Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Fawaz and Mike Elaridi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As young entrepreneurs, we settled on our passion for real estate as the start of our careers. Getting licensed as real estate agents was the lowest barrier to entry as well as the quickest learning curve we found to get started into the diversified world of real estate. Both being 21 and starting with no money or family real estate connections, we hustled as sales agents to grow our network and client base. Soon we served primarily builders and investors flipping houses and selling their new developments. We learned all aspects of the business and became top producers with our own brand involved in over 100M in real estate transactions over our career. We differentiated ourselves by offering services including consulting, acquisitions, analyzing opportunities, custom designs, and innovative sales marketing strategies. After a couple of years, we started our own flipping projects. Starting with a small single family house to now multi-million dollars raised in investors capital and over 10M in projects completed. Today, Fratelli has taken another leap into commercial real estate acquisitions – most recently a value-add apartment complex and a retail strip center.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not, the saying is true: if it was easy, everybody would do it! As entrepreneurs starting from scratch, there are always roadblocks to navigate. When you are 21 and fresh out of college, most of your peers are working for major companies with nice salaries and benefits. We had neither, instead its lots of sacrifice of not going out and vacations. Being young and inexperienced, we had to take any and all business that came our way, often one-sided and not very profitable! After a few years, problems don’t get easier, you’re just more equipped to handle the problems that arise and learn to cope with the stress. Today, we are able to be more picky about the projects and clients we take. Also, we are in total control of our time and live a life most people can’t at our age. So I’d say the hard work and sacrifice truly pays off!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fratelli Companies – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Fratelli Companies is a group of real estate related businesses including a real estate brokerage “Fratelli Properties International” and a real estate development and commercial investments companies “Fratelli Designs” and “Fratelli Casa”. We have sold out new developments for clients and also create our own projects as well. We have become known for our edgy European inspired designs, and there’s nothing like it in Houston. Because of this, our projects have consistently sold faster and for more money than the competition. Our specialty is finding opportunities in real estate where others don’t. Most recently, we have grown into a commercial investment company that pools capital to acquire larger value-add commercial and multi family assets. We are very excited for the continued change and growth of our companies!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston is such a unique city because as the 4th largest city, it still acts generally like a small town. Although this is changing quickly, with many new distinct neighborhoods and areas forming, Houston maintains its diversity and friendliness. Houston is at a turning point right now and it’s exciting to see all the growth and change! The least favorite thing about Houston has to be the lack of natural beauty and the weather. The good thing is that its a food haven with many great restaurants, and is a short flight or drive to many great vacation spots.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fratellico.com
- Phone: 832-661-6684 or 713-538-3983
- Email: mike@fratellico.com & jeffrey@fratellico.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_elaridi & https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyfratelli
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeelaridi & https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-fawaz-95939179
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