For the month of November , let’s find out and get to know more of our Broker/owner Danielle M. O’Brien
so here are some questions we asked her
Brett
Why did you decide to pursue and career in RE?
I made the decision to pursue a career after I had my first child and did not want a traditional office job anymore. Real estate was always something I was interested in so I had taken the coursework to learn more and loved it. Though, it took me a couple years to make a transition.
Shawn
Danielle, what do you enjoy most about being a broker versus being an agent?
I joke with some of my agents that I’m hashtag “boss lady”, and there is some truth to that. I like being a boss and the broker responsibilities that go along with owning a business such as making the big decisions, setting policies, growing a brand, and guiding the agents but enjoy still being able to work with clients too as an agent would.
Julia
What is your favorite thing about being a broker/real estate agent?
My favorite thing overall is growing the Parkway brand. We have a great reputation and it’s a real tribute to the agents who have stepped up to help form the culture of our company. It is something I am very proud of.
Sharon
Do you remember your 1st transaction?
Oh boy do I – It was my own house! I had no idea what I was doing in a full start to finish transaction. I had really only been lead generating until that point. I’m hindsight it was good to be my own first full service client and it provided great experience to move forward from in working with others who were looking to buy. I still see the agent on the other side of the transaction out and about the town and thank her for helping me get through it. I was lucky to have fallen into a pleasant co-broke experience.
Who was your favorite teacher in school and why?
My favorite teacher of all time was a professor who I encountered during my Masters program at the University of Massachusetts. He really helped me develop an understanding and love for marketing and I still use many of the concepts learned with him in my business today. His dynamic coursework, hands on approach and guidance during an independent process helped me turn theory into reality and launch my very first official business.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
(1) A good book – the kind you can get lost in and read over and over.
(2) a journal to jot down the many ideas that swirl around my head.
(3) a fishing pole – such a great tool for hobby or survival! Its a metaphor, really: I’m a firm believer in the proverb “if you teach a (wo)man to fish they will eat for a lifetime”
What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
I actually love all types of food, and love trying new restaurants. If I had to choose I would have to say Italian food is my all time favorite. It makes me think back to many happy family gatherings where lasagna was always a staple dish!
Why Parkway Real Estate?
I am a transplant to the area, having grown up on the South Shore. My husband is from Jamaica Plain and our first house was in Hyde Park. For a time I worked at a real estate office based in Roslindale and I eventually moved to West Roxbury in 2010. Over these years I absolutely fell in love with our little corner of the city and the people I have met. It seemed natural to pay homage to these “Parkway” neighborhoods that had taken me in by naming my company after this area of Boston.
