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