Get to Know the Broker: Vickey Barron of Compass

Vickey Barron, an associate broker at Compass, knows how to get deals done — and all with the perfect mix of intelligence, charm, charisma and a take-no-nonsense attitude. It’s what makes her one of the best real estate brokers in the business. 

Barron, 69, has worked on more than 600 sales during her career and earned a slew of awards, including the Real Estate Board of New York’s Rookie of the Year award in 2001 and the board’s Eileen Spinola Distinguished Service Award in 2015. Barron has done an endless amount of million-dollar deals, but for her, the value of her job isn’t money — it’s the difference she can make in someone’s life. 

“People always want me to talk about commissions and big sales, and I just am a strong believer that our purpose in this role of real estate is not money and commission and who has the biggest numbers,” Barron said. “It’s really about serving people.”

Commercial Observer caught up with Barron in August for a new series called “Get to Know the Broker,” where we connect with residential brokers to learn more about what makes them tick. 

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Commercial Observer: What was the biggest deal of your career?

Vickey Barron: Ironically, this is not the one with the highest sale price or largest commission. In our business, there tends to be an emphasis on the commissions and money earned, but, going back to basics, we are in the business of helping people find homes and find solace. 

My biggest and most important deal was helping a 93-year-old woman negotiate a life estate so she could remain in her West Village townhouse after the sale took place. Sometimes we get caught up and forget that we’re all human and we age. Life has chapters, and our contributions matter. This deal had the biggest and most positive impact in my career.    

What is your career Everest? 

When clients know they can count on me, they stay loyal for years. Trust is what keeps the phone ringing — that’s the secret sauce. 

I also wrote a book to share that anything is possible! It was a highlight in my career to put a pen to paper and document important life stories and real estate wisdom in “Every Move Matters.”

Who has been your biggest influence? 

Dr. Robert Gumbiner, who I had the privilege of meeting and working with for 20 years. He taught me to solve problems creatively and think outside of the box, focus on strength rather than being consumed with weaknesses. He emphasized the value of surrounding yourself with talented people, which I am so fortunate to have in my incredible team. 

Dr. Gumbiner’s influence shaped not only how I work, but how I lead, make decisions and serve others.

Who is your favorite architect and/or designer of all time? 

Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch from Roman and Williams. Their ability to use materials creatively to tell a story is truly brilliant; the narrative it creates has a ripple effect.

What is your funniest deal story? 

I didn’t connect the dots and recognize that the buyer was a famous chef. I insisted on educating him on the value of induction cooking and a vented hood, as well as pointing out all the food hot spots in the area. Perhaps I should watch more TV!  

What TV show are you currently binging? 

When I’m not selling real estate, I spend my downtime weaving fabric and cooking. 

What is your silliest pet peeve?

The wrong scale and placement of furniture, too many pillows on a bed — the list can go on.

What’s on your Spotify playlist? 

Classical radio, the Cranberries, and Creedence Clearwater.

Amanda Schiavo can be reached at aschiavo@commercialobserver.com.