What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was a private equity focused banker at First Republic, closing deals that were so large that you’d often see them in the news. I’d say a close second would be my job as manager of McDonalds.
Where did you grow up?
Franklin, Massachusetts.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Emma Grede. She came from nothing and has a similar story to mine. I love her new book, and I love that she’s self made.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret?
I’m in the South Shore, so I’m going to say The Oysterman. The food is unbelievable.
What do you love most about the industry?
It’s the perfect job for me. I am overly competitive by nature, and I love math and helping people.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
In the South Shore, a majority of the top mortgage lenders are male. I think being a female in this industry lends itself to having a bit more empathy and being more emotionally in tune with my borrowers.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I’m not great at balancing work and life, and I tend to overwork. In banking, there wasn’t much I could do in the middle of the night or on weekends, but in mortgage lending you can easily be working 24/7. I have to work hard to take care of myself and find the balance of being available but also spending quality time with my small children.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
I’ll talk to quite literally anyone and everyone about owning a home or refinancing. After giving birth, I was stuck in the hospital, and I talked to every doctor about doctor loans. Potential business is everywhere.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston?
Trinity Church in Copley Square.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I’ve had some celebrity clients over the years, and I’ll never forget at 23 picking up the phone as an assistant and saying “This guy has the same name as this famous actor!” Everyone looked at me. Turns out it was the famous actor.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Learn from the best, but add your own spin.