Faisal Susiwala, Broker, RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc. Brokerage
Faisal Susiwala’s drive and hustle laid the foundation for his successful real estate journey
For Faisal Susiwala, a broker with RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc. Brokerage in Cambridge, Ontario, finishing high school and heading to university was always the plan. But things took a turn when his interest in investing and spotting real estate as a way to build long-term wealth pulled him down a different path.
“I sort of fell into real estate not knowing I was going to make it my career,” says Susiwala, who got licensed through the Ontario Real Estate Association at just 18 years old. It hasn’t been an easy ride all the time, but Faisal’s entrepreneurial mindset and work ethic helped him carve out a thriving career that keeps growing stronger.
Originally from Preston, England, Susiwala moved with his family to Canada after his dad got a job opportunity as a weaver in Cambridge’s textile industry-where Faisal grew up with his brother and sister.
“I can remember sitting in front of the TV watching shows that featured coaches and other professionals talking about investing in real estate, and how it was advantageous to immigrants who were coming to the country with nothing at all,” says Susiwala.
With one brother starting university and a sister soon following suit, Faisal saw real estate as his chance to help lift his family out of tough financial times for good.
“There were times where I had self-doubt, wondering what I’d gotten myself into,” notes Susiwala, “but when the recession hit in 1990, I knew it was either going to break me or motivate me to make this thing work.”
At only 19 years old, Faisal buckled down hard-putting tons of effort into developing plans and techniques to grow both his business and client base. Being the youngest agent active back then meant he had to take a step back sometimes and learn from those ahead of him by checking out everything from billboards and bus ads to bench ads, flyers, cold calls-you name it.
“From what I evidenced at the time, I made the decision to invest the money I had made within my first year in the business into marketing and cultivating my sphere of influence,” says Susiwala. He hit full speed by reconnecting with everyone he’d met along life’s way-and marketing directly to them.
“The community support I received was incredible,” says Susiwala-and he credits much of what he’s achieved over time to sticking firmly with that marketing strategy.
“I realized very early on that most real estate professionals were marketing on a feast or famine basis, or sporadically throughout the year,” says Susiwala. Many agents push hard between February and April which leads to sales later on; but once summer rolls around their marketing drops off sharply before revving up again come school season-and then slows again toward year-end. It’s a cycle Faisal refused to fall into.
“I don’t stop,” notes Susiwala-pointing out consistency as key for his marketing wins. “I advertise the same way every single day, week, month and year-with no interruption.”
Pushing even harder on another front: Faisal stresses having good people around him is just as important for ongoing success.
“Even when I couldn’t necessarily afford it in the beginning, I began staffing myself so that things wouldn’t fall through the cracks-and no matter whether the business was slow or booming, I focused on consistently increasing my staff, support team and marketing people to make sure it never appeared that we were slow,” says Susiwala-building up what he calls his 100-percent personal approach. “When my clients need me, they get me 100 percent of the time-that only works because I have great people supporting me.”
The proof? The awards keep coming each year without fail. About 10-12 years ago Faisal started making Top 10 lists nationally and globally-and he’s stayed there ever since. In 2017 alone he ranked No. 4 across Canada & No. 6 worldwide; plus earned RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction honors after hitting $20 million sales during more than two decades at RE/MAX-the youngest ever recognized like this too.
“There’s no such thing as getting rich quick and finding success overnight,” concludes Susiwala. “But if you’re honest, consistent and always looking after the interest of the client first and foremost, the money and success will come.”
Getting to Know Faisal Susiwala
Here, Faisal answers some personal questions giving us insight beyond real estate stuff.
With a love for Ferraris shining through-he’d probably be racing cars if not closing deals.
If I weren’t in real estate…I’d be a race car driver.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you? That I like my quiet time. While I come across as being very energetic, social and fun to be with, I do appreciate my alone time.
How do you like to relax and unwind? With my wife and kids. Whether it’s driving up north or hitting ski slopes-I’m most chilled out where distractions vanish away Nothing beats being around family for me
What ’ s last book you read ? “ The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari ” by Robin Sharma. Picked it up thanks mostly because I’m fascinated by Ferraris. Also soak up lots from life coach Tony Robbins ’ seminars.
What ’ s last movie you watched ? “ The Greatest Showman. ” Wasn’t sure about watching it but ended up really enjoying this story about an underdog kid making good.
Any hobbies you enjoy ? Skiing , mountain biking with kids , travel (which includes them wherever possible). My wife shares these passions too so we try squeezing plenty trips together.
Favorite travel spot? South Africa – beautiful nature , amazing waterscapes , stunning country overall.
One food forever? Mom ’ s samosa – Indian pastry filled chicken , meat or veggies – kinda like pierogi but better !
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