What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was Tina in the former Chicago production of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding,” and I was also a high school teacher.

Where did you grow up?
Lincolnwood.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to be a teacher like my father. I achieved that goal. I also knew that it would lead to more in my life, and it has and grounded me in a manner that I can use all my teaching skills to own a business to help others achieve their goals. It was a great start for me, and I am grateful for the teaching experience I have that I utilize every single day.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I enjoy exercising, long walks, writing, listening to music, movies, shopping and spending time with my family.

If you could meet any well-known figure, who would it be?
Socrates. He believed that an unexamined life is not worth living. We cannot live better than in seeking to become better. He says, “Know thyself.” I resonate with that because I do believe that in order to succeed in life, you have to do the things that make you uncomfortable, and, in that discomfort, you excel toward being better every single day.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
North of Chicago are the Lake County suburbs. I would say the serene tranquility of Lake County, the restaurants, the shopping and entertainment availability make it a fabulous place to live. Simply put, it’s beautiful, and it’s truly nature’s landscape.

What do you love most about the industry?
I love all aspects of the business … being able to help buyers, sellers and brokers achieve their real estate dreams, whatever they may be. I also love running a company and having the ability to impact so many people’s lives through the process. It’s a blessing to be able to do this job, and I have a career that I’m grateful for.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I have an expertise that is extremely well rounded. I have weathered many markets from short sale, REO, new construction developments, condo, townhomes, single-family homes, vacant land, etc., so I understand how to price properly, dissect the market data properly and how to interpet the changes that are always ever present in our industry. I have been in the business for 20 years and have sold almost 3,000 homes, so from the sheer number of transactions I have been involved in, I understand how to sell real estate at a high level. I also stay ahead of technology. I am on the cusp of the latest marketing trends. I am in the trenches selling as well as leading daily, and I have my own physical location in Lake County. We are the only real estate office in our Hawthorn Woods town servicing all of Lake County.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I always want to grow and improve my skills. I am always learning, and I can be very demanding of myself. I have extremely high expectations for myself because I know I can do more and be more. It can be exhausting, but it is who I am. I want to be the best I can be every day. I work toward being better and better daily. I’m self motivated, so with that comes great responsibility. I take the task of helping others very personally. It’s my role to be a leader to my agents, my staff and all of our clients. It’s what drives me to do my best.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
A well-rounded marketing and advertising plan works wonders. Follow-up and persistence creates relationships. While the internet is dominant, nothing beats face-to-face relationships. That’s the driving lead generator. A genuine capacity to love and help people helps the most when lead generating.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
My favorite meal is small appetizer plates from Greek Islands. Fried zucchini with skordalia (garlic potato spread), Greek salad, melitzanosalata (egglant spread) and grilled octopus salad.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
Willis Tower. It’s a powerful building with tremendous presence and style. It’s impossible not to notice it. It stands out, and it represents what we need to be as managing broker owners.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Oh my, where do I start? From discovering a dead body to animals in the attic to agents showing up in bathing suits for showings, I have stories to make your head spin. There is never a dull moment in this evolving business. It still amazes me to this day, all the crazy things that can happen. It makes for an exciting day always filled with changes and new things.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I was the star of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” in Chicago. I can sing, dance and I am also very athletic. I had eight full-ride scholarships to play college basketball back in the day. I won a beauty pageant. I was also a middle school and high school English teacher and worked a corporate job in recruiting and hiring for a Fortune 500 corporate tech company. I have a very well-rounded work experience that landed me in my dream career. As a real estate managing broker owner, I have the privilege of using all my background and experience to help buyers, sellers and brokers. I feel very blessed that all my prior work can be relatable and usable to this industry.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Laguna Beach, California. The Montage hotel and the oceanfront views are amazing. It’s a peaceful and beautiful hotel with mesmerizing service, style and class. I like to think that our company emulates this type of experience for our clients. We only want what is best for them and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. The Montage only cares about the guests and creating the best experience for them. We strive to be like the Montage in real estate.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Work hard, follow the law and be professional.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Forewarn. This must-have app helps validate what information is real and what information is a red flag. Staying safe is key in our industry.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Ryan Serhant is my favorite. I really don’t follow a lot of people because I just don’t have the time, as I am laser focused on growing our company. That vision is consuming any and all time I have outside of my family.