What was your first job in the realty industry? A small mom-and-pop office on Milwaukee Avenue.

Where did you grow up? Iowa. I went to Iowa State for college where I met my husband, who grew up on the Northwest Side.

What is your favorite free-time activity? There is little free time, but probably getting a mani/pedi.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Go out to dinner with clients or turn my phone off for the night. To really revive, I go on a short vacation.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A sports broadcaster.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? That’s a toughie, but probably Ronald Reagan. He had it all: brains, charisma, great looks and the ability to talk his way out of anything.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love to go out to dinner in Edison Park, and I especially love Nonno Pino’s and Cafe Touche.

What do you love most about the industry? Helping my buyers. At times, I completely fall in like with them. I get sort of sad when closing day arrives because we built such a good bond of trust and friendship.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’m honest, even when that’s really hard. I truly care about what is best for my clients and look beyond the short term, which is why my slogan is, “Your Realtor for Life.”

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Developers, price reductions and estate sales where there are multiple family members involved. Also, dealing with the banks with short sales.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Being named top 1 percent at Baird & Warner, receiving the Bronze Level in volume and units from the Chicago Association of Realtors and every time I receive a thank you letter from my clients; I love those!

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Fifty Shades of Grey.” I read all three books (in the trilogy) in four days while I was on vacation. For movies, I’m a bit of a romantic/action movie person, so I enjoy seeing those.

What is your favorite restaurant? Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, by far.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Chicago Cultural Center.

What kind of car do you drive? A Mercedes convertible for work, GMC Acadia for “mommy time.”

Smartphone or paper? Both.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Charleston, South Carolina or Florence, Italy.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/ Blackberry app? MyCalendar, Facebook, Twitter and Top Producer.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I just started tweeting, so we will see…