Emily Sachs Wong is an associate broker with @properties in Lincoln Park
What was your first job in the realty industry? I worked with a small Coldwell Banker office that is no longer around. I started as an agent and got my business from sitting on the floor.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Valparaiso, Ind. At the time, it was a small 22,000-person town. My dad was a developer of apartments, so I had some real estate knowledge, and walked through a lot of homes under construction.
What is your favorite free-time activity? I love to cook. It is my passion, but I can barely boil an egg these days. I lost it all from no time to practice. I also love to read and do yoga. I also love to macrame – a total habit from the ’70s.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Eat. It’s true. That is the quickest release. I’ve tried to trade my sour candy in for green juice, as it is an equal type of buzz. I also love to go to the movies.
Growing up, what did you want to be? When I was young, I never really thought about my career. I just knew I wanted to be a mom. I have a degree in hotel and restaurant management, and still love that industry.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would love to hang out with Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr. I’d love to hear stories of what life was like for them surrounded by so much creative genius, but also what it was like to be a part of that generation.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love a hot yoga studio, or sitting under an umbrella on the beaches of Lake Michigan.
What do you love most about the industry? I love the energy and excitement on a daily basis. It is never the same deal. I am always busy, never with a free moment.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I can only be me. I am super shy, and I can’t change that. But I brand myself so people think of me as being out there.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I find the lack of boundaries to be the toughest thing. It is hard to just relax and hang out, as the phone is always buzzing. Conceivably, I could work 24 hours a day.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I really don’t. As I said, I am super shy, so I am lucky to get so many wonderful referrals from clients.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? In 2005, I had my third baby, my father died and I sold $100 million. While my sales have surpassed that, that year stands out as a huge accomplishment that I got through.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? So many! I absolutely loved The Wolf of Wall Street. What a great story! My real style of movies are period pieces and Woody Allen flicks.
What is your favorite restaurant? G.T. Fish & Oyster is my favorite right now. For me, I only want to eat at a place if I crave it. Otherwise, I would rather not go.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? 1550 State, and it always has been. It has classic architecture on the park with
fabulous views.
What kind of car do you drive? I’m on my fourth navy blue Mercedes 550GL. It is the best work car that also is suitable for four kids.
Smartphone or paper? Do I have to choose? I need both.
What is your favorite city after Chicago? Santa Monica in the U.S., Paris (any day, anytime) or Bangkok for a major buzz.