We recently connected with Britny Duffy and have shared our conversation below.

Britny , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For me it takes resilience, self-reliance, and having a bigger vision than your circumstances.

Over the summer, my life took a turn I never saw coming. For years, I had been a stay-at-home mom, with my real estate career being something I did on the side. I always knew once my kids were in school full-time, that’s when I would really step into my career and go after my dreams. But when everything fell apart, I had to figure out how to step up for myself and my kids in ways I never expected.

In October I hit a major low, mentally and financially. I found myself with a negative balance in my bank account—$259 to be exact. Bills were piling up, daycare was asking for payment, and I had no idea how I was going to feed my kids. After selling the house, I wasn’t able to secure housing right away since my income had never been stable. So, I made a leap of faith and put us in a hotel. I knew I wouldn’t be able to pay upfront, but I prayed I could figure it out by the time we checked out. I was scraping together loose change from my car just to make sure the kids could eat. I was overwhelmed. I felt like a failure, and I was disgusted with myself. How had I let it get this far? I was so focused on my emotions that I had lost sight of what was truly important—providing for my family. But that feeling of failure became my turning point. I couldn’t stay stuck there.

I had to dig deep and figure out how to get us out of that situation. I started reaching out to old clients, cold calling, and knocking on doors. It wasn’t easy, and some days felt impossible, but I kept pushing. Even when the days felt long and discouraging, I knew I couldn’t give up.

What kept me going was realizing that self-reliance was my only option. I didn’t have the luxury of depending on anyone else, so I had to rely on myself to make it work. Every time I doubted myself, I reminded myself that I had what it took to make it through, and that belief in my own strength kept me going.

Community and mentorship also played a huge role. During this time, I leaned heavily on my mentor, Randi Quigley. She’s not just a mentor; she’s become like a big sister to me. Randi was the one who first brought me onto her real estate team, and she’s been there for me every step of the way, especially during these past few months. Whenever I felt like giving up, Randi was there to remind me that I could do it and encouraged me to keep pushing through. She’s been a source of unwavering support, showing me that even in the hardest times, you don’t have to go it alone.

The network of women I’ve built has also been integral to my growth. About a year ago, I founded Women in Business Will County, a networking group of local women entrepreneurs and professionals. What started as a group for business connections has grown into something much deeper—we’ve become like family. These women inspire me every single day with their strength, creativity, and resilience. We meet monthly to share ideas, collaborate, and support each other. With over 400 members and growing, this network has given me the opportunity to not only grow professionally but also emotionally and mentally. It’s a reminder that the power of community is irreplaceable.

Through Women in Business, I’m hoping to give back in a big way. My vision is to offer grants and scholarships to women who are going to school for business or need startup funding for their businesses. I want to help open doors for other women like the ones who have opened doors for me. Networking is a tool, but the relationships that come from it are what truly elevate us. I believe that with the right group of women by your side, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.

As hard as this experience has been, it has also reinforced my bigger vision. I’m not just looking to survive—I want to create a life where my kids can see that no matter what happens, you can always come out stronger on the other side. My biggest goal is to give them opportunities I never had growing up. I want them to have access to the right resources, connections, and opportunities that will allow them to do or be anything they want. And it’s not just about them—I want to be able to offer that same kind of support to other women and families who are struggling to break through. I want to help create pathways for others to thrive, whether it’s through mentorship, coaching, or simply making the right connections.

Today, the kids and I thriving. We’re now in a beautiful home, one that I can call my own, and I’m building a life that’s full of possibility. I’m not where I want to be just yet, but I’ve come so far, and I’m committed to building a better future—for my kids, for myself, and for the women I can help along the way. And my hope is that I can inspire other women—whether they’re single moms, entrepreneurs, or anyone facing hard times—that no matter how tough life gets, you can always keep going and build something better.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Britny Duffy, a proud single mom of three amazing kids who inspire me every day! I’ve been in the real estate business since 2018 and am proud to be part of Opulent EXP Realty, led by the incredible Randi Lynn Quigley. Our team, based in Manhattan, Illinois, has sold over $150 million in real estate and is known for innovative marketing strategies. You might even spot us on HGTV’s American Dream, where we showcase some of the properties we represent!

