Jim Abbott is a broker with Baird & Warner in Lincoln Park

What was your first job in the realty industry? Full-time Broker at Baird & Warner Lincoln Park

Where did you grow up? Chicago (Edison Park).  My father grew up in Park Ridge, and my mother grew up in Andersonville.

Growing up, what did you want to be? It changed all the time, from owning a pet store when I was five to being a pilot when I was in high school.  Ultimately, I ended up studying environmental engineering in college.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Travel, take my rescue dog London to the beach or park, search the MLS for new inventory (yes it relaxes me)  or have wine with friends.  My guilty pleasure is watching the Real Housewives with a great deep dish pizza.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Oprah Winfrey, I have been to her show before, and she is fascinating to listen to.  After her show taping, she spoke and took questions for over an hour.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? When traveling, I love to hang out at bars and cafes and just watch people.  When I am in Chicago, I love to grocery shop – although I never cook – and visit any museum, although I am partial to the Shedd Aquarium.

What do you love most about the industry? I have always been fascinated with real estate.  When I was a kid, I actually subscribed to Unique Homes and would buy floor plan magazines.  Before I was a Realtor, I always wanted to know what the interiors of the homes looked like when walking around.  Being able to share my passion for real estate with clients and helping them find the perfect place, it just doesn’t get any better than that for me.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am very honest and direct, and I enjoy having fun when working with clients.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Work/life balance. I always have my phone next to me, and my job takes priority over everything else.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I don’t have a go-to place.  Most of my clients come from referrals. (Thank you very much to all of you that refer me if you are reading this, it means a lot to me!)  I do have people contact me through social media sometimes; I am active on Twitter, Pinterest,  Facebook, Yelp, Instagram, etc.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? When I moved out of my house into my first apartment, my mom told me that as long as I looked in the mirror and liked who I saw every morning, I must be living right. It has stuck with me, and I live by it.  So being able to look in the mirror with pride every morning is my greatest accomplishment.  (Of course I am speaking of who I am, not what I look like.)

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Bitch is the New Black by Jen Lancaster, I read it years ago but just re-read it again.  She is from Chicago and writes about her adventures in the city; she is hilarious.  I also love anything by David Sedaris!

What is your favorite restaurant? What a tough question, it depends on what I am in the mood for.  Calo for Italian, Kansaku for Sushi, Connies for Pizza, Koi for Chinese, Bongo Room for Brunch, and I love Urban Vegan and Karyn’s.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Museum of Science and Industry, both because of its size and architecture, but also because it is the only building left from the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago.

What kind of car do you drive? Mercedees ML350

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone

What is your favorite city after Chicago? London or Barcelona

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be persistent, tenacious, and love it or don’t do it.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? ParkWhiz, which is especially important if you are downtown often. Just type in the address of where you need to park and it will give you discounted prices on garage parking.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Cher and Kathleen Madigan, who are both hysterical.