WHERE: Office at Weichert Realtors, Great Falls and home in Sterling.

WHEN: Before moving to Northern Virginia in 1983, he was in Evansville, Ind. There, he worked in sales and marketing, primarily import and export. The major product was coal, which was sent to power plants in Europe, mostly in Italy.

“I advised several friends and colleagues on buying and selling their homes, discovered I was very good at it, and became a full-time Realtor,” he says.

“In addition, I have lived, studied and successfully negotiated real estate transactions across North America, Europe and the Middle East. I therefore understand the needs of a culturally diverse market. I develop high expectations among my local, national, and international clients and then exceed them.”

WHY: “I like my career because I enjoy the interaction with people,” he says. “I try to give them the best service they could ever imagine. These friendships and relationships have deepened as time has gone by. In other words, I find real estate to be the most rewarding and fulfilling career I have ever had.

WHAT: “I have been happily married to Ellie for 38 years,” he says. “We have one son, Sam, who is practicing law in Miami, Fla. I love horseback riding, polo and show jumping.”

WHICH WAY: “Our locality is probably in the best shape in the country for a rapid recovery,” he says. “We have the lowest unemployment and the best opportunities, especially considering the mix of government and private-sector employment. Once the 'bum rap' on real estate is over and the government stimulus packages have helped the various financial institutions, the scenario will begin to improve quickly. I believe it will happen within the year.”