Cailin Ellis is a Home Consultant on the Home Marketability team at Knock, empowering people to move freely. Cailin now manages homes going through all stages of the selling process, and working closely with clients to guide them and make them feel comfortable. She also coordinates between loan advisors, and contractors so you can have the best home buying experience. Before working for Knock, Cailin was the Legacy Property Manager for the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, where she oversaw the maintenance and management of DMD’s long-term assets, which included the City Market, Old City Hall, Union Station, and the Canal. She managed a capital project budget portfolio of over $5 million for the City and led downtown placemaking. Before working at the City, Cailin developed and designed facilities for Fortune 500 Company Eli Lilly & Co. Outside of her role, Cailin is Vice-Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Central Indiana Chapter, is working on her Real Estate License and becoming a LEED Green Associate. You can find Cailin climbing at North Mass Boulder or hiking on trails across Indiana on the weekends. Cailin is a resident of the historic Woodruff Place and lives with her rescued cat, Whitley.
The 1828 Leadership Project, presented by Citizens Energy Group, is a civic leadership tract for Indy’s young leaders with the goal of fostering intentional relationships with a cross-sector of Indianapolis’ thought leaders and decision makers. Cailin is a part of 1828’s Class XI . Learn more about her below.
How do you spend your days? For example, you can tell us about your career, side hustle or exercise routine whatever you want to share. We’re ready to listen.
I spend my time building relationships with people throughout my career, surrounding real estate and public spaces. My love for public spaces travels into my personal time with visiting other cities to see their public spaces, but also hiking, biking, and bouldering.
Great! Where are you from? What made you choose to move here?
I’m from a small town called Roanoke, IN. So, I wasn’t far away, but this is very different from my hometown. I chose to move to the city for college, and never left. We are such a cozy and kind community, it’s hard to imagine life outside of Indy.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
Wandering around a park or forest searching for new plants, herbs, or mushrooms. Or, bouldering at North Mass Bouldering gym.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I’m looking forward to the new developments moving into Indianapolis, and the motivation to bring more life, arts & culture, and music to the city.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
I support the U.S. Green Building Council – Central Indiana chapter because of how it can help influence the built environment in a positive way. We meet monthly, and also host a wide range of events (building tours, cocktail hours, webinars, and study sessions) that anyone can join to learn more. I also love the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and their efforts to make a more connected city, including residents and visitors alike. Plus, who doesn’t love their Landscaping and Lagers evenings.
You have a day off and you’re in Indianapolis. Share the agenda for your perfect Indy day. Hint: keep it local!
First I’d run to Rabble Coffee or Bagel Deli. Then, I’d visit Forest Flower. I’d grab Lunch at Milktooth or Fresco on the canal. Next i’d visit southwest way to forage/hike. To end the night, I’d get dinner at Vida and grab drinks at 8th St. Distillery and then find some live music to enjoy at Hifi, Rooftop Bar, Woodruff Place symphony events, or WRSP.
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait? Why?
Healing – it would be magical to heal people physically or mentally.
You’re hosting an Indy-themed dinner party. What three guests are you inviting?
Madam C.J. Walker, John Green, and Kurt Vonnegut.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Snow Patrol Chasing Cars
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
Finding the Forest
How do you define success?
I define success as reaching your own personal potential, however that looks. This is not money oriented, but mental clarity and fulfillment.
