Business

Innovative Australian entrepreneur continues to disrupt the automotive industry

Published

4 years ago

October 9, 2020

Simon is the founder of a leading provider of innovative car products and accessories. Simon has been able to build a name around selling four-wheel drive products. He literally took the challenges he faced all through his life, found a solution to tackle the problem, and made it available to millions of people having a similar experience.

“So all my whole life, I have been tripping over by accident and falling into new things. In 2009, we put out our first product, designing for a 4-wheel drive on eBay and nobody else was doing it and it just took off like *3’47*. We were invited to four-wheel drive forums and tons of people heard about my product and they wanted to buy the product. So, yeah, it just built from there and the reputation,” Simon said.

The automotive industry has continued to grow over the years, with the market putting out tremendous figures in recent times. According to a report published by I. Wagner on Statista, the auto industry’s most important segments are commercial vehicles and passenger cars. While there are several solutions offered by different manufacturers and brands across the globe, many of such products do not meet the needs of consumers. This is where Simon and his team have been of immense help over the years with their range of ground-breaking products.

Simon has seemingly disrupted the automotive industry, thanks to the fantastic solutions offered by his company. The passionate entrepreneur stole the heart of different stakeholders in the industry over a decade ago doing 4-wheel drive shows, where customers and members of the public stroll in to see the solutions on display.

“At the very first show, my friend and I hired the tiniest booth you could get for $2000 and we sat there for 2 products. Now, our products are different for every single vehicle out there, so we just took the two that we made. We sat there all weekend and wrote down the car type and email address of those who wanted products like ours. I spoke to 24,000 people that weekend and rang back every single person over the next 2 months asking what product of ours they wanted to be built for their car. To do that I used my spare time from my day-to-day job packing shells for a souvenir company,” said Simon.

Simon has continued to grow his brand over the years thanks to exceptional service delivery.

Business

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

Published

2 weeks 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.