The family man: Canberra principal Robert Peaker on balancing two offices and two boys

A proud born-and-bred Canberran, Peter Blackshaw principal, Robert Peaker, spent his childhood in Chapman before moving to Yarralumla. His discipline and ambition were sparked at an early age, with a first job doing letterbox drops, pounding the pavement, knocking on doors and working as a newspaper delivery boy for a newsagency before chasing a career in real estate.

Fast forward to now, with 19 years’ industry experience under his belt, Peaker heads up two offices – Tuggeranong and the shiny new Woden location – and a proud father to two boys, Archie and Harrison.

Was being an agent something you always strived to do or did you fall into it?

A bit of both. I started an economics and commerce degree at the ANU but thought, “these guys in real estate look like they live a pretty good life – drive around, go for coffees” – unfortunately, it’s not that simple. I started working as a PA for a principal while I was at uni part-time and absolutely loved it – the business, the flexibility and the process of helping people and doing deals. To my parents’ horror, I ditched my degree and went into real estate full-time.

You’ve just celebrated your $1 billion residential sales milestone, would you say this has been your biggest career achievement?

It’s one aspect that has made me really proud. It’s funny to think that when I first started, I thought I’d be happy to sell 100 properties, let alone nearly 1900. The other is that, over time, I’ve been able to work with a lot of great people who have gone onto becoming really successful.

Most memorable sale?

It’s not so much a specific sale, but the things I remember most are when you sell a house for a friend or family member and you get a great result – people you know who are facing hardship, perhaps they’re selling because of unforeseen circumstances. To be able to take that stress off them so they can get on with whatever it is they need to do – whether it’s medical, financial or family reasons – is what has stayed with me the most.

What do you consider your biggest achievement outside of work?

My two boys, Archie, 8, and Harrison, 10. Anyone who’s a parent will agree that it’s probably the most challenging job you could take on. Harrison is sporty and active; still loves his hugs and has lots of friends at school. Archie is his own person; he’s happy on his own and does his own thing. I try and drop in in-between appointments to see them play sport.

When I started out in real estate, I never thought one day I’d have two offices and two kids – maybe what’s next is a third child or a third office!

What if they turned to you one day and said “Dad, I want to be a real state agent”, what would you say?

I’d take a big, deep breath at first and say, “I think you’ve really got to think about this, boys”. It’s a very rewarding job but it’s also very demanding. You work nights, weekends, after hours, strange hours. I’d support and encourage them but they’d need to do it under their own steam.

Where can we find you on the weekends?

I’m not the best at it but I love playing golf. I split my time between the Federal and Royal golf clubs. And, I like to go to Little Garran at the Garran Shops for a morning coffee, or Farmers Daughter in Yarralumla.

Tell me a bit about Peter Blackshaw’s ongoing support for the Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation.

We’ve been involved for four years and we’re sponsoring the Spring Ball, which is fast approaching on September 13. A lot of our team help at the events and really get behind the cause. It’s not just about the monetary side, each year we drop off Christmas presents to kids in need. Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they’re not expecting anything, I just can’t explain it.

The ball is particularly poignant for you as your friend and colleague Rhys Summergreene, who passed away in January, was an enthusiastic supporter and fundraiser for children with serious and life-threatening illnesses. Share with us the impact that he had on you.

In 2017, despite being diagnosed with cancer himself, Rhys began a fundraising drive for the six-year-old Freyja Christiansen. His efforts brought the industry together and raised $75,000 that contributed to her specialised overseas cancer treatment. He was helping someone who he thought was worse-off than him and, looking back, what a wonderful legacy to leave behind. He always put others first.

I remember going to visit him in the oncology section of the hospital. He’d always turn up late but bring the nurses cookies, cakes or flowers and was immediately forgiven. There was a special chair in the corner and people would ask, “who’s chair is that?” because it was much more comfortable than the others while you’re sitting for hours getting treatment, and the nurses would save it for Rhys – he just had a way with people.