A 20-question interview with 25-year old New York based BHDR real estate brokerage and development firm founder Emir Bahadir
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My driving force is being able to bridge the gap between international investors and local markets. Being a member of the fifth generation of my family, my guiding force is maintaining the business standards set forth by my ancestors.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
‘More is more, work smart not hard’ and ‘Well done is better than well said’.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
This is relative depending on the realm of the industry you are in. Two of the things that I find unacceptable are dishonesty and lack of communication.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss my high school days when I had no responsibility and was surrounded by intellectual people. Maybe this has a lot to do with my young age and my active business life, even then. I feel I never got to be reckless after graduating from high school in Switzerland and became very responsible and focused instead.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I would swap my wealth for helping end hunger and poverty throughout the world. Most people don’t have awareness of what the world’s real needs are.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the state of the financial system?
Based on that comment, that statement is truthful. Based on that statement, today the banking system is changing for the better. I believe in the short-term we will see a lot of improvements.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
I used to think: “The worst thing in life is to end up alone”. It’s not: “The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone”. The reason why I hate this phrase is because it is so true.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity does start at home. Growing up, my parents emphasised the importance of charity and then it became a way of life, a routine. I have volunteered in Zambia to help build schools and teach kids. Whilst there, we also took 500 mattresses to the schools in different tribes. Today, my family’s foundation helps hundreds of children with scholarships to study and become successful members of their communities.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
There is always a risk using any kind of technology regardless if it is security based or not. However, I think there is a strong need for technology, especially with the fast pace of the business world these days.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Benjamin Franklin, Steve Jobs, Abraham Lincoln, Mozart and Picasso.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I hope that won’t be my reality ever. However, to answer your question, I would like to eat the judge who sentenced me to death.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Lunchtime usually is the time to start. However, at weekends, noon bellinis are acceptable.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini; a very, very dirty martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I do enjoy my own parties because I pay so much attention to the details prior. It means that, during the event itself, I can put all my energy and efforts into entertaining my guests.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My grandmother is one of the most positive people I know and my COO, Tanya, always calms me down when I get a little wound up.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Eating chocolate late at night.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Even though I have a tattoo of the OHM sign, it does not really sum me up. I wish it did. My other one, Dum Spiro Spero (When I Breath I Hope), would be the one to describe me. I tend to hope and dream and work hard to make my dreams come true.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Bentley – Fast and furious, yet classy and comfortable.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That I am humble and relatable to is a surprise to most people. Considering my background and my current motivation to succeed on another level, people don’t expect it.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I have a small sculpture by Jeff Koons.
Emir Bahadir is a 25-year old entrepreneur based in New York. He was educated at the American School in Switzerland and New York University. Bahadir is the founder and CEO of the BHDR real estate brokerage and development firm, invests in tech startup firms and is also an art collector.
Follow him on Instagram at @emirbahadir and use his own hashtag, #bahadiring
