Collins was born in Long Island, New York, the youngest of five, and moved to Ramsey, N.J. at the age of two. Twelve years later, he found himself in sunny Tampa, FL, where he spent his high school years. Joining the Marines upon graduation, he spent four years seeing most of Southeast Asia. The GI Bill sent Collins through Michigan State U. He then spent four years in Midtown Manhattan. In 1973 Collins moved to IL, and has lived in the Fox Valley ever since.

Karen began her Real Estate career in 1985 with Baird & Warner & then Re/Max. Collins joined Baird & Warner in 1990, then joined Karen at Re/Max in 1992. In June of 1996, Karen & Collins sought a firm whose goal was to provide their clients the best service available. With that in mind, they joined Realty Executives, Fox Valley - a company named for it's people.

Both Karen & Collins believe that active involvement in the Real Estate community enhances one's knowledge of business and familiarity with more of their fellow Realtors. Karen has served on many of the local Realtor Association of the Fox Valley committees. In addition to being a Past President of the Fox Valley Chapter of the Womens Council of Realtors, she was the 2005 IL State President of the Women's Council of Realtors. Collins was the 1995-1996 President of the Fox Valley Association of Realtors & has served on many committees within that Association. In Addition, He has been the Vice-Commander of the St. Charles American Legion and is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. These involvements are very beneficial, not only to them as members of their community, but also in marketing their listings & knowing their market place in general.