"In the world of property, value isn't just found; it’s created through vision, resilience, and a deep understanding of the people behind the assets."

In the second episode of The Braadcast, Norman Raad, CEO of Broll Auctions and Sales, welcomes a true titan of the industry: Mike Flax. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Mike has been a pivotal force in the South African listed property sector, from founding Spearhead to leading Spear REIT to its JSE listing.

Known as the man with "The Midas Touch," Mike joins us to share the strategic evolution of his career. We dive into the mechanics of his most iconic deals, his transition from CEO to global fund management with Visio, and his unwavering belief in the "owner-manager" philosophy. This is a masterclass in property investment, development, and the importance of goal congruency in business.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The Midas Touch: The philosophy behind Mike’s consistent record of unlocking value.

- Building a REIT: The journey from Spearhead's success to Spear REIT’s JSE listing.

- Strategic Repurposing: How to identify and transform underperforming assets.

- Global Fund Management: Navigating the world of listed REITs and property-focused mutual funds.

- Leadership & Mentorship: The importance of passing the baton and fostering the next generation of property leaders.

At Broll Auctions and Sales, we are as passionate about people as we are about property. Join us as we uncover the stories of the industry’s most respected visionaries.

EPISODE CREDITS

- Host: Norman Raad (CEO, Broll Auctions and Sales)

- Guest: Mike Flax (Executive Deputy Chairman, Spear REIT & Fund Advisor, Visio)

- Podcast Director: Lesley Saunders (Head of Marketing, Broll Auctions and Sales)

- Multimedia, Sound & Editing: Codi Bentley (Multimedia Director, Broll Auctions and Sales)

- Studio Production: Lwami Hlongwane (Marketing Assistant, Broll Auctions and Sales)

"Property is more than bricks and mortar; it’s about the people who inhabit it and the vision to see what it can become."

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Braadcast, hosted by Norman Raad, CEO of Broll Auctions and Sales. In this debut conversation, we sit down with Justin Blend, Director of Africrest Properties, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurial passion and strategic property investment.

Africrest has become a pioneer in the South African market by transforming underutilised spaces into thriving communities. From pioneering office-to-residential conversions to their innovative "Tenant Partnership Model," Justin shares the insights that have built an empire based on a "people-first" philosophy.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ The Africrest Journey: From Braamfontein students to property leaders.

✅ Unlocking Value: The art of seeing potential in "C-Grade" assets.

✅ Community-Centric Development: Why tenant happiness is the ultimate ROI.

✅ The Future of SA Property: Navigating a changing landscape with purpose.

At Broll Auctions and Sales, we are as passionate about people as we are about property. Join us as we go beyond the hammer to uncover the stories and strategies of the industry’s most visionary minds.

Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification bell to stay ahead of the property curve.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host: Norman Raad (CEO, Broll Auctions and Sales)

Guest: Justin Blend (Director, Africrest Properties)

Podcast Director: Lesley Saunders (Head of Marketing, Broll Auctions and Sales)

Videography & Editing: Codi Bentley (Multimedia Director, Codi Bentley)

Sound Engineer: Malcolm Hadebe (Commercial Broker, Broll Auctions and Sales)

Studio Production: Lwami Hlongwane (Marketing Assistant, Broll Auctions and Sales)