We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chelsea Barraco. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chelsea below.

Chelsea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of proceeds to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

I donate a portion of every sale I make to Tierra Madre Horse &. Human Sanctuary. Tierra Madre is a non-profit forever home for abused/abandoned/neglected horses and a place of healing for them and for the people who spend time there. I started volunteering at Tierra Madre because I have always loved horses and volunteering makes me feel whole. I don’t practice an organized religion, but I feel like the ranch is my church. I come to serve, I come to work and sweat, and be present, and in doing so everything feels lighter. In many ways the modern world has robbed us of the joys found in the simplicity of life: bees working, birds singing, the way the sun feels on your back and the wind in your hair. And the satisfaction found in completing a physical job. When I leave each day I feel I’ve accomplished something, and I have. I’ve worked through things in my mind, I’ve mucked out, fed, turned out, cared for and connected with 26 restored souls, and I’ve spent time and shared life and laughs with people who have become my family. I learn something new there every week, whether its about life or humanity, or myself and what I need to work on.

I believe and know in my heart that horses heal the human soul. I have watched it more times than I can count, and every time it takes my breath away. It’s the closest thing to magic that I know to exist. I have watched people with autism connect and reach peace, I have watched broken hearts mend, children become confident and strong, and I myself have found purpose, joy, love, strength, and humility.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a commercial real estate broker. Prior to real estate I was in the hospitality industry and developed the soft skills and relationship building that makes for a good salesperson. I practiced residential real estate for 4 years and upon moving West to Arizona was given the opportunity to move into a more specialized niche. I love commercial real estate because it is so diverse. Commercial deals are so interesting to navigate, so dynamic, and can be so influential to changing a community.

And changing a community resonates with me. I think everyone desires an opportunity to make the world better in their heart of hearts, but some just don’t know where to start. And that’s the best thing, anyone can start, anywhere, with something small. You don’t have to be rich to make a difference. You just have to show up.

I am also extremely fortunate to combine my passion for horses with my work. This year I have had the opportunity to broker the sale of several commercial ranch properties

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My volunteer and charity work has most definitely helped me to build my reputation. I am constantly showing up, meeting new people, and networking organically that way.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been residential real estate agents. Typically, the public believes all real estate is the same, and thus will reach out to the realtor who has sold them a home. Often that realtor isn’t sure where to turn, our firm pays a referral fee to residential agents who bring us commercial business. As Arizona is a state that has thousands of real estate licensees, I have made a point to capitalize on that, and network frequently with residential agents to be their commercial partner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tinydesertagent
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.barraco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseabarraco/

Image Credits
Bottom photo by Kasey Kathleen