New Career Update

Hi Family Friends, Colleagues,

I wanted to share an exciting life update.  Recently I have made the decision to pivot my career away from software sales, and into real estate. I wanted to share some insight into how I made the decision to make such a dramatic and exciting career change. 

I spent 12 years working in sales for fast growing start-ups. Starting off my career at a software start-up “Zuora”, I received an offer for an entry level sales role (think booking intro meetings on behalf of more experienced "closers"). Over the years I grew my career and found success in various field sales roles.  Being a part of the transformation from an 100 person company to going through an IPO, I felt a strong connection to Zuora for two reasons. Firstly, I am truly proud to have contributed to the amazing growth of the company and to have been a part of a unique family-like culture which took the company on a successful journey. Secondly, and more importantly, I started my own family at Zuora. I met my wife Brooke who worked in Sales Operations and we married and had our first child Grace (now 5) during my time there. I still talk regularly to several of my Zuora colleagues and look at my time there as one that will influence the rest of my career and life. 

I left Zuora after an amazing 8 years.  The goal was to repeat the Zuora experience, but now beginning the new chapter as a high performing closer after learning from the World Class Sales team at Zuora. I would have a distinct advantage to growing my earnings and being part of another startup which grows to extreme success. This brought me to Celonis, a German based software darling, who had the makings of a life changing company for my career (100%+ YOY Growth, ability to raise capital at exploding valuations, dozens of multi-million dollar per year subscriptions, plans to capture the NA market at a rapid clip). While financially this was positive, the experience was different as I was remote and found it difficult to connect to the company and business slowed down considerably during covid. This felt like a crossroads.

By this time in life, Brooke and I had two more girls (Paige 3, Blake 1) and our needs were changing fast. Life was hectic, and my time and energy was constantly a game of tug of war between my job and my family (not to mention trying to make time for health, friendships, personal passions, etc.). On one hand, I felt somewhat compelled to make career decisions primarily on the basis of finances. However, after more thought and discussion with Brooke, we agreed that the way to financial success would be to find something I could find true passion for again, and the financial success would follow. I knew in my heart of hearts that selling software could be fun and very rewarding at times, but that there was definitely something different out there for me.

I have been intrigued with the broad industry of real estate ever since Brooke and I purchased our first home. Sparking my interest, I found myself constantly reviewing homes, evaluating opportunities for investment properties, finding fixer uppers and making plans for remodels and  potential profits. Looking at wineries and vineyards for sale, and learning the challenging economics of owning one for profit. During our own home remodel, I enjoyed surviving the process of solving problems, juggling multiple vendors, deadlines, and most of all working with people. Striking a balance between not blowing out our budget but still loving the outcome for our home was a welcome challenge and only deepened my interest in real estate.  

The first step was to have conversations with people who I knew were successful in this industry. One conversation stood out amongst the rest. I asked my real estate agent, Ben Barbic, for coffee. He had helped us buy our first home, and then sell it 6 years later and buy a true dream home for us. He had become a friend over the years, someone I trusted as an expert in  the industry, and who was exceptional at what he did. I didn’t go to coffee with a planned agenda, I thought we would catch up and share my thoughts on changing careers, and listen to his opinions. Although I had already pursued the change with a first fixer-upper project, the idea of becoming an agent and marketing myself to the world to solicit business was sort of daunting, as a typically private person. 

Ben and I got to talking, and sharing with one another our “dream lives.” What would our lives look like if nothing held us back? It turns out, our aspirations had a ton of similarities. Furthermore, we had completely different skill sets which were an excellent match to help one another achieve our aspirations. We were both at unique career points, wanting something different and better, and we’re in search of the best path to get there. Within an hour or two, it was clear there was a path to becoming business partners in some capacity. We immediately started pouring over ideas, both brimming with excitement at the possibilities. After a few unexpected hours of working out our new businesses - Ben and I were going to partner as a new real estate team. After telling Brooke the exciting news, she could tell I had more passion than I ever really had in my tech career and it was the right risk to take.

Here is a quick summary of my new career. I plan to spend a majority of my time as a realtor buying and selling homes on behalf of clients. I’ll continue to grow that business with a goal to eventually build out the development business further (think fixing and flipping single family homes locally) and to pursue other potential real estate revenue opportunities. My goal is to be known as the realtor who knows the most about utilizing real estate as an investment, and helps clients understand and plan for their financial futures, on top of buying homes that fit their lifestyles.

Today, only 4 months after our original coffee meeting, Ben and I are excited to present the official launch of The Barbic Vaughan Real Estate Group

A team representing high value homes in micro markets we know cold

A brand that showcases the ideals we live in our personal lives and our motivated lifestyles

A style that uses creative and bold choices to stand out amongst the rest 

And a group that works tirelessly to balance having great family lives, while making sure everything we do is world class for our clients

Welcome to The Barbic Vaughan Real Estate Group

Respectfully, Peter

PS. If you would like to help me grow my new business, please send me any client referrals, or simply words of wisdom.