Samantha Lucas is director of sales at Riviera Development in Coral Gables.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Exercise, reading and shopping!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Sit out on my balcony and take in the beautiful bay view, go for a bike ride or hang out with my dog.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A psychologist.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Nelson Mandela. I traveled to South Africa in 1982 and was profoundly impacted on what the country was experiencing with apartheid. I think he is an incredible man who went to great lengths – of course including his years of incarceration – to help his people and his country.

What is your favorite place to hang out? Many favorites – at the top of the list are some beach spots: Standard Hotel, Smith & Wollensky; midtown and design district: Gigi & Bardot; and for shopping:  Bal Harbour and Merrick Park. On the weekends, I love to go to South Pointe Park with my husband and our dog!

What do you love most about the industry? I love that after going through such a challenging time in years past, it is still exciting and everyday there is something new. I really enjoy working with customers and seeing them through to the end result: living in their ideal home.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I honestly work for a very small firm where I am the sole salesperson, which I feel gives me a slight advantage, but I also have to prove myself to potential customers since I’m not with one of the well-known real estate companies. Therefore, I only have my own personality and past accomplishments as a testament to who I am.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Dealing with difficult people. I totally understand that real estate is an emotional process, and people need to be cautious and take time in making such an important decision when buying a property, but the one thing I can’t stand is rudeness!

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? The best way I’ve networked is through referrals I have received through friends and business associates.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Professionally speaking, it has been the ability to close on the majority of our inventory within the past few years.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “12 Years a Slave” and  “The Art of Racing in the Rain” (book).

What is your favorite restaurant? So many to choose from, but at the top of my list right now is Blue Collar.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Adrienne Arsht Center. I especially love it at night when I’m driving back to midtown. I love the mix of retro and modern architecture, and it seems to just sparkle.

What kind of car do you drive? Audi Q5.

Smartphone or Paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Miami? New York City, hands down.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be patient, ambitious and kind. Stay focused on your goals.

What’s your favorite Real Estate iPhone/Blackberry app? IPad Open Home Pro, Mortgage Calculator and Trulia.