What was your first job in the realty industry? I passed flyers around neighborhoods and stuffed mailings for my parents and the other agents in their office from the age of nine.

Where did you grow up? Northbrook.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Spending time with my two kids, which entails watching a three-year-old’s ballet recitals and cleaning spit-up off my shirts from my three-month old. That, and barbecuing with friends.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Movies and massages. There is absolutely nothing better! My favorite movies are usually about superheroes. I am a total comic geek.

If you weren’t a Realtor, what would you be? A screenwriter in Hollywood. In fact, I was out there with my wife for three years. After that worked out so well for me, I came back to the North Shore and went into the family business!

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would have lunch with Kobayashi, the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating champion, because I think it would be hysterical and amazing to watch him put back so many hot dogs. Plus, I need to lose a little weight, so he could eat my hot dogs for me.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I like hanging out with friends in their backyards. When the weather is warm and the kids are playing and the adults are laughing, those are perfect moments.

What do you love most about the industry? I love helping people. When a buyer’s eyes light up and they get that smile on their face when they close or when the contract gets accepted, it’s great. Sellers don’t seem to be as happy these days, but I know that deep down, there is a lot of relief when an agreement comes together.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am going through a transformation in my business right now. All the agents talk about is, “I sold this” and “I listed this.” No one says, “I helped these people.” I have decided that my job isn’t to sell homes anymore, it is to find out how many people I can serve.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Getting people to understand what is really in their best interest. Sellers don’t seem to realize that their stubborn nature is standing in the way of acheiving a goal. The same goes for the buyers. I try to get my clients to look at the big picture of a transaction.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? My clients, who are amazed and delighted with my services, introduce me to my new clients. They do my networking for me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Creating my “million dollar family.”

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I loved Ken Folletts’ last book called “World Without End” and Larry Wignet’s book called “Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life.”

What is your favorite restaurant? I am a sucker for Pete Miller’s. The music and the steak can’t be beat.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Marina Towers – the corn cob buildings, as I like to call them. I’ve never been inside, but they are so iconically Chicago!

What kind of car do you drive? A 2001 Toyota Camry.

Smartphone or Paper? Both.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Las Vegas, but only for three days…four tops.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Learn, work hard, focus, care, be honest and show up.