A philosophy searching for a profession

Growing up, Vanessa knew she wanted to help people for a living. The philosophy was clear – the profession, less so. And she’d always dreamed of a family-focused life.

“My dad kept a card from me when I was really little,” recalls Vanessa. “He gave it to me when I had my first child. It said: All I want to be is a mum when I grow up.”

Today, she’s already achieved that – and so much more. Vanessa is a Gary Peer veteran with a spark for sales – all while raising two kids under three and caring for her community.

 

 

Vanessa’s ambition was evident from the day she turned 14 years and 9 months, joining the McDonald's crew at St Kilda. Then she steered her career from fast food to the fast-paced world of event management. 

It was an intense, invigorating new industry, but Vanessa had the skills to succeed – and the drive to thrive. She was eager to excel and see where her career took her next.

“After working events for Red Bull, I saw a job advertised in the Leader newspaper for a property manager at a small Brighton-based real estate agency. It combined two of my greatest passions – property and people – and the role was local. It seemed like a good fit.

“On my first day I was handed a big set of keys and told to start visiting properties. I knew I'd learn quickly. But on those first few days? I had no clue what I was meant to be doing when I got to those properties!”

 

Safe hands juggling many moving pieces

In 2009, Vanessa joined the Gary Peer team. Before long, she was managing a portfolio of over 200 properties and successfully listing new properties regularly from client referrals.

So, how did she do it? And what traits does it take to succeed in property management?

“Organisation and reliability are key,” says Vanessa. “If you need me to do something, you know I'll do it. Property management has so many moving pieces – you simply can’t afford to lose track.”

She adds that life as a property manager is highly varied. No two days are the same. 

“From checking rent arrears and going through countless emails to regularly listing new business and securing successful tenancies, there’s always something going on.

“You need to have empathy for everyone. To be able work through frustrations on both sides – guiding tenants and landlords towards a fair outcome for all.”

 

 

Connecting with peers at Gary Peer

Vanessa’s been part of the Gary Peer family since it was just two Caulfield offices and 30 people – now, there’s well over 100. 

“Even as we’ve grown, Gary and Phillip have retained that close-knit family feeling throughout the team. They pick the right people for the right role and treat everyone well.” 

As a mum with two young kids, Vanessa values how the leadership team always puts family first.

“They trust the people they hire. And that trust and respect extends both ways.

“It's simply a fun place to work. They value and invest in team events. In fact, I’ve made some of my closest friends at Gary Peer – Jenny among them.”

 

Shifting gears to accelerate her career

In late 2022, after she’d worked close to one and a half decades in property management including 3 years managing the Bentleigh rental department, Vanessa’s phone rang.

On the other end?  Bentleigh Director Leon Gouzenfiter, with a question.

“What are your thoughts on moving into sales? No pressure, but I think you’d be a great fit.”

Vanessa was unsure. She knew property management well – really well. Why risk something new and unknown? After taking some time to think, Vanessa – buoyed by the support of her team – decided she was ready for another challenge. 

So she did what she always did – she backed herself.  Vanessa's now in the first few months of her sales career and relishes the vibrancy that the role brings.

“I love that I get to help people find their dream home. The role is fast paced, but you're working with people to write that next chapter in their life.

“It can be tough, at times, with rejections. But you need to be able to get back up. As Phillip often quips: You need to able to eat s**t and smile. Resilience is such an invaluable skill to strengthen – professionally and personally.

“Thankfully, we have a great bunch of people around us who have been through it all before. We’re all eager to offer support and help each other thrive.”

 

 

Playing her part to drive down hunger

Vanessa’s childhood philosophy of helping people has held true throughout her life. And today, that lifelong desire to support others – and help those less fortunate – is stronger than ever.

After her mum’s travel business closed overnight – a victim of the pandemic – Vanessa felt compelled to learn more about people experiencing homelessness. 

“Most people living on the streets are victims of domestic violence,” says Vanessa. “Many others are older women who have lost a husband, never worked and found themselves unable to continue to pay the bills. That hit home hard.

“I thought, if we weren’t already in a stable spot, this could easily be my mum. I had to do something.”

Throughout the pandemic, Vanessa would cook 50 meals each Friday – then drive around the city to hand them out to people living in crisis accommodation in empty city hotels. Thankfully, her mum’s business has now fully recovered. Yet Vanessa remains committed to the cause.

“I work with Foodbank Victoria where I do food drives for those experiencing food insecurity – often single mums and children.  So many people in our community need our help.

“And we can all play our part.”

 

A community to call home

For Vanessa, Brighton East is, and always will be, home. 

“I’ve got a one-year-old and a three-year-old at home. My dad lives four houses down and mum’s just a two-minute drive away. Family and friends are around at my home all the time.

 

 

“I love heading down to the beach. We often cycle with the kids, so being close to the water is a treat. It's such a nice area with lively cafes and a genuine community feel. There's a lovely fruit and veg place nearby that I’ve ventured to ever since I was a child. Every corner feels like home.” 

Looking ahead, Vanessa is eager to work hard as she continues to sharpen her sales skills – all while balancing her role as a mum.

“The beauty of real estate is you can work to your schedule. You can go to your appointments after the kids are asleep and work the schedule that suit you. There’s no ceiling to what you can achieve.

“I’ve still got plenty to learn to succeed in sales. But I’m confident I’ve got what it takes.”

 

 

Want more insights into the lives of the Gary Peer team? Tap into the softer side of Darren Krongold or meet our Carnegie Director Leor.