Building a Legacy in Brainerd and Beyond
Real estate is a calling for Joyce Trimuel and Kevin Harley that is rooted in community, legacy, and love for Chicago’s South Side. Together, they are building a portfolio that creates generational wealth while uplifting the neighborhoods they call home.
Joyce, a lifelong South Sider from Auburn Gresham, began her real estate journey during the height of the pandemic in 2020. “I always wanted to do real estate investing,” she shared, “but I didn’t have the courage or knowledge to take that first step.” As the world slowed down, she decided to invest in herself, enrolling in an online course, purchasing her first property later that year, and completing the construction and sale of that property 2021.
That experience taught her the fundamentals of property ownership — working with lenders, contractors, and realtors — and planted the seed for something larger. When she met Kevin, who shared her vision for community investment and financial independence, the two became not just life partners but collaborators in business.
Today, Joyce and Kevin own six properties across Chicago totaling 18 units, including two single-family homes, several three-flats, and their latest acquisition: an eight-unit Brainerd walk-up financed through CIC. This property marks their first commercial purchase and introduction to CIC.
Their connection to CIC began through Joyce’s longtime friend and mentor, James Morris, a seasoned investor and fellow CIC borrower. “James has always been a resource for us,” Joyce said. “When he introduced us to Chaston Montgomery at CIC, everything clicked. I really felt as if CIC treated us as not just an investment on paper, but they really want us to be successful in our endeavors.
With CIC’s support, they navigated their first commercial loan, learning the ins and outs of managing a larger property. “It was our first time dealing with appraisals and commercial underwriting,” Kevin explained. “But we felt guided every step of the way. CIC asked tough questions that made us think like business owners, not just investors.”
Their approach to ownership reflects a deep respect for both property and people. “For us, it comes back to just basic humanity,” Kevin said. “In our mind, we believe everyone deserves to have a stable place to live, a place that they’re proud to call home. We treat our tenants like neighbors. We’re investing in these communities, so we have to show up for them.”
The Brainerd property, with its mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, reflects their commitment to preservation and modernization. They plan on completing a few upgrades that will improve efficiency and comfort, from addressing maintenance needs to integrating technology that enhances the tenant experience. “We’re going to continue to infuse technology into the building because again, it makes us more efficient as owners and property managers,” Joyce said. “I also think it creates a better experience for tenants when things are centralized in one place, and things are documented, even for their own bookkeeping.”
One of their most meaningful moments came at the closing table — with their newborn son by their side. “He was only about five weeks old,” Joyce said. “For me that made this closing a lot more special because it’s bigger than us.
For Kevin, the greatest rewards are simpler but no less profound. “It’s the thank-yous from tenants,” he said. “When people tell us they can already feel the difference between us and the previous owners. That’s what makes it worth it.”
Looking ahead, the Trimuel-Harleys are focused on growth. They’re under contract for another six-unit property and have their sights set on expanding their portfolio even further. “Commercial no longer scares us,” Joyce said. “We have the courage, confidence, and the knowledge to do more commercial purchases now.”
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