Name: John J. Dean Jr.

Title: Real Estate Advisor

Company: Engel & Voelkers Boston, Back Bay

What was your first job in the realty industry? I worked as a marketing operations manager for a real estate start up called Home-Link.

Where did you grow up? Oxford, CT

Growing up, what did you want to be? An archaeologist

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I fly fish and tie my own flies when I can.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? There are two people who I would want more time with – both of my grandfathers . My mother’s father taught me much of what I know today, and I would love to reflect back with him now that I am 46 years old to see what wisdom he could share. Second, it would have to be my father’s father, who I barely had the chance to know.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Outside in my backyard actually…I love to tend to my garden and enjoy a nice quite space.

What do you love most about the industry? The fast-paced, always changing landscape of the industry

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I have a background in consulting, and when I combined this with the marketing and international reach of Engel and Voelkers it makes a unique combination for success.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The Google Factor – This is a syndrome where clients use the internet as a source of information rather than the resources available to them locally. Google, Zillow or other internet based sourced are not a replacement for an agent that has boots on the ground in their local market.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere. I eat dinner at community tables if a restaurant has them, or eat at the bar. Everyone is interested in real estate – you just have to listen to find them.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? One of my greatest accomplishments was being selected for the Cambridge Association of Real Estate Professionals after working as an agent for only a little over two years. In that role I was able to work with an amazing group of Cambridge real estate agents to raise over $175,000 for Our Place.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The Don Standing by Dan Pearson & Larry McShane

What is your favorite restaurant? This is a difficult choice for a foodie, but if I had to pick one: Limoncello in the North End.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? Ames-Webster Mansion

What kind of car do you drive? Mercedes GLA

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone

What is your favorite city after Boston? Napa, CA

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Stay focused on ONE thing and work.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? RPR or eKey

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I honestly feel like Twitter is one of the worst forms of communication.