What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Helping wealthy clients invest and manage their assets. I enjoyed learning about how they thought and how they made their money. It gave me a true appreciation of the process of building wealth. First, I worked for a large institutional firm, Becker-Warburg-Paribas, where I was introduced to the world of investing. I will forever be thankful for that experience, as it taught me the power of long term capital appreciation.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in East Lincoln Park, in a Victorian row house located at 351 West Belden Ave. It was a time when Chicago was recovering from the flight to the suburbs that occurred after the war in the ’50s. Many areas west of Clark Street were underdeveloped or in disrepair. Every night after dinner, we went on family walks to look at houses. I didn’t understand then that my parents were also looking for properties to invest in and begin their journey into the restoration of Lincoln Park and DePaul in 1968.
I attended Francis W. Parker School and my world was east of Clark, Parker, Lincoln Park, the Zoo and all my friends who lived nearby in the Shakespeare building on Lincoln Park West. There were oodles of children playing outside and riding bikes and playing games outside.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I always wanted to work in business helping people. And I knew by my freshman year of college that I wanted to work in international business. I studied French as well as business and English literature in college and dreamed of using my French skills in business, as I studied for my CCIP exam which qualifies your understanding of French business terminology. Now, I have that opportunity as I have befriended my colleague who works in our affiliate Paris shop.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I enjoy tending to my gardens at home. I have a rose garden, vegetable garden and a landscaped patio where I seek refuge in the summer months. Otherwise, I have a in-home workout room where I can relax while watching the tennis channel.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Amelia Earhart and Mother Theresa. Although they are different, I am inspired by their belief in something that others saw as impossible. I’ve been raised to believe that you can create your own destiny. I can see a clear pathway to the future and it is guided primarily by believing in following a moral compass, truth, integrity and blending it with passion as both of these ladies did. There will always be obstacles and non-believers, but when you hold fast to your own personal integrity, nobody can take that from you. I take pride in helping others to see the light so that they can develop a real plan for building wealth while investing in real estate. That is what I have been taught, and it is real.
What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
The little family-owned businesses and restaurants that are under the radar. Chicago is made up of many unique neighborhoods that originally were represented by an ethnic culture from when they emigrated to the United States. For example, the now-called Clybourn Corridor used to be home to German immigrants. It extended all the way north up Lincoln Avenue, where we bought potato salad and coleslaw, and all the ladies were German and didn’t speak English, in Lincoln Square. The lines have transformed and the people have changed but the roots are still there. Chicago has a deep history and is home to all people from all over the world. In fact, Chicago is home to the largest population of Polish people next to Warsaw. The melting pot of Chicago creates an opportunity to experience many different cultures and people. That’s what I love about Chicago. I continue to learn everyday.
What do you love most about the industry?
The industry has transformed itself several times in the past 50 years. And technology has interrupted what was a simpler experience in many ways. But we cannot stop the information stream and now technology is teaching us all how to organize and utilize information to improve the experience for all. I only hope that we can catch up and create true value with the new AI. So, what I love most is getting back to who I am. I enjoy being a connector and facilitator, in helping people achieve their financial and personal goals of finding a home — that is a good investment.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I’m not here for me, I am here for the opportunity to add value, wisdom, experience and vision to my clients’ experience. I am a fiduciary who holds the best interest of my client as my motivation. Although I enjoy being compensated, I am not seeking awards. I trust that my best recognition will, and has, come from the praise of my clients, and that is what drives me, as well as doing all I can to support their interests.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The unpredictability of everything. I think it is the most challenging career for someone needing stability. I’m thankful that I had a career for seven years working in asset management prior to real estate before beginning with a family real estate development in DePaul. I needed time to tradition and learn how to carry my skills squired forward to my new career.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
I’m old school and I’ve really come back to square one which is related to your personal integrity. I joined the Woman’s Athletic Club four years ago for social reasons but honestly, I relearned that people do business with those that they know, like and trust. I had a sale from two years ago reach out to me and there are many other people there who reach out to me too. So, when you around people that like you as a person, and they know you’re in real estate, let them reach out. Additionally, I’ve connected with social organizations that I enjoy. Be yourself, be passionate about what you love, and you will find your people and maybe your next clients.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Working over 35 years, I have been worked in some very bad markets, selling multiple foreclosure properties. I once convinced the city of Chicago to grant an easement for my client to build a garage on his Lincoln Park home on public land and have overcome multiple insurmountable obstacles in sales, but honestly, none of that compares to the work of raising a family and remaining married for 29 years. I’ve experienced hardship while almost losing my first-born child when he was seven years old to Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, my mother almost dying at 65 from then brain aneurysms — and then the continuing challenges of working through the emotional toll of all that. My three children are all young adults now, in college and graduate school, and my life is primarily my own. I am taking over my father’s welfare as he continues on at 95 while living in a nursing home. So, I see my place now, with all my knowledge and expertise built over decades, as an opportunity to help the young, old and in-between make transitions to either start out in their first investment, or to unwind. I have firsthand experience and love to work with those who appreciate what I have to offer.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I’m reading a first-hand account of a “Monuments Man” from World War II. I don’t read self-help books because I did all that 20 years ago. I read history and I enjoy learning from what we have survived prior. It helps me to understand the challenges that endure today.
Reading: “When France Fell,” “The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall,” Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages,” “Monuments Man.”
Watching: “The Diplomat,” “Night Agent,” “Occupied,” “Treason” and lots of World War II and Roman Empire historical documentaries.
I also listen to ABBA in my car to relax when the news is too dismal to listen to. My daughter got me into it.
What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
I still love Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company for their spectacular pizza pot pie, but the Trattoria Riccardo almost next door on Clark Street is also very special.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
I love architecture, and the Rookery as well as the Carson Pirie Scott building on State Street are two of the most authentic statements of period architecture from the turn of the century. The Rookery was designed by Daniel Burnham in 1888. Ironically, his house in Evanston was located across the street from my house where Forest Ave. and Burnham Place intersect. It is exquisite in every way with artistic details, craftsmanship and materials. A wealthy benefactor took on the project 20 years ago to restore this beautiful building, thankfully. The greatest challenge is the cost, so money and a passion for historic architecture have to intersect. It allows us to hold onto a piece of beautiful history and it is an icon that with tours for visitors to glimpse into our past and the foundations and visions that were built for Chicago’s future in this era of renaissance after the Great Chicago Fire.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I had to rescue an agent from another company who had overdosed and needed an ambulance. If I had not stepped over the line to get in her personal space, she would have died.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I treat everyone exactly how I would like to be treated. I’m actually in the relationships that I choose to be in for the long term. I don’t need “a deal.” I don’t do that. I create and develop relationships that are genuine and based on a mutual respect. My clients and friends see that in me over and over again but sometimes they forget and need to be reminded and my actions speak to this. I have no ulterior motive.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
My family has a house on the Gulf on a Florida island that is not built up because they have building codes that don’t allow it. It feels like you are back in the ’60, very relaxed, with the ocean breeze and lots of beach to walk and enjoy. It is pure bliss. I love the sun, the water and natural habitat. It allows me space to take a moment and recharge for my life in Chicago.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Be patient and work in a salaried job first
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
I’m a busy person. I keep on top of the news, markets, and I really don’t follow people other than my friends, and family or people that inspire me at Engel & Völkers, of which there are many. I follow people in our vast global network so that we are connected if either of us has a client in our respective markets. This is one of the huge benefits of our company. I’m also a Bloomberg news junkie.