Tim Pareti was born and raised on the north side of Chicago. An award-winning journalist, he worked as a reporter and editor for Scripps newspapers and was a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune. He's currently a Realtor and Illinois Certified Residential Appraiser in Chicago. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a bachelor’s degree in English and business. He earned a Master of Science degree in journalism from Texas A&M Commerce. He enjoys playing jazz and blues guitar and softball. He lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife and two awesome kids.