What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Hotel management. Being that it is what I have my degree in, it was a great introduction to developing working relationships with clients.

Where did you grow up?
River Forest.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Believe it or not, I am most relaxed when I am driving. It just gives me a sense of peace.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Roger Penske of the Penske Corporation. Being that I strictly follow auto racing, he has been in racing since 1966 and currently has 20 Indy 500 wins as a team owner. The way he does business is really admirable.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
I would say some of the smaller, family-owned restaurants. Chicago has amazing restaurants, and they are a strong part of that.

What do you love most about the industry?
Being able to meet all sorts of people and matching up properties that best suit their needs.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I have always been a strong believer in communication. I think the more my clients know about any property or situation, the better. I never want to leave any of my clients or even other brokers in the dark.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Getting a lockbox to cooperate with me. There’s nothing like bringing a client to a dream property, only to find out the lockbox doesn’t work.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
You have to put yourself out there. Social media is a key component, but it’s very important to let people know what you do. When I met my new neighbor a few years ago, I told them what I did. Two years go by, and out of the blue, he says we’d like to list our home with you, and I ended up selling it 10 days later.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My children. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing them grow into young adults and accomplishing things for themselves.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
The show “Million Dollar Listing.” While there are no plans for future shows, I find myself watching old ones. It keeps me on my toes on how to negotiate.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
Sushi.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
Easily St. Regis Chicago, also known as the Vista Tower. Absolutely stunning property!

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
While showing a luxury rental in the city, we toured the rooftop deck, only to find someone suntanning — topless.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
That I wanted to pursue a career as a race car driver, namely in the IndyCar series.

What is your favorite vacation spot, and why?
Anywhere in the Caribbean while on a cruise ship.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Stay on top of the market and know your inventory.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
MileIQ. It definitely helps during tax time.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Ryan Serhant, Josh Altman.