West Side News Profile: Tess Aiello

Name: Tess Aiello

Place of birth: Salem, Oregon

How long in West Salem: 49 years. Only left West Salem for the 2 years my husband was active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado. 

If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the area: Born and raised in West Salem. 

Profession: Real Estate Agent with John L. Scott — Salem. 

Other professions: When my children were in grade school, I was the assistant to the Preschool Pastor at Salem Alliance Church, developing activities, events, and programs for preschool aged children and their families. When my son started middle school, I was hired as the Resident Enrichment Manager at Holiday Retirement. My role was developing activities and events to roll out to over 350 retirement communities throughout the United States and Canada. A large portion of my job was traveling and training enrichment coordinators within each region to ensure consistent experience for seniors throughout the company.

Favorites:

Movie and/or Musical: Oh boy, don’t judge me on this one. I 100% love comedies and can never go wrong with an Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey movie.

Actor: Adam Sandler, of course.            

TV show: I love watching Dateline and all variations of Law and Order.

Book: Anything John Grisham or Agatha Christie       

Type of music: Oh boy, don’t judge me on this one either, I love hip hop. 😊

Food: Mexican or Italian Food            

Hobbies: I have a 3-year-old French Bulldog and 2-year-old grandson that keep me very busy when I’m not meeting with clients, showing homes, attending inspections, or catching up on paperwork. 

If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why: A tour of Italy! I have always wanted to spend time touring the Colosseum, exploring the art, and especially the vineyards. However, it would be extra special to share the experience with my husband, since his dad’s side of the family is from Sicily and his mother’s side is from Northern Italy.

Best lesson learned as a child: There are consequences for every action. Some are good, and some are bad. Make your choices wisely.

Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment: I know this sounds cliché, but my best accomplishment is my family. My husband and I were married at 18 and became parents at 19 and 21. We have worked hard for the life we have and are so proud of both of our children and the amazing humans they’ve become.

A memorable dinner: Traveling to California with our parents as kids in our camper and going over the border into Mexico and having huge Lobster and homemade tortillas together.

A funny moment from your life that you can share: Honestly, too many to count! I try to find humor in everything and have done several humorous things in my life.

If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why: My dad. He passed away two years ago, and I miss his humor, unwavering love, and the way his face would light up when the grand and great-grandchildren came over to see him.

Describe yourself in one word: Dedicated

When you're not reading The West Side News, what book/author/magazine/other do you read: Real Estate news, of course! 

If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be: Chapter Two: Reinvented

Pet peeve: when people smack their food or gum!

Bad habit you’d like to break: when in deep thought or nervous moments, I pick at my cuticles. Terrible nervous habit.

Famous person(s) you have met, and the circumstances: As a child, met Tony Hawk at a skate park, and Wee Man at a bar during a business trip in South Carolina.

Favorite quote: “No amount of regret can change the past. No amount of anxiety can change the future, but any amount of gratitude can change the present.”— George Couros

Favorite part of The West Side News: Hearing about upcoming activities and community events and learning more about local businesses.