About

Creg McDonald and his wife Liz manage a real estate team that includes not only a number of highly experienced and professional REALTORS© but the full-time administrative staff and inside sales agents. Creg and Liz founded The McDonald Group in 2009 and their experience, combined with that of their team members, allows them to provide the utmost service and professionalism to their clients and partners.

Working with The McDonald Group means that clients benefit from the unique qualities of each team member. Our real estate professionals excel in the areas of negotiations, knowledge, marketing, and understanding of the needs of buyers and sellers. Creg, Liz, and their team work hard to ensure that their clients benefit from the last innovations in the real estate industry.

In short, each one of our real estate brokers shares their commitment to providing an outstanding client experience throughout your home buying or selling process in Champaign County and surrounding areas.

Featured Agents

Ashlee Ackerman

217-493-8627
ashlee@cregmcdonald.com

Meet Ashlee! She grew up around the Monticello area and is pretty rooted in the Champaign area communities. She started the industry working behind the scenes knowing some day she was going to go all out on the Brokerage side of things! Her goal was to learn as much as she could about the details, and all the intricacies that go along with such an involved process. This way when she made her move to an agent she was even more equipped to handle the most important questions regarding your purchase or sell! She understands and has already identified everything you are going to have questions about. Therefore she is able to get way out in front of anything that may arise. She has the unique ability to forecast and understand your needs and represent you at the highest level. Ashlee is passionate at what she does. She's an absolute control freak that wants to be the best and strives for perfection. She also has the same expectation for you and your home buying/selling experience.

John Gilman

Broker

217-369-2665
john@cregmcdonald.com

John is originally from Decatur, IL and graduated from Millikin University . He moved to Champaign/Urbana in 1988 and was with American Family Insurance for 20 years as District Sales Manager. John acquired his Real Estate Broker license in 2010. He and his wife Tina have been married for 29 years and have two daughters; Morgan and Logan. Both live in Nashville, TN. John attends St. Matthews church and enjoys golfing, hunting, and travel. He is active in Young Life and has been on the board of directors for 10 years.John is a prior school board member for Montessori Schools in Savoy and he's an avid St. Louis Cardinal and U of I sports fan.

Katie Harlan

Broker

217-840-3990
katie@cregmcdonald.com

Katie was born and raised in Champaign and now lives in Mahomet with her husband, three kids, and two golden retrievers. She's been in sales for 12 years and is thrilled to put her knowledge and expertise to work in the world of real estate. In her free time, Katie loves to travel, read, eat, and spend time with her friends and family.

Cindy Johnson

Broker

602-312-1030
cindy@cregmcdonald.com

Cindy comes to the McDonald Group team as an experienced real estate agent. She grew up in the area and sold real estate for several years before heading west to Arizona. Cindy sold successfully in the Phoenix area until she was offered an opportunity to work in Senior Living. With her passion for helping others, especially seniors, she jumped at the chance. Cindy returned to the Champaign area in 2016 to be closer to family, friends, and an elderly mother. She continued her career in the senior living world for a few years. Then, she realized there was a great need in the Champaign-Urbana area for a real estate agent who could be all-encompassing for seniors. Someone to not only assists in selling their home and downsizing but is also a great advisor on where they should live next. With her knowledge and connections in the senior living communities in the area, she can save you time, frustration, and stress and possibly even save you money! She can assist with the entire process. Cindy will tell you she strives to be the "real estate concierge." She always puts her client's needs first and provides a higher-value service at no extra cost to her clients. So, whether you're a first-time buyer or someone needing to sell their home for a better lifestyle, she will give you that all-encompassing service. Your needs and wants come first…..because she wants YOU to be happy! On her days off, you will find Cindy with her family or grandchildren, cycling, golfing, or relaxing with her husband and friends. Her motto is "Stay positive, have fun, and live life to the fullest."

