What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Where did you grow up?
Skokie.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to own a restaurant! After many years of working in them, I quickly pivoted and ended up in real estate.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
If it’s the summer, any farmers market makes me happy. For the colder months, treating myself to an overpriced coffee and chocolate croissant usually does the trick.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
It’s not that big of a secret anymore, but it’s still my favorite “hidden gem” — Lawrence Fish Market. You can get trays of sushi for a great price!

What do you love most about the industry?
I love that you can wake up every day and have no idea what the day will bring.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
My background in hospitality makes me obsessed about the details in both the search and once under contract. I am very honest with my clients, as I want them to have exactly what they want in their home — if I don’t think it’s a good purchase, I voice that. To me, it’s about the client being happy and less about me making another sale.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Seeing so many beautiful homes makes me want to change the design of my home constantly!

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
It’s all about creating new relationships and making sure your friends and family know what you do. You would be surprised who doesn’t!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Helping create and implement the Busby Group team with our founder, Julie Busby.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I am a big Real Housewives person. It’s a great way to end the day. In the mornings, I love catching up on my podcasts, especially Scamfluencers.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
A cheeseburger, fries and a beer from Small Cheval — but only the one in Bucktown.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
I love the ceiling of the old bank at the (now gone) Walgreens on the six corners in Bucktown. Every time I would walk in there, my neck would hurt from staring up!

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
One time I had to stick my hand down a sink full of dirty dish water and dishes to get it unclogged and then do the client’s dishes and put them away.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
A lot of people are surprised to hear that I have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. My degree took me to work with Boka Restaurant Group for many years as well as at the desk as a concierge at the Four Seasons Chicago.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Having 3- and 5-year-old daughters means we don’t get out too much, but we love going for a quick drive to Lake Geneva and spending time in the waterparks and on the water eating pizza.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Join a team! The support is unmatched.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Chicago Title’s closing cost calculator app. It’s great for running numbers while out.