Congratulations to Illinois REALTORS® Brandon Blankenship, Viktoriia Kovel and Melanie Miller for being named to REALTOR® Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. The finalists were selected from approximately 300 applicants. 

These young entrepreneurs are being recognized for their resilience, adaptability, innovation and dedication to serving their clients. 

Blankenship is a broker with Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn and a member of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®. Part of his outreach includes connecting with local businesses through his Instagram page “Living Chicago Suburbs.” In his application he states, “When it comes to generating business from my sphere of influence—whether it be upsizers, downsizers or first-time home buyers—I go out of my way to break bread with them either over lunch or a quick cup of coffee. My goal is never to just ask for the business, but to truly build an authentic relationship.” 

Kovel is a broker with Keller Williams Pinnacle in O’Fallon and is a member of Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS®. She holds the C2EX endorsement from NAR and prioritizes education and travel, as she explained in her application. “In addition to continuing education, I am constantly enhancing my real estate skills through hands-on experiences as a full-time investor. Engaging in the buying, inspecting, renovating and renting process repeatedly mirrors the experience of my clients, providing me with a comprehensive understanding from start to finish. Every year, I embark on an adventure to a country I’ve never visited before. I immerse myself in the local culture, savor the diverse cuisines, and open my mind to new perspectives.” 

Miller is a broker with Keller Williams ONEChicago in Chicago and a member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. She earned a $13.7 million individual sales volume in 2023 and values providing inspiration and opportunities to her clients. In her application, she states, “Real estate ownership can be seen as a daunting achievement in my community. Being from the south side of Chicago—a young black woman whose parents were divorced and raised primarily by a single mom who had kids at a younger age—I want to serve my community and to strive for and achieve excellence. . . I want to help people understand how to shift their mindset and be able to build generational wealth through real estate.”  

Illinois REALTORS® congratulates these members on their achievements and their commitment to providing excellent service to homebuyers and sellers.