your favorite local restaurants and why?

Preservation near the train station on 3rd Street in Geneva! This is a lovely restaurant to enjoy with friends or your significant other. They have an incredible wine list, delicious shared plates and a knowledgeable and kind wait staff. Don't even get me started on the joy that is a cheese plate paired with a glorious red wine!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

Spending time with my family, reading, dabbling in genealogy, trying not to injure myself as I rediscover crochet and secretly wondering if I should have explored comedy as an additional career.