Just Call Claudia

Claudia McLaughlin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HOME & GARDEN

Interior designer and move manager Claudia McLaughlin supports her clients through life’s most important moments: from reimagining a home's interior, to editing a lifetime’s worth of possessions, to moving into a new residence or a senior living community. Tune in to Just Call Claudia every other Monday as she and her guests share their wealth of knowledge about navigating these challenging but exciting transitions. Learn more about Claudia McLaughlin at cmfto.com.

Episodes

  1. How Real Estate Agents Can Support Clients and Connect with Their Communities, with Luxury Broker Suzanne Gignilliat

    5D AGO

    How Real Estate Agents Can Support Clients and Connect with Their Communities, with Luxury Broker Suzanne Gignilliat

    Luxury Broker Suzanne Gignilliat is known as the Velvet Hammer for her tenacious but soft touch in property sales, from single-family homes to co-ops. In this episode of Just Call Claudia, Suzanne discusses her journey to real estate, her work with CMFTO, and how both real estate agents and move managers can sometimes take on a therapy role during a move (and why that’s so helpful to clients). Suzanne also gives valuable advice for any real estate agents who are just getting established. Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation, coming in two weeks! Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. The best of the best, Suzanne runs a boutique practice that’s focused on luxury properties in the North Side of Chicago. When you hire Suzanne, you get Suzanne. Discreet, patient, tenacious, Suzanne wins sales awards and client praise year after year. While Suzanne specializes in high end properties in the near North side, her team’s client base is as diverse as the properties they represent: from first-time home buyers, to condos, co-ops, ( yes, especially co-ops) lofts, townhouses, single-family homes, and new construction projects. They welcome any and all inquiries. Suzanne lives the Lincoln Park life she sells: she’s connected, she can solve a need, she understands historic homes and landmarking. Very visual and creative, she will work side by side with you to present your home in the best light. Clients love working with Suzanne, whether it’s a condo purchase or a multi-million-dollar home sale; she’s the calm in the emotional business of buying or selling a home. Don’t be fooled by her low-key, gracious manner. When it comes to closing a deal, there is a reason Suzanne’s associates call her “The Velvet Hammer.”

    23 min
  2. Selecting the Right Level of Care in Senior Communities with Eric Klein of CarePatrol Chicagoland North

    JAN 19

    Selecting the Right Level of Care in Senior Communities with Eric Klein of CarePatrol Chicagoland North

    In this second half of a two-episode series with Eric Klein, he gives expert insight into navigating differences in readiness for care between seniors and their family members. Eric and Claudia also discuss the different levels of care communities, and the new technology that Eric is starting to see in his work. To close out this first season of Just Call Claudia, Eric discusses the importance of working with a professional team to manage a move into a senior community, and why the CMFTO team is the best at what they do. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Eric Klein, an experienced Patient Advocate, Care Manager, and Senior Advisor, has helped thousands of seniors and their families navigate the often overwhelming world of senior care. Eric brings deep expertise in dementia care, movement disorders like Parkinson’s and MS, and the daily challenges many older adults face as they age. Through his work with CarePatrol, Eric specializes in matching individuals with the right senior living solutions—whether it's assisted living, memory care, or in-home support—tailored to their unique needs and always at no cost to the client.

    19 min
  3. Navigating Family Dynamics in Senior Moves with Eric Klein of CarePatrol Chicagoland North

    JAN 5

    Navigating Family Dynamics in Senior Moves with Eric Klein of CarePatrol Chicagoland North

    Eric Klein, owner of CarePatrol Chicagoland North, talks with Claudia about navigating family dynamics in senior care and senior moves; his work helping seniors and families find the best-fit care environment with CarePatrol; and when is the best time for families to start addressing these decisions (hint: it’s never too early!). He also shares the personal story behind his career move into this field. This is part one of a two-episode series. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Eric Klein, an experienced Patient Advocate, Care Manager, and Senior Advisor, has helped thousands of seniors and their families navigate the often overwhelming world of senior care. Eric brings deep expertise in dementia care, movement disorders like Parkinson’s and MS, and the daily challenges many older adults face as they age. Through his work with CarePatrol, Eric specializes in matching individuals with the right senior living solutions—whether it's assisted living, memory care, or in-home support—tailored to their unique needs and always at no cost to the client.

