What was your first job in the realty industry? Homeowner

Who inspires you? A.J. Foyt (four-time winner of the Indy 500); he never let anything stop him from winning.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
Reading and learning about people

How did you learn the business? By buying real estate

What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed?
I had four offers over the asking price for a house I listed. I was able to convince the seller that the best deal wasn’t necessarily the one with the highest price, but in this case, was the one with no contingency and would close in 30 days. While it may have been a bit less money, it was a sure thing.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The legal intricacies of real estate transactions

What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it?
Stock boy in a shoe store; I learned to be organized or you’ll waste a lot of time looking for something you don’t have.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I am very active in my community, including serving as a trustee for the village of Morton Grove.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My son. He is a true entrepreneur, and I am very proud of what he will accomplish.

Where would you like to be in five years, professionally? Expanding my practice with more listings and perhaps branching into the industry in Wisconsin.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
The last good book I read was a biography on J.P. Morgan. He had a great vision and faith in what America would be.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Nanos — a small pizza place in Morton Grove

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in the Chicago area?
The Art Institute — it’s a real statement on Michigan Avenue

What kind of car do you drive? Ford Windstar

BlackBerry, Palm or paper? Paper

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Manitowoc, Wis.

What is your personal motto? Problems are opportunities to see how good we really are.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? This industry is very demanding, but also extremely rewarding.