While the rest of the city scrambled to find dry shoes and decent parking, the real players were sipping tequila, touring luxury models. Chicago Agent magazine and Crescent Heights co-hosted a spectacular event — Tacos, Tequila & Top Producers — at 850 Lake Shore Drive. The views were the best in the city. It was so great to be with my people, the best in the business.
Tequila tastings greeted us guests the moment we walked in (a bold but appreciated move). And 850 is everything you’d expect from a top-tier Streeterville address. Even in the rain, the rooftop didn’t disappoint. I mean, if you can’t appreciate a skyline view while slightly damp and holding a shot of tequila, are you even in this business?
Our very own Marci Sepulveda took the mic to moderate a panel of familiar real estate heavyweights — Jenny Ames, Debra Dobbs, Jennifer Mills Klatt and David Wolf — who gathered to unpack the current state of luxury inventory in Chicagoland. And they had a lot to say. Even I learned a few new things.
Oh, and I was so impressed with the queen of hustle, Lizzie G (Elizabeth Elie), who was doing deals mid-event from her laptop in the corner. Fast forward to the raffle for a ridiculously expensive bottle of tequila, and guess who won? That’s right: Lizzie. Because sometimes the universe actually rewards those doing the most.
From tequila shots to taking shots of your listings — I know a lot of you are a little freaked out about the announcement that VHT Studios is shutting down on Aug. 15. If you need your old pics, go get ’em! So glad I aways keep everything backed up.
With that housekeeping out of the way, it’s the August birthday extravaganza. We kick things off with a double-header, and Benjie Burford and Michael Shenfeld light the candles first. Not to be outdone, Aug. 3 comes in hot with a birthday trio: John Gormley, Jeff Bushaw and Janet Owen all sharing the spotlight. Kevin Grady keeps the party going on the 4th, followed by Stephanie Andre-Ouellette on the 5th and Niko Apostal on the 6th. On the 8th, it’s a birthday duet with Akos Straub and Maria Munoz. Mike Bilodeau takes center stage on the 10th, while Debra Dobbs brings the sparkle on the 12th. A dynamic duo — Mimi Mack and Susan Morrow — share the 15th. Dennis Papiernik celebrates solo on the 21st, before another power pair — Adam McLain and Mike LaFido — step up on the 23rd. Wrapping it all up with style, Honore Frumentino closes out the month on the 26th.