Coldwell Banker
South Shore to South Loop
What was your first job in the realty industry? I began my career as a sales agent with Coldwell Banker in 2001.
Who inspires you? Anyone that has gone from rags to riches. I love reading or hearing about everyday individuals who take their ideas to the next level and become millionaires.
What is your favorite free-time activity? You mean how many free-time activities do I have? I enjoy gardening, sewing, decorating, shopping, watching old movies and writing my cookbook.
How did you learn the business? I learned from talking with more experienced agents and shadowing a few of them. I read everything I could get my hands on as well. Nevertheless, at the end of the day I learned by trial and error.
What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed? I think I am in the most difficult sale right now. However, once I had a deal that took me two years and a lot of patience to close.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Counseling troubled homeowners through the short sale process of their home.
What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it? I have been very lucky over the years. I have not had any bad jobs per say, just bad bosses. What I learned mostly is give a voice to the people that work for you. They are your eyes and ears on the frontline of any business.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? That is an aspect of my job I am always working on. I use every opportunity wherever I go to meet new clients, even in line at the grocery store.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Raising a smart, bright, intelligent and self-sufficient daughter.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”
What is your favorite restaurant? Joe’s Steak and Seafood
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Marina Towers
What kind of car do you drive? BMW X-3
BlackBerry, Palm or paper? BlackBerry and paper
What is your favorite city after Chicago? LA
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Work hard, make a commitment to yourself and focus on excellent customer service.