Business

New York Entrepreneur Will Makris Assures New York Is Not Dead

Published

4 years ago

October 10, 2020

Panic consequently set in from viral posts about New York being dead. People believe anything they read these days, but as a New York resident, I can assure you, it is very much alive. Yes, we have experienced major setbacks from the pandemic, but what city hasn’t? Anyway, New York is notorious for being busy, even nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps.” People, those pictures on Twitter of empty streets, are from March. New York is getting back into full swing, the traffic is heavier, and every neighborhood restaurant is packed outdoors until curfew…and maybe even a little after. Though most of us are being health-conscious, the hustle and bustle to get the economy back are powerful. Entrepreneur Will Makris is a believer that New York is not dead, and his restaurants and recent private club opening serve as proof.

Makris, a hospitality veteran, is a co-owner of multiple successful restaurants in Manhattan. He has experienced the ups and the overwhelming amount of downs 2020 has offered. Through it all, he remained optimistic and kept the high morale of his staff and partners. Since restaurants were deemed essential, Makris and his partners kept their doors open for takeout while abiding by all regulations and proper employee testing. The optimistic leader and his team felt compelled to give some sort of hope to the people of New York.

Lola Taverna, the relatively new kid on SoHo’s block, pushed through winter and the pandemic. Since it survived both, it could probably survive anything. Makris and his partner Cobi Levy opened the popular Greek spot nearly a year ago and, more recently, were able to redesign the outdoor space to give the community a refreshing escape from all the chaos. It is now packed every night of the week and breathing life back into social interactions. Makris and Levy’s other must-visit spot Little Prince, located down the street from Lola, famous for its crowd-pleasing, dietary accommodating dishes, has been around for seven years and is currently available for private events. The duo has plans to build on the brand and are currently constructing a more elevated version of the concept.

“The city has been picking up and people are streaming back in and becoming more comfortable with socializing,” Makris said. “We have absolutely seen an uptick in business, and I believe it will continue to increase.”

The restaurant business took a hit, but with regulations lifting and the spread being contained, it is expected that these restaurants will experience a revenue spike; some may even make up for lost momentum.

Now, packed restaurants are not the only sign of hope. Makris and his other business partner Scott Sartiano have been given the green light to open their private membership club next week. Zero Bond, which has an adequate and safe number of members already, will absolutely attract more elites to New York in the near future. Not only that, but it serves as an example that opening or starting a project during a pandemic is very achievable. New additions to the great city of New York definitely means it’s not dead.

Overall, New Yorkers are tough, and when faced with adversity, they will join in solidarity and do whatever to make a comeback. From what I have seen, everyone is getting out as much as possible to support businesses and ensure New York stays alive.

Business

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

Published

3 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.