BAIRD & WARNER REAL ESTATE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Sales
- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS / Dean Rouso / SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SALES DEVELOPMENT & REFERRAL SERVICES
- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SALES DEVELOPMENT & REFERRAL SERVICES
Dean Rouso is senior vice president of sales development & referral services at Baird & Warner. He leads cutting-edge New Client Development Group and is responsible for e-business conversion strategies, real estate team development and coaching, and companywide agent business planning programs. Dean has developed Baird & Warner's exclusive E-Biz Certification for advanced technologies and sales techniques to deliver a Level 10 real estate experience to buyer and seller clients.
When he started in the real estate industry in 1998, Dean was named New Associate of the Year by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Northern Illinois, Southwest Michigan, and Southern Wisconsin regions. He formed one of the first real estate teams in Illinois and in 2007 opened a boutique brokerage in LaGrange. The brokerage became part of Baird & Warner in 2012, and Dean was named director of sales development.
Dean has served as a two-term President of Midwest Real Estate Data's (MRED) board of directors and as President of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS' board. He has also served on the board of directors of the National Association of REALTORS and in the Illinois Association of REALTORS License Law Working Group, which crafted much of the Illinois Broker License Laws as we know it today.
Dean was awarded REALTOR of the year by Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS and has received MRED's Distinguished Service Award.
Dean has a Psychology from Southern Illinois University. He has served on the Board of Directors of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the Community Nurse Association, and the H Foundation for cancer research. He was named Business Leader of the Year by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Senior Vice President of Information Technology
Federico Masias is the senior vice president of information technology at Baird & Warner. As part of our leadership team, Federico uses a customer-centric approach to evaluate business needs and implement technology solutions for all three Baird & Warner, Key Mortgage, and Baird & Warner Title Services.
Federico brings 20+ of deep industry expertise, with 15 years with US Foods where he was the senior director of business relationship management for digital marketing commerce and merchandising systems. He is a graduate from Universidad Tecnológica de México and throughout his career achieved project management certifications from Loyola University, Northwestern, and the Project Management Institute. He's also a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Management Team
Jennifer Alter Warden is the chief operating officer and executive vice president of Baird & Warner. She works closely with the presidents of Baird & Warner's three divisions - Residential Sales, Key Mortgage Services and Baird & Warner Title Services - to ensure they have the marketing and technology strategies and resources they need to operate effectively.Jennifer also serves on Baird & Warner's executive committee, and helps sustain a culture that empowers people and enables Baird & Warner to consistently rank as a top workplace in Chicago.
With Baird & Warner since 1995, Jennifer was responsible for launching the company's home services, e-business and title operations. In 2002, Jennifer created the Baird & Warner Good Will Network, the company's charitable initiative, and she continues to oversee the program. To date, the Good Will Network has donated more than $2.5 million to worthy nonprofits.
A lifelong resident of Chicago, Jennifer is an avid cyclist who takes full advantage of the city's lakefront, park system and other public treasures. Jennifer, her husband, Rob Warden, and their two grown sons are active in the community and committed to making a difference. She leads by example, working hard to inspire Baird & Warner team members to do their personal best.
Jennifer is a graduate of Oberlin College and holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
John Adamson is a life-long North Shore resident and a Realtor since 1977. John's Real Estate experience includes residential and commercial sales, appraisal, rehabbing and property management.
Recognized as among the top 1% of all brokers in Illinois, and as one of Chicago's Five Star Real Estate Agents - Highest in service and overall satisfaction, he is also listed in the National Registry of Who's-Who in Real Estate.
He is a Certified Negotiation Expert and is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. By doing his best to make the experience of selling and purchasing Real Estate enjoyable for his clients, he has consistently been a top producer for over twenty-five years.
From 1977 to 1991 Adamson worked for three local firms, first as agent then as managing broker, responsible for achieving sales goals, recruiting and training.
From 1991 to 2016 Adamson was Founder, Managing Broker and Principal of Lakeshore Partners Real Estate Services (LSP), specializing in the sale of residential and investment properties. Adamson has been selected to represent condominium conversions and participated in marketing a thirty unit, new construction townhome development in the Northwestern University - Evanston Research Park. LSP consistently ranked among the top local firms.
In 2016 Adamson decided that the Baird & Warner culture, along with its commitment to serving clients in innovative ways is a perfect match to his own values and goals. Since joining B&W Adamson has achieved membership in its Founder's Club.
As Chairman of the North Shore Barrington Board of Realtors (NSBAR) Professional Standards Committee, John has chaired ethics and arbitration hearings. He also served on NSBAR's Membership Committee and Board of Directors. He served as a member of the Evanston Housing Commission and on the Board of Directors for Housing Options for the Mentally Ill of Evanston and currently serves as Community Liaison for Three Crowns Park Retirement Association.
