Aki Kladis is a broker with Century 21 Pro-Team in Tinley Park
What was your first job in the realty industry? Sales associate with Century 21 Alpha-Omega in Palos Hills.
Where did you grow up? Elmwood Park.
What is your favorite free-time activity? Vacationing with my beautiful wife, Michelle. We enjoy weekend getaways every so often.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I work out five days a week.
Growing up, what did you want to be? A doctor, but man, did things change when I went to school. I didn’t want to be tied up all those years and then work so many stressful hours and hardly see my family. I love real estate because you make your own hours and it’s great to work with all types of personalities.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Warren Buffett. I want to pick his brain for an hour or so while downing a couple of beers.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Las Vegas. There’s so much energy there!
What do you love most about the industry? The clients. Nothing satisfies me more than finding the perfect home for a first-time buyer. One couple was so thrilled with my services that they invited my wife and me to their wedding!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’m a straight-shooter. I am brutally honest with sellers and look out for my buyers to make sure they are getting a great home. That’s why I get so many referrals.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? This current market and having to tell people that their home has lost so much value.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google +, etc., and loads of prospecting through expired listings and FSBOs. I have increased my business significantly by interacting with people on Facebook.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? In 2002, I was awarded the highest honors from Century 21 for my sales volume.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Gran Torino. I’m not much of a reader.
What is your favorite restaurant? So many, but we love Francesca’s in Frankfort.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Sears Tower. That’s right, I still call it the Sears Tower. “Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout Willis?”
What kind of car do you drive? My baby, a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP supercharged sedan. Sporty and practical.
Smartphone or paper? Both. I am old fashioned and tech-savvy. Sort of
bipolar tech.
What is your favorite city after Chicago? Sedona, Arizona. It has beautiful
red mountains.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Treat your career as a full-time business. Work smart.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? DocuSign INK.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Warren Buffett and
Bill Gates.