What was your first job in the realty industry?
I worked with a general contractor, my dad, who bought fixer-uppers then sold them.

Who inspires you?
Anyone who’s beaten the odds

What is your favorite free-time activity?
There is nothing better than cooking for friends.

How did you learn the business?
My grandfather showed me the art of business relationships and Kurt Penn taught me the ins and outs of real estate agreements.

What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed?
They all have a little bit of difficulty. I try to be transparent to the other side of the deal while remaining true to the client.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Time. There is never enough time.

What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it?
Working for my dad was pretty tough as a kid. He made sure that I had the worst jobs until I learned to be productive. He taught me the value of mastering a skill and the importance of being able to teach that skill to others.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Community networking events

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Sticking with the real estate business and turning it into a career. I listened to the great agents and applied their lessons.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
“Michael Clayton”

What is your favorite restaurant?
Avec

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
The Wrigley Building

What kind of car do you drive?
Mercedes-Benz

BlackBerry, Palm or paper?
BlackBerry

What is your favorite city after Chicago?
Seattle

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
There’s always something to learn so ask the question!