Broker on the Move - Juliana Tonini is Sailing Her Way to Success

While our brokers are busy going about their business of helping clients each day – thinking about the priorities at hand, and where they are expected to be next – we thought it would be fun to stop the action for a moment and highlight one of our brokers. Let’s see just what a typical day is like, and peek inside their “tricks of the trade”!

Continuing our “Day in the Life…” series, we recently sat down with Broker, Juliana Tonini, and asked her to fill us in on what keeps her going strong after 15 years in Commercial Real Estate:

How long have you been a CREB, and how did you get started?

I have been in the business since 2002. For many years, my background had been working in all aspects of the restaurant industry. I also worked in sales, as a captain, and office manager for a yacht charter company both here in Maine and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As one job ended, I spoke with a friend who is a commercial real estate broker and she suggested I explore CRE. I started out leasing while pursuing my license and the rest is history. I have been at Magnusson Balfour since day one.

What keeps you motivated and liking your profession?

I love the versatility of being on the road, in the office and working from home; I am customer service oriented and I love dealing with different people. It’s also satisfying to give people the tools they need to make good solid decisions when buying or selling real estate.

What type of car do you drive?

I currently drive a 2015 Mazda 3. It is a great car, kind of sporty. However, I treat it like a truck. I guess a truck will be my next purchase as it is much needed for a woman who owns a boat, loves to landscape and work on her home. After that perhaps a little Mazda Miata.

What items are in your car? What paperwork do you have with you at all times?

Usually too much stuff…. signs, stakes, boots, a hammer, screw gun, etc. A complete set of listing paperwork and forms required for a new client. Of course, my phone and business cards. Then my personal stuff like rain gear, sailing shoes and extra clothing. It’s a mess. See, I need a truck.

How many business cards do you hand out in the course of a week?

I probably hand out 20–30 per week. I’m out and about a lot, and I spend most of my free time sailboat racing and at regattas so I’m likely to hand out a card at any time!

Do you attend formal networking events? How do you get out and build your business?

I am a member of Think Local, Windham, and attend some of their other events in Southern Maine. I occasionally attend Chamber events and charity events. I help man our Magnusson Balfour booth at business and real estate events along with the other brokers.  I’m a pretty social person, so anytime I’m out in public I consider it a networking opportunity!

What technology could you not live without? Do you have a favorite App that helps you with your business?

My iPhone! I use it for everything –My favorite apps that I use the most is my HP10bll financial calculator, DocuSign, and the Weather Channel. It’s my email, my calendar, my camera and my navigation. Sometimes, I would like to toss it in the ocean, however it’s indispensable! Oh yeah Facebook in the evening. It is important to keep up with your friends.

How many miles do you travel in your car in a week?

Probably 100 miles or so a week.

How many phone calls, emails and text messages do you receive daily?

I can’t really say. Real Estate tends to be a business where everything happens at once or not at all. You just have to be ready. Returning calls is one of my biggest pet peeves. Just do it! My phone is always by my side that is for sure!

What’s your area of specialty or expertise, and why did you choose it?

I try to concentrate on the Greater Portland area. However, real estate takes you all over Maine. I’m currently expanding into the Kennebunk area.

What is the most important personal attribute that you bring to your job?

I truly care about my clients. I am eager to learn about their needs and what they expect to accomplish. I never want someone to just buy something, and have it not work out well for them. It’s not just about the sale to me, I am honest and tell it like it is, because I want people to be happy in the long term in hopes to see them again.

What are you most excited about in relation to your job this year?

Reaching my goals, exceeding my expectations, meeting new people. I’m really excited about my new territory and working with people in the Kennebunk area. It’s a great opportunity to learn about a new area of Maine.

What’s the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?

I think immediately of my dad. He emigrated here from Italy, was a professional chef, and taught me about working hard for what you want. His work ethic was impeccable, and he instilled that in me. We had a family restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, and I started helping out there at 11 years old. My Dad taught me to work hard.

What is a professional development goal you have for this year?

Well, Social Media is always changing and keeping up with that is an everyday challenge so I hope to improve my skills at marketing myself through social media. I am aiming to seek out more networking events and improve organization skills to better streamline my business.

How do you prefer to relax after a tough day in real estate?

I find it relaxing to move dirt around in my garden, I love to cook a great dinner or go out to eat. The top of the list consists of taking my boat out on the lake or going sailing on Casco Bay with my sailing buddies. In the winter, I like hiding under the covers.