What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? PDiddy’s personal assistant for Bad Boy Entertainment. I was also a sports underwear model for Reebok, Adidas, Puma and Andrew Christian. I was also a chef on FoodNetwork’s “Worst Cooks in America” season 14 and all-stars competition. I was also a bartender in Times Square New York City for four years.
Where did you grow up? Lowell, MA
Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a star. I’ve always wanted to work in entertainment and TV. My idols were Ryan Seacrest and Mario Lopez. I loved hosting events and following pop culture. I wanted to be traveling and and interviewing celebs and always be in the entertainment circle.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I go to Crossfit to workout and to destress and also spend hours in the fish pet store because aquatic creatures relax me. (I have 13 fish tanks)
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Ellen DeGeneres. She’s always making people have a good time, laugh, being her authentic self and giving back to the community. She’s an inspiration to anyone especially when you’re feeling down.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? Well, if i told you it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. Just kidding. Not too many people know but in Chinatown there’s a lot of speak-easy karaoke places that open after hours. You’d have to go through secret doors and there’s sometimes full-blown events happening, like a party in the basement or rooftop.
What do you love most about the industry? I love helping first time homebuyers. I know how exciting it is to have something that’s yours, to have the American dream of owning something and starting the journey of ownership. I have an ease and energy to help direct nervous energy into something exciting and rewarding.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? When I walk into a room, I command attention. A lot of people recognize me from being on the Food Network. I never blend in a crowd. I’m very loud. I dress very colorful. I’m very personable, energetic and I’m always making sure my appearance is top-notch fashion.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Separating emotion with business. I have a lot of compassion for things that happen to real estate such as marriage, divorces, job relocation and I go through the motions with them since im a very personable person but i always keep it professional and know that its still a job.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Open house, open house and open house!!! Especially as a new agent trying to get new business. Attend them to learn about the price and get a visual. Ask to host open houses because they’ll always be those customers who “have agents.” Following up and adding value is also very important.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Moving to NYC at 19 with $500 and being on my own. I grew up very poor so putting myself through college was very tough and never asking for help. I accrued more than $50,000 in student debt and maxed out all my credit cards when I was young but real estate helped me paid all that off myself.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? “Selling Sunset” on Netflix. The Travel Channel and Food Network to feel like I’m escaping reality. I’m reading “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” I’m also listening to Frank Sinatra and Kylie Minogue since it’s very soothing for my brain during these stressful transactions
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? Local lobsters and oysters in the Back Bay.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge. Whenever I’m driving past this bridge from anywhere, I know it screams out BOSTON PRIDE. It’s colorful, fun and brings energy to anyone looking at it from afar.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? During a showing, I one time found a homeless family inside an abandoned house and it was wild. Cops were called, owners were mortified. Buyers got scared.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? That I wear many hats. I’m a barber, a bartender, a handy builder, an athlete, a very loyal friend when they need me and I’m not always business all the time. People get surprised that I pick up and learn new things very easily and I can get along with anyone.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It’s just such a fun mixture of relaxing by the beach, nightlife, great street food and LGBT activities while not breaking the bank.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Don’t compare yourself to other people, be YOU!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? VLLO – it’s a video editing app to make my VLOGS. I also love Canva. I love creating posters, flyers and open house signs for social media. It’s a great way to express your creativity.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? Edel Garcia, Elon Musk, Doctor Sood, Ellen DeGeneres, Nyle DiMarco, Jenny McCarthy, Jeff Bezos.