We are pleased to present our Agent Spotlight on Toni Gilardi, Executive Broker of The Gilardi Group at Gibson Sothebys International Realty in Boston, Massachusetts.
What did you do before real estate and how did you get started in the business?
Before real estate, one of my first jobs was working the counter at Mike's Pastry in Boston's North End neighborhood after school and during weekends and holidays — preparing myself for a very similar busy schedule down the road. At 18 years old, I was studying pre-med at Suffolk University while a friend of mine was taking a real estate course. I was interested in learning more about real estate, so I took the same course, and the rest was history. I left the pre-med program and followed my passion for a full-time real estate career. Once I passed the test, I picked up the phone book, dialed the first agency I could find, and convinced my future mentor to hire me. I moved up the ranks, becoming the manager of Bostonian Realty within six months. At only 21 years old, with just two years in the industry under my belt, I earned my broker license and started my own business, Landmark Realty. At 25 years old, I felt it was necessary to finish my degree. I returned to Suffolk and and earned my MBA, which has helped me in various ways throughout my career. Later, I merged with my late partner Maria DiTullio to start Elite Boston Landmark Realty. In 2015, I merged with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty and launched The Gilardi Group with Lauren Newton. We work out of a new office in the North End, and are joined by Michael Salvati, Alexandra Foster, and a few part-time agents.
What is something your clients find comfort in that makes them turn to you for their real estate needs?
My clients are comforted by how long I have been in the industry. I have been in real estate for over 37 years and have seen many different transactions, markets, and economies. With this experience, I am able to think of creative ways to get a deal over the finish line, while keeping my clients calm and confident in my abilities. In addition, having a comprehensive team that I trust enables me to give all of my clients the white-glove attention and service they deserve.
What are some of your favorite local hobbies, activities or organizations that you participate in?
I have made it my mission to be an active member in the North End and Waterfront community in an effort to preserve the neighborhood that I grew up in and live in today. I sat for years on the neighborhood council, and recently received the Fred Carangelo Humanitarian Award for my efforts. Over the years, I have had success contacting national organizations and engaging them at a local level to hold blood drives and other charitable programs. Most notably, I have fundraised for Toys for Tots for twenty years and collaborate with local restaurants and businesses to host a festive annual celebration. More recently, I became a member of the local Pastoral Council. Our recent project was to revitalize The Peace Garden at St. Leonard's Church on Boston's Hanover Street. I have a green thumb, so it has been exciting to bring this iconic landmark, and cornerstone of our neighborhood, literally back to life.
What do you love most about where you live and work?
When North End residents say home is where the heart is, they are telling the truth. The North End is a very special neighborhood. I am a third generation Italian American, and my mother and father built a close-knit group of family and friends who I can see on a daily basis. There is no greater joy than walking down the street and bumping into neighbors that have been here for generations, and new neighbors who I have helped make the North End their home. My other favorite part about where I live? The food!
What are three sources of joy in your week?
- Bonding over lunch with my team everyday.
- Spending time with my family and friends—most notably, my granddaughter and grand-dog.
- The positive energy that comes with a successful transaction, whether it is winning a bid or winning a listing. I love helping my clients achieve their goals.
Please contact Toni Gilardi at 617.529.4461 or Toni.Gilardi@GibsonSIR.com. To learn more about her, click here.
