1982
Inspired by a second visit to Italy where I learn how to make Gelato, I land back in Chicago to open my very own gelateria, Baci Cafe–to rave reviews! It is here that I discover my knack for customer service and passion for working with people. (This would come in handy later!)
Inspired by a second visit to Italy where I learn how to make Gelato, I land back in Chicago to open my very own gelateria, Baci Cafe–to rave reviews! It is here that I discover my knack for customer service and passion for working with people. (This would come in handy later!)
1982
I visit Italy again, this time to learn the art of making gelato and return to Chicago to open Baci Cafe–to rave reviews!
I visit Italy again, this time to learn the art of making gelato and return to Chicago to open Baci Cafe–to rave reviews!
1984
I decide to trade in my ice cream scoop for something totally different–a real estate license. Fun fact: back then, listings were found in massive books with onion-thin skin paper, which I'd peruse for hours looking for the perfect dream home for my clients. The future is bright!
I decide to trade in my ice cream scoop for something totally different–a real estate license. Fun fact: back then, listings were found in massive books with onion-thin skin paper, which I'd peruse for hours looking for the perfect dream home for my clients. The future is bright!
1984
I earn my real estate license, leaving the world of ice cream behind. My future in Real Estate was shining brightly.
I earn my real estate license, leaving the world of ice cream behind. My future in Real Estate was shining brightly.
1985
At the age of 27, I purchase my first condo (a beautiful, industrial loft in the West Loop!) while working on one of Chicago's first loft condo conversions–411 S. Sangamon. It’s been one of my favorite projects to date. Wow how that neighborhood has changed in 31 years!
At the age of 27, I purchase my first condo (a beautiful, industrial loft in the West Loop!) while working on one of Chicago's first loft condo conversions–411 S. Sangamon. It’s been one of my favorite projects to date. Wow how that neighborhood has changed in 31 years!
1985
I buy my first condo (a loft!) while working on one of the city's first loft condo conversions in the West Loop.
I buy my first condo (a loft!) while working on one of the city's first loft condo conversions in the West Loop.
2004
I get to work on the fixer upper with my bestie and architect extraordinaire, Elissa Scrafano. Champagne taste on a beer budget and the house is a dream. I sell my Bucktown house in a week. Katharine, our doggies and I move to Howe St; life is good.
I get to work on the fixer upper with my bestie and architect extraordinaire, Elissa Scrafano. Champagne taste on a beer budget and the house is a dream. I sell my Bucktown house in a week. Katharine, our doggies and I move to Howe St; life is good.
2004
I get to work with my bestie and architect extraordinaire, Elissa Scrafano. Champagne taste on a beer budget!
I get to work with my bestie and architect extraordinaire, Elissa Scrafano. Champagne taste on a beer budget!
2009
A record breaking year for sales! I close a deal at 1550 State Parkway–a historic building I absolutely adore. Designed by Benjamin Marshall and overlooking Lincoln Park, it’s one of my favorites in the city. (Swoon.)
A record breaking year for sales! I close a deal at 1550 State Parkway–a historic building I absolutely adore. Designed by Benjamin Marshall and overlooking Lincoln Park, it’s one of my favorites in the city. (Swoon.)
2009
A record breaking year for sales! I close a deal at 1550 State Parkway–a building I adore.
A record breaking year for sales! I close a deal at 1550 State Parkway–a building I adore.
2013
Honored as the top producing individual agent in my Lincoln Park office – pinch me! On a roll, I close another deal at 1550 State Parkway... love this building!
Honored as the top producing individual agent in my Lincoln Park office – pinch me! On a roll, I close another deal at 1550 State Parkway... love this building!
2013
Honored as the top producing individual agent in my Lincoln Park office!
Honored as the top producing individual agent in my Lincoln Park office!
TODAY
I meet you... funny how fate works, isn’t it? Looking for real estate advice, local Chicago recommendations, or have a question for me? I want to hear from you!
I meet you... funny how fate works, isn’t it? Looking for real estate advice, local Chicago recommendations, or have a question for me? I want to hear from you!
TODAY
I meet you, thank you for visiting my website!
I meet you, thank you for visiting my website!
