Ronald L. Branch, a lifelong resident of Chicago, IL, is the president of RLB Realty Group, Inc., a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in REO (Real Estate Owned)/foreclosure marketing, asset management, and redevelopment. A licensed real estate broker since 1987, Ron created RLB Realty Group, Inc., d/b/a ERA Branch and Associates Realty in 1990, sold the ERA franchise in 1994, and since then, the company has operated as RLB Realty Group, Inc. His expertise in REO marketing has earned him clients such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac/HomeSteps, JP Morgan Chase and other financial organizations.

A recognized expert in the REO field, Ron has mentored and trained hundreds of real estate professionals, previously taught as a licensed real estate instructor and developed a national REO Specialist course. He has been recognized by many trade groups, real estate and REO specialty firms, and civic organizations for his achievements in real estate and society. His honors include numerous national and local awards for his service and expertise, including the 2020 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award, which recognizes Black African-American men who are leaders in their fields and inspire others through their achievements, vision, and community service. In 2004, Realtor® Magazine named him one of “25 Most Influential in Real Estate” and he has consistently ranked in the top 1% of Chicago area real estate brokers for transactions closed since 2000.

Ron is a Past President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB®) and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Millikin University. Additionally, he is honored to have two annual awards named after him: the Dearborn Realtist Board's "Ronald L. Branch Realtist of the Year Award" and the Young Realtist Division of Chicago's "Ronald L. Branch Legacy Award." He has also served on numerous national and local advisory boards, including those related to business, real estate and civic matters.

A graduate of Millikin University, Ron earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with honors in 1981. He also dedicated over 20 years to coaching basketball, including as head coach for Whitney Young High School’s varsity basketball team in Chicago. An active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Ron is engaged in faith, political, and social communities. He loves sports and competition and is an avid golfer. Ron and his wife, Lori J. Watts-Branch, are the proud parents of four children: Ronald II, Malcolm, Zachary, and Maya.