Mary Lindeman is a sales associate at Pulte Homes in Glenview/Elmhurst

What was your first job in the realty industry? I started with Pulte Homes about six years ago fresh out of college.

Where did you grow up? Northern Michigan – very quiet, very different than Chicago!

What is your favorite free-time activity? Anything in this beautiful city of ours! I enjoy trying new restaurants and different types of food. There is so much to choose from here; we are really lucky to have it all at our fingertips.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Work out. I go to an awesome kettlebell gym on Clark (shout out to Rebell Conditioning!). It helps me re-focus.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A business woman that lived in a big city. The high energy of city life was so intriguing to me.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Steve Jobs. He believed in creating our own world, not living in someone else’s, and he certainly did that.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I don’t really tie myself down to one place in particular. I like going to new places and am happy anywhere with my friends. I love local bars and dive bars…drink specials don’t hurt either.

What do you love most about the industry? The ever-changing dynamics – every day is different, and every day brings new opportunities and challenges. And, of course, I love my clients. Being able to help guide someone through one of the biggest purchases of their lives is energizing and humbling.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Like everyone in real estate right now, trying to be in three places at once. But I would rather be busy than bored.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Genuine care for my customers and strong attention to detail. It doesn’t matter if I am working with 20 people, I want them to feel like they are my only client.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? I sold my first house that was over $1 million this year – it was a completely different experience than I am used to.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I haven’t seen many good movies recently, but I am excited to see Jobs. The last good book I read was “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Paris.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Opportunities look a lot like hard work.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Blackberry app? Redfin. I use DropBox for work every day as well, so I am always prepared.