I moved to Pittsburgh to earn my Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, and during those years I became enchanted with Pittsburgh's rich architectural heritage. Living in a neglected neighborhood, I decided that I would work to help get derelict properties into the hands of those who would save them from the wrecking ball. Obtaining a real estate license has been a useful tool in accomplishing this goal (though it's an ongoing project to get people to realize the value in preserving old buildings), and it eventually turned into a career in which I now help people from all walks of life buy and sell buildings across the Pittsburgh area. I work with first-time buyers, downsizing retirees, upsizing families, investors, and business owners. I help commercial landlords find tenants for their spaces, and business owners to find spaces in which to operate. I also own and manage a number of rental properties of various sorts in the City, so I know how to fix things. For fun, I do blacksmithing at the Center for Metal Arts in Johnstown, PA, and at Touchstone Center for Crafts, I've been learning timberframing and furniture construction at Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield, VT, and Back Channel School of Woodworking in McKees Rocks, PA, and I swim with Team Pitt Masters. Then there's the board work: I'm currently on the board of La Escuelita Arcoiris, Pittsburgh's only Spanish immersion preschool. I spent many years serving on the boards of Uptown Partners, a neighborhood development organization, Touchstone Center for Crafts, and the Friendship Preservation Group. Work specialties: Residential, investment, and commercial real estate. Fun specialties: Making chairs, benches, and utensils.