Macdonald Realty’s President and CEO, Dan Scarrow, grew up in a family immersed in the real estate industry. Despite that, he chose to explore other career opportunities, like banking. Read on to discover what Dan enjoys most about being at Macdonald Realty, his top advice for agents, and what he loves about working in this industry.
How did you get into the real estate industry? Real estate is in my blood. I grew up around it—my family’s been involved in the industry for years, so in some ways it was a natural path. But I didn’t jump in right away. I explored other opportunities first, working at BMO (Bank of Montreal), which was good training and more appropriate when you’re in your 20s.
It’s hard to start working as a real estate agent at any age, but it’s especially tough when you’re young as most of your contacts are not potential clients yet.
How does the expertise of the Managing Broker team contribute to your success in real estate? I have immense respect for our entire team of Managing Brokers. The knowledge and experience they have as a collective is second to none. I pick their brains daily and am grateful that we have such incredible resources within our company.
Above: Lynn Hsu, Macdonald Realty Executive Chair, and Dan Scarrow, President and CEO, record a special message before the company’s 80th Anniversary celebrations (2024).
What is one thing you wish you knew when you first got into real estate? I wish I’d understood just how entrepreneurial this business really is.
It’s not just about selling homes—it’s about building a brand, managing your time, setting boundaries, and investing in yourself. The sooner you start treating it like your own business, the more rewarding it becomes.
What is your advice to someone who wants to become an agent? It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I see too many agents get shot out of a cannon at the beginning of their career, and burn out or become discouraged before they achieve success.
Consistently doing the right things each day and being persistent at it are necessary, but not sufficient, to achieve success.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received (related to the real estate industry)? “Focus on relationships, not transactions.”
The agents who build trust and truly care about their clients are the ones who last. Everything else—referrals, growth, reputation—flows from that foundation.
Above (from left to right): Jason Feinstadt (Vancouver agent), Tim Russell (Vancouver Region Managing Broker), Simon Clayton (Vancouver agent), and Dan Scarrow prepare to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the Macdonald Realty Holiday Party (2024).
Why do you enjoy working in the real estate industry? It’s endlessly dynamic. No two days are the same. And watching our colleagues succeed and grow into their potential? That’s incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing like achieving and celebrating successes together.
What is your favorite thing about working at Macdonald Realty? The people. We have a culture that’s collaborative, professional, and genuinely supportive.
Whether it’s staff or agents, you feel like you’re part of something bigger. It can be a tough and even lonely business sometimes. It’s good to have a place to come back to.
What is a fun fact about yourself? I ran in the Boston Marathon. Not fast. But I finished!
What is your favorite quote? “Buy land—they’re not making it anymore.” – Mark Twain
What is a book that everyone should read? Not a book, but a podcast: Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway.
