Name: Sheryl Simon

Title: Principal

Company: Benoit Mizner Simon & Co.

What was your first job in the real estate industry? My first job in the realty industry was as a sales agent.

Where did you grow up? I am a born and raised New Englander! Boston is such a melting pot, but this gal was born and raised in Brighton until I was 13 years old and my family moved to Newton.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I suppose a teacher, which is the degree I graduated with. In fact, I have an early-childhood education degree, but the field was oversaturated back in the late ’70s, so I found a job as an insurance auto adjuster, of all things. But it paid the bills!

What do you do to relax when you are stressed? I spend time with my family who, fortunately, live close by. I also take long walks, and when I am really stressed, a good Snickers bar washed down with a bag of chips. (This tends to lead to even more stress in the long run!)

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure, who would it be and why? I love strong, aggressive women who have also faced adversity and risen above, so my choices would be Hillary Clinton and Oprah, especially after her amazing speech at the Golden Globe Awards. Go Oprah!

What is your favorite place to hang out? The beach or any spa.

What do you love most about the industry? I love utilizing my creative energy in marketing, and I love meeting new people and assessing their needs. I also like making people happy, and most of them are if you have served them well.

How do you distinguish yourself from other agents? I make myself available day or night. Clients deserve my attention 24/7, and they have it. I can’t tell you how many times I have been the recipient of a new or old listing where the client’s main complaint was, “I never heard from my agent.” Agents, listen up. You need to call your clients when things aren’t going well, just to touch base and strategize with them.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Losing a piece of business because I was the most truthful and honest broker with my opinion of value. So many brokers “buy” a listing at any price to get the inventory. Sellers always lose out, and most often get way less for the property when the listing becomes old and tarnished.

Where do you go to network to meet new clients? I love being social. It could be a fundraising event or a social club, but I really try to stay in close contact with past clients.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Raising two strong, beautiful daughters who are now raising their own children. I have to take credit for that. Of course, starting my own business is a very close second. Setting a good example for my girls has more than paid off.

What is your favorite restaurant? Sorellina!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building? Hmm … I need to get to Boston more often to answer, but I do love the Isabella Stewart Garden Museum inside and out.

What kind of car do you drive? Funny you should ask! I have a brand-new Range Rover HSE. I love it, but I am fairly grounded too and most often you will find me in a 2008 BMW 330 series with 70,000 miles on it. It depends on my mood, and sometimes I am too lazy to juggle the Range Rover with the BMW parked behind it.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone, of course.

What is your favorite city after Boston? New York, New York. I love the culture, and I love the shopping.

Advice to someone new in the industry? Network, don’t lose patience, and, yes, hard work pays off.