John O’Connor is the leader of the John O’Connor Team

What was your first job in the realty industry? Before working as a full-time real estate broker I was a practicing attorney. As such I was involved with the buying and selling of homes and small businesses on behalf of my clients. I moved over into brokerage about 20 years ago, first working first for Hunneman Coldwell Banker, then RE/MAX, and for the past nine years, Keller Williams.

Where did you grow up? I grew up and was raised in Fitchburg in Central Massachusetts. I moved to Maine to attend Colby College. I lived in France for a year. Then I went to Washington, D.C. to attend The George Washington University School of Law where I was named an editor of The George Washington International Law Review. After graduating from law school I moved to Boston, where I have lived ever since.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? When stressed I practice piano, go for long runs, hit the beaches at the Cape or read a book.

Growing up, what did you want to be? Happy.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Julia Child. The food and conversation would be remarkable! And she was a spy for the US government during WWII and lived in Paris after the War. How cool is that?!

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Provincetown, Mass. There isn’t a more carefree place to chill.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the ability to grow my business based on referrals and repeat business that I earn from providing my clients excellent service.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? As an attorney and a real estate broker there is very little I have not seen in this business. I pride myself on the ability to head problems off at the pass and come up with solutions before things go awry. Also my team covers a larger geographic area than many agents so we can cover more markets for our clients.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? When inventory is as low as it has been, and the competition as fierce, it can be difficult to keep the spirits of the buyers up. Also, it can be difficult to get people to list their property for sale when they have not yet identified the property they want to purchase. I love strategizing around problems like these and helping people achieve their goals.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? 88 percent of my business is repeat and referral, so I go where my clients are!

What has been your greatest accomplishment? That is a tough one, so I will give you several: Quitting smoking at age 51; running a marathon (my first race ever) at age 52; being ranked the No. 1 Team for the Keller Williams New England region for 2015.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? My favorite book bar none is Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time.” Reading all volumes in French with my book group was a life-changing experience.

What is your favorite restaurant? Hamersly’s, but now it’s closed!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The Algonquin Club, located at 217 Commonwealth Avenue. The firm McKim, Mead and White, which designed this magnificent private club, also designed the Boston Public Library.

What kind of car do you drive? A Volvo wagon

Smartphone or paper? iPhone for work but paper, yes paper, for a good book!

What is your favorite city after Boston? San Francisco

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Have six months of expenses saved in the bank before you quit your current job!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Maps. I never have to get lost in the suburbs with clients!

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? @Tony_Giordano, @ZachBoychuk and @generalelectric