Jill Crawley is a Realtor from Coldwell Banker working in Boston.

What was your first job in the realty industry? I started working with sellers and buyers by learning the ropes covering open houses for colleagues. Initially, I affilated with a terrific small brokerage where you did everything on your own. Friends couldn’t believe I had a sledge hammer in my car to pound my own sign stakes in the ground. Bricks and mortar!

Where did you grow up? Norwood, Mass.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to own and run an inn by the ocean or in the mountains. Gardens, great food, outdoor activities, cozy nights by the fire. I have the “hostess gene.”

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Lately, it is boxing! I work with a great trainer Tommy McInerney, who meets me early in the morning to set the tone for the day. Sweat, focus, technique, a bit of bad language…it is very cathartic! A long hike, cooking and drinking wine does the trick at other times of the day.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Abraham Lincoln, for all of the obvious reasons.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Really wherever my family and friends are – my home, their homes – it doesn’t matter. My husband and I love to go to the movies or for long walks (well, I like the long walks and he humors me). Sometimes I just like to sit on the floor playing games with my nieces and nephews. It doesn’t take much, really.

What do you love most about the industry? The people, their stories, their families.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Service. Dedication. Knowledge. Results.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Keeping balance in the rest of my life.
Shutting it down when I need to!

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? My business is mainly referral based now. But anytime you are out doing what you like to do – whether it is in your community, at the gym, in a class, volunteering – you connect with people. The trust and the comfort level between agent and client is very important.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The Theory of Everything.

What is your favorite restaurant? Do I have to answer this? I have too many friends in the industry. Cook. in Newton!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? Trinity Church.

What kind of car do you drive? Acura RDX.

Smartphone or paper? Paper.

What is your favorite city after Boston? New York.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Find a mentor, get a coach, communicate clearly. Disclose everything!
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