To Tricia DiCianni, Elmhurst has always been her home, which is why she loves helping others make the city their home as well.

“It’s so easy to sell because I really believe in it,” said the 36-year-old president and founder of DiCianni Realty.

When she decided to open her own real estate company at 26, she didn’t consider other locations. She chose Elmhurst where she and nearly all of her six siblings live within blocks of each other.

When DiCianni, found out her brother, Pete, had nominated her for Suburban Life Media’s Best Under 40, she was humbled.

“I’m not used to being in the limelight,” she said.

Her brother believed she deserved recognition for her business accomplishments and dedication to her hometown.

While she’s grateful for the honor, DiCianni insists many others have worked just as hard as she has.

Entrepreneurship runs in the family, and DiCianni said her brother, Pete, set an example for her when he started his own printing business at age 18.

“I really didn’t even think of working for anybody else,” DiCianni said of choosing to open her own business as a single mom.

With a broker’s license, two associates degrees – one in paralegal studies and one in science – and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, Tricia was prepared for the challenge of launching her business.

“I would say the biggest challenge was being taken seriously,” she said.

Despite her qualifications, pride in Elmhurst and ambition, she found many people couldn’t look past her age and gender.

“I had to earn a lot of respect,” said DiCianni, who received several requests to leave her business and work for another company.

The Internet has proven a valuable tool for DiCianni, who attracts clients from out of town and out of state by posting photos and details about homes she is listing on the market. She also targeted new construction and worked with builders while she was breaking into the business.

Channeling her strong family values into her professional life, DiCianni said she always values relationships over money.

“One of the things that I base my business on is it’s not necessarily money-driven,” DiCianni said of why she’s succeeded for 10 years in a market full of other real estate firms.

“I would say family is what I do. That’s the biggest part of my life,” she said

Her brother, Pete, didn’t just inspire her business aspirations but also led her to get involved with local nonprofits dedicated to serving children.

She served on the board for the Elmhurst Children’s Assistance Foundation for several years before she took a position on the board of Special Kids Day.

“I think there’s nothing more rewarding in life than being with kids and working with kids,” DiCianni said.

She’s found she especially enjoys working to provide opportunities for children with special needs and their families. Special Kids Day features carnivals and other celebratory events specifically designed to accommodate children with special needs.

“I think once you’re around kids with special needs you want to help, and you want to do more,” DiCianni said.

When she’s not busy at work or volunteering her time, Tricia loves spending time with her husband Steve Buonsante and her three children, John, Stefano and Elisa.

“My biggest accomplishment in life is being a mom,” she said.