April 11, 2024
Don’t miss Stroll – Glen Ellyn’s feature family this month! All of us at Quaid and Rooney are so excited to read about our own Jane Hootman and her beautiful family. Their story is endearing and you won’t want to miss it! Stroll – Glen Ellyn delivers neighborhood connections to your mailbox every month. Stroll Publisher, Allison Kile, knows that “genuine connections with neighbors next door and business owners down the street make for a more meaningful experience.” And she believes getting to know people in your community should be simple. That’s why Stroll meets you where you’re at – your mailbox. Scroll down to read the full article and to find out more about Jane Hootman, one of our top Listing and Buyer Agents for the Quaid and Rooney Team.
Jane (Rooney) and Jon Hootman, both raised in Glen Ellyn and 3rd generations, knew each other as neighbors on Crest Road in the 80s. After Jane's family moved to another street, their paths rarely crossed - an occasional "hi" in the Glenbard West hallways or at a party. It wasn't until after college when Joh's sister, Audrey, re-introduced them. "I think you should date my brother" were the famous last words...
They were married in Chicago in 2015 at the St. James Chapel followed by an intimate reception with family and their closest friends at the Thompson Hotel.
During the "city days" Jane was in sales & marketing in Chicago's luxury rental industry and Jon was in sales while working on his Masters in Accounting from Loyola University. Although the city was exciting and perfect for their daily lives, they always knew their hearts belonged at "home" and hoped to one day start a family and share their memories of summer days at Sunset Pool, Fourth of July festivities at Lake Ellyn, playing with neighbor kids and all the other joys they got from small town living.
Life together in the city was short lived. After welcoming their first son, Jack, in 2016, they purchased a California Mid-Century modern ranch in Lombard. The house was in need of a complete rehab which Jane's brother, Matt Rooney - of McJames Construction, contracted to bring their vision to life. With Joh's interest in hands-on projects and Jane's passion for Real Estate, this home had sparked an interest in their desire for the next renovation...
In 2018 their second son, James, was born. Jane had been commuting to and from the city for her job and quickly realized her longing to be closer to her boys was at the top of her list. As she was researching positions in the suburbs, she was approached by her mom, Maureen Rooney, and business partner Kathy Quaid, to join their Real Estate team, Quaid and Rooney. As a full time realtor, Jane says she'll never look back. "I am very fortunate to be a part of the Quaid & Rooney team, especially with the value they hold in DuPage County. I've had the opportunity to represent buyers and sellers not only in Glen Ellyn but the surrounding suburbs and Chicago. There's no greater joy than being able to assist my clients in accomplishing their Real Estate goals. I'm with them from start to finish so not only do we form a partnership, we end up being friends! I absolutely love it."
In the fall of 2020 a new home opportunity came knocking again - hooray, next project! The Hootmans found a tired bungalow on Hill Avenue to complete another project and pursue their dream of living back in the place where their hearts belonged. They welcomed their daughter, Juliet, shortly after the project was completed in 2021. They find their location ideal as they are within walking distance to town, school, the library and the other amazing things Glen Ellyn has to offer. The icing on the cake is that Jon's office is a short drive to downtown Wheaton where he is a Wholesaler for First Trust Portfolios. As they've settled back into the community, john has taken up Paddle through the Park District and Jane is an active volunteer at school and Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare.
The tradition of family and friends continues including those they grew up with, couples and families met within their community, new friends their kids have met through school and sports, and the lovely neighbors surrounding their new home. Jane and Jon hit the jack pot with both sides of their families being tight-knit; their siblings, parents, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents get along famously as the understand each other's humor and share a common interest; food! You'll find them spending a lot of time together on the weekends for family dinners and cousin play-time.
As a testament to their close family, Jon recently donated over half of his liver to his mother (Liz Hootman) who has been battling liver disease. After the surgery, the Glen Ellyn community, in true fashion, showed their incredible support and encouragement, and continue to do so as Jon and his mom recuperate. Jane and Jon are forever grateful for the love and support of this town.
"We are incredibly fortunate to get to share many of the same experiences from our upbringing with our children and have nothing but appreciation for this small town. It's truly one of a kind."
