By JP the Editor

Couple from Holland find Success in the Jungle of Property Management

The Alkmaar cheese market, the Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam, the Peace Palace of The Hague, the Royal Palace on the Amsterdam Dam Square, the Cathedral Tower of Utrecht, the canal houses of Amsterdam, and parts of the Delta - everything Holland is famous for could not stop Paula Harbink and Dick C. Trap from realizing their dreams of Jungles, Caribbean Beaches, and the Real Estate Business.

Real Estate Business? Business, you say! In Paradise?

You see, Paula came from Holland to Playa del Carmen about 3 ½ years ago to work as an environmental engineer to assist in preserving the ecology of the area.

However, after working in that industry, it was clear that making a living was not to be, so she a took a few odd jobs and then went back to Holland to regroup.

There, she met up with Dick C. Trap, and experienced businessman who realized that Paula had that gleam in her eye – that certain Je ne Sais Quio – that elevates the human spirit to a greater cause.

So together they came back to Playa del Carmen in 2002 to invest their energies into the area.

Initially, they thought to purchase and run a hotel. However, that deal fell through. Then, as the sun was shining and the trade winds were blowing, a company called 7 Aluxe Property Management owned by long time business person and resident Nikki Novielli went on the market.

They talked it over and without further delay Paula and Dick were in the Property Management Business and ready to ride their dream into the jungle of their lives.

Partners from the start, Paula and Dick assumed the 64 condos under long term management contracts. Immediately, they went to work immediately highlighting the strengths and needs of the business.

After one year in business, the couple now have 85 properties under management. They have expanded their offerings to include Short Term Vacation Rentals for Condos and Homes and also the administration of condo associations.

“Business has been great” says Paula. Oh gosh, you know we all work so hard to make this work. We are committed to success for all of our clients, both owners and renters so it’s worthwhile when clients get what they expect and more”.

“Here in Playa doing business has been fun and exhausting at times. The worst part is learning to deal with the “manaña” thing.” Paula says with perplexed look.

“There are times when I schedule 7 appointments and only 2 show up. At first this was hard to understand. But now I realize that this is what the culture is here and this is why I love it. So to make it work, I accept it and roll with the culture. Since then, I have found our way to business happiness.” Paula explains.

With a team of 11 employees, Paula and Dick know they have the ability to meet the growing demand in the market.

“You know the business we are in is - Solving Problems. We get it from both the owners and renters. Our job is to find a way to make both sides happy – both owners and renters. With different expectations, cultures, and personalities, we must be at our very best. Our great team of employees meet these challenges daily and when we succeed, it is very rewarding.” Paula happily expresses.

Dick adds “Business is growing fast in our town and with us celebrating our 1 year anniversary in business, we are poised to capitalize on the opportunities. There are so many business opportunities everywhere. It’s great for those inclined to succeed.”

Living well and happy in Playa also part of the equation for success” Paula says.

“While back in Holland, I studied and learned Yoga – specifically Ashtanga style. This branch of Yoga is Ancient Indian Power Yoga or as some say - Yoga for the Samurii Under the Yogi’s. It is the toughest of the branches. With our business success, I am able to also perform and teach Yoga – to bring this art to our community.”

At nights and other select times, Paula teaches at Body Werks Gym owned by Cindy Burke. “Yoga keeps me focused, healthy, and spiritually centered. I love it.” says Paula

Paula and Dick say candidly that “Paradise is not perfect……. But for us, it is paradise and it is perfect. We live well and are able to realize our dreams by maximizing our abilities.”

Asked about advice for others entering the marketplace Paula says “Business is not for everyone – especially here in Playa where the cosmopolitan meets the ancient Mayan and Mexican civilizations” she says.

“It requires commitment and vision. More, if you come from another country, it’s hard because, you really do not have friends like back where you came from. For me, I was lonely at times, it was hard on me, but with time………I have been able to join a women’s group and make good friends. Things from that perspective are better for me now and they can be for anyone else. I think having friends is important to one’s health, so be prepared to step out of the box and meet people, get into the community.

Paula and Dick are working on making their 2^nd anniversary in Playa even better than the first.

Dick says “Right now, we are working on adding a 38 condo association to our stable of clients so, I would say that if we keep up energy, work hard and smart, our chances of meeting our goals are in the Stars!"

Star Condos that is!

Star Condos can be reached by telephone at +52(984)873.0637 and/or email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . The web site is www.starcondos.com.mx.

They are located at Villa No. 28, Calle 30, entre Ave. 20 y 25 in Playa del Carmen

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