Crosstown Chicago: Proof the American Dream Is Still Alive

Twenty years ago, I stepped into this country with nothing but a suitcase, a strong work ethic, and the American Dream. No money. No safety net. No connections. Just the belief that if I worked hard, stayed grateful, and stayed focused, something good would grow.

Today, that dream has a name: Crosstown Chicago.

This brokerage wasn’t born out of chance. It came from years of sacrifice, learning, failing, rebuilding, and refusing to quit. It came from the support of my family and the trust of the clients who gave me a shot long before I had a title.

From Immigrant to Investor to Co-Founder

I didn’t start my journey in real estate.

I spent 12 years at JPMorgan Chase, working in finance and studying how the wealthiest people protect their money, grow it, and diversify into real estate. That experience changed the way I think forever.

I didn’t start as a real estate broker.

I started as a real estate investor, using the same principles I saw in banking. I bought properties, learned about neighborhoods with my own boots on the ground, and made mistakes with my own money before I ever advised someone else to invest theirs.

Real estate didn’t just give me a career.

It gave me a future. It gave me something to build for my family, and now, something I get to build for others.

The Power of Family

My family is the reason I push. The reason I stay grounded. The reason I’m grateful everyday. They supported me when I had nothing and believed in me long before success showed up. Every win today is because of that foundation.

My goal is simple: to be a man my family respects and a leader my team can trust.

The Birth of Crosstown Chicago

Crosstown Chicago was founded by myself, Catalin Maticiuc, and Chris Fisher.
We started this brokerage with one shared belief:

Chicago deserves a real estate team built on trust, service, and doing the right thing — every time.

This wasn’t a business idea.
It was a mission.

And that mission became real because of the people who joined us and made Crosstown Chicago a living, breathing team.

The Team That Built the Momentum

Chris Fisher — Co-Founder
Strategic, steady, and sharp. Chris brings clarity in moments where most people freeze. He sees the whole board and helps shape our long-term path.

Mara Woods — Real Estate Broker & Social Media Director
Mara brings heart and storytelling to the brand. She understands people and culture and knows how to connect our message to the world. Her work gives Crosstown Chicago its voice.

Chris Dumitru — Real Estate Broker
Reliable, disciplined, and client-focused. Chris brings strength, consistency, and a “no shortcuts” mindset to the team.

Alex Castano — Inside Sales Agent (ISA)
Alex is the first voice many clients hear. He builds trust fast, listens deeply, and sets the tone for what clients can expect from us: professionalism and care.

Xy Deala — Executive Assistant
The engine behind our operations. Xy keeps the entire team organized, prepared, and moving. Her attention to detail makes everything else possible.

Why Crosstown Exists

We built Crosstown Chicago on three simple promises:

1. Do the right thing.
   
   
2. Do our best.
   
   
3. Show people we care.
   

This is more than real estate.
This is service, leadership, and accountability.

We help buyers, sellers, and investors across Chicago make clear, confident decisions—the same way I learned from the world of finance.

The American Dream, Alive and Real

I came to this country with nothing but hope.
Now I get to help people build wealth, stability, and a future of their own.

That’s the American Dream—
working hard, staying grateful, and lifting others as you rise.

Crosstown Chicago is more than a brokerage.
It’s proof that the dream is still alive —
and that anyone with the courage to chase it can build something powerful.

What’s Next for Crosstown Chicago

We’re growing, but our values won’t change.
We will stay focused on service, transparency, and doing good work for good people.

If you ever need guidance—buying, selling, investing, or simply understanding the market—we’re here.

The dream continues. And we’re building it together.