Leasing agent by day, resident by night: meet AJ Markowski, our December Employee Spotlight.
AJ joined Draper and Kramer, Incorporated, in 2020 as a leasing agent at1350-1360 North Lake Shore Drive and became a resident less than a year later.
“The opportunity Draper and Kramer gave me to both live and work on-site at the building is my favorite part of my job,” says AJ. “Being a resident has given me extra insight to confidently and accurately address almost any work-related question about this property. At this point, there probably isn’t a question I can’t answer.”
His familiarity with the property is one of the many reasons why AJ received a Leasing Professional of the Year recognition in the 2024 Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards.
“I was incredibly honored when the company wanted to nominate me for the award, and beyond excited when I found out I actually won. It’s certainly one of my proudest professional accomplishments,” he said.
Kelli Stuart, property manager at 1350/1360 says the award is well-deserved. “I love how proactive AJ is. He won’t hesitate to go walk and unit or check in with the door staff regarding a move,” she noted. “His rapport with residents is great, too. They know they can ask any question and get straight, reliable information from him.”
AJ is the first contact for incoming prospects touring his building, whether the visit happens on-site or virtually, and he feels a strong connection with the residents he meets. “I love that it’s my job to help someone find a new place to live,” AJ notes. “Building relationships with prospective, current, and future residents is very meaningful. I’m also incredibly thankful for the people I work with every day. It’s a great team and I could not be so successful without my colleagues.”
While AJ got his start in real estate as a broker in 2019, his interest in the field dates back much further. His mother’s role as a commercial lender at an independent bank, with a focus on real estate, was his original inspiration to begin a career in Chicago’s real estate industry.
After work, AJ heads upstairs to his apartment to greet his new wife, Kim, and dog, George. When AJ’s not in the building, you can likely find him cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams or enjoying a round of golf.
Meet AJ Markowski: award-winning leasing agent, dedicated resident, and our December Employee Spotlight! With a passion for real estate and a commitment to his community, AJ's expertise and proactive approach make him a standout at Draper and Kramer.
