In her own words, Sonia Zaryczny of Desert Diamonds

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company.

Sonia Zaryczny: Broker-owner and property manager Phil Sunseri opened Desert Diamonds Realty, Inc. in 1997. As a locally owned Reno-based brokerage, Desert Diamonds Realty, Inc. initially started in the North Valleys and focused on residential properties, horse properties and vacant land in addition to property management. Our office moved to the downtown Reno area during the redevelopment. Desert Diamonds Realty has become a specialist in the condo market as well as the increasing REO/bank/short-sale area that has developed into a very specialized field.

NNBW: What role do you play in the company?

Zaryczny: Being that I have worked in the administrative side in addition to sales, I've worn many hats.

NNBW: How did you get into this business?

Zaryczny: I was working as an office and property management assistant while I was finishing my degree at UNR. After graduating, I decided to get my license and get into the sales full time.

NNBW: What does a person need to succeed in this job?

Zaryczny: You need a mixture of analytical and entrepreneurial skills. In addition, being able to build instant rapport with people is critical. Creative problem solving is another must.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?

Zaryczny: I would definitely have been an international singing superstar if it wasn't for the fact that I might be tone deaf.

NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?

Zaryczny: Foreclosures and short sales are going to continue to dominate the overall market. There is going to continue to be great deals out there for buyers and investors alike. Cash purchases have really increased, so that should bring some stability to the market in the long run. Also, we've noticed more and more of our clients wanting to purchase and rent out the properties.

NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Zaryczny: I really enjoy the downtown Reno Riverwalk area; eating out, meeting with friends, watching movies, shopping, dancing, checking out concerts at Wingfield Park in the summer, all within walking distance from my office. Right now I am taking on a new hobby: event planning. More specifically, my wedding.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Zaryczny: It would be wise for them to have a savings built up before getting into the business. Short sale deals can take months (sometimes years) to close.

NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?

Zaryczny: Smarter the quest for knowledge never ends. Also, if you come up with something brilliant, the money will follow.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Zaryczny: Work hard, play harder. (Bumper-sticker wisdom at its best)

NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?

Zaryczny: In order of importance: The three F's: fiance, friends and family, a sense of humor, music, the Internet, and of course Reeses Peanut Butter Cups!

NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?

Zaryczny: Well, right now I would have to choose weather manipulation. I would have stopped those recent tornadoes. Here in Reno, I'd give us some nice sunny weather.

NNBW:What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?

Zaryczny: It's rather empty since I am never really home for long. There seems to be pizza in there a lot. Love to be out and about.

The basics:

Name: Sonia Zaryczny, Realtor with Desert Diamonds Realty Inc.

How long have you been in this job? Six years as a

full-time Realtor, 10 years at the company

Education: Bachelor of science in marketing, University of Nevada, Reno

Best book you've read? "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change" by Stephen R. Covey

What's on your iPod? Arcade Fire, Johnny Cash, Adele, The Beatles

The best movie ever? Wizard of Oz

Spouse, kids or pets? Fiance Christopher, my best friend; Spaz, a

beagle-mix; and Sugar, a 19-pound calico cat.