What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Before I started in real estate and right after my daughter was born, I started a little company building and refinishing furniture; I loved it!

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Barrington and went to Fremd High School.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
When I was really little I always thought I wanted to be a teacher, but as I got a little older I wanted to be an airline pilot. I actually flew throughout high school and into college. I hope to get back into it one day when I have some actual free time!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I work out or treat myself to some type of delicious espresso drink.

What do you love most about the industry?
I get to help so many people find the place they call home; that’s an amazing thing to be a part of! I also get to reconnect with people that I may not have seen in 15 years, and I’m a part of an exciting piece of the next chapter of their lives.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I spend a lot of time with my clients. This is one of the biggest purchases of their lives, and I want to be sure that I know enough about them before advising them on it.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
There is always difficulty anytime you are dealing with a human component, whether it be a client that refuses to listen to my advice or working across the table with someone who doesn’t have the best intentions. No matter the difficulty, I’m able to take away something from it and use it to my advantage the next time a similar situation arises.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Be yourself, and start conversations with as many people as you can. The more people you know, and the more genuine relationships you have with people, the higher the chances that someone will think of you when it comes to buying or selling their home!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has definitely been raising my kids while simultaneously building this business. It’s been a journey, to say the least, but I’ve learned so much about who I want to be and also who I can be, whether it’s personal or professional. My kids teach me more than I probably teach them, but the one thing I hope they grow up to understand is that it’s not what happens to you, but how you handle it.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Oof, probably bringing buyers through a home and finding someone sleeping in bed. Scared all of us half to death.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
Aba. So, so yummy!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
Probably the Tribune Tower.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I’m surprisingly handy, and I actually used to be a pilot.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Italy was phenomenal, but taking my kids to Hawaii was so memorable in a different way. They just took it all in and wanted to do so much; it was so fun to experience that with them.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Value your relationships over anything else.