Since launching her real estate career in 2008, Hinsdale native CASSELYN TERTELL has built a stellar reputation, securing the National Association of Realtors 30 Under 30 Award, Chicago Agent 5 Star Award the past 14 years, and countless other accolades. She earned a B.A. and Entrepreneurial minor from the University of Iowa and has been putting those skills to work as a Realtor for almost 18 years. Her Signature Homes team at Compass has even adopted a dynamic, business-savvy approach with its agents. A married mother of two, Tertell returned to her hometown and is passionate about giving back to the community she loves.

What excites you most about the future of your industry? There have been a lot of changes within the past year for Realtors, but they have all been very positive changes for clients. As an agent who works full time, I see only continued positivity and transparency within real estate moving forward.

How do you give back to your community or industry? I am an active member of the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society, currently in an Executive Board position. I am also Co-Chairing the Clarendon Hills WalkerFest, the annual fundraiser for Walker Elementary School, and am helping organize, run, and emcee this year’s National Association of Realtors 30 Under 30 Mastermind in Chicago.

How do you maintain balance between your professional and personal life? Knowing when to put my phone down and be present with my family has been something I’ve had to learn to do, but the outcome is so rewarding. It is something I have made a priority. I make sure to put up some boundaries between work and personal life, which I have found make me a better mother, wife, and Realtor.

How do you define confidence—and how have you built it? Confidence comes from within and when a person has it, the world sees it. The longer I am in my career, the more confident I become. But I am always researching and learning, as you can never be too educated in any topic.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received earlier in your career? Don’t spend time focusing on the negative; keep your chin up and surround yourself with people who lift you up.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind? I just want my kids to be proud of me. At the end of the day, despite all the awards and accolades, that is truly the most important thing.

For more information, visit casselyngroup.com and follow @casselyngroup on Instagram.