Michael Brennan is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Evanston.

What was your first job in the realty industry? An agent at Bellard Gordon Chicago.

Where did you grow up? Minneapolis.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Tennis and windsurfing.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Play tennis or watch the tennis channel.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A pro hockey player.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be? Rodger Federer or Bono from U2.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Dempster Beach in Evanston.

What do you love most about the industry? Meeting new people and helping them find a home and a new community to live in. The North Shore is one of the best places in the country to live.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My work, my pricing and my honesty with clients about the market and the property they are interested in. I have a background in building and finance, so that helps me with analysis of both the pricing of the market and the structure of the property.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Price reductions.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere that I meet new people. It may be Ravinia, the beach, Facebook or the local pub. Everyone is interested in real estate, so it’s important to be willing to talk about the market, even though you may be in a relaxed social setting away from work.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Raising my son, who is now a sophomore at Clemson University.

What is your favorite restaurant? Firehouse Grill in Evanston; Sappori’s
Italian in Chicago is No. 1.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Wrigley Building.

What kind of car do you drive? A Volkswagen Jetta. It makes for quick and easy parking!

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Evanston, then Laguna Beach in California.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Make your to-do list the night before. Get into as much property to view as you can. Check the hot sheet every day. Call clients back as soon as you can, but remember to keep priorities straight, and finish the new CMA before calling clients for feedback. It’s all about your pipeline and what have you done that day to fill it!