Laura Magnuson
Park Ridge,IL
Summary
Director of Business Development with a strong background in project management and a proven track record at 41 North Contractors. Skilled in strategic planning, client relations, and market expansion, actively building relationships and identifying new opportunities to drive company growth. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, team leadership, and process improvements, ensuring operational excellence and fostering long-term partnerships in the construction industry. Passionate about delivering results and strengthening industry connections to support continued success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
41 North Contractors
08.2022
- Led the expansion of 41 North Contractors across Northern Illinois and into Wisconsin as the preferred contractor for Raising Cane’s, securing and managing multiple projects.
- Served as client manager and lead project manager for Raising Cane’s, overseeing projects from pre-construction through completion while strengthening the client relationship.
- Developed and mentored a dedicated team to support Raising Cane’s growth, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
- Managed all phases of commercial construction projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality expectations across multiple clients.
- Oversaw contract compliance, permitting, and procurement processes to ensure smooth project flow and timely execution.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to coordinate project execution, address challenges, and maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Led client and internal team meetings, ensuring alignment on project scope, scheduling, and deliverables.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and vendors, ensuring clear communication and successful project delivery.
Director of Business Development
41 North Contractors
08.2024 - Current
- Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities, building relationships, and securing high-profile clients across multiple sectors, including retail, hospitality, office, and multifamily development.
- Spearhead market expansion efforts, successfully positioning 41 North Contractors in new regions, including Wisconsin and the Midwest, while strengthening existing relationships in Illinois.
- Lead strategic partnerships and client outreach, expanding the company’s portfolio with key clients such as Raising Cane’s and securing repeat business through exceptional service and execution.
- Oversee contract negotiations, project proposals, and budgeting to align client needs with company capabilities, ensuring successful project execution and long-term partnerships.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of business development initiatives.
- Represent 41 North Contractors at industry events, networking functions, and trade shows, fostering new business opportunities and deepening industry connections.
- Play a key role in expanding the company’s work with private clubs, hospitality groups, and national brands, driving long-term growth and solidifying 41 North Contractors’ reputation in the market.
Director of Operations
Daluca Construction
07.2020 - 04.2022
- Developed and implemented new technology systems and tools to increase efficiency and productivity for daily business operations.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Managed all client relationships, serving as primary point of contact from initial meeting to project closing.
- Collaborated with contractors, architects, public agencies, and clients to complete projects within timeline limitations and budget constraints.
- Facilitated daily communications, weekly production meetings, project checklists, and resource planning.
- Managed homebuilding construction through all phases, delivering quality homes to meet company and customer expectations.
- Coordinated and monitored material orders and deliveries to ensure timeliness in accordance with construction schedule.
- Collected, audited, and maintained construction documentation to comply with records and project requirements.
- Optimized and managed organizational systems for payment collections, draws, deposits, and recordkeeping.
- Established and maintained social media and website platforms to increase sales and lead generation.
Director of Agent Services
Keller Williams Chicago-O'Hare
10.2018 - 07.2020
- Maintained relationship with over 250 agents, serving as "go-to" person for marketing, technology, training, and event coordination.
- Oversaw onboarding and transition process for all agents.
- Coordinated and sourced instructor-led training sessions and monthly calendar designed to empower agents and encourage business growth.
- Trained and demonstrated Keller Williams technology to new agents.
- Developed and implemented organized technology program such as interactive software, to increase agent productivity.
- Managed marketing, office communication, and IT / tech support.
- Assisted team leader with recruiting and office retention.
Broker
Mario DiLorenzo Team - KW Chicago-O'Hare
06.2017 - 10.2018
- Consulted with clients to ensure fiduciary service of real estate transaction from initial contact through closing.
- Negotiated real estate contracts, navigating transactions between buyers and sellers.
- Compared properties to determine competitive market prices.
- Advised clients on property conditions.
- Sold high volume of properties in short timeframes to exceed quotas and maximize business revenue.
- Prospected and converted leads into clients, and conducted high-level fiduciary needs analyses.
Broker and Leasing Agent
33 Realty
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Toured properties with prospective tenants and provided wealth of information in regards to key features on multifamily and mixed-use properties (most under construction).
- Conducted property showings to highlight features, answer questions, and redirect concerns to close contracts.
- Recruited new residents through website advertising and marketing.
- Performed background, reference, and credit checks as part of screening process of prospective tenants.
- Kept records accurate, detailed, and fully compliant with reporting requirements to meet state, local and federal housing requirements.
Leasing Agent
Apartment Guys
04.2010 - 03.2015
- Connected clients with appropriate listings based on individual apartment needs and specific criteria.
- Developed and organized showing schedules for clients with property management companies, and conducted apartment showings for leasing.
- Closed deals for clients, negotiating rental terms.
- Engaged in broker tours for new properties, growing company’s database.
- Generated new clients through advertising platforms and community outreach events.
- Worked in high pressure, quick changing atmosphere.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Madison College
Madison, WI05.2010
Skills
- Market Expansion & Growth
- Client Relations & Business Development
- Construction Planning & Execution
- Project Scheduling & Budgeting
- Contract Negotiation & Management
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Training, Coaching & Staff Recruitment
- Sales Lifecycle & Revenue Growth
- Commercial & Residential Construction Experience
- Construction Project Management
- Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination
- Risk Assessment & Problem-Solving
Accomplishments
- 2017 Top 1% Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer Award.
- 2018 Top 5% Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer Award.
Timeline
Director of Business Development
41 North Contractors
08.2024 - Current
Project Manager
41 North Contractors
08.2022
Director of Operations
Daluca Construction
07.2020 - 04.2022
Director of Agent Services
Keller Williams Chicago-O'Hare
10.2018 - 07.2020
Broker
Mario DiLorenzo Team - KW Chicago-O'Hare
06.2017 - 10.2018
Broker and Leasing Agent
33 Realty
04.2015 - 06.2017
Leasing Agent
Apartment Guys
04.2010 - 03.2015
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Madison College
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