The love and passion I have for running and growing businesses comes from the constant challenges of understanding the customer’s wants and needs, make a difference, then deliver and exceed their expectations. After more than 30 years in the industry, that is still what constantly drives me to develop as an entrepreneur and business leader.” Those were the words from Mikael Kristensson, born in the mid-’60s in Gothenburg, on the west coast of Sweden.
Mikael Kristensson and the global network of Nohara Estates
The route to today’s global network of real estate brokers and agents at Nohara Estates has been long, but most of all, successful. The journey began in his 20’s when Mikael Kristensson, together with his classmate, opened their first bed and mattress store, which later grew into becoming a nationwide chain.
After having lived and operated in many different countries, Mikael Kristensson settled down in Cyprus in 2012 and entered the real estate sector. Soon, the business’s focus shifted towards the absolute top tier, to be the crucial link between the buyer and seller of luxury homes. The formula for this success is by no means a business secret.
Mikael Kristensson about the ingredients to success
“The foundation of our business philosophy is always to provide the best possible service to the parties we work with. Together with hard work, exceptional knowledge, and experience, you have all the ingredients to succeed.
We work with clients from all different cultures, seeing all different traditions of how they do businesses, which has shaped us to always keep our ears open and listen more than we speak,” says Mikael Kristensson with a smile on his face as he reveals the winning concept that has been successful for him for over three decades. “It is when you have a passion and desire for something that sets your path for being productive and achieve further success. I think there are too many people in this world who believe being busy is good. But being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Being busy is frantic while being productive is focused.”
“I feel lucky to have been as successful as I have, but it came with a price,” reveals Mikael. “I wouldn’t have gone anywhere in life without my family’s support throughout all the years. I have worked seven if not eight days a week if that’s possible”, says Mikael Kristensson. Today, he doesn’t work as much as he used to when he was younger, even though the workdays are still long at times. “Earlier, I couldn’t understand why people didn’t see future success in my ideas. I spent many nights after work, talking to the right people to sell my thoughts to them. Nowadays many of Mikael’s innovative ideas spark up from his long walks in the serene Cyprus’ mountains.
Mistakes teach you the most, says Mikael Kristensson
Not everything in Mikael’s life as an entrepreneur has been a success.
“Luckily, there are not many business decisions that I regret, but to reach success, you need to be willing to take risks. Like many other entrepreneurs, I can attest that it is the mistakes you make that teach you the most and lay the foundation for your future success.” To have the courage to ask the tough questions and be careful what you sign on to are experiences Mikael Kristensson has learned during his journey. “If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true,” says Mikael Kristensson.
“To develop a business is to be equivalent of developing a colleague.”
The Nohara Estates team is made up of the very top tier skilled and experienced people, who just as Mikael, have a passion for excellent service.
“We have great experience of our model and how it was a game-changing factor when we expanded into new markets. We know what works and is successful, no matter which market we enter. Our network, together with a strong brand and solid industry knowledge, gives us the strength and pole position in the market.”
Mikael Kristensson about the future
Nohara Estates has as of today, offices in several countries both within of Europe and outside. With constant growth and passionate and highly driven franchisees and colleagues, who are determined to give their all for the customers, Mikael sees a bright future.
“I am always seeking innovative solutions and looking for the next step in our expansion. Our headquarters deal with a large number of clients on a daily bases who are looking for their dream homes. Our challenge is to fulfil our customers’ dreams and goals, no matter what they are, even if it would entail flying our customers in a private jet or helicopter between countries where we have properties.
”It is our close communication skills that build long-term relationships with our customers and at the same time lead us to new ones. To find the right colleagues is a crucial part of our recipe for success. Together we will grow bigger and better. The best way to achieve success is through the path we’ve already laid in front of us – the local one. By being local, we become global,” says Mikael.
