Personal Background, Message & Certifications

"The Educated Agent" is all about knowledge in real estate. I combine that knowledge with the skill to figure out how it will profit my clients the most. My buyers, sellers and investors need a breadth of information across different aspects of the transaction, since this isn't something they do everyday. Sometimes the next question isn't obvious. Other times there are hidden opportunities or risks. I highlight these in a respectful and graceful way.

Speaking to my background, my professional experience is multi-faceted. I earned degrees in Finance and Retail Merchandising from Kent State University in Ohio, where I grew up. I moved to Chicago and spent 13 years doing strategic consulting, project management and process improvement for large corporations (e.g., Sears, Northern Trust, BP, CDW). Early on, I earned my Project Management Professional certification through the internationally-based Project Management Institute. Later I earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, one of the top business schools in the world. I specifically earned concentrations in economics, strategy and non-profit management.

While Chicago was great, I needed a more satisfying career, so I moved to Denver to take a position with Professional Ski Instructors of America as Director of Professional Development and Credentialing. In short, I directed the certification standards for all ski and snowboard instructors in the US. When my position was eliminated, I was passionate about opening my own business and chose real estate. I'll never look back!

Within real estate, I'm not just your agent advocate, but I'm also your project manager. We start with an assessment of your goals, whether they be financial or simply housing-based. You and I work together to break the big, sometimes-scary goals down into easier tasks that are exciting and manageable. I move fast and offer a lot of insight, never imposing a solution on you but instead giving you options so you can make the best and most expedient decision when the time is right for you.

Throughout my real estate career, I've dedicated myself to the industry as a student of the business. You'll see frequent videos, posts and newsletters shared with summations of market stats, housing facts, tips & techniques or even just fun client stories. These are meant to inspire you! But behind all this is a dedication to knowledge and education. And case in point, I've earned various certifications either as a Realtor. Scroll down for more highlights and background on each. Plus, I teach agent classes through A+ Real Estate School including pre-licensing, continuing education, ethics and annual updates.

Finally, my personal service delivery includes a passion for clear communication, honesty and transparent negotiations that foster trust. Who wouldn't want to buy or sell a home from a friend? My previous clients and other agents consistently offer positive feedback on how my team and I move transactions smoothly toward drama-free closings. So much so that 90% of my business comes from personal referrals! Reach out today and I guarantee you'll be impressed.