Advertise on podcast: Just Call Claudia

Top Chicago broker Alex Wolking has a movie-worthy career journey: at age 12, his father (also a broker) asked him to print off a listing from the MLS. Alex immediately got hooked on checking listings and started riding his bike to open houses and chatting up agents in order to gain as much knowledge of the industry as he could. Flash forward to today, and he’s an award-winning Chicago broker who specializes in historic homes and continues to keep his finger on the pulse of the industry. In this episode, Alex and Claudia discuss staging and selling historic homes, attracting the right buyer, and how to really listen to clients in order to best serve them. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. A second-generation broker with a career spanning over two decades, Alex Wolking has been immersed in the industry from an early age, developing an exceptional understanding of market nuances and client care. Alex has been a driving force in the Chicago real estate market, specializing in the sale of historic single-family homes, co-ops, and luxury condos. Alex and his team consistently rank as top producers in Chicago’s northside, especially in the Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Ravenswood, and Andersonville neighborhoods. Alex’s boutique team employs a collaborative approach coupled with innovative marketing strategies, earning him recognition as a trusted advisor to the most discerning sellers and buyers. Beyond his professional achievements, Alex is actively invested in his community, serving on boards and committees dedicated to Chicago’s historic preservation and community development.

In part two of Claudia’s conversation with John Janco and Mary Ann Doyle of Lake Forest Place, the group discusses the move-in process for Lake Forest Place—insights that can help a transition to any senior living community. As we’ve heard so many times before, John and Mary Ann highlight how earlier is always better when making these important decisions, and how robust and lively the senior living community is. To close out the episode, John and Mary Ann share which item they would never edit, and Claudia even gives her blessing for John to continue paying for a storage space for his precious, not-to-be-edited collection! Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. John Janco, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Lake Forest Place, started his career at Palmer House Hilton in 1985. His hospitality career took him across the country: from Houston, to Las Vegas, to Dallas, to Saugatuck. When his late father-in-law moved into a senior living community, John was inspired to transition careers. He began working in senior living communities and was named a Senior Director at Lake Forest Place in 2024. John lives in Lakeview with his husband (and his Christmas village!). Mary Ann Doyle, Marketing Coordinator at Presbyterian Homes, began her career in various hospitality and food companies, including the Conrad Hilton Hotel, Unilever, McCormick Spice, and American Home Products. After taking time to raise her family, Mary Ann reentered the work force and took on a position in admissions in a skilled nursing community. She has been with Lake Forest Place for 11 years, setting up marketing events and assisting residents with their move into the community. Mary Ann is a longtime Libertyville resident and enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children. Her best role yet is Grandma to her grandson!

How do I choose a senior living community now, if I don’t know what kind of care I’ll need 10 years from now? Lake Forest Place, a Presbyterian Homes community, was created with this question in mind. John Janco and Mary Ann Doyle from Lake Forest Place join Claudia to discuss what, exactly, a Life Plan Community is, and how Lake Forest Place gives prospective residents a way to experience the community before they move in. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. John Janco, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Lake Forest Place, started his career at Palmer House Hilton in 1985. His hospitality career took him across the country: from Houston, to Las Vegas, to Dallas, to Saugatuck. When his late father-in-law moved into a senior living community, John was inspired to transition careers. He began working in senior living communities and was named a Senior Director at Lake Forest Place in 2024. John lives in Lakeview with his husband (and his Christmas village!). Mary Ann Doyle, Marketing Coordinator at Presbyterian Homes, began her career in various hospitality and food companies, including the Conrad Hilton Hotel, Unilever, McCormick Spice, and American Home Products. After taking time to raise her family, Mary Ann reentered the work force and took on a position in admissions in a skilled nursing community. She has been with Lake Forest Place for 11 years, setting up marketing events and assisting residents with their move into the community. Mary Ann is a longtime Libertyville resident and enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children. Her best role yet is Grandma to her grandson!

