In an exclusive conversation with Finance World Magazine, Mehrdad Hessabi, Founder & Chairman of Mac Millan Trust Real Estate LLC, shares his journey, insights, and the core values driving his success in the UAE’s dynamic real estate market.
Q. Mehrdad, could you share a bit about your journey and what inspired you to establish Mac Millan Trust Real Estate LLC?
My journey in real estate began over two decades ago, driven by a passion for creating value and a deep interest in investment. Establishing Mac Millan Trust Real Estate LLC in 2023 was a culmination of years of experience and a vision to provide tailored investment solutions in the UAE. I wanted to create a firm built on trust and excellence, focusing on delivering unparalleled service to our clients.
Q. What were some of the initial challenges you faced when starting Mac Millan Trust, and how did you overcome them?
Starting a new venture always comes with its set of challenges. For us, the primary challenge was building a brand in a competitive market. We focused on establishing a strong foundation by leveraging our core values of trustworthiness, innovation, and a client-centric approach. It was crucial to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and integrity in all dealings. We also invested in developing a robust interactive platform to enhance transparency and build trust with our clients and stakeholders.
Q. Can you elaborate on the core values that drive Mac Millan Trust and how they differentiate you from other real estate firms?
Our core values are trustworthiness, innovation, and a client-centric approach. Trustworthiness is at the heart of everything we do; we prioritize transparency and integrity. Innovation drives us to embrace forward-thinking strategies and technologies to navigate the ever-evolving investment landscape. Lastly, our client-centric approach ensures that our clients’ success is our priority. We tailor solutions to meet their unique financial goals, which sets us apart from others in the industry.
Q. Can you share some highlights from your existing and upcoming projects?
One of our key upcoming projects is the opening of representative agencies in Monaco, Italy, England, Switzerland, and Luxembourg in 2024. These agencies will allow us to expand our reach and offer our bespoke investment solutions to a wider audience. Additionally, we have been involved in several significant deals and negotiations that have garnered accolades and recognition innovation, and a client-centric approach. Trustworthiness is at the heart of everything we do; we prioritize transparency and integrity. Innovation drives us to embrace forward-thinking strategies and technologies to navigate the ever-evolving investment landscape. Lastly, our client-centric approach ensures that our clients’ success is our priority. We tailor solutions to meet their unique financial goals, which sets us apart from others in the industry.
Q. Speaking of innovation, could you discuss some of the innovative strategies and technologies Mac Millan Trust employs?
Innovation is integral to our operations. We have pioneered the use of advanced data analytics to inform our investment decisions and enhance our clients’ returns. Our interactive platform is another key innovation; it allows clients and stakeholders to track project progress in real-time, providing detailed updates and virtual tours. This transparency builds trust and ensures both locally and regionally.
Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement with Mac Millan Trust so far?
One of our proudest achievements has been receiving the Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the UAE Realty Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to excellence. It also highlights our commitment to innovation and our client-centric approach, which have been key drivers of our success.
Q. Could you provide an example of a challenging project you undertook and how you managed it?
One particularly challenging project was a large-scale land acquisition that involved complex negotiations with multiple stakeholders. The challenge was not just acquiring the land but ensuring that all parties were satisfied with the terms. We managed this by maintaining open and transparent communication, leveraging our extensive market knowledge, and employing innovative negotiation strategies. The successful completion of this project reinforced our reputation for trustworthiness and strategic acumen.
Q. Mac Millan Trust has a presence in many countries. What has been your strategy for international expansion?
Our international expansion strategy focuses on identifying markets with strong growth potential and establishing a local presence through representative agencies. By 2024, we plan to open agencies in Monaco, Italy, England, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. This approach allows us to offer our tailored investment solutions to a broader audience while maintaining the high standards of service and transparency that we are known for.
“Our vision at Mac Millan Trust is to be the
catalyst for financial prosperity, driving
transformative growth for our investors and
contributing to the economic success of
the UAE.”
– Mehrdad Hessabi, Founder & Chairman of Mac Millan Trust Real Estate LLC
Q. How does Mac Millan Trust approach sustainability in its projects?
Sustainability is a core aspect of our development philosophy. We integrate green building practices and energy-efficient systems into our projects to minimize environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond construction to include the operational aspects of our properties, ensuring they remain environmentally friendly and efficient over the long term. This approach not only benefits the environment but also adds value for our clients.
Q. How do you see the future of Mac Millan Trust and the real estate market in the UAE?
I am very optimistic about the future. The UAE real estate market continues to show strong growth potential, driven by economic diversification, population growth, and significant infrastructure investments. For Mac Millan Trust, the future involves further expansion, embracing new technologies, and continuing to deliver exceptional value to our clients. Our goal is to be a catalyst for financial prosperity and contribute to the economic success of the UAE.
Q. As a leader, what is your approach to mentorship and developing future leaders within your organization?
Mentorship is very important to me. I believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization. This involves providing opportunities for professional growth, encouraging innovation, and leading by example. I make it a point to be accessible to my team and share my experiences and insights. My aim is to empower the next generation of leaders to take the company to even greater heights.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring real estate entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to focus on building a strong foundation based on trust and integrity. Stay committed to your core values and be willing to embrace change and innovation. Understand your market and be responsive to the needs of your clients. Most importantly, remain resilient in the face of challenges and stay dedicated to your vision.
Q. Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave behind with Mac Millan Trust?
I hope to leave behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and trust. I want Mac Millan Trust to be known as a company that consistently delivered value and made a positive impact on the industry and the community. My vision is for the company to continue growing and evolving, always staying true to the principles that have guided us from the beginning.
