Business

Table Talk with Mr. Andreas Szakacs

Published

4 years ago

August 31, 2020

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” Become more valuable. Do more. Give more. Be more. Serve more. Mr. Andreas Szakacs from Sweden preached the same philosophy and today stands on top of his game. He started his financial career around 2014 and today, he is the CEO of a FOREX trading platform, a Bank owner, a Venture Capitalist and an enthusiastic traveller.

He has worked extensively with European financial institutions and triumphed in delivering financial advising to East European companies. His intensive experience working with European customers has given Mr. Szakacs a unique vantage point when it comes to figuring out the primary challenges that customers face while transferring money from one country to another. Under his leadership and mentorship, several start-up banks and financial institutions have been able to turn a seemingly impossible idea into a tangible banking system that benefits people around the globe, including developing nations. He is also an avid financial investor in companies from the East European market. Today, we are here to recognize the real man inside the Financial Industry Veteran we all know. Our heartiest indebtedness to Mr. Szakacs for responding to our questions.

What accounts as your biggest accomplishment and what is your prime short-term goal?

I would account Omega Pro via which we helped 1000k people in the financial world. My target is to hit a million satisfied clients by the end of 2021.

What do you consider as your best characteristics?

I know I can be the hardest working person in the room, very patient, and marvelously ambitious.

Are you more inclined to “build your own empire” or unleash the potential of others?

I would unleash the potential of others to help me build my own empire. I appreciate aura, communication skills and presentability of a person more than anything.

Who is your idol in the business field and the supreme teaching you follow?

Mr. Jack Ma, the founder of Ali Baba is my idol. I preach his thought – “No matter how tough the chase is, you should always have the dream you saw on the first day. It’ll keep you

motivated and rescue you”.

If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

I will turn the globe towards world peace and eradicating poverty. I help organisations like My Big Day and The Fan Foundation to give back to the society.

Would you rather have exceptional wealth or exceptional intelligence?

I would choose exceptional intelligence. I know I can acquire the other with it.

Who is your favourite actor and actress?

I’m a huge fan of the sitcom FRIENDS. My favourite actress is Jennifer Aniston and I love the versatility of Matthew McConaughey.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m ex-military personnel and I have worked as a store manager.

What are your avocations besides work?

I am an avid traveller and I have visited 40+ countries. I enjoy experiencing different cultures and cuisines. I play polo and cherish long drives. Swimming and diving replenish me.

Business

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

Published

1 week 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.