What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I’ve been in sales for over 20 years, but I got my start at a national call center for Budget Rent-a-Car. This was a part-time gig while I was still in high school, but it lead me to love selling and customer service.
Where did you grow up?
Most of my childhood was in Lisle, Ill., a small village in the west suburbs, squeezed in between Downers Grove and Naperville. Go Lions!
Growing up, what did you want to be?
As a kid, I had dreamed of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. However, I’ve needed glasses/contacts since the third grade, so unfortunately that remains just a dream.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
An ice-cold beer on my porch.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
My favorite author is Isaac Asimov. He is a legendary science fiction writer of stories like “I Robot,” “Bicentennial Man” and “Foundation.”
What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
The Edgewater Historical Home Tour is an amazing experience every year in September.
What do you love most about the industry?
There is no limit to the level of success you can achieve. This is the quintessential merit-based career.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I’m very analytical, so I lean on that when meeting with new clients. Considering we deal with often the single largest investment people make, that is a rather important trait.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Balancing the various personalities of real estate agents on a daily basis. Everyone’s needs are different.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Be persistent, and keep calling new people every day. Sales is a numbers game, so the more people you call, the more properties you will sell.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
As a manager, when an agent takes the information I give them, puts it into practice, and comes back with a great result … I feel very proud and happy that I could help them succeed.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I recently subscribed to Blinkist, and I really love having the ability to listen to whole books in roughly 15 minutes while driving. Its like the audiobook version of Cliffs Notes!
What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
Pizza or pasta any day of the week.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
I’m a huge fan of the greystone two-flat. Classic Chicago, right there!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
So many weird things happen in this business. Last year, I went to list a home and met the owners’ adult kids outside. When we went inside, we discovered the house was a hoarder’s paradise and reeked of cat urine. Luckily we were wearing face masks due to the pandemic, so it limited the funky smell (just a bit).
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I’ve always been a bit of an old soul, so they are usually surprised to find out that I am only 40.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Las Vegas keeps calling my name, especially in February and March for the RE/MAX R4 annual convention.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Create a plan and stick to it!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
ChicagoAgent ONE app can quickly create accurate seller net sheet and buyer cash-to-close estimates, and they can be branded to you.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
I love to see the success of the agents that work with RE/MAX 10. When they post a new listing, a closing, or a great time they are having in the business … it warms my heart.