Happy one year anniversary, Barb!

It is hard to believe that one year has already flown by with Barb on our team! I have actually known and worked with Barb for many years, and am so happy to have her experience and point of view represented on the team. Barb is a people person through and through, and her clients will tell you that her natural inclination to help people is an amazing asset! Here’s to many more great years together, Barb! To celebrate, we put together a fun and quick interview with Barb herself! Enjoy!

You have been in real estate for over a decade, but what did you do before starting in real estate?

My career has many chapters! After college I worked in the tax department of a large law firm in NYC. I actually worked under Marty Ginsburg, who would often talk about his wife, Ruth! When I decided I did not want to be an attorney, I took my Series 7 exam and became an account executive at Merrill Lynch. My original clients were from the law firm. 

Then when I got engaged we moved to Chicago, where I joined Citicorp in their Corporate Foreign Exchange group. Many midwest companies did business overseas and needed to buy and sell different currencies. My career took another turn after my children were in school when I worked in a contemporary high-end jewelry firm selling pieces from all over the world. My beginning in real estate came as the VP of networking for a global destination club. So I have a broad background in markets and marketing of all kinds. Sales and service came naturally to me.

You have a unique and diverse background! What is the secret to your success?

The one common aspect of all of my past positions are my people skills. I genuinely enjoy talking with people and finding solutions to their problems, or finding them something they love. Their happiness, gratitude and appreciation are important to me. 

What drew you to the BG Team?

I worked with Julie for several years on a large and successful real estate team. I enjoyed working with her and respected her energy, experience and integrity, so when it came time to find a new team, she was my first call. The group includes eight terrific women from all different types of backgrounds, which I find helpful and exciting.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?

I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when vacuuming, shoveling snow and raking leaves, so, of course, finding the right home or buyer for a client feels just the same: a project with closure – and happy clients!

What has been your biggest professional ah-ha moment so far?

That working smart is so much easier than working hard.

What are you most excited about in the coming year?

Easy! I can’t wait to move beyond the Covid environment: dining out, playing golf, pickle or tennis and hosting my networking events are all activities I look forward to. 

Lightning Round:

Where do you live in Chicago, and what is your favorite neighborhood? 

I started in the Gold Coast, then moved to Lincoln Park and am now on LSD in East Lakeview.  Each has its own vibe and amenities. I grew up in NYC, so I can’t believe you can live with so much space and green, look at the water every day and still be in a major metropolitan city. It’s hard to pick a favorite as new neighborhoods keep popping up, and we visit them all everyday!

Favorite Chicago restaurant: Either of my daughter’s homes.

Favorite local shop: Sabbia Fine Jewelry at 900 Michigan.

You are actively involved in a number of charities; can you tell us a bit about each one? 

Before children, I volunteered for Landmark’s Preservation Society because I love history and great architecture. I was also on the Woman’s Board at the Field Museum for a number of years also because of the fantastic history and anthropology that is on display there.  

When I went back to work and had less time, I focused on the Rush University Medical Center. The original medical college was the first in Chicago, established in1837, two days before the city was incorporated. Today the medical center is a general medical and surgical facility, ranked No. 17 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. I have been on the Woman’s Board since 1983 and am currently the Chair of the Road Home Project, which focuses on caring for our veterans returning from battle with the invisible wounds of PTSD, depression, recovery from sexual abuse, etc. This program is also funded by the Wounded Warrior Program.