Laurie was born and raised in Peoria and has been a key member of the Adam Merrick Real Estate Team since August 2015. With an extensive background as an Inside Sales Agent and Buyer Specialist, Laurie now serves as a Listing Agent, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to help sellers navigate the market with confidence. Her years of experience across multiple facets of the business provide her clients with a distinct competitive advantage when listing their home.
Before her real estate career, Laurie traveled the country buying gold, coins, and antiques for the Treasure Hunter’s Roadshow. This unique history sharpened the expert negotiation and valuation skills she uses today to ensure her clients receive the best possible value for their properties. On a personal level, Laurie has been happily married to her husband, Tom, for 26 years! They are the proud parents of four children and have been blessed with 11 grandchildren. In her free time, Laurie enjoys being with her family, gardening, and repurposing furniture, bringing new life to old pieces with the same dedication she brings to every real estate transaction.
Derek was born and raised in Central Illinois. Metamora has always been home for him where he graduated from Metamora High School. He is happy now to have started his family in Metamora with his wife Kayla and three kids, Dallas, Dakota, and Dawson. In his free time Derek enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time at his family’s farm. Real estate has always been a big interest of Derek’s. Combine that with his several years of retail customer service experience, he knew being an agent was the perfect fit for him. His favorite part of real estate is helping people negotiate the best deal to get them into their dream home. The AMRE team was a no brainer for Derek. Hands down the best agency in the area; Derek knows this first hand as he bought his home from the AMRE team and that sparked his interest in joining the team. Since coming on board, Derek has enjoyed the team atmosphere that the AMRE team has implemented.
With over a decade of real estate experience, Alison Reed has been helping clients successfully navigate the market since 2014. While she works with both buyers and sellers, Alison’s true passion lies in helping homeowners maximize their value and achieve their selling goals with confidence and ease. Having helped hundreds of families reach important milestones, she brings proven strategy, strong negotiation skills, and a results-driven mindset to every transaction.
Born and raised in the Peoria area, Alison is a lifelong resident who knows the local market inside and out. Her deep community roots, combined with her hands-on experience, allow her to provide thoughtful guidance tailored to each client’s unique situation. She prides herself on clear communication, honest advice, and a personalized approach that keeps her clients informed and empowered from start to finish.
Outside of real estate, Alison enjoys traveling, attending concerts, swimming, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her love for the community and commitment to her clients make her a trusted advocate and a go-to resource for sellers looking for a smooth, successful experience.
Hi there, I’m Kaylee Jones, your friendly and dedicated Buyer’s Specialist here at the Adam Merrick Team. I've always had a genuine passion for assisting others and it's what led me to pursue a career in real estate.
Before obtaining my license, I had the privilege of working as an inside sales agent with Adam Merrick himself. This invaluable experience equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the real estate industry. Witnessing firsthand the joy that our team brings to our clients' faces and helping them turn their dreams into reality is what drives me each day.
Outside of work, you'll find me cherishing moments with my husband, two adorable children, and our beloved pup, Jax. We're all about quality family time, as my daughter fondly puts it “flamily time,” and we prioritize faith, family, and lending a helping hand to others.
I feel incredibly honored to be a part of this amazing team and I can't wait to embark on this exciting journey of finding your dream home together!
Russell was born and raised in the Peoria area and graduated from East Peoria High School.
He always viewed owning investment properties as his retirement plan.
“I had a close personal friend join the Adam Merrick family. I kept hearing how amazing everyone was here, and how great being a real estate agent was. After hearing how great the job, and team was I had to check it out for myself.”
The most valuable thing Russell said he has learned as an agent so far is what you put in is what you get out in this career.
“I can't speak highly enough of the Adam Merrick Real Estate team. Everyone is so willing to help and mentor at any time, and treat each other like family. I can't see myself working anywhere else.”
Philicia was born and raised in Peoria, IL. She graduated from Peoria Notre Dame and received a B.A. in Communications and Physical Education from Monmouth College.
Philicia has spent the past 17 years working as a Social Worker, a teacher for Peoria Public Schools, and a Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor/Beachbody Master Trainer.
Philicia's past experiences in helping others reach success has led her to the AMRE team, where helping others is the number one goal.
“I love working for the AMRE team, where expectations are set very high, but you never feel that you are on your own, reaching and exceeding those expectations! If you're ready to find your dream home, I'm ready to help!”
Your Peoria Real Estate Partner. Professional Expertise Meets Family Values.
Finding a home shouldn't feel like a root canal. I’m a dedicated real estate agent serving the Greater Peoria area, including Dunlap, Morton, and Washington. My approach is simple: I treat your family like my own, providing expert guidance with a side of dad-joke wit to keep the process stress-free.
I specialize in the Tri-County market, helping neighbors navigate everything from first-time buys to luxury listings. When I’m not scouting the perfect backyard or negotiating deals, I’m spending time with my family right here in Central Illinois.
Why Work With Me?
Construction Background: I have a trained eye for quality builds and can spot potential issues—or possibilities—before you sign.
Local Insight: Deep knowledge of Peoria’s neighborhoods and school districts.
Helpful Advocacy: I’m your coach and cheerleader from "for sale" to "sold."