John coached grade school sports programs for thirteen years. His avocation of music includes singing in the award-winning barbershop quartet, The Key Ingredient, and performing with rock bands NAMCO, and the Grateful Dads, local musical fund-raising groups and currently Tunes on Tuesday, raising consciousness and donations for local organizations by busking at a local coffee house. Married to Ann and the father of three, Adamson an avid NU Wildcat fan, lives in Evanston.
John's daughter Debbie, a licensed Real Estate broker in Illinois and Wisconsin has joined him in the business. Debbie's interpersonal skills, friendly demeanor and attention to design combine to enhance the overall process. As an expert rock climber, Debbie is a determined individual focused on teamwork and mutual goals.
John gets the job done. He believes that Real Estate is about more than bricks and mortar. "It's a relationship based on trust, knowledge and expertise, It's about people and their hopes and dreams."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Senior Vice President of Residential Sales
John Matthews is senior vice president of residential sales at Baird & Warner. With 35 years of sales management experience, John specializes in recruiting, training, and coaching successful real estate agents and in sales of vintage, unique, and luxury properties as well as commercial real estate consulting.
He has trained and coached over 1,000 agents in the last 25 years resulting in billions in real estate sales, as well as national recognition for sales, sales training, and management.
Prior to real estate sales management, John was a top selling realtor locally and nationally. His leadership is characterized by friendliness and caring, with expectation and accountability defining his experience as a sales professional. The expert training John has provided to agents has led to extremely high customer satisfaction ratings of the offices he has managed.
John has managed Baird & Warner's Lincoln Park, Oak Park, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and La Grange offices and has served on the boards of the Mainstreet Association of Realtors and the Chicago Association of Realtors. He has served on Midwest Real Estate Data's board of directors since 2012, and he currently sits on the National Association of Realtors' Top 75 Large Firms Directors Forum.
An Illinois-licensed real estate broker since 1990, Laura has achieved professional distinction for successfully marketing and selling hundreds of homes and condominiums throughout downtown Chicago and its surrounding neighborhoods. This recognition has come from her peers in the form of annual awards from the Chicago Association of Realtors and from her many loyal clients in the form of repeat and referral business over the years.
Over the years, Laura has worked in various aspects of residential real estate sales and marketing. Before joining Baird & Warner, she worked for the Belgravia Group, specializing in the prestigious developer's various projects and becoming an instrumental participant in record sales for the company. After becoming very familiar with all the firm's buildings and communities, she then spearheaded Belgravia Realty Group's Resale division, offering unparalleled knowledge and marketing for sellers of Belgravia-built homes in numerous developments, including 600 N. Lake Shore Drive, 530 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chelsea Townhomes in the West Loop and Hartland Park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
With a B.S. in Media/Communications and an MBA in Marketing, Laura utilizes her various business skills and strategies to market each client's property to its fullest potential. She also consistently strives to benefit from the latest industry-specific continuing education, and is included in the nation's upper echelon of brokers who have earned the respected designations of GRI (Graduate, Realtors Institute), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative) and CIAS (Certified Investment Agent Specialist).
Laura possesses a true passion for and extensive experience in numerous aspects of residential real estate. She has built new homes as well as gut-rehabbed existing structures. Over two decades of working full-time in the Chicago marketplace has afforded her the opportunity to work successfully with all kinds of sellers and buyers and their unique situations. Over the years, her clients have come to rely upon her negotiating skills as well as her networking contacts with other Chicago area real estate agents. Her past experience also includes the position of Relocation Director for another local brokerage firm, working with both sellers and buyers in corporate moves and relocations.
In addition, Laura's marketing/consulting company has worked on the cutting edge of pro-active real estate marketing strategies since 1995, and was responsible for developing one of the world's very first real estate web sites, garnering international attention and numerous industry awards. Her experience with various aspects of internet marketing help her to make use of this ever-dominating resource to benefit her clients and all their real estate needs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- PRESIDENT RESIDENTIAL SALES & EVP
Laura Ellis is the president of residential sales and the executive vice president of Baird & Warner. In this position, Laura assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of residential sales and serves on the Executive Committee.
Prior to this role, Laura served as Baird & Warner's senior vice president of sales where she oversaw the operation of all branch offices and the creation of the Baird & Warner Leadership Institute, a unique training program that teaches leadership and business skills to sales associates while preparing them to take on management positions.
