Mark and Lisa Novak pull back the curtain on their 23-year journey building Novak Properties from nothing but determination and a vacant pie shop. Their refreshingly candid conversation reveals the blood, sweat and tears behind what is now a Northern Beaches real estate powerhouse.
The duo dispels common myths about their business origins—no, they didn't inherit a family company, and yes, they started without experience at just 23 years old. Their early days featured makeshift operations with three mobile phones daisy-chained together, no signage, and letterheads frantically printed overnight at Officeworks.
What makes this story particularly compelling is their deliberate decision to break industry norms. While competitors displayed property plaques in windows, the Novaks kept theirs empty. They installed Slurpee machines that attracted schoolchildren and a massive shark tank that became legendary in the community. These weren't just quirky marketing tactics—they reflected a fundamental belief that real estate could be done differently.
Perhaps most remarkable is the family they've built along the way. Their team members aren't just employees—many have stayed for over a decade, with some leaving only to return after missing the Novak culture. Today, they're selling homes to the children of their original clients while managing $4 billion in assets with 50 staff members.
Whether you're fascinated by entrepreneurship, real estate, or simply love hearing about local success stories, this candid conversation offers genuine insights into building something extraordinary from nothing. The Novak journey proves that with vision and persistence, unconventional thinking can transform industries and communities.