Market leader

One of the world’s biggest HR companies, Hewitt Associates’, has recently published its annual Best Employers Study for 2008. Market Építő of Hungary, which employs a workforce of 160 people, has been ranked in first place among CEE construction and development companies and fourth best large company in the survey. Hungarian developer Wallis Ingatlan Zrt owns 51 pct and chief operational officer Sándor Scheer – this month’s HighFlyer – owns the remaining 49 pct

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

The thing I like most is the pleasure of creating something new; but what I like the least is the pessimism of the Hungarian people.

Who do you most admire in the real estate business?

I can only mention a company: ING Real Estate, due to the quality and high standard of the business that they do.

How did you first get into real estate?

It later became my profession after my studies introduced me to the industry.

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

My greatest professional success would be my thriving company, while my personal successes are my two children and happy life.

What is your greatest failure?

In general, I consider Hungary’s political situation as a great disappointment but on personally level, the death of a 26-year-old colleague of mine was a great loss.

What contribution do you think you have made to Hungarian society through your business activities?

Our company’s activities have set a professional standard in our sector. If this is acknowledged by others in general business, then it is also good for the entire country.

What major projects are you planning in the near future?

We will soon be starting the VITUKI project, which will involve the development of a new urban district on the banks of the River Danube in Budapest.

Which is your favourite building and why?

My favourite building is Gaudí’s La Pedrera, or ‘The Quarry’, in Barcelona. I’m captivated by the genius of the architect, the use of materials and the atmosphere the building creates; I have walked through it at least ten times.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Bill Gates, because his companies are among the best workplaces and because he spends 90 pct of his fortune on good causes.

With which historical figure do you most identify?

King Matthias (Mátyás király, a Hungarian king who ruled between 1443 and 1490 in the renaissance era, and is regarded as one of the greatest kings in our history).

What is your fondest memory?

The times when I was in love I remember most fondly.

Which is your favourite restaurant and why?

My favourite is Cyrano Restaurant in Kristóf Square, Budapest. Perfect service, good quality food and a design of a high-standard.

Who is your closest friend and why?

Since my early childhood my closest friend has been Gábor Pentz, our shared past and our range of common interests has bound us together.

Which characteristics do you hate most in others?

Pessimism, pusillanimity and pettiness.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good man.

Sandor Scheer was born in 1966 in Budapest, Hungary. He graduated from Széchenyi István College of Transport and Telecommunication Technology as an engineer in 1987, and completed a master of economy course at Econovum Academy in 2005. After working as an entrepreneur, Scheer continued his career in the construction industry, starting work as a head engineer at Herkules Építő Rt in 1991, where he was promoted to production director in 1993.

In 1996, he became chief executive officer of Market Építő Zrt. Apart from a 49 pct stake in Market Építő, Scheer owns real estate developer Unione Group, as well as retail chain Bonbon Delicatesse. He is a board member of Hungarian real estate holding Wallis Ingatlan, and of Hungarian Football Association MLSZ. He is married with two children, and his hobbies include playing football and travelling.