Real Estate Moguls TFOCB Studios

Real estate brokerage is a fiercely competitive industry that requires a combination of skill, hard work, and a bit of luck. In the latest episode of the Real Estate Moguls Podcast, Jason Finn interviews Marjorie Allabastro, a top-performing real estate broker with over two decades of experience in the industry. 
Marjorie shares her insights on how to succeed as a broker, while also delving into her personal story and how it shaped her career.

As the founder of Allabastro Realty Group, Marjorie has built a reputation as one of the most successful brokers in her area. Her business philosophy is centered around providing personalized attention to each client, ensuring their real estate needs are met with the utmost professionalism and care. This approach has earned her a loyal client base and numerous accolades throughout her career.

Marjorie discusses the importance of building strong relationships with clients and how to maintain them. She emphasizes that listening to clients' needs and being proactive are key to building trust and establishing a long-term business relationship. 

Marjorie also highlights the value of continuously educating oneself about the industry, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technology, and building a network of trusted professionals.

Jason’s expertise in the industry adds depth to the conversation, and his ability to keep the interview engaging and captivating is a testament to his skills as a podcast host.

One of the key takeaways from Marjorie's story is the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. She recounts a time when she faced a particularly difficult deal, but refused to give up despite the odds stacked against her. Her determination paid off in the end, as she successfully closed the deal and solidified her reputation as a skilled negotiator.

Marjorie’s story is an inspiring example of what it takes to succeed in the highly competitive world of real estate brokerage. Her emphasis on building relationships, continuous learning, and perseverance are valuable lessons that can be applied to any industry. 

Jason Finn's insightful commentary and engaging interviewing style make the Real Estate Moguls Podcast a must-listen for anyone looking to gain valuable insights into the real estate industry.

Attorney and CEO Imran Khan interviews Michael Kogelis, CEO of Big City Optical to discuss the success of his business and the strategies he used to grow it quickly. 
Expanding a business takes a lot of effort, dedication, and smart strategies. Big City Optical, a company that specializes in optometry, has managed to open 16 stores in just over five years in Chicago. Kogelis goes over how the company approached expanding their business from a real estate perspective.
The company started in the Pilsen neighborhood, which was an underserved community in terms of quality optometry. 

Kogelis said that they treated their investment in opening their first store like "dollar cost averaging," where they continued to invest even when they faced challenges and made mistakes. They turned their mistakes into investments and opened more stores, learning from their experiences along the way.

Kogelis also talked about their goal to open three to four stores each year and how they are looking for preexisting optical practices to expand their business. 

He shared that the only thing that mattered for their business was the number of patient care exams they did on a daily basis, which they focused on through marketing and converting shoppers into buyers. When it comes to real estate, Kogelis said that the location was a top priority, and he looked for places where they didn't have to advertise for people to find their location. 

He prioritized co-tenancy and being around other businesses that had clients that they wanted to target. Kogelis also talked about how he prioritized the profile of the location and the clients around it, which drove how much he was willing to spend on rent.

One of the key takeaways from Kogelis's interview is that having a laser focus on one specific aspect of growing a business is critical. In their case, it was patient count and exams, which drove their growth. Kogelis also talked about how important it was to work with real estate brokers who took the time to understand their business and find them the right locations.

Big City Optical's success in expanding their business in a short period of time is a testament to their smart investment strategies, laser focus on growth, and the importance of finding the right real estate locations. Kogelis's insights on how they approached expanding their business from a real estate standpoint provide valuable lessons for other businesses looking to expand.

Growing up in Sicily, Greg Cirone never thought he'd end up living in Chicago, let alone becoming a successful real estate mogul. But fate had other plans for him. Born in the Windy City, Cirone moved back to Sicily with his family when he was just seven years old. 
Despite the warm sun and close-knit community in Sicily, he felt the pull of his birthplace and eventually returned to Chicago to hone his English and explore new opportunities. With a background in banking and a passion for real estate, Cirone knew he wanted to make a name for himself in the industry. 
However, he didn't have the confidence to jump right in, so he worked part-time as a real estate agent while saving up one year's salary. This allowed him to build up his skills, network, and financial safety net, so that he could fully commit to a career in real estate.
Cirone's entrepreneurial spirit was inherited from his grandparents, both of whom were successful entrepreneurs in their own right. 
One owned a lemon and olive business, while the other dabbled in real estate. These influences, combined with Cirone's natural gift for connecting with people, helped him establish himself as a top real estate agent in Chicago.

