Fernie found them: How Phil and Claire Gadd built a life and a business in the Elk Valley

The couple behind First Tracks Real Estate Group share how community, connection, and a sense of place shaped their path

Claire and Phil Gadd fell in love with the Fernie lifestyle. — Photos courtesy Phil and Claire Gadd

Phil and Claire Gadd came for the mountains and stayed for the community. Then, they built a business helping others do the same. As the force behind First Tracks Real Estate Group, the Gadds have become the go-to experts for the Elk Valley’s specific property landscape.

​Despite the accolades and the impressive rankings, their approach remains refreshingly grounded. We spoke with Phil Gadd about the reality of the Fernie market, the power of a referral, and why "buying a life" is the ultimate local trend.

What originally drew you and Claire to Fernie, and what made you decide to build your real estate business here?

Honestly, Fernie chose us more than we chose it. We came for the mountains and the lifestyle, and then realized pretty quickly that this was where we wanted to put down roots. When we made the decision to get into real estate, building the business anywhere else never really felt like an option. This community is genuinely special, and we wanted to build something that reflected that. The fact that we get to help other people find their version of what we found here is the best part of the job.

Can you describe the moment you realized First Tracks was gaining real traction in the Kootenay market?

It was gradual rather than one specific moment. But I think when we started getting calls from people who had been referred by past clients we'd almost forgotten about, that's when it clicked. We hadn't chased those leads. They came back because someone they trusted told them to call us. That's when you know the foundation is solid.

Your team has grown largely through referrals and repeat clients. What do you think resonates most with the people you serve?

I think people can tell pretty quickly whether you care about the outcome or just the transaction. We've never been interested in the volume-at-all-costs approach. Fernie is a small town. Your reputation follows you everywhere, and we take that seriously. Most of our clients become people we genuinely keep up with long after the deal closes, and I think that comes through from the very first conversation.

What does being a two-time ICON Agent mean to you personally and professionally?

It's meaningful, but not in a trophy-on-the-wall kind of way. What it really represents is consistency. It tells me that the business is healthy, that we're doing the right things, and that the model we've built is actually working. Personally it matters because Claire and I have put everything into this, and recognition like that is a reminder that the hard work adds up.

Fernie is a unique mountain market. What challenges or surprises have shaped your approach to working here?

The biggest surprise was how emotionally driven this market is. People aren't just buying a property, they're buying a life they've been picturing for years. That changes how you work with someone. You have to understand what they're really looking for, not just what's on their checklist. The challenge is that inventory in a small mountain town is always limited, so you have to be patient and strategic. But that constraint also makes you a better agent. You learn to listen carefully and move decisively when the right thing comes along.

What does a typical day look like for you and Claire as partners in both business and life?

No two days look the same, which is part of why we both love it. Claire handles a lot of the client experience side, making sure people feel looked after at every stage, and I tend to be the one out in the market. We talk about work constantly, which sounds like it might be a lot, but it works for us. We've found a rhythm where the business doesn't take over the life, most of the time anyway. We're both pretty invested in Fernie beyond just real estate, whether it's trails, community events, or just being here. That balance matters to us.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering a move to Fernie or the surrounding communities?

Come and spend some real time here before you decide. Not a ski weekend, but a proper stay across a couple of seasons if you can. Fernie gets under your skin in a way that's hard to explain until you've felt it. The people who thrive here are the ones who fall in love with the place, not just the idea of it. And when you're ready to make the move, call us.

What are you most proud of when you look at how far First Tracks has come?

The relationships, without question. The ranking is fantastic and we're proud of it, but what I'm actually proud of is the trust people place in us. Some of our earliest clients are now on their second or third transaction with us, or they've sent us their friends and family. That's what you're really building toward. The #1 ranking is a byproduct of that. You do right by people, consistently, and the results follow.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that Fernie keeps surprising us. The market has evolved a lot since we started, and the caliber of people who are discovering this valley continues to grow. We feel fortunate to be the team that gets to help them find their place in it. There's nowhere else we'd rather be doing this.