Rachel Lamb

Director of Operations

217-359-7971
217-766-9192
rachel@cregmcdonald.com

Rachel, a proud Mahomet native, has made Champaign her home for many years. She embarked on her real estate career in 2014, working with a top team as the closing manager, where she guided buyers and sellers through the critical journey from “under contract” to “SOLD.” Her passion for helping clients achieve their real estate dreams was evident from the start. In 2020, Rachel expanded her expertise by joining a marketing company that specialized in supporting real estate agents across the United States. In this role, she managed social media platforms and lead generation campaigns, ensuring agents received maximum online exposure while connecting them with potential clients. In 2022, Rachel transitioned to The McDonald Group, where she now serves as the Director of Operations. In this pivotal role, she plays a key part in shaping the strategic direction of the company while overseeing all operational facets, working endlessly to enhance efficiency and drive success. With her extensive background and commitment to excellence, Rachel is dedicated to making a positive impact in the real estate industry and remains passionate about helping clients navigate their journeys with confidence.

Creg McDonald

Managing Broker/ Owner

217-359-7971
217-493-8341
creg@cregmcdonald.com

Creg is a University of Illinois graduate and loved living in Champaign so much that he never left. He has had a long and successful business career in Champaign, developing real estate and businesses over the last 30 years. Creg created The McDonald Group Real Estate Company in 2009 and has had the # 1producing real estate team in Champaign-Urbana for the years of 2012,2013,2014. While his real estate knowledge is extensive, his commitment to hard work, honesty and caring for the needs of his clients is what sets him apart. Creg has deep ties to the C-U Community. He believes that “giving back” is of the utmost importance. He has been a member of various charity boards over the last 30 years and most recently has begun donating his time and talents as an auctioneer to charity events and has raised over $500,000. Creg is very proud of his two daughters, Mia and Kelley. He is married to his amazing wife, Liz, who just so happens to work with him. He will admit that he is the second best Realtor in the family. Creg enjoys golf, boating, The St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois and high school sports.

Liz McDonald

Broker

217-359-7971
217-649-8471
liz@cregmcdonald.com

A graduate of The University of Illinois, Liz has been a resident of Champaign County since 1985. She grew up in Grayslake, a northern suburb of Chicago. She has helped buyers and sellers in Champaign County for over 25 years. Liz specializes in buyer representation, working with a wide variety of clients ranging from U of I faculty to first time home buyers. She has earned designations from GRI and ABR. Liz is married to husband, Creg, and together they have 2 daughters, Mia and Kelley. As a family they enjoy U of I sports, boating, golf and travel. She has been involved with many community organizations including First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, Copper Creek Church, Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, Champaign County YMCA and various Unit 4 Schools organizations.

Mike Nelson

Broker

217-840-9013
mike@cregmcdonald.com

Mike was born and raised in Champaign. He's extremely passionate about the area and loves to call Champaign home. Mike became a licensed real estate agent in 2014. He has a 20 year career at the United States Postal Service in Champaign. Mike is extremely familiar and knowledgeable with the Champaign area. He takes a lot of pride in helping others make great decisions in real estate purchases. Please call Mike if you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Champaign County area.

Taylor Redeker

Broker

815-471-8257
taylor@cregmcdonald.com

Taylor joined The McDonald Group after specializing with home buyers for 2 1/2 years at another local real estate company. Taylor joined the community several years ago, receiving a bachelors degree in Media Studies from The University of Illinois in 2015. She is excited to bring her competence, knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for helping clients with both the buying and selling aspects of real estate.

Paula Shurtz

Broker

217-202-2733
shurtz2111@sbcglobal.net

Paula Shurtz has over 40 years of experience in the local real estate industry. Paula specializes in residential homes and lot sales throughout Champaign County. Her philosophy is that buying a home is one of the largest financial investments you'll make - so you deserve the attention, knowledge and service of a full-time professional. Paula was awarded a Certificate of Excellence acknowledging her #1 status in Individual Sales in April of 2016.

Jeff Van Buskirk

217-520-9468
jeff@cregmcdonald.com

After working in the automotive service industry for over 40 years, Jeff has decided to change career paths and begin the wonderful real estate journey! Connect with Jeff today to achieve your real estate goals.

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About

Ashlee Ackerman

John Gilman

Katie Harlan

Cindy Johnson

Rachel Lamb

Creg McDonald

Liz McDonald

Mike Nelson

Taylor Redeker

Paula Shurtz

Jeff Van Buskirk

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