Face of the Week: Simon Polito, From Real Estate to Global Domination

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, specifically at the picturesque Manly Beach, Simon’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

As a single dad of three beautiful kids – Elvis Vincenzo, Valentina Farah, and Alessandro Kaspar – Simon’s family background is equally intriguing. With roots tracing back to Italy and Lebanon, his family’s history is filled with stories of escape from the mafia and fleeing war, shaping the fabric of his identity.

Simon’s formative years were spent under the loving guidance of his Italian grandparents, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Their farm in the heart of Sydney was no ordinary one; it was a unique setup with a variety of animals, including goats, chickens, ducks, sheep, pigs, and sometimes even a cow. Alongside the animal husbandry, the family ran a bustling market garden, selling fresh vegetables and fruits they cultivated with care.

From a tender age of 5, Simon started working alongside his grandfather and his brother at the city’s fruit markets. These early experiences instilled in him valuable skills in sales, negotiation, and even auctioneering. Little did he know that these lessons would shape his future and set him on a path of success.

As Simon grew older, he embraced the legacy of his grandparents and developed a passion for entrepreneurship and business. Armed with a deep-rooted work ethic and the valuable lessons learned on the farm and at the markets, he ventured into the world with determination and resilience.

Through hard work and dedication, Simon achieved success in his pursuits. His journey led him to explore various business ventures, where he continued to apply the skills he acquired from his grandparents. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of family heritage.

As a loving single dad and a successful entrepreneur, Simon’s life is an embodiment of strength, adaptability, and the ability to overcome challenges. His story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that with a strong foundation and a determination to succeed, one can rise above any circumstance and build a fulfilling life.

Interviewer: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

Simon Polito: My name is Simon Polito, and I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, specifically at Manly Beach. I am a single dad of three beautiful kids: Elvis Vincenzo, Valentina Farah, and Alessandro Kaspar. My family background has interesting roots; my dad escaped the mafia in Italy in the late 1950s, and my mum fled war in Lebanon in the late 1960s. Growing up, I was mainly raised by my Italian grandparents, and we had a unique setup with a farm in the middle of Sydney. There, we raised goats, chickens, ducks, sheep, pigs, and sometimes even a cow. We also ran a market garden, selling the vegetables and fruits we grew at the city’s fruit markets. At the young age of 5, I started working with my grandfather and his brother at the markets, learning valuable skills in sales, negotiation, and even auctioneering.

Interviewer: What inspired you to pursue your career or business?

Simon Polito: I wanted to be a football (Soccer) player my entire life and was playing professionally in Sydney until I got a nasty knee injury which ultimately ended my career. I needed to find an industry that matches my personality. Something that allowed me to be nicely dressed, have an office but not be stuck in an office all day, seeing amazing properties all around the world and meeting some of the most influential people; all these pointed to Real Estate, and I love this about my industry.

Interviewer: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career/business and how did you overcome it?

Simon Polito: One big challenge was covid, but the biggest challenge has definitely been learning the way the American market works and how to educate the market on how to adopt Auctions. I do a lot of presentations at offices.

Interviewer: How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Simon Polito: My Kids are my motivation. Everything I do is for them and to give them a better future. We all have days when things don’t go your way, but it’s important to remind yourself of the success, not the failures.

Interviewer: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career/business journey so far?

Simon Polito: You never know what somebody is going through, what they say or how that act is not because of you. Ask questions, be a good human, and be there for them when they are in need.

Interviewer: How do you define success?

Simon Polito: I define success by knowing that I can afford all the schooling and healthcare for my kids and myself. Your mental health is so important, and to be successful, you have to look after yourself as well.

Interviewer: What is your biggest dream, and how are you working towards achieving it?

My Biggest dream is to franchise out my Auction company, travel around the world helping families, and give my family the best life they deserve. We are on the path to make my dream a reality.

Interviewer: How has your faith or spirituality played a role in your career/business?

Simon Polito: Absolutely, it has. I was raised catholic and was an altar boy growing up. We would go to church every Sunday with my grandparents. I am very spiritual and absolutely believe that we all have a path created for us to follow, and that everything happens for a reason. I found that every time I deviated from the path, something went wrong. You have to believe not only in the path but yourself as well.

Interviewer: Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?

