INVESTOR PROFILE
Fifth-Generation
Business
Success
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL BARROW
Barrow Properties is the property investment and development arm of the Barrow Group, a fifth-generation family business that focuses primarily on residential and commercial developments in Johannesburg. The business is also actively involved in commercial property management.
The Barrow property development portfolio consists of several completed developments, including 1 + 3 Melrose Boulevard in Melrose Arch, Katherine & West in Sandton and Metropolis on Park, a highend, ecologically-sensitive, luxury apartment building that overlooks Mushroom Farm Park on Pretoria Avenue in Sandton.
Paul Barrow, Director of Barrow Construction and Barrow Properties, explains that one of his career highlights has been joining the latest generation of Barrows to drive the company forward.
“ Barrow’ s unique value proposition is that we are a construction development and property business all rolled into one,” says Paul.“ Being a fifth-generation, family business makes it all the more special. Our uniqueness also comes from our hands-on, customerfocused approach,” he adds.
Business success tips and insights According to Paul, the key to business success is building and maintaining strong business relationships and networks:“ Business is about dealing with people who you can trust and who you enjoy working with. I am privileged to have both worked with, and been able to learn from, some of the most talented individuals in the industry.”
“ In business, you’ re always facing new challenges, both as an individual and in the business arena,” he
adds.“ There are always new milestones to be reached. Once you have achieved one goal, there’ s another to aspire to – so success is an ongoing process.”
The company’ s vision for the future The fifth generation of Barrows are all actively involved in the business and have developed significant experience in their respective fields.“ Hopefully, we can all keep going for some time and, who knows, maybe the sixth generation will be keen to take over the reins,” says Paul.
With regards to the South African property industry, he feels that it is vital for businesses to remain customer-focused, to address the market’ s evolving needs.“ The dynamics and environment are changing fast, and we need to continually adapt. It’ s also vital to be customer focused so that you can address the market’ s evolving needs.
What makes a great property investment? Location is key but the building also needs to be well constructed, with quality finishes, and adaptable in terms of space and offering. A long-term lease with a quality tenant is the cherry on the top and indicates the superiority and flexibility of the product.
What is your advice to property investors? Don’ t focus on chasing yield; long-term capital appreciation will make your investment more sound and stable, and will build credibility.
RESOURCES
Barrow Properties
38 MAY 2017 SA Real Estate Investor www. reimag. co. za