What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was a special education administrator and I worked with children with severe behavior disorders who could not be in a general education setting. The goal of the programs I worked in was to transition them back to the general education setting. Some were successful and some were not, but I learned a lot about myself throughout the process.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Des Plaines, a suburb northwest of Chicago.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer, and my mom will tell you that I always argued my point well. In truth, I was always going to do something to help people. I was always the person who made sure the outsider never sat alone at lunch or made sure they had someone to play with on the playground.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
During the pandemic I started cooking more. I find that relaxes me. I also like to exercise, do pilates or go for walks with my dog, Wrigley. Sometimes I just need to take a mental break and close my eyes for a few minutes and try and take a few deep breaths.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Mel Robbins! She’s a true expert in personal development and motivation. Her insights and strategies can have a profound impact on transforming lives, and I would love to learn from her firsthand.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
I don’t know if there is one best kept secret. Each neighborhood has such unique characteristics and charm that you can find something in each of them.

What do you love most about the industry?
I love when a buyer walks into the right property and gets that feeling that this is the one. I appreciate being a part of that moment and helping turn that moment into a reality.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I try to be myself all of the time. I am caring and a great listener. I have never been a salesperson or pushy person. As a social worker, I have learned to ask questions and I do that whenever I meet people.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I have worked with buyers with small budgets when there was very tight inventory. Even with rising interest rates there were still multiple offers. Watching a client lose out offer after offer and feeling deflated is probably the most difficult aspect of this job, however it is important that we remain positive for them.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
It is important to stay in front of your sphere of influence and remind them of what you do. Ask for referrals. Work open houses. Use social media as a way to build your audience.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is not real estate related. When I was a special education administrator, I worked as a special eduction early childhood director and my team and I started a full day early childhood program for children with autism. They had programming for five hours, instead of the standard 2.5. This helped them tremendously with their language and fine and gross motor skills as well as sensory processing and socialization. This had been an uphill battle for several years with the administration that my team and I won, and it is still in existence today over 12 years later.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I am currently a little late to the table and binging “The Americans.” I am also listening to “The Mountain is You” by Brianna Wiest.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
While I am not vegan, I am gluten and dairy free, and Bloom Plant Based Kitchen is one of the best places I have eaten at in the last year. I can order anything on the menu and not have any issues. I highly recommend it.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
My favorite building in Chicago goes back to when I was in third grade and we had to recreate one for social studies as a lesson on Chicago history. I had the Marshall Field and Company Building. Perhaps it was my love of shopping when I was younger, perhaps it is the iconic clocks on the building, but whatever it was, I still love that building today.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
When I was first starting out, I was showing properties on the South Side to clients and we walked into a vacant unit and a homeless man had been squatting in it. I am not sure who was more surprised, him or us!

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
People are surprised to learn that I have not become hyperlocal to a specific part of the city. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I have clients throughout the city and suburbs. I have worked in the northern suburbs, south suburbs and western suburbs as well as several of the Chicago neighborhoods. Because I worked in education in the surrounding suburbs, I have knowledge of the areas and can be an excellent resource to my clients.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
I love going up to my brother’s farm house in Copake, New York. When I am there, I am spending time with family. We hike, play games, cook, drink and relax. It is a great way to recharge while spending time with loved ones.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Training and technology are the most important in a brokerage.

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

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Andrew Jevin @thesnappingrealtor
Wendy Moore @movewithwendy
Kim Halverson @kim_halverson