Meet Ilene Collins of Apartment People

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilene Collins.

Ilene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I came to work here over 30 years ago, when the company had about 5 staff members and was only 2 years old. I came to work in a temporary capacity part time. The job was at first completely undefined. The owner needed assistance, but didn’t know what he wanted. I wasn’t trying for a big career here, (I was an actress doing improv at the time) and easily became the one employee who would honestly tell the owner he had spinach on his teeth. (not really, but definitely didn’t tell him just what he wanted to hear.) We became a great team, through over 30 years. He is my children’s godfather and I am best friends with his daughter, Mindee who I now share my work with.

Has it been a smooth road?
The theme in the beginning was to have fun and make money. It was smooth and crazy in the beginning. For the first 10 years, we were the only company in town doing much with apartment rentals. On a Saturday, there would be a line out the door to get in here and see an agent.

The struggles lately have been with the many companies and individuals seeming like companies who have gotten in this business. Also, the internet is an interesting friend and foe.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Apartment People is the original and the leader in Chicago Apartment Rentals. We have won the Reader’s Best Of consistently. (over 6 years in a row) We specialize in rentals for the small one-unit condo owner to the largest management companies and developers. A lesser known fact is that we also do a great job with sales/purchases both for the person looking for their first home and the investor.

I believe we are set apart from the others philosophically. We have assisted people in desperate situations (coming from a burned down home, or living in their car) to Hollywood stars and lottery winners. We try to make sure that we treat both our renters and apartment owners as we would a relative. We want them to use us year after year and feel that we have made their lives easier. And we know that moving is stressful and we do our best to help.

I am proud that our company has improved the lives of so many people that write us as not only former customers, but staff members. I still interview most of the people looking to work here. I know our staff is the main ingredient for success and I truly love the people I am blessed to work with.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Clearly, by the sheer number of apartment rental agencies now here, Chicago is a great place for a business like this.

Contact Info:

• Address: Lakeview: 3121 N. Broadway
  River North: 750 N Franklin
  Evanston: 619 Gove
• Website: www.apartmentpeople.com
• Phone: 773-248-8800/ 312-335-9800/847-733-8800
• Email: ilene@apartmentpeople.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apartmentpeople/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apartmentpeople/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AptPeople

Image Credit:
Jonathan Palomo

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