Local Business Spotlight - Leigh Marcus
Meet Leigh Marcus, owner of Leigh Marcus @properties with his wife Lindsay. Leigh has sold over 1,600 homes and has built an amazing team. Read our interview with Leigh to learn more about how he and his wife started their business, what they love about running their business, and why he loves waking up at 4am in the morning!
Give us a small backstory of how your business started.
It's actually a funny story: Lindsey, my wife and business partner was in Real Estate long before I ever considered it. I was in Tech Sales and I was good at it, but didn't find it to be very fulfilling, and to be honest, it was a little boring. Lindsey had this vision that we could go into business together and be this Dream Team in Real Estate where my sales skills could be put to work at something I would find fulfilment in by helping people take the next step in their lives, and she could manage the operations of the company and help it grow (all of her ideas are always big, and you got to love her for them). So, she convinced me to take the Real Estate exam and give it a try. After many sleepless nights and a lot of hard work, we finally took off! We were able to take our team from just her and I to what we are now. Looking back it was a wild, at times exhausting ride... and pretty risky! But I'm so grateful she pushed me to believe in her vision because we both love what we do and ended up exactly where we are supposed to be.
What are some of your favorite moments of running your business?
It's so cliche to say, but if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life, and I really do feel that way! I get to work with my wife and business partner day in and day out and we (mostly Lindsey) have created this amazing team and culture, where it's exciting to come to work every day!
All the while, we are helping people take the next step in their lives! Buying or selling a home is such a personal process, and I love being able to connect with my clients in that way. In most cases, I'm helping my neighbors! I usually end up becoming good friends with my clients, and I love that.
For me, this business is a family affair! One time a client of mine needed some sprucing up of their landscaping, so I took our 3 girls over and we planted some flowers and made a day of it. It's moments like that, where I know I'm helping my clients, but also getting to have family time, that's what makes it so special to run your own business.
What is one thing that many people may not know about you or your business?
Most people don't know that I like... and I mean I actually enjoy waking up at 4am every day. I find the mornings to be so peaceful. I like to wake up before most other people and enjoy that time before things get crazy. I read, write, meditate, just try to be present.
Do you have any hobbies that you do outside of running your business?
I love to read! If I'm not physically holding the book, I'm always listening to one as I'm walking to and from meetings on audible. Bike rides are something we love to do as a family, and I recently have gotten into these remote control cars! The girls love driving them over homemade ramps and watching them soar, but I'm not sure who loves it more, them or me!
What are some businesses you love in Lakeview or Roscoe Village?
Oh, there are SO many! Lindsey and I love to walk around the neighborhood and pop in to local spots. DSpa is our neighbor and we are big fans of theirs. Both our dogs, Luna and Leo, get groomed there, and Chad the owner is awesome. He lets our girls help him out on the weekends, and they love it!
Our entire office loves to go to Pilates and Coffee to try one of their delicious custom lattes. We have yet to do a team pilates class, but I see it in our future!
John's Place and Le Sud are 2 of our favorite restaurants to visit nearby. Great food, and even better service!
When we're venturing further than just down the street, we love to go to Crosby's kitchen! Their food is fantastic! Rocks is also a fun neighborhood spot, close to the lake so you can grab a bite, and then walk right down to Belmont harbor and walk along the lake after. And I think everyone loves a sandwich or bagel from CBA! And if we're talking bagels, you can't forget about Steingold's!
What are the best ways people can support your business right now?
The best way you can support my business, or any local business is by spreading the word! So much of our business comes from referrals and reviews and those are truly the best thing someone can do to support my team and I.
