Business

Young Entrepreneur Andrew Hristo On Harnessing the Power of the Internet

Published

4 years ago

September 26, 2020

When asked what he wants to be known for and what he’d like his legacy to be, Andrew Hristo passionately conveys the message of financial freedom and the opportunity we all have to live on our own terms. According to Andrew, these possibilities are within reach for everyone, and it’s all thanks to the internet.

When the internet hit its first screens all the way back in October 1969, we had no idea that the one, simple message of “L. O”–sent 350 miles to a Stanford research institute in California, and which led to a system crash–would change the way we live and do business. Recent years have seen an explosion of online businesses dominating the earning sphere.

Online businesses are far more accessible to people who don’t have the funds to put up major capital. While there’s a greater chance of success for everyone, it still takes incredibly hard work and courage to get started. The first few months–maybe even the first few years–might be slow going and one will have to play around to learn what works and what doesn’t. So what’s the motivation behind striking out on one’s own? Why not stay where they are, safe in their bubble that’s held up by someone else?

For Andrew, it’s all about doing something he enjoys, and not living a life where he has to count the days to his next paycheck. One can find something they love doing, and then create a business around that. If one wanted to do this 20 years ago, they would have to come from a wealthy family, have a magnificent stroke of luck, or put in decades of work before seeing a significant profit. With the internet, aspiring entrepreneurs have the chance to launch their companies from their homes with little overhead costs and minimal risk.

Andrew knows firsthand about the power of the internet. He’s fulfilled his goal of being able to generate multiple six figures a year from his laptop, which he cites as one of his biggest successes. Andrew didn’t come from money and he didn’t live in a major city. He’s also just 25 years old. Hailing from a small town in South Australia, Andrew initially dipped his toes into the world of e-commerce when he was only 13 years old. Having access to the internet allowed him to sell products across the country, rather than being limited to the people in his town.

To keep up with Andrew, you can follow him on Instagram at @andrewhristo.

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.