Prior to Real Estate, my resume is a reflection of two things I enjoy very much: food, and travel. I have held just about every conceivable job one can have in a restaurant over the years, from the dishwasher (at 15) to the General Manager (thirty-something), and everything in between. Several years in a fine-dining environment parlayed into a keen awareness of being able to anticipate clients` needs (as well as their trepidations), a skill which has served me well in Real Estate. For several summers between 1995 and 2000, I had the opportunity to do both of my favorite things at once, while serving as the chef, and first mate of a private yacht. Although preparing meals was my primary duty, I was also responsible for day to day operations on board, provisioning, and taking care of our guests` needs while aboard. We traveled extensively through British Columbia and Alaska. Another important experience in my professional development, was moving to Costa Rica in 1996 and starting a business from the ground up. A business partner and I went to Costa Rica intent on developing a gourmet coffee roasting & exporting business, and simultaneously opening a Starbucks style retail outlet in downtown San Jose. After successfully opening the store, I felt my work was done and it was time to move on to my next endeavor (not to mention I missed the great Pacific Northwest)! I lived and worked in Costa Rica for one year, and had an invaluable, hands-on experience starting a business.