Marki Lemons-Ryhal is the managing broker of Marki D. Lemons Ryhal in Hyde Park

What was your first job in the realty industry? Loan originator

Where did you grow up? Chicago-Washington Park

What do you do to relax? Bikram yoga and meditation

Growing up, what did you want to be? An entrepreneur! I have been self-employed since the age of 10.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Barbara Corcoran, to get her take on white label products and her methodology for investing in other companies.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Hyde Park, because of the major changes the community has undergone; there is something new there every day. My remote office is at the Chicago Innovation Exchange located on East 53rd Street. I enjoy the interaction with young great minds.

What do you love most about the industry? The daily changes and the uniqueness of each deal. There is no room for boredom.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? “Short in Stature, Big in Voice,” always seeking solutions to problems while playing well in the sandbox with others.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I have a hectic traveling schedule, so leaving my family is the hardest aspect of my job. As a fifth-generation entrepreneur, I’m accustomed to hard work and long hours, but “see you later kisses” are always hard to deliver.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? The Internet. People tell you in real time about their needs to buy and sell real estate, yet they never say “I want to sell my home.” They say “I’m pregnant, I’m getting married, he put a ring on it.” Face-to-face, I’m global, and I can teach at five or more different venues in one week. I use Evernote to take my new face-to-face connections online, where I’m comfortable and it allows me to research them in detail and find additional ways to build rapport.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Raising successful sons in the inner city while creating a life worth living. I’m a very proud mother of two bright young men who are respectful, loving and intelligent.

What is your favorite restaurant? RPM Steak

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Liberty Baptist Church. My son is a sixth-generation member and the stained glass windows are gorgeous.

What kind of car do you drive? A Jeep Wrangler

Smartphone or paper? All of these: iPad, smartphone and Moleskine journal to take photos of my journal and load them to Evernote.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? St. Maarten.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Uuum, I can’t do it in 10 or less! I’d say “Technology will never replace a Realtor, but a Realtor with technology will replace a Realtor without technology.”

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Evernote

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Gary Vanerchuk, Mari Smith and Kim Garst