INSTRUCTORS

Our school faculty consists of approved instructors who are practicing attorneys, brokers, appraisers, mortgage bankers and leaders in other real estate-related fields, bringing strong academic backgrounds to their classroom presentations, as well as a wealth of practical knowledge and skill applications. Many of our senior faculty members have been with the school for over 15 years.

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Aaron Joiner

Aaron M. Joiner a licensed Realtor, Pre-License Instructor and Continuing Education Instructor. He began his real estate career as a Sales Associate in 1997 and currently serves as Managing Broker and Owner of A & L Enterprise, LLC Real Estate Company. He is dedicated to providing professional, friendly and quality service. He specializes in first-time home buyers.

Aaron has a passion for teaching and loves sharing his experiences with an audience. He enjoys making them feel like the time spent with him was worth it as they embark or continue with their real estate endeavors.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He spent 23 ½ years as an Engineering Technician with the U.S. Department of Justice. During his tenure, he managed operational building structure projects, conducted in-depth and problem-solving methods, and taught classes to new and existing employees to keep them current on updated policies and procedures.

Eve Benton

Eve L. Benton is licensed as a Managing Broker, Pre-License Course Instructor, Continuing Education Instructor and REALTOR®. Her professional background includes real estate sales, personal financial advising and commercial lending where she managed a portfolio of small business relationships that included, but was not limited to, financing equipment, investment property and owner-occupied property. She spent 11 years in the Army National Guard and finished with an honorable discharge as a Commissioned Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Finance.

Frank J. Williams

Frank J. Williams received his broker’s license in 1969 and went on to become a licensed instructor and appraiser. He has served on a myriad of committees for both the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and other associations, including as C.A.R.’s president from 1989 to 1990. The Illinois Association of REALTORS® chose Frank in 1991 to hold the first Distinguished Member Award for Community Service. The following year, he was named C.A.R.’s REALTOR® of the Year. In addition to receiving prestigious awards, Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Williams to serve on the Affordable Housing Task Force and the Real Estate Services Advisory Council.

Williams’ ongoing love for education is apparent in his track-record with the REALTORS® Real Estate School. He has taught pre-licensing courses, multiple continuing education courses, diversity courses, risk management, ethics, finance and more. Williams continues to teach with enthusiasm and love for the real estate industry. He specializes in teaching Managing Broker courses at RRES.

Kara Boeldt

With 20 years in the real estate industry, Kara Boeldt has seen it all—from interest rate rollercoasters to the curious case of vanishing appliances on the day of closing.  Kara brings big-brand experience with a personal touch, having previously been the Designated Managing Broker for over 400 agents at a global firm, and then for her own boutique brokerage, without losing her mind—or her sense of humor.

A licensed Pre-License and Continuing Education Instructor, Certified Coach, and proud holder of more acronyms than a government agency, Kara has taught hundreds of classes and coached over 100 agents to unlock their full potential—preferably before their third cup of coffee.

She also moonlights as a real estate peacemaker, volunteering on the Professional Standards Committee at the Chicago Association of Realtors as a Mediator, Ombudsman, and Arbitrator, helping agents play nice and stay ethical for the past seven years, including a stint as Chairperson.

Kara’s passion? Elevating the industry through education, one lightbulb moment (and one well-timed REALTOR joke) at a time.

Lanora Tolliver

Lanora Tolliver is a leader in the real estate education and professional development fields. With more than 20 years of real estate experience as a licensed broker, instructor, investor, consultant and appraiser, she has won numerous awards, including the “Rookie of the Year” award for more than $2 million in closed sales within a two-month period.

In her time with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, Lanora has often been the first point of contact for prospective students, advising them on not only the curricular requirements, but also on the sustained professional development necessary to succeed in Chicago’s real estate market. Lanora is seen as an invaluable resource with her advice, insight and energy. Her nurturing style has helped thousands of students transition into their own real estate career.

Leo Schwartz

Leo Schwartz is an Illinois Licensed Real Estate Instructor and specializes in residential and commercial properties. His background includes fundraising and marketing for the Performing Arts and a career as a free-lance musician.

Currently he is very active as a composer and conductor. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and a member of ASCAP. His musical Me and Al has been presented both Off-Broadway and as part of the Global Search for New Musicals at the International Festival of Musical Theatre in Cardiff, Wales. His choral and instrumental works have been performed by musical organizations in Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, Palm Beach, and Edmonton, Canada. He is the conductor and artistic director for both the jazz big band SHOUT and the Lakeside Pride Clarinet Ensemble.

Tracey Royal

Bringing over three decades of expertise to the real estate industry, Tracey plays a pivotal role in educating both real estate professionals and future homeowners. Her ability to inspire and develop agents has positioned her as a trusted mentor, fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and success.

A firm believer in education and professional development, Tracey holds a BA in Management and an MS in Criminal Social Justice, along with numerous Realtor® designations and certifications. She is an alumna of prestigious leadership programs, including the 2022 National Association of Realtors® Leadership Academy, 2019 Women’s Council of Realtors® Leadership Institute, and 2018 Illinois Realtors® Leadership Academy.

Her commitment to education ensures that both real estate professionals and consumers have the knowledge needed to make informed, empowered decisions.