Mary Summerville is a broker associate with Dream Town Realty

What was your first job in the realty industry? Nash Realty in Evanston

Where did you grow up? In Chicago, on George and Halsted.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A 7th or 8th grade schoolteacher, or an accountant.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I take a hot bath every morning, I do Pilates and I listen to Native American flute music. I also do breathing exercises.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?  Paul McCartney, because I have always loved him, or Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, the best band ever – I like his politics.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Scottsdale

What do you love most about the industry? I love the energy. Every new listing is exciting to me. I love the challenge – I am very competitive and I like to keep score.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I try to spend time with my clients, get to know them, have them get to know me. I want long term relationships with my clients and that seed is planted at the first meeting. I also try to go above and beyond for my clients. I am there for them every step of the way.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Handling client stress. When that listing is not selling, managing clients that are under a tremendous amount of stress and taking some of it off their shoulders is difficult, but rewarding.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere I go, I network, even at the store or getting my hair cut. Everyone I know knows I am in real estate.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? For 20 years I had a very successful company in Evanston, Prairie Shore Properties. We started with five women and built it to be one of the most respected companies on the north shore. I had the privilege to partner with four great women to make that happen.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Movie: “South Paw.” Book: “The Century Trilogy,” by Ken Follett. It’s three books about 1,000 pages each that follow five families from the 1890s to 2008.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Get a Mentor, Love it or Leave it

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? I get the chills every time I drive down Lake Shore Drive on a bright day and see the Hancock. I had my wedding luncheon at the old 95th restaurant.

What kind of car do you drive? A 2015 Range Rover Sport, white with black wheels. It’s the fourth Range Rover I have owned.

Smartphone or paper? Both! Yuval is trying to wean me off of paper, but I still like turning that page every morning.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Paris

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Get a Mentor, Love it or Leave it

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Google maps, for finding my way around.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I don’t do Twitter, I leave that up to my team.