Triathlete Mark Kowalik pivoted to a career in the real estate world after years of excelling in the hotel and travel industry. These experiences helped shape his dedication to providing the concierge customer service that’s launched him into the top 1% of sales of brokers at Baird & Warner.
Mark is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a degree in recreation and tourism that encompassed marketing, business development, entrepreneurship, and the necessity of building strong client relationships.
He joined Baird & Warner in 2015 after serving as the General Manager of one of the city’s most popular travel companies. Within his first 12 months as a broker, he won the prestigious “Rookie of the Year” award from the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.
Drawn to Baird & Warner by the firm’s vital role in the history of Chicago, Mark would recommend a partnership with the organization to any new agent. Led by managing broker David Bailey, the Lincoln Park office offers an unparalleled level of support, mentorship, coaching, and all of the tools you need to find success.
Mark is passionate about providing customer-obsessed service and truly strives to understand his clients and ensure open and honest communication channels. He embraces the latest real estate tech advancements in order to work more effectively.
He’s completed hundreds of transactions with a combined team sales volume of over $100 million. “If you want to push yourself,” he believes, “there is no ceiling cap for success in terms of sales volume and client acquisition.” Mark is a skilled negotiator and exceeds the expectations of even the most high-maintenance client.
His most salient piece of advice for aspiring brokers? “Listen, listen, listen. Be genuine, be able to establish trust in a short period of time, and work like someone else wants to take your business from you.” He recommends hosting and attending open-house events regularly as an excellent way to network and generate leads.
A savvy business owner, real estate investor, and “West Loop Dad,” Mark appreciates the importance of delivering a seamless and timely experience for his customers.
The Active Realtor is Mark’s unique real estate brand, which combines his love of this industry, his involvement in his local community, and his love of adventure and living a healthy lifestyle.
An Ironman competitor, he enjoys ultra-long-distance running and biking along Chicagoland’s miles of lakefront trails. Mark volunteers regularly with both local and national charitable organizations and hosts his neighborhood’s annual Photos With Santa event. He donates a bike to World Bicycle Relief for every 3 home sales he completes.
Baird & Warner launched their Good Will Works program to give back to the communities where we live and work, and to help the residents of Chicagoland “local organizations that focus on fair housing, animal welfare, financial empowerment, arts education, racial equity, and more.” Mark is pleased to team up with his colleagues to raise funds for such worthy causes.
Mark fights tirelessly for his clients and is an especially fierce advocate for first-time homebuyers and families with the goal of building generational wealth through real estate.
His vibrant personality, stellar work ethic, and love of helping people achieve their dreams make Mark a perfect fit for the culture at Baird & Warner Lincoln Park. If you’re ready to take the first step toward owning the property you’ve always wanted, reach out to Mark today!