Applying the phrase "a rolling stone gathers no moss," one can say that Jorge del Busto has been pretty much moss-free.
The broker first stayed in the Windy City 1994-99; the second time was 2006-09 and he returned here in 2013. In between, he has lived around the world, in cities ranging from Los Angeles to Istanbul.
"The first time I left, it was for ambition," del Busto said. "Los Angeles is always looking for the best new thing, so that kept me on my toesand I got [noticed] internationally. I came back in 2006after I had started a fashion line and a fragranceand opened my own gallery in the arts district.
"The second time I left was because of the economic crisis. I went back to Argentina. I took a year off to live in the wine country, and I fell in love with the art of making wine. I also got my diploma to become a pastry chef and sommelier. After that, I got hired to work in Europe as a lifestyle coach."
He eventually settled in Istanbul, but left "because things started getting a little hectic, a little violent for me and my dogs," del Busto added. He then returned to California, then got a real-estate license and Florida and is now in Chicago to obtain the same thing.
In case one can't tell, the multifaceted del Busto has also had several interests in addition to his current career in real estate. He has been involved with designing, fitness training, modeling and painting, for example.
As for his life, del Busto has certainly had his valleys as well as his peaks. He shared that he was raped at age 5 ( and repeatedly suffered the same crime several times afterward ). Things only became worse when his brother told schoolmates what happened. "I then became introverted and polite," del Busto said. "But where I come from [his neighborhood in Argentina], I was bullied because that was seen as being [less masculine]."
However, after all that ( and other tough times, such as being homeless and even having suicidal thoughts ), del Busto has said he's learned to be more caring and considerate, and wants others to know one thing: "There is always hope. In life, you can be a victimor just grow out of it and improve yourself."
"Chicago has always been great," he said. "Not even the winters can keep me away. But I like to grow in my businesses, and I felt [initially] Chicago wasn't providing the international exposure I needed. If it works out, I just might stay here a very long time."
So, del Busto might just gather a little mossand continue becoming Chicago's gain.
THE STATS
Age: 45
Sexual orientation: "It's wherever the wind blowsand Chicago is the Windy City."
Neighborhood: Lake View
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Relationship status: "Single, and loving it."
Job title: International real-estate broker
Guilty pleasure: Ice cream
Best quality: "Overcoming life's obstacles"
Favorite Chicago activity: Walking with my dogs
Pets: Two dogsCoy and Cara