What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I used to work as an architectural graduate assistant for a small architectural firm here in downtown Chicago, GYH.

Where did you grow up?
I was born and grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana in a family of five.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
If a racing career didn’t blossom at an early age, I always knew I was going to be an architect. While on family road trips, I always found my face glued to the window to see the skyline grow from the distance. Still to this day, I’m infatuated by the built vernacular of cities across the world.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Working seven days a week certainly is a lifestyle choice. So, I celebrate the little breaks with running along the lakefront or going up to a craft brewery to relax. Also, over the last few years, I have been able to enjoy a lot of international travel.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Architect Adrian Smith for designing the world’s tallest skyscraper. (Currently Burj Khalifa, soon to be Jeddah Tower.)

What do you love most about the industry?
Being out and about, immersing myself in new visually stimulating spaces while having good conversations with my clients.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I have found my niche and chosen my brokerage path to be rental-focused with an emphasis on the downtown luxury high-rises. With 12 years of experience, I’ve helped over 1,500+ clients and have gained an encyclopedia of knowledge to simply help my clients make a well-educated conscious decision, all while having fun!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The rental game is so fast-paced and competitive out there where pricing and availability change daily.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals! Everyone needs a place to live, and if they enjoyed your service, your clients will always keep you top of mind.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Consistency. Over the last 12 years, I’ve personally helped between 120 and 190 clients each year to find their perfect apartment.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Drive to Survive on Netflix. I’m a big IndyCar and F1 racing fan.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
Anything from Gilt Bar. Every experience is stellar and it has become my go-to happy spot.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
This is a tough one! However, I feel that local architect Jeanne Gang has contributed to some of the most visually stunning additions to the Chicago skyline in recent years.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
My first ever referral client became my wife! 🙂 Out of mere happenstance, she decided on the same apartment community that I was living in at the time. Not soon after she moved in, I ran into her on the elevator and asked her if she wanted to join me later for dinner with some friends. The rest is history!

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
My wife and I own land in upstate Maine near Moosehead Lake and are currently in the process of creating a bespoke hospitality brand, Outbound.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
In the states, the Moosehead Lake region in upstate Maine as it’s the polar opposite to downtown living. When you are there, you’re completely isolated amongst trees instead of highrises. Moose also outnumber the human population up there, and the Northwoods Dark Sky provides for some stunning stargazing while relaxing by the campfire. Internationally, it is Iceland. The stunning and extreme geographical elements create a supreme level of relaxation for me. The land of Fire and Ice!

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Do what you say you’re going to do.

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

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Besides @LuxuryLivingChicago, the @thebrokagent is a pretty funny account for the Brokers out there. And @devorpower for some food indulgent clips.