    20 min
  4. Cultivating Community and Connecting Care Resources with Jessica Roote of Belmont Village Lincoln Park

    12/15/2025

    Cultivating Community and Connecting Care Resources with Jessica Roote of Belmont Village Lincoln Park

    As the Director of Community Relations at Belmont Village Lincoln Park, Jessica Roote has a unique and valuable perspective on connecting seniors with the community and care resources they need. In today’s episode, Jessica gives us a window into her world linking seniors living at Belmont Village Lincoln Park with the larger community. This can be as simple as trimming greenery so that residents can see the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood when they’re sitting on their patio! In this info-packed episode, Jessica also shares some strategies for touring and selecting senior communities. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Jessica Roote is the Director of Community Relations at Belmont Village Lincoln Park, a valued CMFTO partner. She transitioned into the senior living field following a career as a phlebotomist and nurse, experience that informs her clinically grounded and compassionate approach. Prior to joining Belmont Village, Jessica served as the Sales and Marketing Director at Ravenswood Supportive Living, where she strengthened her expertise in guiding and supporting older adults and their families.

    32 min
  5. Honoring the Past During an Exciting Move with Arline and Barry Kaufman

    12/01/2025

    Honoring the Past During an Exciting Move with Arline and Barry Kaufman

    Have you been wondering what working with CMFTO is like? This episode, with Claudia’s clients-turned-friends Barry and Arline Kaufman, gives an inside look into how a CMFTO project works, what it’s like to collaborate with CMFTO team members, and how impactful it can be to prepare your home for market, rightsize your possessions, move, and accessorize your new home in a meaningful way. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Arline and Barry Kaufman are dear friends of Claudia and the CMFTO team. Arline worked as a college admissions counselor and was also an instrumental volunteer at her children’s schools. Barry was a health reporter and producer for NBC Chicago and Chicago radio stations, and a trainer in media and crisis communication. The Kaufmans are now enjoying retirement in their beautiful West Loop condo.

    35 min
  6. Selecting the Right Senior Community with Fiona Forde of Trulee Evanston

    11/17/2025

    Selecting the Right Senior Community with Fiona Forde of Trulee Evanston

    Fiona Forde is head of sales at Trulee Evanston, where CMFTO coordinated and facilitated 95% of the initial moves when Trulee was launched in Evanston in 2021. Fiona has so much to share about making the decision to move to a senior community—and how to select the community that’s right for you. She gives an overview of the care options and partnerships offered by Trulee, including some cutting-edge technology that keeps residents safe. If you’re looking for a senior community, today’s episode is a must-listen. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

    30 min
  7. Meaningful Moves with Lyric Hughes Hale of EconVue

    11/03/2025

    Meaningful Moves with Lyric Hughes Hale of EconVue

    In this episode, Lyric Hughes Hale—an instrumental voice and founder in independent economic and financial journalism—and Claudia discuss their journey coming up together in the Chicago business community and how their careers have grown since those early beginnings. CMFTO has been there for Lyric through two important, complex moves: first from the city to Winnetka with a huge library of books in tow, and then from Winnetka to a unique, four-story home in the city where Lyric made her own Japanese garden. Listen to hear more about these moves and how these two women have impacted each other’s lives and careers. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. CMFTO client, friend, and podcasting inspiration Lyric Hughes Hale is the founder of EconVue, a platform for independent journalism in finance and economics. She is also the host and editor-in-chief of EconVue’s podcast The Hale Report, and Director of Consulting & Global Research for Hale Strategic.

