Whistler Realtor Q&A: Danielle Menzel

Q: What brought you to Pemberton?

A: I was raised in Pemberton! My Great Grandfather moved to Pemberton.

Q: What made you stay?

A: I love the small town feel, and appreciate the international influence and amenities offered in both Whistler and Vancouver. Just the sense of community as well, makes it a really special place.

Q: When did you first get into real estate?

A: I started as a conveyance secretary in 2002, became an agents assistant in 2004, and in 2008 I became a full time agent.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a property in Whistler or Pemberton?

A: It’s important to always take your time and look for the right fit for you. Get a feel for the area and find an agent that understands your needs and can work hard to find the perfect property for you.

Q: You work mainly in Pemberton, what are some of the differences between there and Whistler?

A: Pemberton is your typical small BC town with a twist. It’s a small town but it has a strong international influence, a thriving first nations community and is a destination unto itself. It has a much less transient population than that of Whistler. When you go to the grocery store you know everyone and it has more of a laid back pace.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about working with your clients?

A: My favourite thing is just getting to meet new people and help them achieve their goals.

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

A: I’ve asked myself this so many times and I really can’t think of anything I’d rather be. I suppose I would work with children – many years ago I worked at the Pemberton’s Children’s Centre and I have great memories.

Q: What’s your favourite season and why?

A: One of the things I love most about Pemberton is having the four distinct seasons, but if I had to choose I would have to say fall… or maybe summer. How can you choose?

Q: What makes you smile the most?

A: My son and my husband! They are my comic relief.

Q: What’s it like raising a family in Pemberton?

A: It’s so great raising a family here. There is a standing joke that there is something in the water – when you move to Pemberton you get a dog and then start a family – not necessarily in that order!

There are so many families here that there is always something going on and you have so much in common with your neighbours. It’s a very family orientated and youthful community.

Q: What was it like growing up in Pemberton?

A: It is the same but different. It was more secluded than it is now and was mainly a farming and forestry town. We knew every neighbour and most people had been here for generations. It felt like a very small town then, it was very safe and there was always someone to watch out for you. I still consider Pemberton very safe now.

Q: How do you decompress?

A: We like to go to Birkenhead Lake. We have a family cabin there and it’s the perfect place to go and unwind and spend time together.

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

A: I am proud of the success I have had in my business. I started in a really tough market and I’ve worked hard to get where I am and be self-sufficient. I think much of that is attributed to how much I love my job.

Also, finding a balance between my career and being the best mother that I can. Both are hard jobs but I seem to be pulling it off!

Q: Finally, in one sentence, why should people move here?

A: It’s an amazing community in one of the most beautiful settings in the world!

Find out more about Danielle and view her listings HERE.