Sue Hedlund

What was your first job in the realty industry? A real estate salesperson for Century 21, Wheaton, in 1986, then I went to RE/MAX in 1988 and have been there ever since.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Winfield, and attended Catholic grade school, St. John the Baptist, and Catholic high school, St. Francis, in Wheaton.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Computer work and research. I’m very analytical.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Watch a soap opera late at night that was recorded from earlier; that is bound to put me to sleep.

If you weren’t a Realtor, what would you be? A teacher working with young children.

Where is your favorite place to “hang out?” The beach, ocean, lake, any waterfront.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Trying to explain a declining market to sellers who feel they are immune.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? My clients find me. I do not seek them out, although I do invest a lot in advertising and marketing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Raising my six children.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? My favorite movie which most people have never seen and perhaps do not understand or appreciate is What Dreams May Come.

What is your favorite restaurant? Barone’s Italian restaurant in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Water Tower

What kind of car do you drive? I miss my Jaguar immensely, but am now driving a BMW X5.

BlackBerry, iPhone or Paper? Smartphone

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Laguna Hills or Newport Beach in California.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Patience, perseverance, faith, persistence, empathy, compassion, perception and humor.