Simon Polito: My Grandfather Vincenzo, he accomplished what many people would never. He grew up in a small village, had no schooling, left his wife and two kids, and moved to Australia, and it was 4 years before the rest of the family came out to Australia.

Interviewer: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Simon Polito: I wish I could tell you something really cool about this, but honestly, I need to get better at this. I try to eat healthy, always keep active, and keep a positive attitude.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

Simon Polito: WAKE UP, DRESS UP…. SHOW UP. Shut up and listen!!

Interviewer: What is something that people often misunderstand about your work/business?

Simon Polito: It’s not as glamorous as social media makes it out to be. A lot of people confuse my confidence with ego.

Interviewer: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work/business?

Simon Polito: Working with amazing people all around the world, experiencing different locations/lifestyles.

Interviewer: What is something that you’re passionate about outside of your work/business?

Simon Polito: My Family. Living on the other side of the world away from my grandma, parents, sisters, nieces and nephews, and extended family isn’t easy, but I do everything for them.

Interviewer: What is the most valuable skill you have learned in your career/business?

Simon Polito: The skill of negotiation and how to listen.

Interviewer: What is something you wish you knew when you were just starting out in your career/business?

Simon Polito: Just because you have a license doesn’t mean you get business. It takes 20 years of hard work to be an overnight success.

Interviewer: How do you deal with failure or setbacks?

There is no failing… just learning. Living with negativity will only create a negative approach to your business, life, and mental health. There is always a solution, just have to find it.

Interviewer: What is your philosophy in life?

Simon Polito: Surround yourself with the people that you want to be like, be the smallest fish in the biggest pond.

Interviewer: What is that one life lesson that you learned a little too late?

Simon Polito: Showing off doesn’t get you paid, seeking approval of people who don’t care about you doesn’t make you successful.

Interviewer: What is one thing that you have accomplished that you’re most proud of?

Simon Polito: Becoming the number one agent in Sydney Australia two years running under the age of 30.

Interviewer: How do you see yourself and your business/career evolving in the future?

Simon Polito: Global Domination, dominating all markets around the world. Continuing to be a TV presenter/host. Expanding my Auction company nationwide.

Interviewer: How do you give back to your community or make a positive impact in the world?

Simon Polito: I have been an advocate of Men’s Mental Health and Depression for over a decade. It’s a subject that is not spoken about enough, and it’s time for a change. We also do a number of local community events from Valentine’s Day chocolates to thanksgiving hampers, but my favorite is probably the free ice cream scoops in summer.

Interviewer: What is your biggest regret in life?

Simon Polito: Letting my ego get in the way of my success. Not taking the risk because I was too scared.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?

Simon Polito: “You miss 100% of the shots if you don’t shoot.”

Interviewer: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Simon Polito: My grandfather would always tell me this… “Give with a warm hand, not a cold one” & “Always be there for the people.”

Interviewer: How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing circumstances in your field?

Simon Polito: I have several coaches I work very closely with; they all have different roles and assist me with keeping ahead of the curve and being prepared to pivot should I need to.

Interviewer: Finally, can you share a funny story or experience related to entrepreneurship that you’ve had?

Simon Polito: That’s a good question… ok, the most embarrassing moment for me was back in 2011 when I was launching the most prestigious sky home complex in Australia. While setting up for the event, I was helping to organize everything and move things around. However, I didn’t notice that, in doing this, I managed to completely rip my pants. For the first part of the night, I was unaware that I was walking around and presenting, all the while my pants were ripped open. I had to quickly drive 40 mins to a friend’s place and borrow a spare pair of pants.

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ABOUT DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACES:

“Celebrating Impactful Achievements Across Various Fields”

DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS has launched a new initiative called “Face of the Week,” which aims to showcase the achievements of men and women who are making an impact in various fields, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, education, communication, and more. Each week of the year, from January to December, a new face will be introduced to the public through DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS’s platform.

Many of these faces of the week will also be honored at the Crownys, which are the DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS Awards and where all the faces and people who worked or partnered with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS will be celebrated. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to give recognition and exposure to individuals who are making a positive difference in their respective fields.

The initiative will culminate with the release of a printed magazine in December for the Face Of The Year.

By highlighting the achievements of these individuals, DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS hopes to inspire and encourage others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.