June 1, 2024, was a momentous day for The Energized Team of Realty Executives Premiere. New office doors proudly opened on the corner of 3rd Street and Campbell in Geneva, Illinois- a symbol of the team’s expansion plan coming to fruition.
“Our team had significant success in expanding business into the Fox Valley area, frequently earning listings in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, and surrounding areas,” said Becky VanderVeen, Team Lead and Owner of The Energized Team, Inc. “Having a physical presence in the community was our natural next step and will allow us to further develop our market expertise and best serve our clientele.”
For years, The Energized Team has focused on enhancing the client experience by providing comprehensive, seamless service and building trust and long-term relationships in the competitive Illinois real estate market. Their team members’ mix of diverse skills, expertise, and resources have exponentially increased their reach and success- now allowing them to expand into Fox Valley- an opportunity they are excited to capitalize on, especially with the team’s desire to grow the business.
Forming the Business
The Energized Team, Inc. formed in April 1999 when top producer Karen Pokorney sold her real estate business to area top producer Becky Chase VanderVeen. Both women were working under the guidance and leadership provided by Broker/Owner Pat Callan of Realty Executives Premiere in Wheaton, Illinois.
Pokorney began her real estate career in the Illinois market in 1993. By 1994, her high-energy, spirit, and passion for real estate earned her the moniker of “The Energized Realtor.” Five years later, with plans to relocate to Arizona looming, Pokorney began looking for a professional to take over the business. She found a kindred spirit in VanderVeen.
“I knew that my real estate business in Illinois could continue to thrive by partnering with an entrepreneur who shared my energy, passion, and work ethic,” said Pokorney. “Becky fit the mold, and I was confident that transferring the business to her would result in my clients continuing to receive top-notch service while scaling toward a bigger, stronger business in the future.”
The Team Evolution
Pokorney’s relocation to Phoenix, Arizona, sparked the first evolution of The Energized Team. At that time, the team’s ownership transitioned to VanderVeen and team member Diane Lynch.
In 2006, VanderVeen and Lynch welcomed a new licensee, Eric Logan. Logan’s role began as an advertising and marketing partner, but his commitment to real estate quickly helped him achieve top producer status. It became clear that Logan was a great culture fit and was crucial to the team’s future growth and expansion. Logan became a team owner and business partner with VanderVeen in 2014.
“In 2012, Becky and I had a business coach named Dave McGhee with Buffini & Company. Dave began to assist us in putting our team together, so we could work as a seamless organization. In 2014, Becky and I implemented these strategies with our team,” said Logan. “Our Energized Team has evolved over the years, and has become a dynamic, thriving entity. Each team member possesses unique gifts which are integral to the team working as a cohesive unit. Our team culture is ALL about personal growth and development. We serve our clients with the best of our abilities, and as we grow personally, our service becomes more impactful and fruitful. As we touch those around us in a positive way, while providing superior service, we get a steady stream of referrals that come in week after week. We understand that as we sow good seeds, our team will reap a bountiful harvest. I am grateful to be a part of this thriving team, and to have met Becky VanderVeen in 2004. The sky’s the limit!”
The Team Today
The Energized Team, Inc., now in their new location in Geneva, boasts seven fantastic team members:
Diane Lynch– licensed realtor and 25-year veteran team coordinator, owner and operator of DL Property Management
Chris Fernald– unlicensed transaction coordinator
Danielle Jostes– unlicensed team member and certified stager/home preparation specialist
Jessie Carlson– licensed realtor (specializing in the far western suburbs)
Kerri Galas– licensed realtor (the Glen Ellyn and surrounding areas expert)
Much of their concentration has been in Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield, Glen Ellyn, and surrounding suburbs, but the team will go anywhere and everywhere their clients want to go in Illinois. From the city of Chicago to the farmlands of Leland and Newark, the team is committed to representing buyers and sellers in the largest investment in their lives.
“I speak on behalf of our entire brokerage at Realty Executives Premiere when I say that we are thrilled to see The Energized Group growing their business and brand,” said Jenny Holloway, Managing Broker. “Becky, Eric, and the team have been leaders in our office for years and work hard to reach their professional and personal goals. It is inspiring to see where a real estate career can go, and the power generated by the right people. They are helping hundreds of people achieve their goals of homeownership.”
Although Pokorney is no longer in Illinois, “The Energized Realtor” is still leveraging her expertise to build and evolve her real estate practice, though it is now rooted in the desert instead of the windy city. A long-time Executive with Realty Executives Phoenix, Pokorney heads up Arizona Real Estate Group, a full-service real estate team consisting of daughter Kimberli Edington, husband Brad Pokorney, and daughter-in-law Ashleigh Pokorney. The team has earned Top Team, Double Diamond, and Diamond Awards for their recent sales, and serves clients in the Phoenix Metro area all the way to the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains.
“To be successful in real estate, you must keep in mind that people are behind every transaction. Finding the right partners in business is just as important as a client selecting the right agent to advocate for them. Watching The Energized Team grow and expand, now opening their own office, tells me that I found the right person when I sold the business to Becky. Simultaneously, I am growing a team in Arizona, with my family, and creating my legacy. What a journey for both of us!” said Pokorney.
Moving Forward in Real Estate
As demonstrated by The Energized Team and Arizona Real Estate Group, a career in real estate is often a dynamic and rewarding journey, offering diverse pathways for growth. It is not always predictable, but opportunities arise around every corner (and across state lines). Building with an intention to scale, choosing the right partners, and leading in the spirit of service can take a real estate practice to the next level.
“We believe in healthy growth and making mindful business decisions,” said Patrick van den Bossche, President of Realty Executives International. “The Energized Team and Arizona Real Estate Group are prime examples of local experts who have grown their businesses with patience, intention, and a ‘people-first’ mentality. We are proud to call them Executives as they continue to build their brands.”
To learn more about The Energized Team, Inc. of Realty Executives Premiere, stop by 310 Campbell Street, Suite 100 in Geneva, IL or visit EnergizedTeam.com.
To learn more about AZ Real Estate Group of Realty Executives Phoenix, visit AZRealEstateGroup.com.
