Describing herself as a professional with a sense of humor, Linda Mayer has been in the real estate business 31 years. A broker and certified residential specialist with Baird & Warner, she continues to see every transaction as a learning experience. “My goal is to always establish trust and confidence,” she says. “They do not care how much I know until they know how much I care.” Starting her career in education, she taught high school in Westport, Conn., for two years before working on a kibbutz in Israel where she learned Hebrew and taught English. After owning a jewelry manufacturing business, she decided to try real estate and has now sold over 1,000 properties on the North Side.

A resident of Old Town for 46 years, Mayer’s goal is to make the buying and selling process as easy as possible for her clients. Her 100 percent referral-based business covers Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lakeview and the Near North Side, including the Gold Coast and River North. “I take service to a level my clients have never experienced and make them feel as if they are my only client. Everyone knows I’m a straight shooter,” she says.

Known for her professionalism, integrity and work ethic, Mayer works hard for her clients, treating everyone involved with dignity and respect. She believes in being responsive and honest with her clients and is a determined problem solver. “If I cannot personally solve whatever it is, I know the person who can,” she explains. “My clients think of me as a human Google.”

When not working, Mayer enjoys boxing and kickboxing with her personal trainer. “When I’m in the boxing studio, I feel younger, stronger and capable of meeting any challenge because it’s a great stress reliever, confidence builder and energy replenisher,” she says. “I know when I take care of myself, I will take better care of my clients.”