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Meet Michael Sapir of Sapir Real Estate Development in Woodland Hills/Down Town

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Sapir.

Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a commercial real estate developer for over 30 years. I started with very small projects and eventually got to 150M to 2B development projects by 2017. Real estate development has been a long and hard road for me. In the recession, we owed 758M in commercial real estate positions. We weathered the storm of the “Great Recession” and now, we are 2B ahead on commercial real estate projects spanning from LA to NY to Albuquerque, New Mexico with our current 150M project: Snow Heights Promenade.(www.snowheightspromenade.com)(www.sapirrealestatedevelopment.com)(www.michaelsapir.com)

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had many personal struggles both privately and professionally. I was adopted by my biological grandparents who were Russian Jewish immigrants and who barely spoke English. So, the American Dream and the current immigration policies are close to my heart as the American Dream must be preserved. Growing up without a mother and father around was extremely hard and painful as a kid. Most fatherless males end up on drugs or in jail. The bullying of not having a mom and dad was extremely painful and took a toll on my happiness as a kid I asked the question “why me God”. Long story short, I used the pain inside me to motivate myself to become a major real estate developer so people would look beyond me not having a mom or dad, but rather my accomplishments standing tall overlooking cities. Today, I can say all the pain was worth it as it made me with character an edge and the ability to relate to others in my shoes. I now know the purpose God had for me. Although born Jewish, I adhere to the Buddha beliefs today while still being very supportive of Israel and the Holocaust Memorials.

Sapir Real Estate Development – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As CEO to Sapir Real Estate Development, I am responsible for all developments, acquisitions and day to day management of the company with over 2 B in assets. We are a nationwide development company, so the work never ends. I am most proud of our current 150 million dollar development, the Snow Heights Promenade where for the first time in retail development history we are building a full Entertainment stage centered at the Promenade. The Promenade is anchored by Altitude Family Fun Trampoline Park. We are set to complete this development in 2019.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
That’s a difficult question. To me, success in a continued and active effort and when a lot of pieces of the puzzle come together over hard work. I’d have to say success is something I strive for to be better than yesterday every day, that’s success to me, a continued onward motion of accomplishing goals set.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Sapir Real Estate Development

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

1 Comment

  1. Carlie Gintoli

    June 11, 2018 at 14:59

    Impressive

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