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cirone saw opportunity in the real estate market and continued to build his business. He quickly became known for his expertise, professionalism, and approachable personality, earning the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

Today, Greg Cirone is a respected figure in the Chicago real estate community, known for his expertise, integrity, and passion for helping people find their dream homes. He is living proof that success can come from unexpected places and that hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck can take you to great heights.

Greg Cirone's story is a testament to the American dream, and the power of following your passions and never giving up. Whether you're from Sicily or Chicago, success is possible for anyone who is willing to work for it.

Growing up in Sicily, Greg Cirone never thought he'd end up living in Chicago, let alone becoming a successful real estate mogul. But fate had other plans for him. Born in the Windy City, Cirone moved back to Sicily with his family when he was just seven years old. 

Despite the warm sun and close-knit community in Sicily, he felt the pull of his birthplace and eventually returned to Chicago to hone his English and explore new opportunities. With a background in banking and a passion for real estate, Cirone knew he wanted to make a name for himself in the industry. 

However, he didn't have the confidence to jump right in, so he worked part-time as a real estate agent while saving up one year's salary. This allowed him to build up his skills, network, and financial safety net, so that he could fully commit to a career in real estate.

Cirone's entrepreneurial spirit was inherited from his grandparents, both of whom were successful entrepreneurs in their own right. 

One owned a lemon and olive business, while the other dabbled in real estate. These influences, combined with Cirone's natural gift for connecting with people, helped him establish himself as a top real estate agent in Chicago.

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cirone saw opportunity in the real estate market and continued to build his business. He quickly became known for his expertise, professionalism, and approachable personality, earning the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

Today, Greg Cirone is a respected figure in the Chicago real estate community, known for his expertise, integrity, and passion for helping people find their dream homes. He is living proof that success can come from unexpected places and that...

Sarah Ware is Designated Managing Broker of Ware Realty Group and the 2022-2023 President of the Chicago Realtors.
Born and raised in the Pullman area on Chicago's Southside, Sarah comes from a middle-class background and had a passion for real estate from a young age. She would often read the real estate section of the newspaper and complete word search puzzles, not realizing that it would eventually become her career path.
After graduating high school, Sarah began working in corporate America, first at First Chicago (now Chase) in the corporate trust department as a secretary.
She quickly realized her passion for real estate and began buying and selling properties on the side. She bought her first condo at the young age of 21, and sold it four years later for a $40,000 profit.
Sarah's corporate background helped her in her real estate career, as she had experience working in the real estate department of a large corporation.
She also worked for a property management company and an engineering firm that specialized in real estate project management. Eventually, she left corporate America and joined US Equities, where she continued to work in project management for real estate development.
Sarah's passion for real estate and her background in corporate America and project management have made her a successful managing broker and the current president of the Chicago Realtors. She has a unique perspective on the industry, having been involved in all aspects of the real estate industry and understands the importance of personal and professional growth in the field.

Her story is a testament to the fact that sometimes our paths in life can take unexpected turns and lead us to our true passion.
Sarah Ware is a Managing Broker of Ware Realty Group and the 2022-2023 President of the Chicago Realtors.

Born and raised in the Pullman area on Chicago's Southside, Sarah comes from a middle-class background and had a passion for real estate from a young age. She would often read the real estate section of the newspaper and complete word search puzzles, not realizing that it would eventually become her career path.

After graduating high school, Sarah began working in corporate America, first at First Chicago (now Chase) in the corporate trust department as a secretary.

She quickly realized her passion for real estate and began buying and selling properties on the side. She bought her first condo at the young age of 21, and sold it four years later for a $40,000 profit.

Sarah's corporate background helped her in her real estate career, as she had experience working in the real estate department of a large corporation.

She also worked for a property management company and an engineering firm that specialized in real estate project management. Eventually, she left corporate America and joined US Equities, where she continued to work in project management for real estate development.

Sarah's passion for real estate and her background in corporate America and project management have made her a successful managing broker and the current president of the Chicago Realtors. She has a unique perspective on the industry, having been involved in all aspects of the real estate industry and understands the importance of personal and professional growth in the field.

