#WeAreVTS: Meet Max Saia, VP of Data & GTM Strategy
The VTS team consists of folks with a diverse set of personalities, talents, and perspectives, and we want you to meet them! That’s why we’ve created this #WeAreVTS blog series to highlight some of the many outstanding people we have at VTS, get a closer look at the dynamic lives they have, and continue to create an environment where each VTSer can be their authentic self.
Without further ado, here's our interview with Max Saia — VP, Data & GTM Strategy!
In a sentence or two, can you explain what you do here at VTS?
Hi Louisa! I am responsible for all strategy, packaging, pricing, and delivery of anything related to VTS Data, which is our aggregated and anonymized data platform.
Where are you based right now?
I’m based in San Diego, California.
Can you describe your professional journey and how it led you to VTS?
Coming out of school, I started as an economic consultant. I discovered commercial real estate (CRE) by raising my hand to handle the CRE updates for customers at a small consulting firm. I eventually took a research role at CBRE covering the office market.
That role led me through a winding journey—from brokerage research to the economic forecasting team at CBRE Econometric Advisors, and eventually to the “buy side” with the Irvine Company.
Throughout these roles, I became a heavy data user. I saw the gaps in the industry, specifically the lack of real-time information flow. Bridging the gap between top-down data and bottom-up anecdotes is challenging. When I saw how VTS was addressing this—essentially building the intelligence layer that powers modern commercial real estate lease management software, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It was a natural opportunity to help bring a much-needed solution to the market.
What excites you about your work and what makes you proud to be a VTSer?
The environment and the people are fantastic. Everyone is an A-player willing to "flex" beyond their job description to support the team.
One of my proudest moments was the launch of VTS 4. Seeing a Data product we built from scratch finally come to life, and watching customers leverage it in new ways, was incredibly rewarding.
Personal Tidbits: Dream Jobs and Hobbies
- Growing Up: When I was little, I wanted to be an orchestra conductor (thanks to Fantasia!). Later, I wanted to be a fighter pilot like in Top Gun, but my eyesight had other plans.
- Free Time: I’ve played bass since 7th grade and love going to live shows.
- Nature: Living in San Diego, I take full advantage of the weather by hiking and running.
Solving Global Problems
If I had a magic wand, I would shift the world away from a zero-sum mindset. I believe a growth mindset—understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats—would make the world happier, more productive, and wealthier overall.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Prioritize Transparency: Things will break and mistakes will happen. If you communicate clearly and show how you’re making things better, you will go far in your career.
Step outside your comfort zone: The times you are most nervous to volunteer for a project are exactly when you should step forward. That is where the most learning happens.
Keep the customer in mind: My experience as a server taught me that every job is a customer service task. If you make people feel heard and comfortable, they will be happy.
