I’d like to share “My Why”—the reasons I founded this company—and the reasons “Your Why” matters so much to me, whether you’re a client, colleague, or part of our broader community. At ROAM Real Estate, we’re not just about transactions. We focus on building lasting connections, fostering collaboration, and supporting both personal and professional growth. I’d like you to get to know me as the founder and us as a company beyond just a bullet-point bio, because real estate is about trusting the people behind the business, not just the deal. BUT WAIT... Before you roll your eyes, stop reading and think I’m about to launch into a full-on "Jerry Maguire" manifesto about starting my own company—don't worry, I’m not! I promise, no "help me help you" moments here. My first business started at age 5 with 'Lia’s Lemonade Stand,' where I sold Kool-Aid for 2 cents a cup and convinced the neighborhood kids it was better than drinking warm water from the garden hose. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so if I wanted something, I had to find a way to earn it By 14, I was working my first job at 'Jimmy’s Pizza,' a small family-owned pizzeria just outside Boston where I grew up. I was just folding pizza boxes, but I learned so much more than that. I watched Jimmy, the owner, do everything—make the dough, clean tables, manage the dinner rush, and still welcome every customer with a smile, no matter how tired he was. Jimmy wasn’t just running a restaurant; he was living his dream. It became a place where families, workers, and friends came together. He treated everyone with respect, from the dishwasher to the manager, and taught me so much about leadership. One Thanksgiving, he gave every team member a turkey, including me—the kid folding boxes in the back—knowing my family probably couldn’t afford one. That simple act of kindness stuck with me. Jimmy showed me what it means to build something with hard work and heart, lessons I’ve carried into creating ROAM Real Estate. As I grew, so did my experiences in hospitality and retail. I worked just about every job—bartending, booking bands, managing teams, sweeping floors, and everything in between. I learned what passion, grit, and perseverance look like, whether it’s the excitement of opening night or the heartbreak of closing the doors when it didn’t work out. I transitioned into a career in sales, commercial real estate and completed my degree at DePaul University while raising a family. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients across retail, office, hospitality, and industrial sectors, each with unique needs. I’ve helped small business owners and established brands find the perfect spaces and worked with landlords to maximize property value by attracting the right tenants, negotiating leases, and ensuring long-term success for both sides. The most rewarding part of my work is being a strategic partner to my clients—whether it’s helping with site selection, lease negotiations, or property sales. Every deal is more than just a transaction; it’s a step toward someone’s vision, and I’m proud to play a role in that. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to support people through both their wins and challenges. The network of industry professionals I’ve built over the years has become an invaluable resource, not just for my clients, but for me personally as well. As a commitment to the industries we serve, we are proud members and partners of organizations such as Choose Chicago, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Restaurant Business Alliance (RBA), the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA), the Northern Illinois Commercial Association of Realtors (NICAR), the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR), Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), and the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR). I’m also honored to be of service to the community as a Chicago Advisory Board member for the Salvation Army - North and Central Illinois Division in Chicago. I get up everyday and strive to be a better person for my family, my community and my company. This is “My Why.” At ROAM Real Estate, we’re committed to helping you grow—whether it’s your business or your career—by supporting you through every step of your journey and honoring your own "Why," whatever that may be. Let’s build something extraordinary together! Lia Caton Founder, ROAM Real Estate Inc.