From Property to Philanthropy: Faisal Susiwala’s Dedication to Giving Back

In the vibrant tapestry of life, there are moments that irrevocably shape an individual’s destiny. For Faisal Susiwala, a name synonymous with real estate excellence in Canada and a profound commitment to global philanthropy, two such pivotal events stand out. These moments not only forged his path as a top-tier realtor but also ignited a deep-seated dedication to providing safe and secure housing for those less fortunate across the world.

The first defining chapter in Susiwala’s journey unfolded during his teenage years. A serendipitous encounter with South African investors catapulted him into a burgeoning real estate career, culminating in the sale of $2 million in property through him, an astonishing feat for someone so young. The second, a harrowing twist of fate on September 11, 2001, saw him and his pregnant wife miraculously escape the tragic World Trade Center terrorist attack, an experience that would forever recalibrate his perspective on life and purpose.

Faisal Susiwala: A Beacon of Real Estate Excellence and Philanthropy

Faisal Susiwala’s professional accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2017, he has consistently led Canada in the highest number of houses sold, firmly establishing his reputation as a formidable force in the real estate industry. His accolades include being ranked as the Top Selling Agent in Canada and securing the prestigious #2 spot globally within the esteemed Re/Max network. Beyond his sales prowess, Susiwala is also an Amazon best-selling author, with his insightful book, The Real Deal, offering invaluable wisdom gleaned from his extensive experience.

Born in England, Susiwala’s family immigrated to Cambridge, Ontario, in 1973. His father, a skilled weaver, sought opportunities in Canada’s then-thriving textile industry, making Cambridge their new home. Today, Susiwala remains deeply rooted in this community, operating his successful real estate business with Re/Max Twin City, a testament to his enduring local commitment and deep understanding of the Canadian real estate market.

From Paper Routes to Property Deals: The Genesis of an Entrepreneur

“I’ve been very fortunate and blessed,” Susiwala often reflects, attributing his success to a blend of hard work, destiny, and an innate entrepreneurial drive. His fascination with the real estate business blossomed at the tender age of 17. One late night, captivated by a television infomercial featuring the enigmatic Tom Vu—a Vietnamese entrepreneur showcasing his lavish lifestyle on a yacht, attributing his wealth to real estate—Susiwala found his calling.

“I thought, I want to be like this guy,” he recalls. The allure of building wealth through property transactions resonated deeply with his youthful ambition. However, Vu’s exclusive course proved prohibitively expensive for a teenager. Undeterred, Susiwala embarked on his own quest for knowledge, turning to local educational institutions. In 1987, he discovered a real estate course at Conestoga College. Unaware that the program was a pathway to professional licensing, he simply saw it as an opportunity to learn the intricacies of real estate investment. He was a curious young outlier among his fellow students, who were predominantly in their 40s and 50s, diligently absorbing every lesson during a six-week summer course.

The Transformative First Deals: A Story of Vision and Grit

Susiwala’s journey into the professional real estate world began under the guidance of Reid Menary, a 73-year-old independent real estate professional. Menary, a long-time friend of Susiwala’s father, had previously assisted the family in securing their first apartment in Cambridge. He became more than just Susiwala’s broker; he evolved into a cherished mentor and friend, imparting invaluable wisdom that would shape the young realtor’s career. Remarkably, Susiwala’s initial listings and client base largely stemmed from his humble beginnings as a paperboy, a testament to his early networking skills and community engagement.

A pivotal moment arrived in November 1988, when Susiwala attended a fundraising dinner in Toronto. Seated at his table were several South African individuals, contemplating real estate investments in Canada. Susiwala, ever the astute networker, seized the opportunity to share his business card. What followed was nothing short of astounding: “In the next six weeks that followed before Christmas of that year, I sold over $2 million worth of real estate to them,” he recounts. This substantial portfolio included a block of townhomes, a commercial building, and valuable development land. The commission from these sales amounted to a staggering $60,000—a sum that dwarfed the average household income of approximately $38,000 at the time. This phenomenal early success solidified Susiwala’s conviction.

Returning home to his South Asian parents, he declared his decision to forgo university and dedicate his life to real estate. “They, of course, got very upset with me,” he remembers, as higher education was a deeply ingrained expectation. However, Susiwala’s unwavering belief in his chosen path, fueled by his remarkable achievements, ultimately won them over, paving the way for a legendary career.

A Brush with Death: The 9/11 Experience and a Renewed Purpose

The second, and perhaps most profoundly transformative, moment in Faisal Susiwala’s life occurred on September 11, 2001. In a harrowing twist of fate, he and his pregnant wife, expecting their son in January 2002, narrowly escaped one of the darkest days in modern history. Their initial plan was to stay at the hotel located within the World Trade Center complex on their first night in New York City. However, they decided to move to another nearby hotel the following day, a decision that would prove life-saving.

