Whistler Realtor Q&A: Dave Brown

Q: Why did you move to Whistler?

A: I finished university at McGill in 1991 and my dream was to move to Whistler and teach skiing for one winter. At the time the ski school only hired 15 instructors, and luckily I was one of them! After that I didn’t turn back!

Q: How did your career progress in Whistler?

A: While I was working as a ski instructor I saw an ad in the local paper for a fishing guide and I ended up working for this company for a couple of years. After a while one of the owners decided they wanted to sell their interest, which I purchased. This happened again, and I became a half owner with the original founder.

I ran that company for 10 years until I sold it in 2003.

Q: When did you get into real estate?

A: In 2003. I was previously doing private ski instruction with Whistler Blackcomb and also owned Whistler Fishing Guides, which I was running. I then developed an interest in real estate and got my license and the rest is history.

Q: What do you enjoy about the Whistler lifestyle?

A: There is a such a huge, diverse range of recreation activities right on your doorstep, and at the same time your in a town that has a lot of big-town amenities, but with a small town feel.

We have fantastic restaurants, sports facilities and festivals happening all year round. It’s just a great place to be.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a property here?

A: You really need to give careful consideration to what your goals are. I always tell people there are three components to your purchase decision – your lifestyle, rental income, and future capital appreciation.

You need to put weighting on all three and determine exactly what you need and what you want from the property.

Q: What is your favourite thing about working with your clients?

A: It’s really just helping them reach their goals and make their dreams a reality. That’s the most rewarding part of this business. I always stay in touch with my clients and hearing from them afterwards and how much they are enjoying their property is great.

Q: If you weren’t a real estate agent what would you be?

A: I certainly lived the dream when I was teaching skiing and being a fishing guide, but I’m very passionate about what I’m doing now.

Q: What is it like raising a family in Whistler?

A: It’s fantastic! I’ve raised my three kids here and they’ve all grown up here and been involved in the whole lifestyle and recreation activities.

Q: How do you decompress or spend your ideal day?

A: It would probably be up the top of Whistler Blackcomb diving into some powder, or out on the river on my raft fishing for salmon! When I do have the time that’s what I like to do, and I love to do it with my kids.

Q: What accomplishment do you consider to be the most significant in your career of life?

A: It depends on what aspect of life. I consider having a family and raising three kids, and being a parent and husband as something I take a lot of pride in. In terms of career, certainly being recognised by the company as one of the top sales people and in the platinum level this year.

I also take a lot of pride in my commitment to the volunteer work I have done around Salmon and Steelhead conservation work and I’ve recently received an award from the National Recreational Fisheries Award, which is a huge honour.

Q: In one sentence, why should people come live here?

A: My favourite Whistler saying is: The winters bring you here and the summers make you stay!