Leaving your mark

Who do you most admire in the real estate business?

There is no single person. Generally speaking, however, all who have proved that the real estate market is based on stability, honesty, imagination and creativity.

How did you first get into real estate?

I started out in advertising, but after almost 3 years I came to the conclusion that although it is creative, the fruits of this type of labour are not durable. So I decided to find a new job and ended up in one of the shopping centre chains when it was in the middle of a large-scale expansion. I was responsible for searching for new investment sites; later,
I moved to leasing and managing all of the chain’s retail space in front of the sales halls.

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

There are a few, but not really anything spectacular. They are more related to specific tasks which had seemed impossible to implement. This is something which really makes you happy and gives you strong motivation for other activities. I feel there is still a lot to do and I’m waiting for my greatest success to come along.

What is your greatest failure?

There are also a few, but also nothing really that spectacular. Again, they were related, unfortunately, with the unsuccessful implementation of plans.

What major projects are you planning in the near future?

As a company we’ve got a number of innovative ideas in the pipeline, but it is still too early to disclose them. I am sure the time is not far off when they will have matured enough to be announced.

What is your favourite building and why?

Rondo 1 – and not only because I am connected with it emotionally, but also because it has become Warsaw’s 21st century architectural flagship.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

There are many intelligent and talented people living today, but I cannot point to any one of whom I could describe as my main influence.

With which historical figure do you most identify?

Perhaps ‘identify’ is not the proper word, but I would definitely acknowledge Seneca as one of the wisest people in history.

What is your fondest memory?

There are many fond family memories, but apart from my family two come quickly to mind: the view I saw last year during one of my diving sessions in Egypt, when I was at a depth of around 50m and spotted a crevasse another 50m lower down which I could see clearly. The second was a glider flight around Giewont mountain.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Sunny, with a strong will to live and derive pleasure from life.

What is your favourite restaurant and why?

I must say I really do like eating out, but I cannot think of one I like most. I  don’t mind making long excursions in order to experience again the tastes and moods that these restaurants create.

What characteristic do hate most in others?

Carping – since it gets you nowhere and annoys others.

How would you like to be remembered?

In a good way.

Piotr Stark is a member of the management board of Hochtief Development Poland. He has been employed by the developer since 2001, and from October 2007, he has also held the position of managing director; prior to this, he also held the post of company marketing manager.