Business

Assessing the Value of Creative Input in Business

Published

3 years ago

October 9, 2021

Many people assume that starting up a business is all about making lots of money and indulging in luxurious profits. However, seasoned businessmen will say otherwise.

For a business to thrive, it is important to add a touch of creative input to really make an impact in the industry and allow customers to be captivated by your work. Creativity in business is an approach that inspires and challenges you to find innovative solutions and create unique opportunities to deal with problems.

That is also one of the major reasons why many prospering companies never fail to amaze us with their new and amazing business services or products – while on the other hand other companies just stick to their old and boring ideas.

In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, it was stated that creative thinking is one of the top three skills that are required to run a successful business. And to further prove our point, we will talk about one of the most highly accomplished innovative thinkers of our time, Kyle Noonan.

Kyle Noonan is a revered American restaurateur, entrepreneur, speaker and a T.V personality. He is also the owner of the prestigious FreeRange Concepts – a restaurant development firm based in Dallas specializing in creating innovative restaurant concepts.

His company initially started with just two employees but eventually made it to over a thousand employees in just four years. Plus, FreeRange Concepts is expected to grow even more than $100mm in annual revenue in 2021.

So what exactly made his company so famous? Here are a couple of his many establishments that have earned him his esteemed reputation.

Bowl & Barrel

In 2012, Noonan started his very first business venture through FreeRange Concepts called Bowl & Barrel. The restaurant had a bowling alley with a complete service modern American tavern including house-made specialties made by Chef Sharon Hage. Dallas was the first place the restaurant launched and eventually made it to San Antonio and Houston by 2016.

Mutts Canine Cantina

After getting a great response from his first venture, he decided to start another restaurant the following year called Mutts Canine Cantina.

Dog lovers especially loved this one as this place was a restaurant AND an off-leash dog park. This way, people were able to either have a relaxing time in the beer garden or play in the off-leash park.

The first location of the restaurant was in Dallas and eventually in Fort Worth in 2018. It also has eleven more units that are under process in various cities such as Arizona, Texas, etc.

The Rustic

This restaurant was launched in 2013 and was one of Noonan’s most famous business ventures. The restaurant was made in partnership with Grammy-nominated country music artist Pat Green.

The Rustic is a full-service restaurant with live music that started in Dallas, and eventually, its growing popularity led to its further establishments in Houston Downtown, Houston Galleria and San Antonio.

These restaurants are prime examples that show how unique ideas can make a significant difference in the business world and lead businessmen like Noonan to their success.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

5 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.