1958
I am welcomed into the world by parents, Sheila and Rudy. The oldest of four siblings, my younger brother Michael would come soon after, followed by the twins–Steve and Dave. We live in South Deering on the south side of Chicago with my sweet Italian grandparents, Flori and Pearl.
I am welcomed into the world by parents, Sheila and Rudy. The oldest of four siblings, my younger brother Michael would come soon after, followed by the twins–Steve and Dave. We live in South Deering on the south side of Chicago with my sweet Italian grandparents, Flori and Pearl.
1958
I am welcomed into the world by parents, Sheila and Rudy. I have three brothers–Mike, Steve and Dave.
I am welcomed into the world by parents, Sheila and Rudy. I have three brothers–Mike, Steve and Dave.
1974
At age 17, I leave my home to explore the world–Europe, here I come! After hopping around to dozens of countries, I fall head over heels for Italy and its beautiful art and delicious food and get my first taste of gelato. Upon my return I settle in Lake Tahoe.
At age 17, I leave my home to explore the world–Europe, here I come! After hopping around to dozens of countries, I fall head over heels for Italy and its beautiful art and delicious food and get my first taste of gelato. Upon my return I settle in Lake Tahoe.
1974
I leave home to explore the world–Europe, here I come... and upon my return settle in Lake Tahoe.
I leave home to explore the world–Europe, here I come... and upon my return settle in Lake Tahoe.
1990
Round the clock realtor and play producer by night, I produce the play ‘All Men Are Whores’ with my friend and co-realtor, Lila Mirochin. It was based on the David Mamet play of the same name, and to our delight, received rave reviews! Celebration ensued. Fun Fact: One of the show's stars is also a realtor today - Karrin Sachs.
Round the clock realtor and play producer by night, I produce the play ‘All Men Are Whores’ with my friend and co-realtor, Lila Mirochin. It was based on the David Mamet play of the same name, and to our delight, received rave reviews! Celebration ensued. Fun Fact: One of the show's stars is also a realtor today - Karrin Sachs.
1990
Round the clock realtor and play producer by night, I produce the David Mamet play All Men Are Whores.
Round the clock realtor and play producer by night, I produce the David Mamet play All Men Are Whores.
1987
A year of excitement! Cobalt, my very own brokerage firm is born. I also take the plunge to buy my first "portable" phone. It was the size of a large shoe box (think Maxwell Smart), which I carried around in a big, black shoulder bag. (Tres chic, it was not.)
A year of excitement! Cobalt, my very own brokerage firm is born. I also take the plunge to buy my first "portable" phone. It was the size of a large shoe box (think Maxwell Smart), which I carried around in a big, black shoulder bag. (Tres chic, it was not.)
1987
Cobalt, my very own brokerage firm is born, and I buy my first "portable" phone. It was the size of a large shoe, which I carried around in a big, black shoulder bag.
Cobalt, my very own brokerage firm is born, and I buy my first "portable" phone. It was the size of a large shoe, which I carried around in a big, black shoulder bag.
2003
One of my favorite agents calls for help pricing a house that has been on the market forever–a fixer-upper on Howe Street. I stop by, and end up falling in love with the wreck. The house is sold–to me! Deal closed. (Oh my, what have I done?) I have my work cut out for me, but I’m up for the challenge!
One of my favorite agents calls for help pricing a house that has been on the market forever–a fixer-upper on Howe Street. I stop by, and end up falling in love with the wreck. The house is sold–to me! Deal closed. (Oh my, what have I done?) I have my work cut out for me, but I’m up for the challenge!
2003
One of my favorite agents calls for help pricing a fixer-upper. I end up buying it instead. (Oh my, what have I done?)
One of my favorite agents calls for help pricing a fixer-upper. I end up buying it instead. (Oh my, what have I done?)
2000
Kat and I, along with dogs, Sadie and Max, move to a darling Bucktown bungalow on Wolcott. The two car garage leaves enough room for Papa Rudy to spoil his granddaughter with (what else?) a pink, battery operated Barbie car. We make weekly “drives” down the street to our favorite Italian spot, Club Lucky. Life is good!
Kat and I, along with dogs, Sadie and Max, move to a darling Bucktown bungalow on Wolcott. The two car garage leaves enough room for Papa Rudy to spoil his granddaughter with (what else?) a pink, battery operated Barbie car. We make weekly “drives” down the street to our favorite Italian spot, Club Lucky. Life is good!
