Maureen Barrett is an associate broker with Baird & Warner in La Grange.

What was your first job in the realty industry? Sales agent.

Where did you grow up? Lyons/Brookfield.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Cooking chili competitively. I am a competing member of the International Chili Society and compete about 10 times per year. I was the world champion in red chili in 2010.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Watch a really good dramatic movie with the dog. Movies take you away, and it works for me.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A backup singer for a great band, but realistically, I wanted to be a flight attendant. I did end up working for United Airlines in customer service and marketing. I suppose that was close.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Former President Clinton. I met him at the airport when I worked for United Airlines. He seemed to be a very easy person to talk with and certainly learn from.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Any place that has good food and a scenic view.

What do you love most about the industry? The challenge of searching for the right home for my buyer clients and the staging aspects of getting their listings ready for the market. I do like being a part of everything from start to finish.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am there when my clients need me. I do not have any specifications of when they can contact me. If I am not sleeping, I will answer the phone.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Working with short sales and bank-owned properties. It is difficult to express to my buyer clients that you are not always getting a deal.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere there are people.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Working for Baird & Warner. This company shot me up to stardom. They had confidence in me and are supportive all the way.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Captain Phillips.

What is your favorite restaurant? Capri in Burr Ridge.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? John Hancock Center.

What kind of car do you drive? A Fiat.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? New York – lots of excitement there.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Learn your neighborhoods and market. Get a mentor.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Midwest Homes by MRED.