Looking back on her interests and skill sets, real estate seems like a natural profession for Jena Radnay, but it wasn't always so obvious. Originally from Hinsdale, Radnay got a degree in nursing from Georgetown University, then moved back to Chicago. Her dad wanted to ensure she had a job after graduating, but she never worked as a nurse for even a day, instead interviewing at DDB Worldwide Chicago, one of the country's top advertising agencies. After eight rounds of interviews, she landed the job she wanted the most. Here, exposed to high-level clients, she honed the skills that today help her thrive in the real estate market.

"McDonalds was my client, and I was in meetings presenting ideas to the CEO, the president, the head of marketing, so I always had to get my act together," Radnay says. "I was always challenged in a good way, and you always had to be on your A game. It was really about client development, and all those years of client management have helped me build by business today."

This is important to Radnay, who credits her love of marketing for much of her success