Developer with a heart of gold

“A crisis does not absolve us from responsibility,” – this was the conclusion of Michał Kołodziejczyk, the president of the Łódź-based Tom-Bud Developer, who bought a gold heart for PLN 1 mln during the 17th grand finalé of the Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy children’s charity event that was held in early January. This is now the third heart that has been bought by the developer. This foundation (Jurek Owsiak is one of the founders) has been raising money for medical equipment for children’s hospitals and clinics throughout Poland since 1993. 
In the seventeen years since it was founded, it has raised over USD 100 mln.

   The money Tom-Bud donated to the Orkiestra this year could buy 204 sqm of apartment space in the estate currently being developed by the company on ul. Obywatelska in Łódź. Alternatively, the money could be spent on several ultrasound scanners or one CAT scanner 
– vital equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of tumours 
in children.

How did you first get into real estate?

In 2007, as project manager of a special purpose vehicle controlled by Tom-Bud

What do you like most and least about doing business in Poland?

In my opinion, one of the biggest advantages of doing business in Poland is the stable economy, which has been particularly apparent during the recent turmoil on the global financial markets.

Which major projects are you planning in near future?

This year we will be working out our investment portfolio for 2010-2013. I would like to make it a characteristic feature of all our projects that the investment process is designed in such a manner that from the moment the first shovel of earth is turned, the whole construction process must be uninterrupted and, moreover, nicely “packaged”. Maintaining that standard for all our investments is my most important project.

Who do you most admire in the real estate business?

I have special recognition for those who have managed to establish their brand name in this market within a short time. I believe the establishment of a brand name is much more difficult than the construction of individual projects; that is why I am now particularly devoting much 
energy to the development of the Tom-Bud brand.

What do you regard as your greatest professional success so far?

I would consider as my success the fact that at a time when the largest companies in Poland are slowing down, we have managed to successfully accelerate our projects in order to deliver finished products to the market at the time of limited supply.

Which is your favorite building and why?

Without any doubt, this is Business House in Łódź. It was with this project that my career in the industry began.

Which is your favourite restaurant and why?

Any restaurant where I can have dinner with my wife.

What is your greatest failure?

The fact that I still haven’t acquired the command of English at a level I would expect from myself. Unfortunately, I had to have a translator to help me answer these questions.

Who is your closet friend and why?

They say that a friend in need is a friend indeed; therefore, I hope I will never have the opportunity to find out who my closest friend is.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

I admire people who fulfil their passions in life, such as Howard Hughes.  Marek Kamiński definitely also deserves a mention. Today’s culture of rapid information creates heroes for one day who, however, are never admired by myself.

With which historical figure do you most identify?

I have never identified with any historical figure, even though at law studies I had to devote much time to history. I believe that each man would like – at least once in his life –  to be a superhero.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

There is a saying: “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Perfect things can rarely be planned, they tend to happen spontaneously, as magical moments at a completely accidental place and time. Yet, there is something perfect that I experience every day – my son’s laughter.

Which characteristic do you hate most in others?

I do not like petty-mindedness and spitefulness; still, if the latter springs from intelligence, it may sometimes even seem attractive. Luckily, I rarely have to deal with the worst characteristics, such as aggression.

How would you like to be remembered?

Being remembered as a wealthy elderly gentleman, enjoying good health, the love of his wife, children and grandchildren until the end of his days is an attractive vision.

Michał Kołodziejczyk, graduate of law studies at the faculty of law and administration, University of Łódź. His experience comes from managerial positions at, among others, Warta Insurance, Reassurance Company and the Partner Finansowy company (now part of Oresa Ventures’ portfolio). In 2008, he became president of the management board of the Łódź-based Tom-Bud Developer, established in 2001. During the first years of its operations, Tom-Bud was involved with the complexities of carrying out construction projects, involving designing, construction work and supervision of the investment process. In 2004, the company extended its activities into residential construction, and later into commercial properties.