What was your first job in the realty industry? A Realtor. I was “Rookie of the Year” with Koenig & Strey 20 years ago.

Where did you grow up? Madison, WI, Germany and Washington, D.C. I also lived in Australia and Los Angeles, and am still growing up.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Reading, scrabble, bridge, swimming, skiing, boating, going out for fine dining or staying home and cooking.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Read.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A writer. I may still be one…

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Gloria Steinem. She is smart and informed.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? My lake home with my family.

What do you love most about the industry? The challenge and the pleasure of matching up people with their needs and their dreams.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My marketing strategy (luxury trolley tours, seminars, cocktail parties, mailings, ads, etc.), group effort for constant availability and a higher-than-typical skill set. I was trained by IBM in sales when computers cost $1 million. I use real sales techniques to get the job done.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Agreeing on appropriate price – seller, buyers, and now appraisers have different perspectives of value.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere – clubs, buildings we represent, our training seminars, trolley tours, etc.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Training and managing my group! They are true professionals.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The Stieg Larsson Trilogy.

What is your favorite restaurant? Maybe one of the ones in Trump Tower, which is also my favorite condo building. I also live there – full disclosure!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Trump Tower.

What kind of car do you drive? A Cadillac.

Smartphone or paper? Are you kidding? An iPhone.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? San Francisco.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Have patience, perseverance, integrity, diligence, hard work, listening skills, honesty and humor!