Back to where it all began

Ten years ago, three Gary Peer careers were just getting started.

And Partner and Licensed Estate Agent Daniel Peer certainly knew how to make a first impression.

‘I drove into the car park, and I crashed straight into one of my colleagues’ cars,’ Daniel laughs. ‘It turned out that was the person I was going to be directly answering to.’

Head of Marketing Adam Lipszyc’s arrival was slightly less destructive – although no less nerve-racking.

‘I was very, very nervous,’ Adam remembers. ‘I kept getting my colleague’s names mixed up.’

For Business Development Manager Dani Krstic, the details of her first day a decade ago are a little hazier.

‘I don’t remember the day, but I remember the feeling,’ she says. We all know the one: the heart-in-your-throat, butterflies-in-your-belly, first-day feeling.

Three very different first days. But safe to say, none of them could’ve known they were starting a journey that would still be going from strength to strength, 10 years later. (Except maybe Daniel Peer, who might have had a hunch.)

 

 

The 10-year highlight reel

So, what does it feel like to officially join the club?

‘It’s rewarding,’ Dani says. ‘I’m proud of myself for being here so long.’

For Adam, the dinner itself puts the milestone into perspective.

‘Being on the marketing team, we’ve always known about the 10-Year Club’s dinner,’ he says. ‘But to sit here now, actually a part of it, and to look around and see people in the 20- and 30-Year Clubs, too, it’s very inspiring.’

And Daniel?

‘The best thing about joining the 10-Year Club is that it’s only been 10 years!’

Favourite memories between them differ. For Dani, it’s the Christmas parties, where we go ‘all out’. The intergenerational teamwork has been a highlight for Daniel. And for Adam, it’s bearing witness to the astronomical growth the business has seen over the past 10 years.

 

 

A decade of achievements

Ten years is a long time. Long enough to change roles, build teams, take on new challenges – and collect a few career milestones along the way.

For Dani, one stands above the rest.

‘My biggest achievement over the last 10 years is definitely transitioning into my Business Development Manager role.’

Adam’s proudest moments are tied to the growth within his department.

‘To see the marketing team evolve to over 10 people in 10 years is incredible,’ he says.

Then there’s Daniel, whose decade has brought two milestones he finds almost impossible to separate.

‘One of the biggest achievements in my 10 years has been officially being ranked the number two agent by the Herald Sun in Victoria,’ he says. ‘It actually coincided with being made Partner. Those two things are probably on equal footing for me, to be honest.’

 

 

What keeps someone around for 10 years?

These days, a decade in one workplace doesn’t happen by accident. So, we had to ask: What’s kept them here?

Dani has two answers.

‘Definitely all the amazing opportunities I’ve been given,’ she says. ‘And Jenny Caughey.’

Adam’s answer follows a similar theme.

‘The thing that’s kept me here for the last 10 years is the number of opportunities I’ve been given,’ he says. ‘But also, the amount of support. From everyone.’

As for what’s kept Daniel here?

‘What do you think?’ He laughs in reply.

Which is a fair point – his surname does give us a small clue.

But jokes aside, there’s something that comes through in all three answers. Over 10 years in a business, titles change. Teams change. The business grows. But it’s the opportunities you’re given – and the people you experience them with – that tend to stick.

 

 

Advice for the next 10-Year Club members

After 10 years, you pick up a thing or two. So, what would our newest club members tell someone walking into Gary Peer for their own first day?

Dani’s advice? Say yes.

‘Step out of your comfort zone and take the chances that come your way.’

Adam agrees – but adds that you shouldn’t be afraid to make yourself heard while you’re at it.

‘Don’t sit in the corner. Grab at every opportunity you can.’

Daniel’s advice is to put in the work, but make sure you enjoy the ride.

‘This industry is incredibly rewarding,’ he says. ‘So if you work hard and play hard, 10 years will go by just like that.’

 

 

Three new members, in Gary’s words

Of course, we couldn’t welcome three new members into the 10-Year Club without hearing from the man whose name is on the door.

First up, Adam.

‘Adam’s been key to much of our development and growth in both social media and marketing,’ Gary says. ‘We’re really happy to welcome him to this club.’

Then there’s Dani, whose decade has taken her through property management and new business development.

‘We’re very excited for Dani,’ he says. ‘She’s a hard worker, and we’re incredibly grateful to have her.’

And finally, Daniel – who has taken a particularly comprehensive route through the business.

‘Daniel started in property management, worked his way through customer service, and fulfilled his sales apprenticeship,’ Gary explains. ‘Today, he runs his own team as a residential sales specialist and has become a Partner in the business.’

Three people who arrived at Gary Peer 10 years ago. Three very different stories since. And now, three more seats around a table that just keeps getting bigger.

 

Think you could be one of our future 10-Year Club members? Explore careers at Gary Peer and see where your story could take you.