A broker with the @properties office in Highland Park, Pickus grew up with a family that owned a construction company, where he worked for 20 years. Ten years ago, he built on that hands-on construction knowledge to start a career in real estate. Pickus prides himself on three core principles that guide his work—caring, integrity, and tenacity.

Why do you love what you do? Helping clients move forward, be it to a bigger home due to a growing family or a smaller home due to downsizing.

What was the highlight of your 2020 volume? I personally sold 39 homes and over $25 million in sales; my team had $40 million in sales with 65 homes sold.

What sets you apart from your competition? I have a smaller team (myself and two others) offering individual attention to my clients.

Best advice ever given to you? Treat others like you’d like to be treated. I am a firm believer of what goes around, comes around.

Best advice you’ve given? If it’s meant to be, it will be.

Most looking forward to in 2021? Distribution of the vaccine to all who want it and for COVID-19 to be under control. That, along with finding my buyers their dream homes, and selling my sellers their homes at top dollar.

Ted Pickus is with the @properties Highland Park office. For more information, call 847-417-0520 or visit atproperties.com/agents/tedpickus.