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With Taylor Johnson & Olesker since: Birth
Proudest TJO moment: When Donald Trump said our press conference for the launch of Trump Chicago was one of the best orchestrated that he had been a part of. There were so many moving parts to that event – the media, the brokers, Mr. Trump and his entourage – that we really needed to focus our individual efforts while working as a team. At the end of the day when we toasted to our success, I was so proud of each person and what we had accomplished together.
When I was growing up I thought I’d be an: Architect. I’ve always had a fascination with houses, which probably stemmed from my early years of touring model homes with my mother on the weekends. I always knew I would end up in the real estate world.
The best professional advice I’ve gotten has been: from the book Good to Great – “Get the right people on the bus”. It’s all about the people.
People around the office come to me for: Finding the right people for the bus and problem solving: How should we handle this situation?
People around the office avoid me for: My spreadsheets. I like to pull stats and analyze data on performance and profitability. Many of my associates are more comfortable with words than numbers.
Favorite Chicago building: The Wrigley Building. I love the architecture of the building – the art deco style and its prominence on the river and Michigan Avenue, especially when it’s lit up at night. Plus, we officed there from 1994 to 2001, which was an exciting time for our agency. We grew a lot in that time. Great memories.
Three words that describe me are: Optimistic, patient, detail-oriented
Favorite Halloween costume: Marcia Brady – I looked just like her…and Axle Rose – I looked just like him.
I never thought I’d be: working with my mother. I was an independent child and never really entertained the thought of following in my mother’s footsteps until I was working at TJO part-time after I graduated and realized what a great company it was and what a great mentor she would be.
Last good book I read: Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. We read this book as a group for our TJO book club and hired a facilitator to work with us to discover our individual strengths, how to capitalize on them, and how we can best work together within a team. It was fascinating.
On my car stereo: Disney Radio in my minivan with my three kids.
Favorite Pastime: Going to the zoo with my family. I like seeing my kids’ reactions to the animals. You never know what they are going to do or say (the kids or the animals!)
What I like most about TJO: Our corporate culture – hardworking but fun, relaxed but driven, autonomous but team-oriented. We have great people that I learn from every day.