In this continuation of Episode 1, Suzanne Gignilliat’s team member Joelle Hayes joins the podcast to talk about how her own path to real estate took a detour through mortgage brokerage, and how that knowledge helps her guide her clients’ financial planning today. Joelle and Suzanne share insights into Chicago market trends, how to buy even with today’s higher interest rates, and how co-ops are modernizing their approval processes. To close out the episode, Suzanne and Joelle share which item they would never want to edit. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Suzanne Gignilliat: The best of the best, Suzanne runs a boutique practice that’s focused on luxury properties in the North Side of Chicago. When you hire Suzanne, you get Suzanne. Discreet, patient, tenacious, Suzanne wins sales awards and client praise year after year. While Suzanne specializes in high end properties in the near North side, her team’s client base is as diverse as the properties they represent: from first-time home buyers, to condos, co-ops, ( yes, especially co-ops) lofts, townhouses, single-family homes, and new construction projects. They welcome any and all inquiries. Suzanne lives the Lincoln Park life she sells: she’s connected, she can solve a need, she understands historic homes and landmarking. Very visual and creative, she will work side by side with you to present your home in the best light. Clients love working with Suzanne, whether it’s a condo purchase or a multi-million-dollar home sale; she’s the calm in the emotional business of buying or selling a home. Don’t be fooled by her low-key, gracious manner. When it comes to closing a deal, there is a reason Suzanne’s associates call her “The Velvet Hammer.” Joelle Hayes: A licensed real estate professional since 2002, Joelle has represented a wide range of clients—from first-time homebuyers to sellers in Chicago’s luxury market. She has been honored as a Chicago Agent’s Who’s Who of Real Estate in both 2012 and 2021 and has been consistently recognized as a top producer by Chicago Magazine, along with receiving multiple awards from her brokerage firms throughout her career. Formerly a licensed mortgage broker, Joelle brings a strong understanding of lending guidelines and financing considerations, allowing her to provide valuable insight into current market conditions and potential lending restrictions. Joelle expertly guides both buyers and sellers through the nuances of condominium and more complex co-op transactions, understanding that choosing the right building is just as important as selecting the right home. Known for her strategic negotiation skills and client-focused approach, she is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. A former Gold Coast resident for over 14 years, Joelle now lives in Roscoe Village with her husband and children, giving her firsthand knowledge of both urban and neighborhood-focused living in Chicago.

Luxury Broker Suzanne Gignilliat is known as the Velvet Hammer for her tenacious but soft touch in property sales, from single-family homes to co-ops. In this episode of Just Call Claudia, Suzanne discusses her journey to real estate, her work with CMFTO, and how both real estate agents and move managers can sometimes take on a therapy role during a move (and why that’s so helpful to clients). Suzanne also gives valuable advice for any real estate agents who are just getting established. Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation, coming in two weeks! Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. The best of the best, Suzanne runs a boutique practice that’s focused on luxury properties in the North Side of Chicago. When you hire Suzanne, you get Suzanne. Discreet, patient, tenacious, Suzanne wins sales awards and client praise year after year. While Suzanne specializes in high end properties in the near North side, her team’s client base is as diverse as the properties they represent: from first-time home buyers, to condos, co-ops, ( yes, especially co-ops) lofts, townhouses, single-family homes, and new construction projects. They welcome any and all inquiries. Suzanne lives the Lincoln Park life she sells: she’s connected, she can solve a need, she understands historic homes and landmarking. Very visual and creative, she will work side by side with you to present your home in the best light. Clients love working with Suzanne, whether it’s a condo purchase or a multi-million-dollar home sale; she’s the calm in the emotional business of buying or selling a home. Don’t be fooled by her low-key, gracious manner. When it comes to closing a deal, there is a reason Suzanne’s associates call her “The Velvet Hammer.”

In this second half of a two-episode series with Eric Klein, he gives expert insight into navigating differences in readiness for care between seniors and their family members. Eric and Claudia also discuss the different levels of care communities, and the new technology that Eric is starting to see in his work. To close out this first season of Just Call Claudia, Eric discusses the importance of working with a professional team to manage a move into a senior community, and why the CMFTO team is the best at what they do. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Eric Klein, an experienced Patient Advocate, Care Manager, and Senior Advisor, has helped thousands of seniors and their families navigate the often overwhelming world of senior care. Eric brings deep expertise in dementia care, movement disorders like Parkinson’s and MS, and the daily challenges many older adults face as they age. Through his work with CarePatrol, Eric specializes in matching individuals with the right senior living solutions—whether it's assisted living, memory care, or in-home support—tailored to their unique needs and always at no cost to the client.

Eric Klein, owner of CarePatrol Chicagoland North, talks with Claudia about navigating family dynamics in senior care and senior moves; his work helping seniors and families find the best-fit care environment with CarePatrol; and when is the best time for families to start addressing these decisions (hint: it’s never too early!). He also shares the personal story behind his career move into this field. This is part one of a two-episode series. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Eric Klein, an experienced Patient Advocate, Care Manager, and Senior Advisor, has helped thousands of seniors and their families navigate the often overwhelming world of senior care. Eric brings deep expertise in dementia care, movement disorders like Parkinson’s and MS, and the daily challenges many older adults face as they age. Through his work with CarePatrol, Eric specializes in matching individuals with the right senior living solutions—whether it's assisted living, memory care, or in-home support—tailored to their unique needs and always at no cost to the client.

As the Director of Community Relations at Belmont Village Lincoln Park, Jessica Roote has a unique and valuable perspective on connecting seniors with the community and care resources they need. In today’s episode, Jessica gives us a window into her world linking seniors living at Belmont Village Lincoln Park with the larger community. This can be as simple as trimming greenery so that residents can see the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood when they’re sitting on their patio! In this info-packed episode, Jessica also shares some strategies for touring and selecting senior communities. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Jessica Roote is the Director of Community Relations at Belmont Village Lincoln Park, a valued CMFTO partner. She transitioned into the senior living field following a career as a phlebotomist and nurse, experience that informs her clinically grounded and compassionate approach. Prior to joining Belmont Village, Jessica served as the Sales and Marketing Director at Ravenswood Supportive Living, where she strengthened her expertise in guiding and supporting older adults and their families.

