Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1088108
20 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MARCH 2019 COMMERCIAL INTEGRITY, honesty and pro- fessional service… these are the three main pillars which have served as the founding philoso- phy of Coldwell Banker Real Es- tate LLC for the last 113 years. Now one of the biggest real estate companies across the globe, the American franchise came to life following the 1906 earthquake which tragically af- fected the San Francisco area. e devastation caused by the natural disaster left the real estate market in disarray with many opportunistic agents tak- ing advantage of the commo- tion and the circumstances to make a quick buck. A then young businessman Colbert Coldwell, was greatly affected by the ruins and exploi- tation which surrounded the city. Knowing local businesses, landlords and families would require new property, Coldwell established his own real estate firm only four months after the catastrophe, vowing to conduct business with integrity, honesty and in the client's best inter- est above all. In 1913, Coldwell was joined by Benjamin Arthur Banker, another real estate pro- fessional who shared similar values, only to become a part- ner just a year later. It was through their founding principles that Coldwell Banker began to become increasingly popular with the local popula- tion leading the pair to expand to a bigger office in San Fran- cisco whilst also expanding to the surrounding states. 27 years after the pair met, the company officially changed its name to the now easily recognised Cold- well Banker & Co., solidifying their partnership in the history of real estate. Unfortunately, it was only after the passing of these founders that their dream of establishing offices from the West coast to the East coast of America was recognised, and surpassed by the fact that the company opened its first inter- national branch in 1996, prov- ing how far the pair's life's work had come. The attributes of progress, innovation and development left by the founding pair are still engraved in the company's ideology, leading the later gen- erations of managers to adopt a more modern logo, develop one of the first real estate websites in the world, engage with their audience on YouTube and offer a mobile-friendly platform for their clients. Over its 100 years in operation, the new genera- tion of Coldwell Banker agents have never forgotten their his- toric focus on giving back to the community. As they celebrated their anniversary in 2006, the American company helped to raise over five million dollars to support the 'Habitat for Hu- manity' charity project. With the American global franchise keen to continue en- hancing its international pres- ence it isn't surprising that the agents in blue found themselves on the Maltese doorsteps. In 2007 the first Coldwell Banker branch in Malta opened its doors and began providing its professional services to the Maltese public. e brand has developed a strong relationship with the lo- cals aided by the international backing Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC guarantees all fran- chisees. Both local and international agents of the brand are con- stantly encouraged to attend various meetings, training and conferences, to hone their skills, meet-up with other peers and establish connections all over the world. Coldwell Bank- er plays host to one of the larg- est gatherings for its real estate professionals all over the globe through its GenBlue Experi- ence, considered to be the epi- centre of the real estate world. In the upcoming years Cold- well Banker Malta hopes to fol- low in the legendary footsteps left by its founders, with ex- pansion plans to open up new branches around the island. For more information about Coldwell Banker Malta call (+356) 2339 2339, send an e- mail on info@coldwellbanker. mt or visit us on www.coldwell- banker.mt. Coldwell Banker Malta is a Real Estate Services Business Unit within Famalco | Building Business. Coldwell Banker: strong foundations in real estate THE Gozo team is this year's proud winner of the prestig- ious Frank Salt Real Estate Best Branch Award 2018. This award is given in recognition of the branch's efforts and out- standing performance in sales and leasing of property. The branch surpassed all its targets for the year by a wide margin while providing a top notch service to clients. "I couldn't be prouder of my team", commented Gozo branch Manager Marie Grech. "It feels good to be recog- nised for all our hard work. Years of exemplary service, tireless dedication and com- mitment to offering the best possible service have paid off. The results are evident in the number of clients who keep coming back to us. Inciden- tally, 2018 also sees the Gozo branch celebrate its 30th an- niversary year, so what better way to celebrate than to win the Best Branch Award?" con- tinued Marie. For 30 years, Frank Salt Real Estate's flagship branch in Go- zo, has been providing home buyers and sellers, a profes- sional and comprehensive service in all property related matters. 30 years ago, Frank Salt Real Estate was the first Malta based estate agency to see the huge potential that Gozo had to offer, and whilst the journey was not always an easy one, the Frank Salt Gozo branch is the leading real es- tate name on the island, re- flecting the brand values held dear by all the seventeen Frank Salt Real Estate offices. "The Gozo branch has grown from a staff of 2 persons to a staff compliment of 9, con- sisting of sales and letting consultants, support staff and property management and maintenance staff. Every member of the team takes pride in the Frank Salt brand values and giving a consist- ently warm, professional and honest service which has set us apart", adds Marie. In addition to the sales and rentals of property, Frank Salt Real Estate offers further ser- vices to their clients, providing a one-stop-shop concept, in- cluding property management and maintenance, holiday lets, pool servicing and property finishing and furnishing. While the Gozo branch cele- brates its 30th anniversary the Frank Salt Real Estate group reached a major milestone this year, celebrating its 50th anni- versary. What started as a one-man show has now become a firm which boasts of a nearly 200 strong team of agents. Frank Salt Real Estate's Gozo branch named best branch From left – Grace Cauchi, Alan Tabone, Gino Cauchi, Marie Grech, Frank Camilleri, Francesca Muscat, Georgine Brown, George Attard and Katya Scicluna FAMALCO Group has seen substantial growth over the years, branching out into dif- ferent industries and building a diversified portfolio of success- ful brands. The increasingly suc- cessful family business owes its roots to Fruitland Company Ltd. which is set to celebrate its 25 year milestone this 9 March. The story of Fruitland origi- nates in the late 80s, when the Mallia Brothers, Hermann, San- dro and Etienne, found them- selves selling various groceries around the island. A few years later and inspired by a family legacy which saw their father and grandfather sell fruit down the busy Ta' Liesse Hill in Valletta, the brothers took the initiative to start their own company in 1994, selling fruit and vegetables under the moniker 'Fruitland Company Ltd'. The brothers' hard work and dedication towards this com- pany translated into years of success, leading Fruitland to be- come one of Malta's largest and well-respected fruit and vegeta- ble importation business. Throughout its years, the company has managed to ac- quire several prestigious brands, specialising in a wide range of products. Amongst others, the famous GIOIA® bananas, Val- entina apples, Diamond of Cali- fornia® walnuts and Fatina® dried fruits and nuts, have made their way into Fruitland's portfolio. Maintaining their effort to ac- quire the freshest products of highest quality, the fruit and veg- etable importation business has also successfully set-up strong relationships with numerous suppliers in Europe, Africa and America. As Fruitland nears its quarter century anniversary, the com- pany looks back at its history with pride and with a sense of gratitude towards all its em- ployees and affiliates who have in one way or another contrib- uted in Fruitland's story. Direc- tor and Co-Founder of Famalco Group. Hermann Mallia stated that Fruitland will always have a special place in his heart, with it being the main identity of who the group is to date, "Fruitland Company Ltd. is the beating heart of Famalco Group. We are incredibly proud of its growth over these past 25 years, and we intend to keep honouring the in- dustry that has been instrumen- tal for our Family's legacy". For more information about Fruitland, or any of its prod- ucts, please call on (+356) 2339 2339. Fruitland Company Ltd. is a Fresh Produce Business Unit within Famalco | Building Busi- ness. Fruitland: a 25-year legacy