Laura joined Baird & Warner in 1998 as sales manager of the Bolingbrook office. During her eight years as manager, the office consistently broke records in production, recruiting, mortgage and title while earning a reputation for innovative practices.
In 2006, Laura was brought to the Baird & Warner corporate office to serve as director of sales operations and later as senior vice president of sales.
Prior to joining Baird & Warner, Laura served as a manager and certified trainer for Century 21 following a 10-year career as a top-producing agent in her office and in her region.
Prior to moving to my current home, I had moved with my family 4 times in 5 years - in some instances across the country -- and am very familiar with the needs and anxieties faced by today's buyers and sellers. My buyer and seller clients have come to rely on my help in making their moves as financially rewarding and stress-free as possible. I look forward to putting this experience to work for you!
As a mother of two, and having been a teacher and special needs assistant to hundreds, Laura has learned what family is in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Laura has lived most of her life in the South Suburbs, and has recently moved to the Northwest Suburbs.This gives her knowledge of a vast area. She has a degree in Marketing, and a teaching certificate. Those as well as her involvement in PTA, booster clubs, and Boy Scouts, talking to parents and students, that she believes gives her an advantage in helping you find your dream home.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Broker
- Member of the Chicago Board of REALTORS
Leila Keene has been a full-time professional REALTOR® since 1991 specializing in the sales and marketing of homes throughout Chicago.
Leila comes to real estate from a career in corporate computer sales, having focused on the sales and servicing of custom designed software to financial institutions. Traveling throughout the country, training management in the application of financial software, Leila honed important skills in communication and marketing as well as developed the ability to explain complicated subjects in a patient and easily understood manner. These skills, along with her in-depth understanding of the real estate industry, have helped Leila ensure success for hundreds of home buyers and sellers.
Leila is a member of the Chicago Board of REALTORS® where she helps shape the future of real estate in the area by serving on the Data Input Technology committee and also a member of the Professional Standards committee. In addition to her local involvement. Leila is also a member of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. All of these associations uphold a strict code of ethics and ensure that their members are up to date on the latest marketing techniques and legislation affecting real estate.
Totally dedicated to pleasing her buyers and sellers, Leila Keene is the kind of real estate professional who will do her best to make this real estate transaction your best.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Management Team
Marty Bozarth is Baird & Warner's chief financial officer and executive vice president. In this position Marty is responsible for accounting, financial analysis, and mergers and acquisitions, and he serves on the executive committee.
Prior to this role, Marty was chief financial officer at USA Vein Clinics and chief operating officer of Profit Recovery Partners in Southern California for 10 years. He is known for spearheading growth initiatives that minimize costs while maximizing corporate financial opportunities.
Marty received a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a MBA from The University of Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS / Dean Rouso / SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SALES DEVELOPMENT & REFERRAL SERVICES
- Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Peter Papakyriacou is Baird & Warner's senior vice president of marketing and communications. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate brand strategy and communications across a wide range of industries, Peter brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the position. Most recently, he spearheaded the development, launch and implementation of the firm's industry leading Marketing Services group. Peter joined Baird & Warner in 2011.
In Peter's previous role as senior communications manager at JPMorgan Chase, he led the Commercial Banking division's organizational messaging and marketing campaigns across a variety of channels. Before JPMorgan Chase, Peter was the marketing development manager at HSBC Card Services, where he directed the marketing group that supported the bank's multibillion private label and cobranded credit card business.
Peter holds a bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and an MBA in International Marketing from Loyola University Chicago. A native of Athens, Greece, he currently resides in Chicago's Sauganash neighborhood with his wife and three children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- President of Key Mortgage Services
Ralph Melbourne is president of Key Mortgage Services. Ralph is a strategic professional with more than 25 years of experience in mortgage lending, most recently serving as National Head of Mortgage Lending at BMO Harris Private Bank.
"In looking to fill this position it was critical to find a true mortgage professional, and Ralph's more than 25 years as an innovative change leader in the financial services industry are a testament to his capabilities," noted Steve Baird.