On the morning of September 11, they were in their new hotel room when a colossal bang reverberated through the city. “What was interesting about it is we were reserved for September 11 on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center at the Windows of the World restaurant for breakfast at 8:30 a.m.,” Susiwala explains, the memory still vivid. “And we didn’t go. That was the turning point of our lives. What stopped us from going? We were out the night before. It was a late night. My wife was tired in the morning. We decided we would go for lunch instead of breakfast.” Just minutes later, at approximately 8:45 a.m., the first plane tragically crashed into the World Trade Center, directly impacting the very floors they had planned to visit. The sheer proximity to disaster, and their miraculous avoidance of it, left an indelible mark on Susiwala, forever altering his perception of life’s preciousness and its inherent purpose.

Finding a Greater Purpose: Giving Back Through World Housing

The near-death experience of 9/11 served as a profound catalyst for Susiwala, compelling him to look beyond personal achievement and contemplate his legacy. “I think back. I talk about it a bit in my book on how that was a turning point in my life where you look at where your purpose is, and that has a lot to do with my mindset of giving back … Each day is a blessing,” he articulates, emphasizing the profound shift in his perspective. “It gives you a higher purpose in life than just getting by. When you look at the blessings you have in your life, how do you give back, pay it forward, do some good, leave some legacy in this world before you check out.”

Driven by this renewed sense of purpose, Susiwala embarked on a philanthropic journey, becoming an ambassador for the World Housing organization. Its noble mission resonated deeply with him: to provide secure homes to families living in poverty, thereby offering them the fundamental chance for a better life. He was introduced to this impactful organization over a year ago through a developer he collaborated with, recognizing the synergy between his professional life and his humanitarian aspirations.

“They have a group of philanthropists that fund it so that 100 per cent of the money that they take in goes toward the need and the costs,” Susiwala elaborates on World Housing’s unique model. This ensures that every dollar donated directly supports the construction of homes in regions plagued by poverty and lacking basic housing infrastructure, such as the Philippines, Zambia, and other parts of the world. “A group of individuals have gotten together to fund all of this and what we’ve committed to do — developers, builders, agents — is that for every home we sell on one project, we (give) $250 per home to World Housing.” He highlights the incredible impact of these contributions, noting that between $5,000 and $7,000 can facilitate the building of an entire house in these developing nations.

Susiwala’s dedication to housing initiatives predates his involvement with World Housing. For many years, he independently funded and oversaw the construction of homes for widows in Multan, Pakistan. “We build small villages, and between $5,000 to $6,000 gets them a house and food for a year,” he explains. This personal project, driven by a deep sense of compassion, laid the groundwork for his larger-scale philanthropic endeavors. He recognized that World Housing perfectly complemented his existing efforts, offering a structured and expansive platform to amplify his impact. Becoming an ambassador allowed him to leverage the organization’s resources and network, enabling him to help more communities efficiently than he could through independent efforts alone.

“My life has been enhanced and changed as a result of being in the industry. Housing has done so much for me. It’s just a way of paying it forward for me.”

– Faisal Susiwala

Current Efforts and the Vision for a Secure Future

Today, Faisal Susiwala continues his impactful work, seamlessly blending his professional pursuits with his humanitarian calling. He is currently collaborating on a significant project with the Zehr Group and Cook Homes, focusing on the construction of 76 new townhomes in Waterloo, Ontario. In a powerful display of corporate social responsibility, Zehr Group has pledged a donation of $250 per home sold, a commitment matched by Susiwala himself. The ambitious goal is to raise between $40,000 and $50,000 from this project alone, earmarked for donation to World Housing, thereby directly funding the construction of several new homes for those in dire need.

Further underscoring his dedication, Susiwala recently jump-started the project with a personal donation of $25,000, recognizing the urgent need for assistance in these vulnerable countries. His actions demonstrate a profound understanding that immediate aid can make an immediate difference in peoples’ lives.

From World Housing via Faisal Susiwala

“I’m creating housing locally and I’m helping people find homes locally. By doing so, I’ve been very blessed. I’ve earned a fantastic living,” Susiwala expresses, highlighting the harmonious balance between his successful career and his philanthropic work. He firmly believes that his professional achievements enable his extensive charitable contributions, creating a virtuous cycle of success and giving.

The impact of his efforts extends far beyond bricks and mortar. “It gives me a lot of pride in helping people less fortunate get into homes and actually create a life for themselves, because if they didn’t have a home they wouldn’t have security, their kids may have to go out into the workforce at a very young age and widowed women would have to do businesses that are not acceptable in our society.” He articulates the profound ripple effect of providing a safe dwelling: it offers security, enables children to pursue education, and protects vulnerable women from desperate circumstances. He concludes with a powerful, concise summary of his life’s work: “If you give somebody a home, you’re actually giving them security and you’re changing their life.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of Faisal Susiwala’s dual legacy: a titan in Canadian real estate and a devoted humanitarian, building not just houses, but hope and brighter futures across the globe.

Photo source: Homeshack.com