What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was a stylist (wardrobe) to actors in Los Angeles for events like the Grammys and Oscars, music videos, movie premieres, etc.

Where did you grow up?
Rogers Park and then Northbrook for high school.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
A cardiologist.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I play tennis or go for a walk on the lakefront.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
The art scene. We have a fantastic depth of art creators and sophisticated collectors. So many people associate art with New York and Miami, but Chicago’s community is pretty robust.

What do you love most about the industry?
It’s a very social industry — relationships matter and we cannot be automated. Our knowledge and expertise matters and we’re here to help.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
The lost art of picking up the phone. It’s amazing — the power of speaking with clients and friends.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Time management and boundaries. We get pulled in every direction, and managing that is tough.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Open houses and outreach every week and follow-up. Remember to take good care of people; we’re in the service business.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Raising (so far) my daughters Siena and Lola. They’re pretty good humans.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I haven’t had time to binge anything this year, but I listen to Vishen Lakhiani’s podcast — often while walking the dog.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
Tribune Tower — the best adaptive reuse.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
At a listing of mine, I had a showing and didn’t realize my client’s big dog was left home (the dog sitter never came to get him.) The dog was very jumpy, so I was calming him down and didn’t hear the very faint sound of the alarm warning sound. Then, when the buyers arrived, the dog was jumping all over again, and while I was trying to calm him down, the police arrived to evaluate what was going on. It was stressful and funny.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Big Sky Montana and Aspen Colorado. I love active vacations in beautiful environments. In these two spots, you never run out of things to do.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Connect with people, and make them feel important to you.