Humor Included: Because a laugh makes the paperwork go down easier.
Local Heart. Financial Expertise. Your Home Advocate.
For Stacy Schmitz, real estate is about more than just finding a house; it’s about opening the door to a new reality. Born and raised in LaSalle, Illinois, Stacy moved to Peoria in 2000, bringing with her a deep-rooted appreciation for the communities of the Illinois Valley.
The Advantage of Experience: What sets Stacy apart is her powerhouse background. Before transitioning to real estate in 2017, she spent 20 years in banking and mortgages, having studied Banking and Finance at Illinois Central College. This "added bonus" is a game-changer for her clients. Stacy doesn't just show homes; she understands the loan process, the nuances of interest rates, and the financial strategy required to make a winning offer.
Your Guide from Start to Finish: Stacy focuses exclusively on buyer clients because she loves the "ins and outs" of the journey. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking for your forever home, she finds joy in navigating the complexities of the process so you don't have to. From the initial search to the final signature at the closing table, Stacy is a dedicated guide who ensures her clients feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Life Beyond the Listing: When she isn’t advocating for her clients, Stacy is likely embracing her favorite role: Football Mom. She thrives on the energy of her son’s activities and treasures time spent with friends and family.
Why Work With Stacy? In today’s competitive landscape, you need more than just a tour guide; you need a strategic advocate. Specialized in:
Strategic Offer Crafting: Helping you stand out in multiple-offer situations.
Hyper-Local Insight: Providing deep knowledge of Central Illinois.
Expert Negotiation: Ensuring you get the best possible value and terms.
Stress-Free Coordination: Managing the "heavy lifting"—from the first showing to the final walkthrough and closing.
Hi Everybody! I’m Isabell Dunbar, a Buyer Specialist at Adam Merrick Real Estate. Born and raised in the small town of Chillicothe, I’ve been passionate about real estate for several years. My love for helping others stems from my previous experience in sales, and I’m dedicated to making your home-buying journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. I’ll be with you every step of the way, offering my expertise and support. When I’m not working, I enjoy attending art and painting classes and perfecting my favorite pasta dishes. I look forward to helping you find your dream home!
As a proud Metamora resident and former client of Adam Merrick Real Estate, I knew exactly where I belonged when I decided to become a real estate agent. Joining this team was a no-brainer. I'm passionate about helping others reach one of life’s biggest milestones—finding the right home—and I’m committed to working hard to make that dream a reality for you.
If you're thinking about buying or selling, let’s connect—I’d be honored to help guide you every step of the way.
I was born and raised in San Diego, California, and while I was in college, my family relocated to Peoria. After graduating in 2005, I joined them here and have called this area home ever since—aside from a five-year chapter in Chicago, where I gained valuable life and leadership experience.
It was in Chicago that I met my wife, Danielle. In 2017, we moved back to Peoria, IL to begin the next chapter of our lives together. That same year, we welcomed our twins, Jackson and Hailey, who are now thriving and getting ready to start 3rd grade!
Although I’m newer to the real estate industry, I bring with me over twenty years of experience in restaurant and retail management. My career has always centered around people—understanding their needs, delivering exceptional service, and helping them find what’s right for them. I’m excited to bring that same passion and customer-focused approach to real estate, guiding clients through one of life’s most important decisions: finding a place to call home.
I take pride in my strong work ethic, positive attitude, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether someone is buying their first home, moving to accommodate a growing family, or simply ready for a change, my goal is to ensure they feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois - I’m proud to serve the community I’ve always called home. As a dedicated real estate professional, I bring a fresh perspective, strong work ethic, and a client-first approach to every transaction. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate one of life’s most significant decisions—finding the right home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family in need of more space, or an investor seeking the right opportunity, I take the time to listen, understand your goals, and deliver a personalized experience rooted in transparency, care, and integrity. My in-depth knowledge of the local market, strong negotiation skills, and focus on clear communication ensure that my clients feel informed and confident throughout every step of the process.
I’m committed to helping you avoid costly missteps, identify the right properties for your needs and budget, and ultimately secure the best possible outcome—whether it’s your first home, your next investment, or the dream space for your family’s next chapter, I am here to assist you every part of the way, even after your closing day!
Born and raised in Central Illinois, I’m proud to bring deep local roots and a genuine passion for helping people to my work in real estate. As a husband and father to three amazing boys, I understand just how important it is to find the right place to call home.
Before real estate, I spent time in teaching, the medical field, and industrial design—experiences that taught me how to ask the right questions, understand complex needs, and guide people through big decisions with care and clarity. I began investing in real estate in 2021, so I know firsthand how emotional and overwhelming the buying process can feel. That experience is what drives me to make sure every client—whether buying for their family or investing—feels confident and supported every step of the way.
I’d be honored to put my experience and dedication to work for you as you navigate your next real estate move.
Originally from Somonauk, Illinois, I recently moved to East Peoria and am excited to help buyers find the perfect place to call home. My goal is to make the process smooth, supportive, and stress-free while meeting any real estate needs along the way. I’m honored to serve this community and look forward to helping you make your next move with confidence.