    34 min
  8. The Importance of Client Relationships with Sotheby’s Realtor Nancy Nugent

    10/20/2025

    The Importance of Client Relationships with Sotheby’s Realtor Nancy Nugent

    In this continued conversation, Claudia and Nancy talk about the challenges and rewards of staging properties and building relationships with their clients. Nancy also covers current trends in real estate, managing differing opinions between her clients and their adult children, and recalls the first time she met Claudia. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Nancy Nugent is known as a leading expert in the Chicago luxury market and the luxury home market of the North Shore. Nancy's current affiliation with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty brings a wealth of diversified experience in the industry and a reputation for excellence in the luxury residential market. She was a top sales agent at two legendary companies, Koenig & Strey and Rubloff. She owned her own brokerage firm and she was Director of Sales for Related Midwest (formerly LR Development Company). She was the leading sales broker for the iconic PARK TOWER, 840 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE and 340 ON THE PARK. Nancy loves her work and derives great satisfaction in converting clients' wants and needs into reality—and clients consistently say that she is fun to work with! Nancy served on the Board of Directors of the prestigious The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) of New York City, and she also served on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Parks in Chicago. She has been featured as an authority on real estate trends by NBC Nightly News. She was identified as a top broker by Crain's Chicago Business and as "Megabroker of the Midwest" by Unique Homes magazine. Her perspective on the market is continuously sought after by real estate news outlets. Her own residence at 840 N. Lakeshore Drive was the cover story in Midwest Home Chicago and she was asked to host a tour of her home for the popular NBC LXTV Open House program featuring high-styled Chicago city residences. Keep up with Nancy on Instagram at @nannynugent.

    18 min
  9. Realtor Nancy Nugent Just Called Claudia...and the Rest Is History!

    10/13/2025

    Realtor Nancy Nugent Just Called Claudia...and the Rest Is History!

    Almost 25 years ago, one of Nancy Nugent’s real estate clients was in crisis: she needed to relocate quickly—in six weeks!—and rightsize her possessions to fit a smaller home. “I’ll call Claudia,” Nancy thought, “because she’s the only person I can think of who might have the skill set to do this.” And the rest is history! Listen along for the full story of how CMFTO came to be, and learn more about Nancy’s celebrated career as a specialist in luxury real estate in Chicago’s North Shore. Learn more about CMFTO on our website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Nancy Nugent is known as a leading expert in the Chicago luxury market and the luxury home market of the North Shore. Nancy's current affiliation with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty brings a wealth of diversified experience in the industry and a reputation for excellence in the luxury residential market. She was a top sales agent at two legendary companies, Koenig & Strey and Rubloff. She owned her own brokerage firm and she was Director of Sales for Related Midwest (formerly LR Development Company). She was the leading sales broker for the iconic PARK TOWER, 840 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE and 340 ON THE PARK. Nancy loves her work and derives great satisfaction in converting clients' wants and needs into reality—and clients consistently say that she is fun to work with! Nancy served on the Board of Directors of the prestigious The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) of New York City, and she also served on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Parks in Chicago. She has been featured as an authority on real estate trends by NBC Nightly News. She was identified as a top broker by Crain's Chicago Business and as "Megabroker of the Midwest" by Unique Homes magazine. Her perspective on the market is continuously sought after by real estate news outlets. Her own residence at 840 N. Lakeshore Drive was the cover story in Midwest Home Chicago and she was asked to host a tour of her home for the popular NBC LXTV Open House program featuring high-styled Chicago city residences. Keep up with Nancy on Instagram at @nannynugent.

    13 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Interior designer and move manager Claudia McLaughlin supports her clients through life’s most important moments: from reimagining a home's interior, to editing a lifetime’s worth of possessions, to moving into a new residence or a senior living community. Tune in to Just Call Claudia every other Monday as she and her guests share their wealth of knowledge about navigating these challenging but exciting transitions. Learn more about Claudia McLaughlin at cmfto.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Claudia McLaughlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CMFTO
  • Show Website
    Just Call Claudia