What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

Co-owning/co-founding an IT consultancy and spearheading its growth to over 70 salaried/benefitted employees in four years.

Where did you grow up?

Northbrook, IL

Growing up, what did you want to be?

Dentist

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

Spend time at the health club.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?

Jay Leno because his three favorite passions intersect with mine (humor, food and cars).

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?

The multitude of amazing romantic privately run restaurants.

What do you love most about the industry?

Mentoring younger agents with my know-how, solving business and license law issues for agents and meeting new people.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

Being nimble and efficient when it comes to customer service – internally or externally.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Time management

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Having a son that is independent, successful and filled with good values, passion for life and still enjoys hanging out with his dad.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

Netflix “Married at First Sight” (pls don’t tell anyone lol).

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?

Pizza or salmon and a dirty martini with three blue cheese olives.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?

The Aon Center because that’s where my first job out of college was as a computer programmer… Back when it was called the “Standard Oil Building”.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

Showing a home that was “vacant” only to find someone sleeping in the bedroom.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

That my first career was IT.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Phoenix — because it’s where we have a second home.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Do your homework and talk to at least half dozen brokerages.

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

Remine

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?

My old high school classmates