Debbie Hymen is a managing broker licensee at Compass.

What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

I worked for a startup email company, Dialcom Inc. (which became ITT Dialcom, and then BT Dialcom), first as an administrative assistant to the local sales manager, then to the regional sales manager and then as a marketing support agent, who basically did inside sales. This was in the early 1980s and a very exciting time for the internet and email development.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up first in Morton Grove, and then we moved to Glencoe, as my parents wanted us to attend New Trier.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

I always wanted to be a criminal defense attorney and then a judge.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

To relax, I either watch older and more recent movies or I needlepoint. Also, a good long walk helps to relieve the stress.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?

I would have loved to have met each of the Beatles, as their music was and still is iconic, represented the changes going on in the world during my youth and has stood the test of time and technology. However, I would also have loved to have met and sat down and chatted with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, because she was someone who always stood for what was right, no matter how difficult it was for her to do that, and she held to her convictions and beliefs even in the face of great adversity.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?

Our neighborhoods are rich in culture and tradition, each of them possessing unique viewpoints on the city and the world. We are a welcoming city, despite all the bad press we have received over the years.

What do you love most about the industry?

What I love most about the industry is that it is always changing and, in most cases, for the better and benefit of the public. I love that we have a set of rules that forces us to focus on the interest of our clients, and the changes in license law and the code of ethics are designed to make us better professionals while protecting the public trust.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

I would like to believe that I distinguish myself from the crowd by continuing to educate myself, not just to changes in license law, the Code of Ethics and Realtor best practices, but to potential and enforced changes to local, state and federal laws and requirements that may affect myself and my clients.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

In general, the most difficult aspect of my job, currently, is obtaining a person’s trust. People are reticent to share confidential details of their lives and are more likely to trust an app’s reviews from unknown individuals. Gaining trust can be difficult and is most important.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

The best advice I can give about lead generation is not to be a secret Realtor. Wear your badge or company gear/swag. You will meet people and new prospects by being visible in your community and everywhere you go for errands, family functions, etc. Everyone has real estate questions, and even if you meet someone who is loyal to a colleague, they must know others who are not connected. Also, be consistent in your outreach. It pays off.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment has been being able to find homes for clients who have financial challenges and during stressful and difficult markets. Patience is truly a virtue, and if you are able to explain the relevant market conditions, you can be successful. I have been able to stay busy and working during down times.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

I recently binge-watched the fourth and final season of The Bear. I love the drama and intense interaction between the characters and how it is interwoven in the kitchen dynamics. I am also waiting for the next season of The Pitt for the above reason AND am anxiously awaiting the next season of FAUDA.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?

My favorite building in Chicago has always been the Wrigley Building. It has always had a strong and beautiful presence high above Michigan Avenue. The classic architecture represents artistic craft of bygone days while blending seamlessly into more modern buildings. I would be devastated if it ever disappeared.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

That I seem hard and rule-driven on the outside but am kind, caring and patient on the inside.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

I would say I am torn between Italy, France and Israel for varying reasons. Israel felt like home; France is beautiful, romantic and incredibly historical; and the people in Italy are so friendly, the food is amazing and fresh.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Get involved in your community and something you love.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?

I love the Genius Scan app because it helps me process my documents with my office and other deal-related personnel.

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