One of the things that sets me apart as a realtor is my unique access to cutting-edge marketing tools. Thanks to my former partner’s business, Duffy Signs, I have the ability to create custom materials, signage, and instantly update marketing strategies to ensure your property gets maximum visibility. I also host mega open houses with food, drinks, and raffle prizes to draw in as much attention as possible—because every detail matters when selling your home.

But it’s not just about the tools; it’s about the relationships. I treat every client like family, and once we work together, you’ll always have someone in your corner. Whether it’s checking in after a sale, celebrating your life milestones, or hearing about your renovations, I’m invested in your journey long after closing day. That’s why so many of my clients call me their “Forever Realtor,” and I’m grateful to have their repeat business and glowing testimonials.

I also know that real estate is a team effort. Behind every successful transaction is a network of trusted professionals—attorneys, inspectors, lenders, and vendors—who work together to make the process seamless. I’ve built strong relationships in this industry, and when you work with me, you gain access to a team that’s dedicated to your success.

Beyond real estate, I’m the founder of Women in Business Will County, a growing network of over 400 professional women who connect, collaborate, and support each other through networking events. These women have become like family to me, and I’m proud of the community we’ve built together.

As a mentor and trainer, I also love helping other agents achieve their goals. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I pride myself on understanding my clients’ unique needs, whether they’re first-time buyers, downsizing, or searching for commercial or new construction properties.

When you work with me, you’re not just getting a realtor—you’re getting a partner who’s deeply committed to your success. Let’s work together to make your real estate dreams a reality!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has undoubtedly been networking. I firmly believe in the saying, “The more hands you shake, the more money you make.” Building genuine relationships has not only helped me expand my client base but also created opportunities I never would have imagined.

I’ve learned that you truly become the people you surround yourself with. If you take a moment to look at your top five closest connections, you’ll see that they reflect who you are. That’s why I make it a priority to put myself in rooms where people are ahead of me—people who inspire me to grow, think bigger, and aim higher.

One of the ways I’ve embraced this is through founding Women in Business Will County, a network of over 400 professional women who collaborate, share ideas, and support each other. It’s a perfect example of how networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships that uplift everyone involved.

By surrounding myself with like-minded, driven individuals, I’ve been able to not only grow my business but also elevate my mindset and approach to life. Networking has been instrumental in my success, and I’m excited to continue building relationships that create value for my clients and my community.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

One way I do this is through personalized closing baskets, which are one of my favorite touches. Throughout the home-buying or selling process, I make it a point to get to know my clients and their families. This helps me create baskets tailored to their unique personalities. For example, I’ve created baskets for dog lovers with customized pet treats, tequila boards engraved with family names for tequila enthusiasts, and gift cards for clients tackling home renovations. These thoughtful touches reflect the connection we’ve built throughout the process and show my genuine gratitude.

I also stay in touch through thoughtful gestures, like sending birthday cards, holiday gifts, or surprise treats. For Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, I texted my clients a gift card link to grab coffee and donuts at Dunkin’—a small way to let them know I was thinking of them and to help them feel celebrated.

My client appreciation events, like the annual Easter egg hunt, are another way I stay connected and give back to the community. These events have become a tradition that allows me to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and celebrate with the people who have supported me throughout my journey.

Social media also helps me stay visible and engaged. I share tips, market updates, and glimpses into my personal life to create trust and connection.

Ultimately, I treat my clients like family. My goal is to create such a positive, personalized experience that they’ll not only turn to me for their next real estate transaction but also confidently recommend me to their loved ones. Being known as a Forever Realtor means the world to me, and it’s the relationships I’ve built that keep me inspired every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/b.duffy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtor.britny
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffyrealty.britny