get to [know]:: Ida Fineberg

This week we sat down with Ida Fineberg, Vice President and Executive Broker for Steve Fineberg & Associates.. And of course, wife of Steve.  :)  We wanted to take a moment to get to know Ida outside of her responsibilities at work.


Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  I was born in Havana, Cuba and lived in Cuba until I was nine years old.  My family left Cuba and we went to Dallas, Texas.  We were there for a year before moving to Los Angeles, California.  After several years my family moved back to Dallas.  So you might say that I grew up all over.

Q:  What brought you to Northwest Arkansas?

A:  In 1998 I married Steve and moved here.  I have loved living here the entire time I have been here.

Q:  How long have you worked in real estate?  What made you get into real estate?

A:  My real estate career began in 1998.  My previous profession had been teaching, so real estate was quite a change.  When I moved to Arkansas I knew that I needed a job that would give me more flexibility of schedule and real estate was a natural fit.  I also had some prodding from this guy that caused my move to Arkansas.

Q:  What do you like to do when you aren't working?

A:  Really I love to cook and that has become sort of my therapy.  I also love to read and explore this great place where I am so fortunate to live.  Also, as time permits I love to travel and with Steve I have a terrific traveling partner because we look at our travels as our own personal adventures.  When we go to a new place we do not go on tours we just explore and learn on our own.

Q:  Tell us a little about how you volunteer in the community...

A:  Volunteering is something that I feel I really need to do as much  for me as for those organizations in which I am involved.  Presently I am honored to be on the Foundation Board for Open Avenues.  Open Avenues is an organization that helps mentally and physically challenged adults become contributing members of our community through employment opportunities and recreational activities.  They are truly a miraculous organization.  Also, I have recently been asked to join the board for Havenwood which provides reasonably priced housing and educational opportunities to single parents who want to improve their lives.  I am very much looking forward to being part of this group.  Also, I was fortunate enough to have gotten in on the beginnings of the Rogers Community Support Center.  This group’s goal was to involve members of the Rogers community become involved  in the community via educational opportunities, learning about the city government and its leaders and some terrific recreational functions.  This group began the International Festival which grew from about 100 people coming to the festival to now several thousand.  For this opportunity I have to thank Steve Womack, then mayor of Rogers, now a member of Congress for his vision with this group.

Q:  What is your favorite restaurant?

A:  Being in real estate and knowing quite a few people here I am not going to name a favorite local restaurant.  But I really like what goes on in my own kitchen.

Q:  What are you most proud of outside of work?

A:  Have you seen our three grandchildren?  Perfection if you ask me!  Also, I am very proud of our children because they are all good and hardworking people.  I must say that I have tremendous respect for my parents who came to the United States with nothing but always provided a very good life for my brother and me.  Finally, I am always proud of Steve and how he has built our company Steve Fineberg & Associates, Inc.  Also a good marriage is always something for which to be grateful and proud.

Q:  What are some silly or random facts about yourself?

A:  You mean like when I turn up the salsa music really loudly and dance around the house by myself?  Or how about the fact that even though I am a really good swimmer I can’t stand to go underwater.  Go figure.  Also, under no circumstances will I eat calamari.  Steve does not understand that one at all.  I like to do laundry, there is a certain feeling of accomplishment seeing all the clothes all neatly folded and smelling fresh – weird, I know.


Q:  What is your life motto?

A:  I don’t think I have a motto because life changes so much.  But I did say to a group to which I spoke that EVERYBODY, no matter the circumstances in your life, has something for which they should always be grateful.  So think about whatever that is when things get tough and it will make the tough time go by faster.