2000
We move to a darling Bucktown bungalow, making weekly "drives" to Club Lucky in Kat's Barbie jeep.
We move to a darling Bucktown bungalow, making weekly "drives" to Club Lucky in Kat's Barbie jeep.
2014
A year for the record books and a heartfelt thank you to my clients. I join @Properties, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicago, and the most innovative, client-focused real estate company in the US! I am on the cover of Chicago Agent Magazine’s Who’s Who in Chicago issue, chosen from over 200+ agents and I am again named #1 individual agent in my office.
A year for the record books and a heartfelt thank you to my clients. I join @Properties, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicago, and the most innovative, client-focused real estate company in the US! I am on the cover of Chicago Agent Magazine’s Who’s Who in Chicago issue, chosen from over 200+ agents and I am again named #1 individual agent in my office.
2014
I join @properties, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicago, one of the most client centric and innovative real estate companies in the country.
I join @properties, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicago, one of the most client centric and innovative real estate companies in the country.
2018 and beyond
A career high for sales and #1 agent for a 5th year in a row. Best of all, I work with one of my first ever clients (Ira is a client from 1988!) once again. I am honored by his loyalty and trust in me. The sky is the limit!
A career high for sales and #1 agent for a 5th year in a row. Best of all, I work with one of my first ever clients (Ira is a client from 1988!) once again. I am honored by his loyalty and trust in me. The sky is the limit!
2018 and beyond
A career high for sales, #1 individual agent 5th year in a row and I get to sell a house for a client I first worked with in 1988!
A career high for sales, #1 individual agent 5th year in a row and I get to sell a house for a client I first worked with in 1988!
1995
I join Sudler Realty and begin working downtown out of the John Hancock building. (Okay, not a corner office, but exciting none the less.) Business is booming!
I join Sudler Realty and begin working downtown out of the John Hancock building. (Okay, not a corner office, but exciting none the less.) Business is booming!
1995
I join Sudler Realty and begin working out of the John Hancock building. Business is booming!
I join Sudler Realty and begin working out of the John Hancock building. Business is booming!
1997
My daughter, Katharine, is born. (Thank goodness for Baby Bjorn slings.) Attached at the hip (literally) baby Kat accompanies me to nearly all showings and closings. I also buy a plot of land in Bucktown and build a house – my first development project!
My daughter, Katharine, is born. (Thank goodness for Baby Bjorn slings.) Attached at the hip (literally) baby Kat accompanies me to nearly all showings and closings. I also buy a plot of land in Bucktown and build a house – my first development project!
1997
My daughter is born. (Thank goodness for Baby Bjorn slings!) Katharine and I are always on the go.
My daughter is born. (Thank goodness for Baby Bjorn slings!) Katharine and I are always on the go.
1998
I sell the pretty Bucktown home on Honore Street and buy two more plots of land, discovering my passion (and knack) for construction and renovation. I’m also named President of the Women’s Council of Realtors, donning my favorite hot pink suit for the “swearing in” ceremony!
I sell the pretty Bucktown home on Honore Street and buy two more plots of land, discovering my passion (and knack) for construction and renovation. I’m also named President of the Women’s Council of Realtors, donning my favorite hot pink suit for the “swearing in” ceremony!
1998
I sell my home on Honore St. and buy two more plots of land, discovering my passion (and knack) for construction and renovation.
I sell my home on Honore St. and buy two more plots of land, discovering my passion (and knack) for construction and renovation.
1999
Along with my partners, Doug and Doug (the “D Dream Team!”) we build the "Barney house”–a modern masterpiece with an avocado green and eggplant purple facade. She’s anything but cookie cutter, with clean lines and a quirky personality. No “pop up book” concepts here!
Along with my partners, Doug and Doug (the “D Dream Team!”) we build the "Barney house”–a modern masterpiece with an avocado green and eggplant purple facade. She’s anything but cookie cutter, with clean lines and a quirky personality. No “pop up book” concepts here!
1999
The "Chic Barney house" is finished – a masterpiece with a modern avocado green and eggplant purple facade.
The "Chic Barney house" is finished – a masterpiece with a modern avocado green and eggplant purple facade.
My Life Story
