For the Egyptian-born business entrepreneur, there is no such thing as failure.
Luckily for him, a wealthy relative also believed in him enough to lend him money not once, but twice, to realise his dreams.
When Freddy set up his first business Baulkham Hills-based J C Travel in 2004, costs outstripped revenue and he had to borrow more money from his relative to carry on.
That faith of the generous relative was justified when Freddy went on to not only build up JC Travel Professionals to become the largest independent travel agency in Australia and New Zealand but to start other businesses - JCME, the marketing company that is promoting the WSABEs, J C Limousines, J C Construction, J C Marine, J C Holidays, JCT Australasia, a couple of companies in Dubai, China and soon-to-come J C Travel Manila - over the past 10 years.
Phew! There may have been some help from above, as, yes, the JC does refer to the “man upstairs”, underpinning the Mikhaels’ strong Christian faith.
But the real turning point was when JC Travel won the contract from the Saudi government to handle the travel arrangements of Gulf students coming to Australia and New Zealand to study.
Another boost was signing up Hillsong Church for their travel needs, as well as more than 60 other regular clients who appreciate the friendly, personalised service they receive from JC Travel staff.
Freddy puts his success down to, of course hard work, having the right staff but also in believing in what you are doing.
Sharing knowledge with other business people is also important.
“Sometimes businesses don’t want to share knowledge, thinking that would give their competitors an advantage, but being in a successful environment means everyone is successful,” Freddy said.
He would like to see the WSABEs foster more mentoring and feedback to new businesses.
Diversification also is an apparent direction that has worked for Freddy’s businesses and it is a tip that he encourages others to follow if they are able..
“What some businesses don’t understand is that diversification helps them survive,” he said.
“So many businesses have an exit strategy, but why start a business if you have a plan to exit? You just have to keep working at the business. The first year you will not make money, in the second you are making up your losses and in the third you should be making a profit, but some businesses give up by then.”
Ethics plays a big part in Freddy’s success. He says you cannot have a successful business without ethics, treating staff and clients as you would like to be treated being a good start.
“That is why we are sponsoring the Ethics in Business section of WSABE, as well as marketing what I hope will become the biggest business awards in Australia within three years.”
Freddy has his family beside him in business, his wife Sahra, and twin 27-year-old sons Shady and Shahir, while his 14-year-old son no doubt will be part of the team later.
Freddy and his family came to Australia from Egypt for a better life in 2002.
With his formidable background in hotel management in the Egypt, the Gulf and Switzerland, Freddy put his skills to good use at Le Meridien in Sydney before starting in a Singaporean Melbourne-based company Ascott, which runs the largest serviced apartment chain in the world.
Missing his family in Sydney during that job, Freddy moved back, via a short stint in hotel management in Dubai.
It was time to strike out on his own; with all the experience he had gathered working for others.
Living with his family in Dural, Freddy feels proud to be part of Australia, while mindful of his roots.
“You cannot forget your background, who you are, but you have to work for the success of yourself and for the country you live in,” Freddy said.