Have you been wondering what working with CMFTO is like? This episode, with Claudia’s clients-turned-friends Barry and Arline Kaufman, gives an inside look into how a CMFTO project works, what it’s like to collaborate with CMFTO team members, and how impactful it can be to prepare your home for market, rightsize your possessions, move, and accessorize your new home in a meaningful way. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Arline and Barry Kaufman are dear friends of Claudia and the CMFTO team. Arline worked as a college admissions counselor and was also an instrumental volunteer at her children’s schools. Barry was a health reporter and producer for NBC Chicago and Chicago radio stations, and a trainer in media and crisis communication. The Kaufmans are now enjoying retirement in their beautiful West Loop condo.

Fiona Forde is head of sales at Trulee Evanston, where CMFTO coordinated and facilitated 95% of the initial moves when Trulee was launched in Evanston in 2021. Fiona has so much to share about making the decision to move to a senior community—and how to select the community that’s right for you. She gives an overview of the care options and partnerships offered by Trulee, including some cutting-edge technology that keeps residents safe. If you’re looking for a senior community, today’s episode is a must-listen. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Lyric Hughes Hale—an instrumental voice and founder in independent economic and financial journalism—and Claudia discuss their journey coming up together in the Chicago business community and how their careers have grown since those early beginnings. CMFTO has been there for Lyric through two important, complex moves: first from the city to Winnetka with a huge library of books in tow, and then from Winnetka to a unique, four-story home in the city where Lyric made her own Japanese garden. Listen to hear more about these moves and how these two women have impacted each other’s lives and careers. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. CMFTO client, friend, and podcasting inspiration Lyric Hughes Hale is the founder of EconVue, a platform for independent journalism in finance and economics. She is also the host and editor-in-chief of EconVue’s podcast The Hale Report, and Director of Consulting & Global Research for Hale Strategic.

In this continued conversation, Claudia and Nancy talk about the challenges and rewards of staging properties and building relationships with their clients. Nancy also covers current trends in real estate, managing differing opinions between her clients and their adult children, and recalls the first time she met Claudia. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Nancy Nugent is known as a leading expert in the Chicago luxury market and the luxury home market of the North Shore. Nancy's current affiliation with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty brings a wealth of diversified experience in the industry and a reputation for excellence in the luxury residential market. She was a top sales agent at two legendary companies, Koenig & Strey and Rubloff. She owned her own brokerage firm and she was Director of Sales for Related Midwest (formerly LR Development Company). She was the leading sales broker for the iconic PARK TOWER, 840 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE and 340 ON THE PARK. Nancy loves her work and derives great satisfaction in converting clients' wants and needs into reality—and clients consistently say that she is fun to work with! Nancy served on the Board of Directors of the prestigious The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) of New York City, and she also served on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Parks in Chicago. She has been featured as an authority on real estate trends by NBC Nightly News. She was identified as a top broker by Crain's Chicago Business and as "Megabroker of the Midwest" by Unique Homes magazine. Her perspective on the market is continuously sought after by real estate news outlets. Her own residence at 840 N. Lakeshore Drive was the cover story in Midwest Home Chicago and she was asked to host a tour of her home for the popular NBC LXTV Open House program featuring high-styled Chicago city residences. Keep up with Nancy on Instagram at @nannynugent.

Almost 25 years ago, one of Nancy Nugent’s real estate clients was in crisis: she needed to relocate quickly—in six weeks!—and rightsize her possessions to fit a smaller home. “I’ll call Claudia,” Nancy thought, “because she’s the only person I can think of who might have the skill set to do this.” And the rest is history! Listen along for the full story of how CMFTO came to be, and learn more about Nancy’s celebrated career as a specialist in luxury real estate in Chicago’s North Shore. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Nancy Nugent is known as a leading expert in the Chicago luxury market and the luxury home market of the North Shore. Nancy's current affiliation with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty brings a wealth of diversified experience in the industry and a reputation for excellence in the luxury residential market. She was a top sales agent at two legendary companies, Koenig & Strey and Rubloff. She owned her own brokerage firm and she was Director of Sales for Related Midwest (formerly LR Development Company). She was the leading sales broker for the iconic PARK TOWER, 840 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE and 340 ON THE PARK. Nancy loves her work and derives great satisfaction in converting clients' wants and needs into reality—and clients consistently say that she is fun to work with! Nancy served on the Board of Directors of the prestigious The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) of New York City, and she also served on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Parks in Chicago. She has been featured as an authority on real estate trends by NBC Nightly News. She was identified as a top broker by Crain's Chicago Business and as "Megabroker of the Midwest" by Unique Homes magazine. Her perspective on the market is continuously sought after by real estate news outlets. Her own residence at 840 N. Lakeshore Drive was the cover story in Midwest Home Chicago and she was asked to host a tour of her home for the popular NBC LXTV Open House program featuring high-styled Chicago city residences. Keep up with Nancy on Instagram at @nannynugent.