Man of honour
Our High-Flyer of the Month for March is Sándor Demján, one of Hungary\'s most successful businessmen and the founder of TriGránit Development. At the CEE Real Estate Quality Awards in February, he received an honour for Lifetime Achievement. TriGránit won two awards for Retail Development and Outstanding Development of the Year - both for the Silesia City Center mixed-use project in Katowice
What do you like most and least about doing business in Poland?
I especially like the Polish people, as we have common cultural roots, and history. I regret that we have not entirely used all the possibilities for co-operation.
What do you most admire in the real estate business?
The fact that we create for a long term future.
How did you first get into real estate?
When we established the Skála retail chain, in the \'70s.
What do you regard as your greatest professional success so far?
TriGránit has become the biggest real estate company in the last 5 years.
What is your greatest failure?
The task I had in the field of football (the Hungarian football League)
What contribution do you think you have made to Polish society through your business activities?
A donation of EUR 1 mln, last November for children in Katowice and around. I am sure this will be a memorable gesture. Also the first multifunctional new city centre, which is also the first of its kind in Katowice.
Which major projects are you planning in the near future?
In November we plan to open another new great city centre in Cluj, Romania. We have plans in Bucharest, Plojest and Brasso. Also we intend to establish a new city centre in Zagreb and in Ciovo a new hotel, convention and residential centre. Our longer term plans include project ideas in Bulgaria, in Sofia, in Varna, in Serbia, in Belgrade, in Slovenia, in Ljubljana, and in Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
Which is your favourite building and why?
The Palace of Arts, in the Millennium City Centre, Budapest, Hungary, including the National Concert Hall, the Festival Theatre and the Ludwig Museum - because this was the first and the greatest cultural development in Hungary in the past 100 years.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
I can\'t name only one person. I admire my wife Lydia, my friends and my colleagues.
With which historical figure do you most identify?
István Széchenyi
What is your fondest memory?
My daughter\'s birth.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
A successful day at work and then a great card game with my friends.
Which is your favourite restaurant and why?
Kaltenberg. High quality and a friendly atmosphere.
Who is your closest friend and why?
My colleagues. They are also my close friends.
Which characteristic do you hate most in others?
Lying
How would you like to be remembered?
As a man who created memorable things, and somebody who honours friendship and honesty.
