What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Bartender

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Read or walk my dog, Blanca.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Mother Teresa because she was a wonderful human being.

What is Boston’s best-kept secret?
Mark & Toni’s Coal Fired Pizza in Belmont.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Communication. Make sure that all forms of communication are answered, no matter what they are.
Also, being an certified residential appraiser has helped me become a more knowledgeable real estate agent about the market and its trends.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
It’s a commission-based industry without any benefits or retirement plan in place. It’s like rope walking without a net.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Being happily married for 37 years and raising two sons, Robert 29 and Michael 24.

What’s your favorite meal in Boston?
Lobster!

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Well, I had an appointment to see a two-family home and accidentally went to the wrong home. I walked right in and was met by a big German Shepherd. I continued to show both units as the dog followed us around. After the showing, the buyers liked the home and made an offer — only the actual owners of the wrong house were not interested in selling it.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
There is no “part-time” in the industry.