About
Grigory Pekarsky

Built Through Grit. Chose Home in Chicago.

Grigory Pekarsky is a top 1% real estate broker in Chicago, a nationally respected leader in the industry, and a trusted voice on real estate, leadership, and team building.

He is the Managing Broker of Vesta Preferred Realty and the Head of the Vesta Team, where he has helped facilitate over $1 billion in residential real estate sales. Known for his deep understanding of the Chicago market, Grigory combines experience, discipline, and clarity to help clients make confident real estate decisions.

Early Life & Foundation

Grigory immigrated to the United States from Moscow in 1989 with his family. They arrived with eight suitcases and $500, rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Watching his parents start over instilled a lifelong belief in resilience, discipline, and personal responsibility.

He grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan, in the Detroit area. One of his earliest jobs — and still a favorite story — was working as a Dairy Queen mascot, performing as a dancing ice cream cone. It was an early lesson in humility, work ethic, and showing up no matter the role.

“Chicago gave me my opportunity. I take that responsibility seriously.”

Finding the Right Path

Grigory attended Michigan State University, initially pursuing veterinary medicine. While he loved animals, he realized his strengths were better suited for business and leadership.

He graduated from MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business with a degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for what would become a career built on strategy, systems, and execution.

Built in a Down Market

Grigory entered the real estate industry in 2008, at the height of the Great Recession — a time when many were leaving the business, not entering it.

He began in the Chicago rental market, using volume, speed, and service to build experience quickly. Early on, he adopted outsourcing and automation, leveraging international assistants to reclaim time and focus on high-value work — a mindset that still shapes his approach today.

In 2009, he co-founded Vesta Preferred Realty with his longtime friend and business partner, Brad Robbins.

As a leader, Grigory’s approach to motivating and developing real estate professionals centers on:

  • Process over results, focusing on daily fundamentals

  • Exceptional value and support, so agents can focus on selling

  • Accountability, with clear systems and mentorship

  • Selective recruitment, prioritizing attitude and work ethic

  • Collaboration over competition, fostering a win-together culture

  • Mental health and balance, encouraging fulfillment beyond work

This mindset has helped create a culture rooted in trust, consistency, and long-term success.

Process over hype.
People over ego.

Nothing was handed to me. That’s why I value consistency over shortcuts.

Success Means Giving Back

Grigory believes leadership extends beyond business.

He was a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and previously served as Associate Board President of Chicago Gateway Green, supporting initiatives that beautify Chicago’s neighborhoods and expressways.

He also founded Real Estate Rumble, a broker-on-broker boxing event that brings the industry together in a fun, competitive environment while raising money for charity each year.

Still Building. Still Teaching.

Today, Grigory continues to work directly with buyers and sellers across Chicago while also speaking to real estate professionals, leadership teams, and organizations across the country.

Whether advising clients, mentoring agents, or speaking on stage, his message is consistent: success is built through discipline, consistency, and community.

When he’s not working, Grigory spends time with his family — where he proudly holds the title of the least influential person in the household.

Built with grit. Rooted in Chicago.

"Growth is sequential, and every page matters. Celebrate small wins—finishing a page today is better than staring at someone else's finished book.

Get in Touch

Interested in working with Grigory Pekarsky, whether you’re buying or selling real estate, booking a speaking engagement, or requesting a media appearance?

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