What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Starting, owning and operating a garage door service company with my father right out of college.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up in Elgin, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. When I realized that wasn’t the case, I knew I wanted to major in business finance and get into the real estate industry.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I enjoy going out to dinner with my wife and then have some alone time to read various news and business articles online.

If you could meet any well-known figure, who would it be?
I would love to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger because he is the prime example of the American dream.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
Thin-crust pizza! Most Chicagoans don’t eat deep dish on the regular!

What do you love most about the industry?
I love the opportunity to truly educate and help buyers and sellers make sound decisions regarding their financial health via real estate transactions.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I feel that I am very distinguishable because of my combination of blue- and white-collar experiences. I have a finance degree and work in real estate but have also worked and grown up in the construction industry for my entire career.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Sometimes it’s difficult giving buyers a reality check about their expectations in their home search.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Remind friends and family that you are still in real estate. Never assume that your job or career is top of mind of everyone that you know.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
To have been able to help my good friends find their homes during the midst of some of the toughest years for buyers in a very long time.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
The Berghoff German restaurant at Christmas time after the Christkindlmarket is always a must.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
I love the Chicago Water Tower.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
That I also own a garage door business. Everyone needs a garage door guy!

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Las Vegas. Where else can you go and get world class dinning, entertainment and lay by the pool?

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Find a mentor that you can emulate.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mark Cuban and Tom Ferry.