What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

It’s a tie. I used to be a trader at the Board of Trade, where I specialized in 30-year futures. This gave me a better understanding of the underlying market for residential real estate mortgages when moving into real estate. I was also a caddy at a certain course that is famed for being an inspiration for Caddyshack.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Chicago. During my childhood, we moved several times between neighborhoods, but I always remained a city kid.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

I wanted to be a trader and follow in my father’s footsteps.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

Recently, after moving into a new home, I’ve found myself enjoying the simple act of landscaping and lawn care. Seeing my plants and lawn progress over the past few months has been very therapeutic for me.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?

Michael Jordan. He’s my No. 1 Chicago celebrity/legend I’ve never had the chance to meet.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?

The people. I’ve been to a lot of places in my life, and I’ve found that Chicago is filled with genuinely goodhearted, well-rounded, Midwestern people who are good company and down to earth.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love the art of the deal. I love the chase and the hustle; I am an entrepreneur by spirit. I own and operate a lot of different facets of the real estate world, whether it’s residential, commercial, multifamily, luxury, foreclosures or property ownership. The real estate industry allows my natural entrepreneur skills and mindset to flourish, and I love being a part of it in one of the biggest cities in America.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

Compared to the average real estate professional, I have experience and have dabbled in most, if not all, of the subcategories of real estate. I feel that it makes me a stronger real estate professional when I’m selling a two-flat that a client feels better knowing they are working with a professional who also understands the protections, legal clauses, arguments, language and negotiation of a 250-unit building is the same as a two-unit building.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

While we have about 30 dedicated staff members in our office, being the managing principal requires putting out a lot of fires. On a day-to-day basis, I work with all departments to tackle the hardest problems at our brokerage.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

Lead generation in real estate is like fishing. The more lures (lead sources) you have in the water (the market), the more you’ll catch (convert leads). Play and test the bait; you need to have many sources and test many ads.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

In my personal life, my family. On the business side, when Pearson Realty Group hit the milestone of 100 agents.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

Catching CNBC every morning has been my new little tradition to start the day. As I get pushed further and further from politics and infighting in the news, I find myself becoming a bigger fan of the financial news segments and publications as well.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?

Another tie. Pizza and Italian beefs. It’s hard to go wrong with a pie from D’Agostino’s; it’s a Pearson Realty Group staff favorite. But you can’t beat a classic Chicago Italian beef with hot peppers and fries.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?

It’s a toss-up, but I would have to lean towards the Pittsfield Building. It’s the pinnacle of the old school Chicago aesthetic, both inside and out.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

I have been a member of multiple sting operations working with the FBI. On multiple occasions, I’ve had the opportunity to help catch people attempting to scam potential renters by collecting rent for a new listing for a property that wasn’t ever actually for rent.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

Even though I was born and raised in Chicago, grew up downtown and have been known as a “city kid” for so long, I have recently moved to the suburbs. A big change of pace for me and my family.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

My realistic answer is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Great people and the weather is great year-round. But my true favorite choice would be the south of France. There’s nothing like it.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Use and weigh your CRM early. Video is king.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Pearson Realty Group’s PearsonCORE CRM app. Lead accountability and easily accessible platforms are big for us. For myself and our brokers, I’ve noticed a considerable change in successful follow-ups and general organization of day-to-day tasks.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Ryan Serhant, The Broke Agent and Matt Diamante