Meet the Team

Sarah Ware

Although Sarah Ware had always been involved in some facet of real estate during the 15 years she spent working in corporate America, she sought to deepen her involvement in a way that would help more people. Now that she’s spent 20 years in real estate full time, she hasn’t regretted a minute of it. 

Ware runs a boutique office that’s been certified by the city as minority- and woman-owned, as well as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Ware has been able to participate in programs sponsored by the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Through these programs, Ware has been able to dissect her business, move forward with strategic hires and implement more targeted goal setting. “One of the major challenges is access to management resources, and these opportunities gave me a plan for the next three years to help take my business to the next level,” Ware says. 

To Ware, empathy is the biggest key to success in real estate. She knows that everyone has a different story, and adjusting to clients’ unique needs is a challenge she enjoys. “I can put myself in someone else’s shoes, even though sometimes we may not like the size of the shoes we are presented with,” she says. 

Throughout her time in the industry, Ware has earned accolades such as the Chicago Association of Realtors’ 2015 President’s Award, presented to her by Hugh Rider, and CAR’s 2016 Realtor Achievement Award. The organization has also recognized Ware for her involvement with the Cook County Land Bank Authority’s board of directors. Most notably, Ware served as the 139th President for the Chicago Association of Realtors® and is involved in a host of committees for the Illinois Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®. 

Principal & Designated Managing Broker

Main Office | 312.376.1448 ext. 101
License # | 471.007315
sarah@warerealtygroup.com

Professional Affiliations & Board of Directors
Chicago Association of Realtors
National Association of Realtors
Illinois Realtors
Lambda Alpha International
Historical Chicago Bungalow Association
Thresholds
CREW

Todd Mayfield

Todd Mayfield is an accomplished entrepreneur and commercial real estate broker specializing in acquisitions, dispositions, tenant representation, and development across mixed-use, office, industrial, and multi-family sectors. With a particular focus on the Motor Row and Near South City submarkets, Todd excels in helping business owners, operators, and investors achieve their real estate and financial goals.

Drawing from extensive experience in capital markets and the entertainment industry, Todd brings a unique perspective to complex real estate transactions. He holds a degree in Finance from Morehouse College and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance from the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University.

Before transitioning to commercial real estate, Todd served as Senior Vice President and Partner at Loop Capital Markets, where he led initiatives in Fixed Income Sales and Trading. His strong commitment to community development is reflected in his work redeveloping single-family homes in Low and Moderate-Income Communities (LMI) through a joint venture with the NCRC Growth Fund in Washington, D.C.

Associate Broker

Office | 312.376.1448 ext. 102
License # | 475.169575| 475.169575
todd@warerealtygroup.com

Professional Affiliations
Chicago Association of Realtors
Illinois Realtors
National Association of Realtors

Eli Marsh

Eli Marsh (she/her) is a transformative consultant, strategist, and project manager who helps small businesses grow with clarity, purpose, and impact. With a background in strategic planning, equity-centered operations, and capacity building, Eli supports business owners in aligning their vision with effective systems, streamlined workflows, and sustainable growth strategies.

Eli takes a relationship-centered, systems-oriented approach to project management, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning. Whether she’s building out internal processes, helping clarify a company’s direction, or supporting the expansion of services and offerings, Eli ensures that every step is grounded in equity, efficiency, and long-term success.

In addition to her work behind the scenes, Eli is a skilled facilitator and thought partner who supports leaders in making values-driven decisions. She helps small businesses navigate growth with integrity—creating the structure, accountability, and momentum needed to thrive.

Eli holds dual master’s degrees in International Affairs and Sociology of Conflict from the American University of Paris and l’Institut Catholique de Paris. She brings a global perspective to her work, informed by immersive study in France and Canada. Deeply engaged in her community, Eli has served on the Honey Pot Performance Advisory Board, the LBTQ Giving Circle and other grassroots initiatives focused on racial equity, cultural expression, and inclusive philanthropy. Currently she serves as a Charter Oak Foundation Board Member and is on the Host Committee for QUEERSPACE collective’s annual event.

VP of Operations & Strategy

Office | 312.376.1448 ext. 103
operations@warerealtygroup.com

Ellen Risse

Ellen brings a diverse background in hospitality, insurance, logistics, and early childhood education to their role as a business support specialist at Ware Realty Group. With a keen eye for organization, efficiency, and customer service, Ellen plays a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Her experience in hospitality and insurance has honed their ability to multitask and provide exceptional support in fast-paced environments, while her logistics expertise ensures seamless coordination of administrative tasks. Additionally, her foundation in early childhood education has cultivated patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills—all of which contribute to her success in supporting the team and maintaining a welcoming office environment.

Outside of work, Ellen enjoys training her dog, bringing the same enthusiasm and dedication to her personal pursuits as they do to their professional role.

Business Support Specialist

Office | 312.376.1448 ext. 104
admin@warerealtygroup.com