Her story is a testament to the fact that sometimes our paths in life can take unexpected turns and lead us to our true passion.

Melissa Campobasso, a Real Estate Broker with Remax Destiny, joins us on The Real Estate Moguls Podcast to discuss her journey into the world of real estate. 
A native of the northwest suburbs of Chicago, specifically Hoffman Estates, Melissa originally had a fascination with the legal field and began her career as a paralegal in a real estate office for a real estate attorney. 
Though she had family in the real estate business, she never considered it as a career path until she was immersed in it for three years, working with real estate brokers and learning about short sales and foreclosures during the market crash of 2009.
It was her cousin, who is her broker owner at Remax, that ultimately influenced her to pursue a career in real estate. She saw how well Melissa understood and navigated the complicated and nuanced world of real estate contracts and encouraged her to pursue her license. 
Despite initial hesitation, Melissa decided to take the leap and join her cousin's office, and has never looked back.
Melissa emphasizes that starting in the industry during the market crash of 2009 was a unique experience that has greatly benefited her. She was able to learn about the most challenging aspects of real estate transactions, such as short sales and foreclosures, and has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry. 
Additionally, starting at this time has given her a sense of perspective and appreciation for the hard work and effort that goes into succeeding in the industry, even in difficult market conditions.

Throughout her career, Melissa has also developed a passion for the more personable aspect of real estate, working with clients and helping them navigate the often-complicated process of buying or selling a home. She takes pride in educating herself about different properties and markets, and enjoys the constant learning and growth that comes with working in the industry.

Melissa is a Real Estate Broker with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Her unique journey into the world of real estate, starting during the market crash of 2009, has given her a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexities and challenges of the industry.

 Her passion for the more personable aspect of real estate and her dedication to constantly learning and growing make her a valuable asset to her clients and the industry as a whole.

Melissa Campobasso, a Real Estate Broker with Remax Destiny, joins us on The Real Estate Moguls Podcast to discuss her journey into the world of real estate. 

A native of the northwest suburbs of Chicago, specifically Hoffman Estate, Melissa originally had a fascination with the legal field and began her career as a paralegal in a real estate office for a real estate attorney. 

Though she had family in the real estate business, she never considered it as a career path until she was immersed in it for three years, working with real estate brokers and learning about short sales and foreclosures during the market crash of 2009.

It was her cousin, who is her broker owner at Remax, that ultimately influenced her to pursue a career in real estate. She saw how well Melissa understood and navigated the complicated and nuanced world of real estate contracts and encouraged her to pursue her license. 

Despite initial hesitation, Melissa decided to take the leap and join her cousin's office, and has never looked back.

Melissa emphasizes that starting in the industry during the market crash of 2009 was a unique experience that has greatly benefited her. She was able to learn about the most challenging aspects of real estate transactions, such as short sales and foreclosures, and has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of the...

Keisha Williams, a real estate broker with Fulton Grace Realty, joins us on this episode of the Real Estate Moguls to share her unique journey into the real estate industry. 
She started her career in the mortgage industry and quickly discovered a passion for learning and growing in the field. Despite facing challenges, Keisha's biggest motivator was her children and her desire for a better life for them. 
With her background in fashion and love for aesthetics, she eventually made the leap to real estate, overcoming failure and taking risks to achieve success.

Keisha's background in fashion and design gave her a unique perspective on the real estate industry. She saw the potential in homes to be not only functional but also beautiful, and this passion is evident in her approach to her clients. 

Keisha's experience in the mortgage industry, combined with her drive and determination, has made her a successful real estate broker, and she is an inspiration to others in the industry.

Keisha's story is a reminder that success is not determined by your background or circumstances, but by your willingness to work hard and take risks. She embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to overcome challenges and reach for success. 

Her family background, with her mother being a hard worker and her father taking risks, has given her a unique combination of qualities that have served her well in the real estate industry.


Keisha is a true real estate mogul, and her story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the determination to reach for success. Whether you are starting a new career or looking to take your real estate business to the next level, Keisha's story is one to be inspired by. 

Her approach to the industry and her love for the work she does is a testament to her success and her ability to make a difference in the lives of her clients.