What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I worked as a general assignment news reporter briefly and that was interesting. But nothing beats dressing up as a triglyceride at medical trade-show conventions.

Where did you grow up? I was born in Boston and raised in the Atlanta suburbs. I always say I have yankee blood and southern charm.

Growing up, what did you want to be? My brother wanted to be a singing-dancing fireman and nothing quite beats that. He now does something in computers. For me I always wanted to be a little bit of everything … a teacher, a veterinarian, a lawyer, and of course a Realtor.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I always try and feel the stress and not hide from it. Walking it out though is my favorite activity. I’ll usually take a stroll through Oakland Cemetery. Walking is my form of meditation and I love it.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Oprah. I just want to go to her estate in Santa Barbara and talk spirituality. Oprah introduced me to authors and cultivated my compassion when I was younger that helped form me into the person I am today. Love her.

What is Atlanta’s best-kept secret? I wish this wasn’t a secret but expanded public transportation and high-density housing is key to Atlanta’s growth and that is a good thing!

What do you love most about the industry? There is so much I love about real estate … what I love most is the connection I make with my clients. They are each my favorite people and closings are bitter sweet because I know we won’t be in close contact as much.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I think it’s easy to distinguish yourself when you care about your clients and follow through with what you say you’re going to do. There’s so much that goes into a transaction and you have to anticipate your clients needs while also preparing for any bumps in the road. I really understand the business and I love it.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? It can be difficult at times. I want to get my clients their dream house but that’s not exactly what they can afford in the school system they desire. Managing clients expectations and budget is challenging but with good communication we work it out.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Referrals have always been the best leads. I love working with my sphere and seeing my clients succeed.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? Well, I rewatched the Wire on HBO. Definitely recommend that. I love podcasts. I listened to the NYT’s The Daily every morning to stay informed and then a mind-set podcast while I’m driving. The last movie I watched and loved was The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Oh, that got me all the feels.

What’s your favorite meal in Atlanta? Favorite is a word that doesn’t resonate with me or maybe it resonates with me too much because everything is my favorite. I think it usually depends with whom I’m eating with. I love Monday mussels at Apre Diem or sitting with my brokerage firm at Carroll Street Cafe and catching up. Standing in line at Slutty Vegan is always worth it. But take me to the Garden Room at the St. Regis and surround me beautiful flowers any day. I love it all.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? I love the Swan House. GORGEOUS. I also love the Hunger Games, so there’s that.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? Weirdest, maybe most awkward. I got to a home showing early, walked around and turned on all the lights and opened doors. I went onto the back deck to check out the view and the door was a lock behind. I had left the key inside and locked myself on the back deck with no stairs. I was trapped. It was a hot Atlanta summer day. I wasn’t sure if I had left the front door unlocked or not. LUCKILY I had because my clients came and I shouted to let themselves in. Phew! Lessoned learned I always carry my phone and keys with me.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? I was on three games shows! Wheel of Fortune, the Price is Right, and Let’s Make a Deal. I won stuff on all three of them, not won-won, but won things. I actually went to the showcase showdown on the Price is Right. Sometimes even I can’t believe it. They were all so much fun!

What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Again with that favorite word. Maybe it’s Bali or Hawaii but I don’t know I have’t been to those places yet. Bucket list! I love the ocean and white sandy beaches and no one around. Any vacation in nature will be my favorite spot in that present moment.

What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Author Sandra Cisneros once said “I know longer make Chicago my home, but Chicago still makes its home in me.” This is how I feel about Los Angeles. I spent 10 years there and it’s no longer my home but Los Angeles after Atlanta has my heart because of the people, the landscape, the possibilities and who I became when I was there.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Join a team and learn. There’s a lot to learn.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? A combo of Waze and ShowingTime. I really appreciate ShowingTime allowing us to coordinate the showing routes. I then load it up on Waze and hit the road as efficiently as possible. I still miss a turn or two now and then but who doesn’t love a neighborhood detour?

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? NAR Research on instagram is a great one to follow for industry stats. But I really love following my past clients and seeing what they’re up to. @ArchiveAtlanta hits me with Atlanta history and architecture, I love her posts!