Marta Bocska is a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Naperville

What was your first job in the realty industry? I was a Realtor in an area where I did not know anyone at all. I started my real estate career in 2005, part time, while working full time for an insurance company. As I slowly farmed my area, networked and volunteered in my new subdivision, my business started to take off. I left my full-time job in 2006 to focus on real estate. Regardless of the economy, I not only survived, but started building a solid foundation that my business is based on.

Where did you grow up? In a small town in Hungary

Growing up, what did you want to be? A flight attendant – I always dreamed about traveling around the world.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Go outdoors – if I have time, I like to go on day trips to unwind. I also love to read.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Zig Ziglar – he was a great, inspirational teacher, and I love how he can put things in a simple way. If you help enough people to get what they want, you will achieve what you want as well. I am a true believer of that.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? A small polish restaurant, The Hunters, on the West Side of Chicago. They have great food, and a live band plays on weekends.

What do you love most about the industry? I love that you can help people get their dream home. Everyone dreams about owning a home someday, and it’s such a satisfying experience to see a family with tears of joy when they get the key to their dream house. It makes me very happy that I can actually help them do just that.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am very upfront and honest. I always tell people in our first meeting that what you see is what you get. I will not tell you what you want to hear; rather, I will tell you what you should hear.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? When a deal falls thru the last minute and there is nothing that I can do about it, like when I have a listing and a deal falls thru due to buyers’ financing.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Community events, community pool, neighborhood parties.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? To reach the President Circle Award from Coldwell Banker and to achieve a high repeat referral rate from past clients.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Miracle Morning” by Michael Maher – I’ve read it four times already.

What is your favorite restaurant? Biaggies in Naperville

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Field Museum (I like old buildings)

What kind of car do you drive? Mercedes E350

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone – my life is on it, and I love the calendar with reminders that is synced to my email.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Budapest, Hungary

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Never give up – perseverance and hard work will pay off. Treat people the way you want to be treated, and keep smiling!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Sentrysmart – instead of using the sentry card to open a lockbox, I love using the app; it’s easier and much more convenient.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Oprah for positive life messages, and real estate investors