Coldwell Banker
Glencoe
What was your first job in the realty industry?
I have been a real estate agent since I started in the industry.

Who inspires you?
I just completed Brian Buffini’s “100 Days to Greatness” program. He inspired me to take my business to the next level.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
Tae Kwon Do. I’m training for my second degree black belt.

How did you learn the business?
I think the business has two critical success factors – knowing the territory well and getting the transaction done. I grew up in Glencoe and have lived there for the last 15 years, so I knew the territory before I started in the business. The transactional side of the business came through on-the-job training and input from my mentors.

What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed?
Buyers I had been working with for six months became interested in one of my listings, which was my own personal residence. That transaction required me to assign another agent to represent them in the negotiations.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Dealing with people who have unrealistic expectations

What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it?
I worked in a specialty medical practice as an office administrator. I learned that even the smallest details, which seem innocuous at the time, need to be attended to because they could make a big difference in the final product and the client’s perception of quality.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Most of my clients are referrals, but wherever I go usually turns into a networking opportunity. My dry cleaner has a stack of my business cards!

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
“The Translator” by Daoud Hari

What is your favorite restaurant?
Walker Bros. Original Pancake House for breakfast,  O’Neil’s in Winnetka for lunch and The Rosebud Steakhouse for dinner

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
333 West Wacker- I love postmodern architecture

What is your personal motto?
Grace under pressure

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Focus on building a network, and cultivate long-term relationships