Originally from O’Fallon, Illinois, I moved to Mt. Vernon in 2014 and pursued my career in real estate. I enjoy traveling and camping with my significant other, John, and miniature dachshunds, Yadier and Wrigley. My passions are cooking, hiking, going to Cardinals games, and, of course, real estate! I like being involved in the community, and am a member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
My past careers have made me a well-rounded professional – always aiming to please my clients & the public. During college, I worked as a retail assistant manager for a popular teenage clothing line. After college, I taught middle school mathematics at Alton Middle School for eight years. During that time, I also worked part time as a server, bartender, and after-school tutor. Upon moving to Mt. Vernon, I began bartending at Rare Chop House, which later led to a general management promotion.
For as long as I can remember, I have always valued education, and appreciate being a life-long learner. After receiving my masters in Leadership & Administration at McKendree University, I later completed Real Estate License courses, & passed the Illinois Real Estate License State exam. I continue to expand my knowledge in real estate by attending continuing education courses throughout the years. In March 2018, I attended the Real Estate Institute and completed the coursework and state exam to become a managing broker. Providing guidance & professional assistance for people making important real estate decisions is a responsibility I value and take pleasure in making my number one priority.
I began my real estate career at a competing real estate company in Mt. Vernon, IL. After 11 months there, I made an exciting & positive switch to RE/MAX Elite. RE/MAX leads the industry in brand awareness! This means when you list your property with RE/MAX Elite you are listing it with a brand name that more buyers and sellers know and a brand name that stands out in a competitive industry. Our company has over 125,000 agents in over 100 countries and territories, a greater worldwide presence than any other brand. RE/MAX agents average more real estate sales experiences than other real estate agents. Moreover, RE/MAX agents give back to the community – being one of the top three donors of all time to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Through RE/MAX Elite of Mt. Vernon, I work in a partnership with licensed managing broker and REALTOR® Robin Gelfius. We work together to help our clients buy and sell their homes. In our partnership, I handle a lot of the contracts and behind-the-scenes online work, and Robin works in the field with the clients face-to-face. I specialize in the marketing of our sellers’ homes, and for our buyers, I ensure a smooth closing by proactively communicating with the lenders, appraisers, and title companies. As REALTORS®, we abide by a strict code of ethics and use the highest degree of integrity. We provide our clients with double the Expertise, Experience, Attention, Service, Knowledge, and Resources!
About Robin S. Gelfius (Owner, Managing Broker/ REALTOR® at RE/MAX Elite):
My name is Robin Gelfius. I live in Dahlgren, IL with my husband, Glenn, and son, Cole. Cole is 21, and currently in the Air National Guard. He is a Boom Operator. He connects the planes in the air for air-refueling. Our daughter Claire, 13, went to heaven to be with Jesus in February 2016.
My husband is originally from Dahlgren, and I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I moved frequently growing up, so I’ve lived in many places. I went to 10 schools in 12 years! After high school, I worked at Disney World until joining the Air Force as a Security Policeman. I served on active duty for four years, the Air National Guard for 4 years, and the Army National Guard for one year. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military.
After the Air Force, I graduated from the University of NC/Asheville with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. While at the university, a movie production company came to campus to audition for the movie Dirty Dancing! I was chosen as an extra in the Sheldrake Hotel scene. It was a fun and exciting experience.
I was then hired by The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. I worked as the Front Office Manager, and was responsible for five of the guest relations departments including Front Desk, Reservations, Telecommunications, Concierge, and Bell Services. In this capacity, my focus was on excellent customer service and attention to detail. During this time, and for 7 years, I also taught college classes at night for the community college in Asheville.
After four years at the hotel, I was offered the position of East Coast Customer Service Manager and Traffic Manager for Ge**er Baby Foods. I wasn’t familiar with the trucking side of Ge**er, so I enrolled in tractor/trailer driving school, and earned my CDL. That was an experience! It helped me appreciate the perspective from the driver’s side.
In 1996, I married my husband, and spent the next 20 years as a stay-at-home wife and mother. I homeschooled our two children, and loved it.
In May of 2016, after our daughter passed away, I decided to pursue a career in the real estate industry. I became a REALTOR® at the end of June 2016. Just under 2 years later, with my real estate partner, we purchased this RE/MAX Elite franchise! Our focus is on Integrity. We do what’s right even when no one is watching! That’s what sets RE/MAX Elite apart from other agencies.
In my spare time, I enjoy making handmade greeting cards. I am on the senior card ministry at Little Chapel Church in Harrisburg, where we attend church. I also enjoy making jewelry, and have a line called Claireberry Jewelry in memory of our daughter.
