Sarkis with Bishop Tarabay and members of the family
IN accepting the prestigious title, Mr Nassif acknowledged his indebtedness to his family.
He said: “I have been very blessed by the people that God has put me in my life,” he said. “Early on my journey, I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice through my parents. They taught me not to take anything for granted and they taught me to lead by example.”
“Starting Holdmark was a challenge, however, it taught me to never do anything you are not a passionate about ... and I am very passionate about Holdmark.
“Australia, my adopted country has given me so much.
I only hope that, through the relationships I have established, we can together continue to ‘give back’ to the community, and create great places, for people to call home. ”
Peter Daly announces the victory of Sarkis Personality of the Year
“I am privileged to work in this industry and do something I love every day. To all the contractors and workers, thank you for creating homes and providing shelter to our community. To the construction team onsite from foremen to apprentices, allow me to also say thank you.”
Sarkis Nassif, the Urban Taskforce’s Property Person of the Year, has come a long way since arriving in Australia from Lebanon in 1987.
At that time, he was in his early 20s with no ability to speak English but a strong will to succeed.
He worked extremely hard to put a deposit on his first home within a year of working in Sydney.
From those early struggling days, Mr Nassif created his own building company about 30 years ago. Holdmark has since grown to become a major developer in Sydney.
Mr Nassif’s first development project was in Victoria Ave, Concord West, not far from where he lived and close to local shops and a train station. He saw the “For Sale” sign one morning and purchased the site that same afternoon. In his true style of rolling up his sleeves, he was the form-worker, steel fixer and civil contractor on the job.
Sarkis with family members and friends
The early days for Holdmark’s development were focused in the inner west suburbs including Strathfield, Burwood, Concord and Parramatta. Sarkis grew from strength to strength, building and developing sites which ranged from 20 to 200 units. In addition, location of sites which are in key strategic areas became a key plank to the success of the business.
Apart from the long hours and dedication, as well as an eye for detail and his strong understanding of construction, he developed a real passion and skill in design and understanding of the Australian banking system. He forged strong relationships with not only professionals in the construction industry and consultants, but also with legal experts and financiers. Mr Nassif notes that “integrity and honesty” when dealing with bankers particularly is a key factor to success.
Sarkis and wife Bernadette with Bishop Fisher and Bishop Tarabay
In 2011, the GFC came and this was a period of real concern with many major developers facing crisis. For Mr Nassif this period of risk became a period of opportunity. With strong relationships already forged with bankers, he was able to capitalise and seize on several key projects. This was undoubtedly a major turning point for Holdmark.
Holdmark, under Sarkis’s leadership have now moved into much larger projects including the urban development at Shepherds Bay with 3,000 apartments over 13 stages and 90% sold. At Majors Bay a project that is half completed will have 500 apartments when finished.
Sarkis and wife Bernadette with Mr Sfeir, Harb and J. Nassif
Other notable projects include, Burwood Plaza, which has recently been granted in principle approval proceed with five mixed use towers containing commercial, residential, retail and hotel development.
Other projects in the pipeline include a mixed-use development in Macquarie Park and in the heart of Parramatta.
Daly
Urban Taskforce Chair Peter Daly said “Sarkis Nassif is the classic example of an immigrant arriving in Australia with nothing and working his way through hard work to becoming one of the major property developers in Sydney”. Holdmark today is a development compnay of large mixed use precincts that include thousands of apartments. “Our congratulations to Sarkis for all that he has achieved and for the example he sets for the property industry” notes Mr Daly.
Joe, Maureene Rizk, Joe, Shaid Khattar and Malouf
Sarkis receives an appreciation award with former NSW Governor Mary Bachir
Sarkis and Justin Wang
John Mangos
Sarkis is supporting Westmead Hospital
Justin Wang and family members
John Nassif and George Ghossayn
Amanda Weeks and member of Wang's family
Sarkis with Members of Bank of Sydney and A. Harb
George Elisa with wife and friends
Deiri, Hasham, O'Beid and Semaan