What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, which led me to own and manage two distinct businesses. One was centered on financial and business consulting, where I helped clients strategize and achieve their goals. The other was a restaurant, where I channeled my creativity and passion for hospitality. These ventures allowed me to pursue my dream of being an entrepreneur, combining my drive for innovation with my desire to build and grow successful enterprises.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tirana, Albania

Growing up, what did you want to be?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be an attorney because I admired the role they played in advocating for others and fighting for justice. I envisioned myself making a meaningful difference by helping people protecting their rights, and ensuring fairness.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
When I’m stressed, I find peace in taking a walk or going for a long drive through the city. If the weather is nice, I love heading to Evanston to spend time by the lake — it’s the perfect spot to clear my mind and recharge.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone famous, it would be Napoleon Bonaparte. I’m fascinated by his incredible strategic mind, ambition and how he shaped the course of history. Meeting him would be an opportunity to understand his thought process, leadership style and how he managed to inspire loyalty and achieve victory despite the challenges he faced. I’d love to discuss his vision, his resilience, and how he balanced power and responsibility during such transformative times.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
For me, Chicago’s best-kept secret is the Pedway, an underground network of tunnels and walkways connecting buildings throughout downtown. It’s an often-overlooked resource for navigating the city, especially during harsh weather, and it feels like a hidden world. Along the way, you’ll find shops, murals and even a few spots to grab a coffee. It’s a unique slice of Chicago that many locals and visitors don’t even realize exists!

What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most about the real estate industry is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Helping clients find their dream homes, secure investments, or navigate significant life transitions is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the dynamic nature of the industry — no two days are the same. It combines problem-solving, relationship-building and creativity, allowing me to continuously learn and grow.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs and goals. I take the time to listen carefully, ensuring that every step of the process is tailored to what matters most to them. My genuine desire to help drives me to provide personalized solutions, whether I’m guiding first-time buyers, finding the perfect investment or navigating complex transactions.

I believe in building trust and offering support every step of the way, creating meaningful, lasting connections

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The most difficult aspect of my job is navigating the wide variety of personalities and needs that come with each client. People are different, and every transaction requires me to adjust my approach to suit their unique preferences, communication styles and expectations. While it’s rewarding to build relationships and understand their goals, it can be challenging to find the right balance in how I interact with each person. However, it’s also what makes the work so fulfilling, as I’m constantly learning and adapting to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
The best advice I can give to generate new leads is to focus on meeting as many people as possible in person. Building genuine, face-to-face connections allows you to interact with others, understand their needs and create organic leads that are more likely to result in lasting relationships. While online leads have their place, in-person interactions foster trust and rapport, which are crucial in the real estate industry. Investing time in networking and connecting with people in your community often leads to more authentic and reliable opportunities than relying solely on digital platforms.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has been building a life with my family — my wife, who is my partner in everything, and our dog, Charkie.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I am reading “Protokol” by Eugene Glob.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
My favorite meal is the Wagyu NY Strip at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in Michigan Avenue

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
My favorite building architecturally in Chicago is the Tribune Tower. Its neo-Gothic design is truly timeless, with intricate details that give it a sense of grandeur and history. I also love how the Tribune Tower incorporates pieces of famous landmarks from around the world into its exterior,

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
During one showing, I was showing a property to a client when we saw a terrarium where a pet snake was supposed to be, but it was not there. My clients and I started looking around, half-expecting it to pop out from somewhere. Needless to say, we were all pretty frightened.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
One thing people are often surprised to find out about me is that I came from Albania. Given my background, experiences, and everything I’ve lived through, many don’t expect that I’ve come such a long way in a relatively short time. My journey — from growing up in Albania to where I am now — has shaped who I am today, and it’s something I’m proud of. The challenges and opportunities I’ve faced have taught me resilience and the value of hard work, which has influenced both my personal and professional life.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
My favorite vacation spot is Dubai.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Learn from challenges and stay focused on your goals.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Earnnest is my favorite real estate app because it makes handling earnest money and getting deals done a breeze. It simplifies everything from securely sending and tracking deposits to keeping all the details organized in one place.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Successful people from whom I can learn how to grow and get inspired.