The word on the street is that big changes are coming at Barker Realty … And that is true, it’s not what you think
David, I hear you have an exciting announcement?
David: I do! I recently transitioned the management of Barker Realty to Kyle Klain and Gabrielle Vigil. While they have been managing the company for the most part for nearly a decade, this makes it official. By taking away the day-to-day distractions of the business, I’ll be focused on what I enjoy best — working with our brokers and clients on their transactions, plus coaching and mentoring our brokers to enhance their success in the business. Barker Realty is not for sale, I am not retiring, and I am very excited about what lies ahead for the company.
Why did you choose Kyle and Gabs to take over management of the company?
David: Over the last few years, Lisa and I have come to admire and respect their integrity, work ethic, knowledge and enthusiasm. Kyle and Gabs come to the table with very unique abilities — Kyle with his creativity and vision, and Gabs with her organizational and operational skills. They complement each other completely, and as a team I am constantly wowed with how far they have moved this company forward in the last few years.
Kyle and Gabs, why the team management approach? Isn’t that unusual for a real estate company?
Kyle: The model we are moving into is very unusual, actually. Typically the Qualifying Broker is also the president and CEO. Over the years we’ve learned that this is too much to be done effectively by one person. After a lot of analysis, we are now implementing a more cohesive approach — a division of talents allowing us to focus on what we know helps our brokers and staff to succeed at the highest level.
Gabs: We like the term “Co-Leaders”. It’s an ideal collaboration — our skill sets complement each other and we have similar leadership styles, i.e. coaching, not top down. Our desire is to do the best we can to help elevate everyone in this company. We are all about innovation — take the ideas, flesh them out, and see what works best.
Kyle and Gabs, what are your plans for the company moving forward?
Kyle: First, let me say that Gabs and I are very appreciative of the generosity and trust Lisa and David have shown. We are in a unique position to continue to find the ‘win-win’ by carrying on their legacy of developing a place where people can have meaningful careers. It’s the best place possible for brokers to work in terms of staff availability, tools, technology and management support.
Gabs: We don’t want to be the biggest brokerage in Santa Fe, we want to be the best. Part of that is ensuring we have the right people, both staff and brokers, who share the same ideas and high morals. Barker Realty is known for its culture — that’s by design. Santa Fe deserves a strong independent brokerage that stands alone, and that is going to continue.
Laura, what’s your background and your new role at the company?
Laura: I’ve been in the real estate business for over 30 years, and I’ve known the Barker family since their children were small. A few years ago David approached me about becoming a part time backup Qualifying Broker, which has now transitioned into a full time job to ensure our brokers and clients always have the assistance of this vital role. I thoroughly enjoy it!
Kyle and Gabs, in a company that is heavily involved in the community, what is your community involvement and your plans for the company going forward in this regard?
Gabs: Born and raised in Santa Fe, I deeply love our community and have always been driven by service to Santa Fe. I have coached volleyball at local high schools for the last 15 years. Setting a good example for young women is very important to me. Moving into this role allows me to be a positive, strong example to them and hopefully a motivator in their lives.
Kyle: One of the things that attracted me most to Santa Fe was access to the outdoors. I’ve been president of the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society for the last three years and on the board for eight years. My wife and I are lifetime members of both Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and we are looking to spend more time working on conservation efforts with these organizations. A lot of people live here because of the incredible access to public lands and the outdoors and I feel it’s incumbent on us to ensure there is access to everyone, not just a handful.
Gabs: There are a lot of people in this community who want to help but don’t know how. Ultimately we want Barker to be the hub to organize the community to better support local nonprofits, similar to our recent drive for Española Humane.
What sets Barker apart from traditional or local owned brokerages?
Kyle: Ultimately, a community integrated real estate company is one that supports the aspects that make the community thrive and a town worth living in. If you’re not investing in that, it’s just a business transaction.
Gabs: A big upside to being a smaller local brokerage is that we can be flexible and respond quickly when the need arises. Having that independence and freedom to make changes allows us to be innovative. Being completely run by people who know Santa Fe deeply is a big advantage Barker Realty enjoys.
