The Homescout Team
Our professional, licensed agents come from many different backgrounds and have widely varying interests, but they all share a common goal: to go above and beyond what you would expect and provide you with a dramatically better real estate experience.
About The Owners
Jeff Ellman and Michael Krasman are two entrepreneurs who have impacted the lives of thousands of people in Chicago. They have helped thousands of people rent and buy homes, hundreds of professionals find jobs, and continue to throw many of the city's most well-known networking events.
Finding the perfect home, getting the ideal job, and meeting new people are some of the many challenges that people face in Chicago. Since 1999 their business has thrived and has become a great resource for anyone that is going through those challenges. Their forty person company continues to grow at a rapid pace and they plan to take this unique business model from coast to coast.
Jeff and Michael are the founders of:
Homescout Realty - a free service that helps customers rent apartments and buy homes
UrbanBound - a technology company that helps people save time and money during a relocation
Hireology - a technology company that helps businesses make better hiring decisions
Humatal Recruiting - a firm that specializes in helping people find jobs
VP of Sales
Leslie Suder
Leslie recently moved to be near her family in Chicago from Phoenix where she owned her own State Farm Agency. Her main focus throughout her career has been in sales and marketing but her passion, managing and motivating people. This goes back early in her career where she started the Women’s soccer program as head coach at Georgia State University. Leslie spent several years training for the United States Women’s National Soccer team and enjoys watching all sports and playing some with her other passion, her 3-year-old twin daughters, Zoe and Zandra.
Business Operations Manager
Jordan Wilson
As an Indiana native and graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Finance-Real Estate and Legal Studies, Jordan loves Chicago and being in the Midwest. He enjoys watching the Cincinnati Reds, Family Guy and Entourage and spending time with his family. As Homescout’s Business Operations Manager, he ensures that everything in the office runs smoothly from paper work to payroll, and always in a freshly pressed suit.
Marketing Department
Erin Wasson, Marketing Manager
After moving from St. Louis, Erin attended Loyola University Chicago to obtain her degree in Public Relations/Advertising, Visual Communications and French. After studying in Australia and the French Riviera, she found a love for traveling and exploring the cultures of the world. Erin loves working with the Homescout brand and connecting with the community through all of our social networks. Outside of work she enjoys going to sporting events (go Cards!), volunteering, concerts and camping.
Brokerage Manager
Joel Holland
Joel is a graduate of the University of Illinois and you can find him going to the gym, or meeting clients and friends. With a true passion for a life of helping people in his hometown, Chicago, Joel says "My goal is to work with you, not just for you, as a trusted resource in order to ensure the success of people around me." Read more about me on my website www.MyChicagoResource.com
Real Estate Consultants
Brad Jaffe
Brad is very energetic and enjoys playing golf and hockey in his free time. He graduated from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University and says the following about how he can help you: "I will listen to all of your needs and to help you find your perfect home. I want to make sure I am exceeding your every expectation."
Clayton Hines
Clayton is a Purdue grad and is a huge Cubs fan (as well as a Purdue football fan). Some of his favorite things include gyros, board games, and a good snowfall. He remarks: "I'm here to create a positive environment, attitude, and of course the best customer service I can. I feel they go hand in hand!"
Darrell Scott
Darrell graduated from the College of Architecture & Planning at Ball State University with a Master’s Degree in Architecture. He spent the last year of his education studying new housing concepts, while traveling along the Eastern Coast of Australia and the Island's of New Zealand. He is a huge Colts fan and loves spending time with friends, being outdoors, and traveling. Darrell is very passionate about his job and will work extremely hard to find his clients the ‘best deal’ on their next apartment.
Edwin Aguilar
Edwin is a graduate of the College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a huge sports enthusiast, with soccer being his sport of choice. Born and raised in Ecuador, Edwin is proud to call Chicago his hometown as he has lived here for almost 20 years. As a Chicagoan, Edwin’s knowledge of the city and its neighborhoods is second to none, and he is determined to share that knowledge with his clients as he helps them find a home in the Windy City.
Elliot Small
Elliot graduated from Indiana University's Kelly School of Business. He is an avid backpacker, climber and outdoor enthusiast. Here's what he has to say about his work: "I am driven to go above and beyond to find the exact property characteristics that will make a new place feel like home."
Jamey Brester
Jamey is originally from Lexington, KY and recently graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agriculture Economics and a minor in Business Administration. He is a huge college sports fan (especially Kentucky Basketball) and enjoys reading, being with his family, and playing soccer. He just moved to Chicago and is in love with the city and culture here. "I'm determined to help each and every one of my clients and will give nothing short of 100% effort in finding you a new home."
Kevin Friduss
Kevin graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Communications. As an extreme outdoor enthusiast, you can catch him at the beach in the summer and on a mountain in the winter. He is a nationally ranked Triathlete and huge Chicago sports fan. He also has a passion for writing and planning networking events. Kevin loves to share fun city facts, and will love to share his knowledge with you while finding you the perfect home in the best city in the world, Chicago.
Lauren Dicken
Lauren is originally from Louisville, KY and is a graduate from Indiana University. She enjoys Cubs baseball, live music, and summer street festivals around Chicago. She says, "My commitment to all of my clients is focus, dedication, and of course fun while finding them the perfect home!"
Lucy Hoffman, Landlord Relations Specialist
Bio Coming Soon.
Nick Croyle
Nick is a Ball State grad with a degree from the College of Architecture and Planning. Aside from enjoying live music, soccer, and the outdoors, Nick loves smorgasbords of food and a great smile. It is Nick's personal goal to enhance individual well-being by finding people the best place to live. "Cheers mate, and may the scouting force be with you."
Orilla Cruse
Orilla is a graduate of Indiana State University (March on you fighting Sycamores) with a degree in Graphic Design. After working for several years as a museum exhibit designer, Orilla came to Chicago for a new challenge in a new city. In her free time she does freelance design, enjoys baking, crafting, and reading. Orilla loves live music, entertaining and in-home movies with whirly pop popcorn. She will bring a light-hearted and informative approach to your housing search.
Tristen Heimann
Tristen is a genuine spirit who receives absolute joy in finding that ideal place in which reflects your lifestyle needs. With a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Ball State, Tristen is passionate about developing towards one’s full human potential. Whether its Healthy Living, Sustainable Developments, or Neighborhood Festivities, this guy is all about it. So, don’t be a stranger and let this continuing learner provide some housing guidance as you start that next chapter in your life.
Equal Housing Opportunity
