Stephanie LoVerde is a Realtor with Baird & Warner.

What was your first job in the realty industry? I was a part-time administrative assistant at Baird & Warner while I was in school working towards a masters in counseling.

Where did you grow up? Niles and Glenview

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I plug my music into my ears and I go for a run or go to the gym. Exercise calms my nerves and clears my head. I find it absolutely critical to my mental strength and clarity.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love being on or near the lakefront, whether I’m running, walking, or at the beach. We grew up boating, so I have a fondness for the water. It takes me back to my childhood summers in Lake Geneva, which are very happy memories for me.

What do you love most about the industry? I love that I have the capacity to help people with something that is mostly foreign to them. I love how clients quickly learn how much I genuinely care about them as people, and know I truly have their best interest at heart. I love being different from their last Realtor.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My passion for my work. I live real estate because I truly love it. My prompt and authentic communication ­does not necessarily tell clients what they want to hear – I tell them the truth. Navigating those difficult conversations but coming out of them in a positive place is challenging, but rewarding. My attention to detail and the drive for perfection also set me apart. ­Every client deserves 100 percent, and it should not be their problem if I have five other listings coming on in any given week. Each experience deserves my full attention.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I try to be very rigid with my timelines and schedule, but as much as I plan, there are inevitably surprises throughout any given day, fires that need to be put out, and scenarios that one simply cannot always prepare for. That is hands down the most difficult aspect for me.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere. I let everyone know what I do because I am passionate and proud of my work, and I am excited to share it with anyone I meet!

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Moving from Rookie of the Year of Chicago in 2013 to the top 1 percent at B&W in only two years (with over $19M in sales and 53 transactions in 2015) all on my own…when I wasn’t even sure that I was going to make it. As a single woman with a mortgage and bills, transitioning to a 100 percent commission-based profession was terrifying and incredible at the same time.

What is your favorite restaurant? I love crab legs, shrimp, oysters, etc., so any restaurant with a great seafood tower!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? I don’t have a favorite building, per say, but I absolutely love greystones. They are majestic and classy and regal and command a presence on a block. There is a block in Lincoln Square with several in a row and I admire them often.

What kind of car do you drive? One that needs replacing! It’s time for a new vehicle. I need a SUV that allows me more storage for signs, staging stuff, etc. I am currently shopping around but plan to pull the trigger soon.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone, 100 percent. I truly detest paper.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? I was in the meetings and events industry prior to real estate and travelled frequently, so many cities have left an impression on me. I have been to Dublin twice and I adored my time there for the experience and the people. I love Naples, Florida, for relaxing with my family.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Put it first if you want to make it.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? DocuSign. I’m honestly not sure what I would do without it! When I see an offer or contract with pen signatures on the other side, I always offer to show the other agent how to use it. I cannot imagine meeting a client in person to sign an offer or contract! That is mind blowing to me. There is a better way.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Motivational quotes and people, fashion- and makeup-related pages, resorts or hotels I’d like to visit, and Christian Louboutin. I love those red soles.