What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
My sponsorship sales company where I provided sponsors and gift bags for the Kardashians and Michael Phelps.
Where did you grow up?
All around Boston — born in Cambridge, raised in Newton, school at Emerson in Beacon Hill, then all over Cambridge and Somerville.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I thought I wanted to be in the film industry as a writer or producer, but I quickly realized I just love a good TV show or movie, but the industry was not for me.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I love to cook or read a good book or watch a great TV series.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Despite being born and raised in Boston, my parents are both from New York and I’ve been a New York Knicks fan for my entire life. So meeting Patrick Ewing would be a really cool moment for me.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret?
Oliviera’s — the best Brazilian food in town. If you know, you know!
What do you love most about the industry?
I love the people. I meet people from all walks of life and I get a ton of joy out of helping people accomplish their goals. I love seeing the happiness you can create in this business when you overcome lots of obstacles to get to a huge win for your clients.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I take an investment-centric approach to real estate. To me, that means whether you are buying a primary home or a triple decker, you need to understand the investment implications before you put in an offer. Not all clients are investors, but if you don’t understand the financial risks of buying a particular property, you can get yourself in a pickle.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
When you’ve had a lot of experience through a lot of transactions, there is a lot of information to transmit to clients. Striking the right balance between information overload with clients vs getting clients the information they need in a particular moment can be tough.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
All the cliches are true. If you put your clients’ interests ahead of your own every day, you’ll build long-lasting relationships. If you work hard for a long time, eventually you have a great, growing business.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My great accomplishments are when there is a lot of conflict in a transaction. When I see two sides are in a bad place emotionally and I can step in and get those two sides to see eye to eye, it is extremely gratifying for me.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Just finished “Severance” Season 2. I thought Season 1 was a lot better, but I’ll still watch the next season. Also reading “Band of Brothers” right now – I enjoy history books
What’s your favorite meal in Boston?
I love a great diner and my favorite is Kelly’s. I get the “Kelly’s Super” which is eggs, pancakes or waffles, sausage or bacon, home fries and toast.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston?
I don’t have a favorite building, but one of my favorite styles is an updated Queen Victorian.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I once was selling an affordable condo in Medford and many hundreds of people showed up to the open house and the police called and shut it down!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Find your unique value proposition.
What are your social media handles?
YouTube: @cambridgesage