Experience has taught Debbie Prodehl that the best way to show her appreciation for the real estate industry is through REALTOR® associations, and that’s why she wants to serve on the 2020 Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors.

“This industry has been so good to my family,” says the Eastern Region Vice President for Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group in Homer Glen. “It’s extremely important that I give back to our organization and my fellow REALTORS®. It is crucial for me to be on the cutting edge of what’s happening on a day-to-day basis in our industry.”

In fact, Prodehl is seeking her fourth consecutive year on the board. She is one of nine REALTORS® slated to join the board of directors at the Fall Business Meetings, Sept. 17-19 at the Chicago Marriott in Naperville. Hers is the fourth in a series of articles on the slated board candidates.

Prodehl became a REALTOR® in 1992, joining the family business as a broker. She enjoyed working in real estate, following her father’s example, and says the business seemed like second nature to her. In 2005, she became the broker/manager of the Homer Glen office, and in 2011 was named to her current position. As she moved into a management role, she started holding herself to a different standard.

“I measure my success by the success of the agents I work with,” she says. “I help develop their careers.”

Associations present many opportunities

Prodehl began learning about the value of REALTOR® associations through her involvement with the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®. Following years of committee work, she joined its leadership ranks and became president in 2015.

She served on many committees for Illinois REALTORS®, including chair of the Business Issues and License Law Forum Committee in 2016 and 2017. She’s also been a member of the Professional Standards Committee, Leadership Development Working Group and Finance and a 2017 member of the Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Class.

For the National Association of REALTORS®, she has served as a member of its Board of Directors, as a large board representative, and as a state representative for the Broker Involvement Council.

“I thoroughly enjoy the business and my involvement at not only the state level, but the national and local levels, too,” says Prodehl, a member of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®. “Working with fellow REALTORS® helps me learn more about the latest developments in the industry. It’s crucial for me to be on the cutting edge.”