When Cindy Quinn looks back at how she got into real estate, it wasn’t exactly part of a carefully mapped-out career plan.
For 10 years, Cindy worked as a paralegal for her father. She was also raising her children, and one of the things she valued most about that job was the flexibility it gave her to be present for her family.
“I didn’t punch a time clock,” Cindy said. “I was able to take off to be with my kids if someone was sick or needed me.”
But Cindy knew her father planned to retire when he turned 70, so she also knew that eventually she would need to figure out what came next.
That’s when she decided to dip her toes into real estate. The goal at first was fairly simple: make a little spending money.
Then something happened.
During her first year in real estate, Cindy sold $1 million in property. Her second year, she sold $5 million.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Taking the Leap
Cindy continued working for her father while building her real estate business. In 2021, she earned her managing broker license.
But having the license and actually opening her own company were two different things.
In 2023, at age 53, Cindy decided to take the leap.
She opened Quinn Realty without a book of sales behind her and ventured into something completely new: property management.
She started with just 25 units for one owner.
Today, Quinn Realty manages approximately 500+ rental units for property owners across the country, managing their Illinois properties. The company has also built its own maintenance operation, with two maintenance crews serving the properties it manages.
The growth has been significant. Quinn Realty reached over $10 million in sales last year, and Cindy is looking toward $12+ million this year.
And she did it her way.
“I didn’t buy into anyone,” Cindy said. “I did this all myself.”
More Than Real Estate
Cindy’s path has also included opportunities to expand her knowledge beyond traditional real estate.
After earning her managing broker license and before opening Quinn Realty, she studied for and passed the exam to become a public adjuster.
She still maintains the license, although she does not currently practice as a public adjuster.
Her motivation for earning the license was simple: knowledge.
Cindy wanted to better understand insurance, storm damage, roofs, property damage and the terminology that can come into play when buying, selling or managing a property.
That knowledge has proven useful for her clients.
Whether she is helping someone understand damage to a property, pointing out concerns that may need attention or working with a property management client, having that additional knowledge allows Cindy to ask better questions and help clients navigate situations with more confidence.
Building a Business Around People
Quinn Realty’s growth isn’t just about numbers.
Cindy’s philosophy is rooted in taking care of people first.
“If you keep your dignity, respect, honesty and take care of the client, have the best interest of the client, then the money will come,” she said.
That philosophy has shaped the way she has built her business. Cindy doesn’t rely on paying for leads. Much of Quinn Realty’s business comes through referrals and word of mouth.
For her, that is the best kind of growth.
It means someone trusted her enough to recommend her to someone they care about.
What Comes Next
Quinn Realty began in Salem, where the company’s main office remains today. The business has also expanded to a satellite office in Mount Vernon, with plans to continue growing that location.
And Cindy isn’t done building.
In January, the company is preparing for a restructuring that will bring its various operations under Quinn Holdings, with Quinn Realty continuing as its real estate arm. Cindy expects that next chapter to bring another exciting opportunity to grow the business.
But regardless of how large Quinn Realty becomes, Cindy says the philosophy behind it won’t change.
Listen. Be honest. If you don’t know the answer, find it. And take care of the client.
Because for Cindy, real estate has never really been about houses.
It has always been about people.