Joelle Oiknine is a luxury agent with One Sotheby’s in Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles.

What was your first job in the realty industry? As a new agent with the Condo Company. The broker/ owner was a young whiz kid who had one of the first lead generating websites. I was the third agent to be hired (he eventually had a few hundred). The broker gave you a lead (name and phone number/email address) and expected you to sell. No training. If you managed to sell, you got more leads. I was taking customers to buildings I did not know I needed help writing my first contract. But soon, I was selling properties in the most exclusive buildings in Miami!

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Montreal, but have lived in Australia and Israel, as well.

What is your favorite free-time activity? I love to travel and explore new countries. I recently travelled to Africa on a safari. I also love the outdoors. I enjoy reading on my Kindle and manage to read very interesting articles on Facebook about various topics.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I meet with friends or take a spin class! I also love to read.

Growing up, what did you want to be? My siblings are mainly attorneys. I was supposed to be the doctor in the family. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, but I alway wanted to be a business person. As a college student, I worked in various jobs, and that’s where I learned that I liked selling most of all.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I’d love to meet with Oprah Winfrey. She has helped so many people with her TV shows and her humanitarian efforts. Also, I do have to say that I regularly have dinner with my clients when they are in town, and I find I learn so much from them about life and business.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love the mountains and lakes, but being that Miami has none of those, I go to the beach and read a good book.

What do you love most about the industry? I love meeting new people from all over the world. I have made many new friends via my work, both customers and other agents. There are quite a few clients who call me whenever they’re in town so that we can catch up for dinner or time at the beach. I love the gorgeous condos and homes I sell. I really appreciate that I am constantly learning. Every new contract is an opportunity to learn.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am very straightforward. My clients know that I’m working in their best interest, and that I’d never sell something I don’t believe in. They also know that they can call me anytime to receive the latest industry knowledge. I keep up with the current sales and new developments, so that I always have my pulse on the market.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Our market is dynamic – no single digit growth here, which I love. We don’t know how long this will last. When I’m asked about the future, I often say I wish I had a crystal ball :).

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I mainly meet new clients through other clients or other agents. I do go to many of the industry affairs such as new development launch events.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? I am happy to be working in the most exclusive buildings along the ocean, and that I am well respected by my peers and my customers.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I recently read the book about Steve Jobs; he was a visionary. I also recently saw the movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” It’s about a retirement home in India. It was so inspiring. I sent to to my elderly father.

What is your favorite restaurant? I would have to say Mandolin in the Design District, and Cecconis at the SoHo House. They both have a wonderful and romantic garden area for dining.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? I love the Setai in South Beach. I’ve sold many units, and my clients all love the zen feel. As for new construction, I believe Glass and the Edition will be beautiful.

What kind of car do you drive? A black Mercedes.

Smartphone or paper? I have an iPhone 5 and an iPad Mini; I cannot leave home without them.

What is your favorite city after Miami? Florence. I love the beauty of Florence, the architecture, the frescoes, the statues and, of course, the food!

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Learn the product and connect with other agents, honestly. Treat them as friends – they are the ones who make your job that much easier. It’s so nice to work on a sale with another agent whom you respect and enjoy working with.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Dropbox. I have all my files, contracts, and photos available anytime I need them, and from all my devices.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? The Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal and Janie Codfrey, our director of sales.

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