In conversation with Akshay Barar, a leader making strides in both real estate and sustainability. The Entrepreneur Desk Team explores his journey, achievements, and vision for the future.
Q1: Akshay, could you share a bit about your background and what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?
Akshay Barar: I come from a family with over 60 years of entrepreneurial experience in India, particularly in running Lion Pencils, a pan-India business. Growing up, I was surrounded by business discussions and strategies, which deeply shaped my understanding of markets and opportunities. My entrepreneurial journey has been driven by a passion for value creation, especially in real estate and sustainability.
Q2: What motivated you to enter the UAE’s real estate market, and how did you get started?
Akshay Barar: Dubai has always been a dynamic hub for business, and the real estate market here was burgeoning when I arrived. My first significant step into real estate came when I was tasked with overseeing the sale of two warehouses for our family business. After that, I started my career as a Property Specialist, and by getting involved early, I was able to gain a deep understanding of both local and global markets. This early experience allowed me to establish myself as a trusted advisor, forming strong relationships with clients across various sectors.
Q3: You’ve worked on a broad range of real estate services. What areas do you specialize in?
Akshay Barar: My work spans residential and commercial properties, bulk transactions, rentals, and asset management. I specialize in helping clients enhance ROI through careful deal structuring and joint ventures. Every project is tailored to individual client goals, whether they’re looking to buy, sell, invest, or lease, and I focus on delivering long-term value.
Q4: What makes your approach to real estate unique?
Akshay Barar: My approach is consultative and needs-based. I prioritize understanding each client’s goals and providing market insights to guide their decisions. I believe in transparency and a tailored approach, which has helped me build a loyal client base. Whether working with investors or property owners, my focus is always on building trust and delivering results that align with their objectives.
Q5: Beyond real estate, you’ve ventured into sustainability. Can you tell us about Ecogreen Recyclers?
Akshay Barar: In 2021, I founded Ecogreen Recyclers FZC to address the growing environmental concern of plastic waste. The company focuses on converting plastic waste into reusable raw materials, fostering a circular economy. As CEO, I’ve led the company in building partnerships with private and government entities, aiming to create scalable, sustainable solutions to combat plastic pollution.
Q6: How do you balance your work in real estate with your sustainability initiatives?
Akshay Barar: Balancing both sectors is about aligning them with a larger purpose. While real estate focuses on financial and lifestyle value, my sustainability work addresses environmental challenges. Both require strategic thinking and long-term impact, and they complement each other in my vision for a balanced, sustainable future.
Q7: What role does innovation play in your ventures?
Akshay Barar: Innovation is integral to both real estate and sustainability. In real estate, it’s about finding creative ways to maximize returns for clients or structuring innovative joint ventures. With Ecogreen Recyclers, innovation drives the technology and processes we use to transform plastic waste into usable materials. Staying ahead of trends and adopting forward-thinking solutions is crucial in both fields.
Q8: How do you ensure trust and transparency with your clients and partners?
Akshay Barar: Trust and transparency are the foundation of all my business dealings. I ensure that my clients and partners are always well-informed about the risks, benefits, and processes involved in any transaction. This openness fosters lasting relationships and demonstrates my commitment to integrity in everything I do.
Q9: What’s your vision for the future in both real estate and sustainability?
Akshay Barar: My vision for real estate is to continue offering value-driven solutions that empower clients to achieve their goals. For sustainability, I want to scale Ecogreen Recyclers and expand its reach by offering more eco-friendly solutions. Ultimately, I aim to make a lasting impact by driving positive change in both industries.
Q10: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in real estate or sustainability?
Akshay Barar: Focus on creating genuine value and understanding the markets you’re entering. In real estate, always prioritize the client’s goals. In sustainability, aim for long-term impact, and don’t compromise on integrity. Success comes from perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously learn and evolve.
Akshay Barar’s journey stands as a testament to the power of vision and purpose. His work in real estate and sustainability serves as an example for entrepreneurs seeking to balance business success with meaningful societal contributions.