As he takes on this new role, Ralph's top priority will be to make a comprehensive assessment of Key Mortgage with a vision toward future growth. Ralph knows the local market and is intimately familiar with the mortgage and brokerage space. Perhaps as importantly, he has a calm and thoughtful approach, and his belief in doing the right thing aligns with our own values.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- Member of the Management Team
- PRESIDENT
Steve Baird is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Baird & Warner and the firm's fifth-generation owner. Established in 1855, Baird & Warner is the oldest independent family-owned real estate services company in the United States. It operates residential sales, mortgage, and title companies under its umbrella. Baird has long worked for the preservation of open space as past-president of CorLands, the Openlands Project, and currently as a National and Chicago Board Member for The Trust for Public Land where he serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee. He holds memberships in the YPO Gold Organization, the Chief Executives Organization, and the Commercial Club of Chicago. Baird is a Life Trustee of the Morton Arboretum and serves on the Foundation Board of Lurie Children's Hospital. Baird is actively involved with public radio serving on the Board of WBEZ in Chicago for over 10 years and currently serves as the Chairman of the Capital Campaign. He served as its Chairman for three years and chaired the Investment, Finance, Executive and Governance Committees. A 1974 cum laude graduate of Harvard University, Baird remains active in the Harvard Community through the HAA Schools and Scholarship Committee and is the Co-Chair of the Harvard Schools Committee in Chicago, which interviews applicants for admission. He received his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management in 1985. Baird lives in Chicago with his wife, Susan, and they have two daughters and one granddaughter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Senior Vice President of Residential Sales
Tripti Kasal is senior vice president of residential sales at Baird & Warner. In her current role, she is intensely focused on growing the company's sales through her impact on productivity. As one of two regional managers, she supports the company's sales managers by creating and implementing recruiting, coaching, and training initiatives. She also works closely with the marketing department to guide strategy and rollout of marketing materials that meet the needs of agents and managers.
Prior to this role,Tripti served as vice president of sales and worked closely with the managers of the Chicago city and North Shore offices and led the development of Baird & Warner's award winning Luxury Living marketing program.
Tripti joined Baird & Warner in 2014 after over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. Her previous roles in real estate include EVP of Brokerage Operations at a competitor and owner of a boutique brokerage in Lincoln Park. Prior to her management roles, she was a top producer in sales of residential and commercial property. She has and continues to renovate, develop, and manage properties in Chicagoland and Harbor Country, Michigan.
Tripti graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in computer science and marketing from Northern Illinois University. She has served in leadership roles in several non-profit organizations including the Menomonee Club for Boys & Girls, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, and Women's Council of Realtors.
Job Titles:
- Certified Public Accountant
- Chairman
- Member of the Management Team
- President of Baird & Warner Title Services
- PRESIDENT TITLE SERVICES & EVP
Warren Habib serves as president of Baird & Warner Title Services and executive vice president of Baird & Warner. He is also a member of the firm's executive committee. Warren also served as CFO of Baird & Warner during his first ten years.
Warren has more than 25 years of experience in business and P&L management. Prior to joining Baird & Warner in 2007, he spent five years at HSBC as the chief financial officer of the consumer and mortgage lending servicing channel. There, Warren held several key roles in the credit card business, focusing on driving profitable growth. He also headed HSBC's business process improvement group, leveraging Six Sigma methodology.
Warren is a certified public accountant and has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility with companies such as Sears and SBC-Ameritech, now AT&T.
Warren received an MBA from DePaul Graduate School in Chicago and a bachelor's degree in business and accounting from LeTourneau University in Texas.
Beyond his professional life, Warren serves as the chairman of a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged children and families.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
- EVP
- Member of the Management Team
Wendy is the chief people officer and executive vice president at Baird & Warner and also a member of the company's executive committee. She is responsible for planning, developing, organizing and directing the company's human resource strategy and programs.
Wendy has over 20 years of experience in human resource planning and management. Wendy started her career at J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. As employment and development manager with Hunt, she was responsible for the recruiting and development of over 1,900 employees within a start-up division. She has also held human resource management positions at Best Buy Corporation and ADP Totalsource. In her 12 years with Baird & Warner, Wendy has developed and implemented multiple programs encompassing recruitment and selection, compensation management, performance and recognition, and employee and agent benefits.
Wendy earned her bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in economics from Southern Illinois University. She has been certified with a senior professional in human resources designation since 2001 and is active in the Society of Human Resource Management in their national and local chapters.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Broker
- EVP on Crain 's Notable Leaders in HR
I am an active full-time realtor working in the southwest suburbs and Chicago area. I have been a full-time realtor for over 20 years. I have accumulated numerous achievement awards including Baird & Warner Chairman's Club ( Top 5% of the agents). My professional certifications included SFR ( Short sale and foreclosure resource), CREN ( Certified Negotiation Expert). I am also a registered Realtor with membership in NAR ( National Association of Realtors), IAR ( Illinois Association of Realtor), MORE ( Main Street Association of Realtors) for over 20 years. My formal academic training is in quantitative sciences ( Ph. D. degree in Pharmacology). I pride myself in being able to transfer my scientific training to help my buyers and sellers decipher the latest in real estate information and to come up with the best strategy to make their real estate transaction a happy and profitable experience.