Mike Goodwin is a broker with EXIT Real Estate Partners in Downers Grove.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I’m currently at my first job with Exit Real Estate Partners in Downers Grove, and I couldn’t envision a better place to have chosen to launch my real estate career.
Where did you grow up? I lived in Ottawa, IL, until I was three years old, and have lived in Naperville since.
What is your favorite free-time activity? I love playing with my two wonderful kids, Payton, who is five, and Hailey, who is 18 months. We often go for walks on the Naperville river walk with my mom and go to the park often, as well. I am also a big movie buff and do enjoy putting a good movie on.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I can’t think of anything more relaxing than taking a good long drive on a beautiful day while jamming to some great tunes.
Growing up, what did you want to be? As a kid I wanted to be a baseball player or movie star. As I grew older and to this day I would love the opportunity to travel amongst the stars, so I would have to say an astronaut.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Honestly, I think it would be Eminem (Marshall Mathers). He came from some of the worst circumstances and has been through as many rough times as I could imagine someone going through. I would want to find out where his drive and ambition came from and what he did to get through some of the things he has gotten through. I think he would be very wise when it comes to these issues we all face in one way or another.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? With two kids and working in real estate, I don’t have much time to “hang out,” but I do love to go to the Adler Planaterium. I am in awe every time I go and see what are some of the greatest accomplishments of mankind.
What do you love most about the industry? The amount of trust that people are willing to put into us and the smile on a client’s face after you hand them the keys to their new home.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I try to create a line of communication between me and my clients that leaves no question unanswered. I also believe in a mix of the new social media and Internet-driven marketing with the old school, boots to the ground, “knocking on doors” marketing that has worked for many years. I think that with the right mix, anything is possible in this industry.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Time management. The hard part is that no matter how set of a schedule I put together, there are always last minute things that need to be handled and will throw a wrench in ithe mix There just never seems to be enough time in the day.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere. If you are not always prepared with an elevator speech and two business cards, you are leaving business behind. This is a business that everybody in the world needs. I mean, you have to have a place to live, right?
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Becoming a father, for sure. Nothing will ever trump that.
What is your favorite restaurant? I love to eat good food, so it’s hard to have a favorite, but I do frequent Biaggi’s in Naperville. I have never been disappointed; the food is just great.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Inland Steel Building.
What kind of car do you drive? Volkswagen Passat.
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone, tablet and CPU with those three I can complete an entire transaction without using a single sheet of paper.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Blackberry app? DropBox.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Ask questions, prospect, network, prospect, network, prospect, network and learn.