Name: Jackie O’Connor
Title: Principal
Company: Jackie O Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty, Boston Metro
What was your first job in the realty industry? A real estate salesperson in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Where did you grow up? Atlanta, GA
Growing up, what did you want to be? A doctor or a veterinarian. I have always wanted to care for people!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Yoga. I have been practicing for 15 years and I’m going on a retreat in Mexico next week!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Based on my values, I would love to speak with Nelson Mandela.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Anywhere with a beach!
What do you love most about the industry? I enjoy helping people get what they want and I love the thrill of the chase. I especially like that this is a career where you have unlimited income potential with virtually no overhead and the opportunity to create your perfect life.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My intimate market knowledge of Boston and my positive relationships with my fellow agents. I am responsive and detail oriented and willing to take the time to listen to my clients’ needs and be their trusted advisor.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Managing all the personalities in each transaction, and the fact that there are constantly exceptions to any precedents and rules
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? You can meet new clients anywhere with the right attitude; at your favorite sushi bar, at a baseball game, in line for lunch at a food truck. Open houses are always solid.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment has been my success in my second career. I started out on my own in a new area with no prior knowledge of sales nor real estate. I found success through being a risk taker and just going for it. I moved from Georgia to Boston to Michigan, and then back to Boston, and have essentially reinvented myself 3 times.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The Man Who Knew Infinity
What is your favorite restaurant? Toro in Boston or Il Latini in Florence, Italy
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The John Hancock building
What kind of car do you drive? I prefer Lyft or Uber, so it depends on the day!
Smartphone or paper? Both- smartphones can be more efficient, but a little handwriting goes a long way with thank-yous!
What is your favorite city after Boston? Rome, Italy
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Attach yourself to a company that teaches you how to fish.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? FullContact- you can take a picture of a business card and it transcribes all the information and merges it with your contacts. It’s amazing!
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Conan O’ Brien and my brother (so I can get updates of my baby niece)