Molly Marino is not your cookie-cutter real estate agent, and she delivers a uniquely rewarding and holistic experience for each of her clients.
After receiving her MBA from the prestigious Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, Molly believed that she was on the corporate track and destined to be a high-powered marketing executive.
But like so many passionate entrepreneurs, she yearned for more freedom and decided to make the decision to forge a new future for herself.
Her parents had found success in the real estate industry, and Molly always had an interest in home decor. She’d previously remodeled several of her own properties before embarking on her real estate career. Within 2 weeks of receiving her license, her business began to take off, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Her keen eye for design combined with her years in the corporate space gives Molly an exclusive niche in the Chicagoland market. She’s a one-stop shop for clients who need help getting their homes ready for the demands of today’s savvy house hunters.
She joined Baird & Warner Lincoln Park in the spring of 2010 after 6 years as the Director of Marketing for one of the world’s top investment research firms. Shortly after, an out-of-state seller hired Molly to sell a condo that had spent several years as a rental and desperately needed a massive overhaul.
She struck a deal with her client to provide staging expertise and manage the renovations, the property sold within days for top dollar, and a star was born. Molly now owns a full-service staging and design company that benefits not only her own clients but other agents at B&W.
The real estate world “isn’t a path for everyone,” Molly points out — answering your phone at all hours and being “always on” doesn’t work for some people, but she truly loves this environment. She points out that the key to growing your business is “understanding your network of friends and acquaintances and positioning yourself as the go-to person for anything real estate related.”
Additionally, her expertise makes Molly a trusted resource for guidance on remodeling, renovation, and revitalizing outdoor spaces. She helps her people see the potential before they buy and then execute that vision post-closing, with an extensive network of architects, contractors, and landscape professionals.
At the start of her rambunctious real estate career, Molly says, “I wanted to work for an honest company with a solid backbone in the area.” She sought something of a unicorn, a large firm that wasn’t a national franchise, with no drama, no smoke and mirrors, and a solid foundation. She boasts that she has most certainly found that in Baird & Warner.
In her time at Baird & Warner Lincoln Park, she’s had the privilege of working with one of the industry’s top full-time management teams, who offer unmatched support, coaching, and invaluable mentorship.
Her nearly boundless energy and enthusiasm extend into her personal life as well. Molly is the proud founder and executive director of the volunteer-powered group Chicago English Bulldog Rescue, a licensed Illinois shelter and 501(c)3 charitable organization that has rehomed over 1,500 adorable dogs since 2006. She also works toward exposing and shutting down harmful and inhumane puppy mill breeding operations.
She’s an avid gardener who turned her city property into “a veggie-producing oasis,” featuring fruits, vegetables, and flowers from heirloom seeds. Chicago straddles USDA hardiness zones 5b and 6a, so Molly starts her crops in February indoors under grow lights and then moves them to her outdoor greenhouse in the spring, where her bountiful garden thrives.
Her extensive knowledge of the best plants and flowers for this area helps her clients realize their dreams of a stunning outdoor entertainment space and sustainable landscaping that provides food and protection for a variety of birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
From mid-March until the first snow flies, Molly can be found hitting the links around Chicago several times a week and perfecting her golf game. She loves visiting estate sales, thrift stores, and flea markets to look for furniture and other elements that can be upcycled and incorporated into her designs.
Our city is well-known as a culinary paradise, and Molly has some Chicagoland faves that she always shares with visitors, clients, and new residents. She particularly adores Wherewithall, an avant-garde eatery in Avondale, Old Irving Brewing and Illuminated Brew Works on the Northside, and the annual Beer Under Glass festival, the official start of Illinois Craft Beer Week.
In her Northwest neighborhood, she enjoys the delectable authentic Polish cuisine at family-owned Smakosz, which features both traditional fare like potato pancakes, pierogies, and dumplings, as well as modern dishes with fresh local ingredients.
Molly’s unique skillset, knowledge of marketing and business planning, and vibrant personality make her one of the most in-demand agents at Baird & Warner Lincoln Park. If you’d like to learn more, you can find her on Instagram or visit her website.
Ready to make a career change and create your own specialized real estate business? We have the resources you need to succeed — reach out today to hit the ground running!