Member Spotlight: Land-N-Lots Realty, Inc. • 32051 S. Route 50 • Peotone, IL 60468 • (708) 258-0500 • Owner: Kay Hoffman, Luann Soucie

Business History: The business started in 1994 after we left Century 21 Dabbs in Richton Park because we opposed the airport and that was against company policy.

Best business advice: “Don’t ever get over-extended”. You don’t have to buy everything at once. Some advice I would give, if asked. “Give your business plan at least 3 years to work and show a profit”.

Memorable moments: There have been several, but for Kay it was a seller living in California who needed to sell his property in Kankakee. A friend who lived in Peotone referred us to him. We listed the property at an agreed price. The buyer, who lived in Texas, heard about it through a family member who was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. I emailed information and family sent and emailed photos. Everyone agreed upon a price and the contract was confirmed while I was in the Country Festival Parade in 2003. This is a great business, a seller in one state, buyer in another and property in Illinois, but we put it together.

Secret to success: Our goal was to remove some of the stigma about realtors. That is, “The only thing they are interested in is the commission.” We are interested in serving our clients best interest so they will be repeat clients. Treating everyone fairly and honestly with the best possible service has worked for us so far.

Other: Luann also has a crop insurance business called Golden Harvest. She recently left her management job at Curves to concentrate on real estate and crop insurance. Kay is involved with the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Peotone, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Ecumenical Council of Churches, and the Chamber Board of Directors.