Welcome to Arik Kislin
Arik Kislin is an entrepreneur with an eye for developing real estate - turning property from condemned to elegant and luxurious. He has a keen sense for investing and recognizes opportunities with long term and lucrative potential.
Kislin became principal of a New York City real estate firm in 1992 that specialized in developing and managing 3.6 million square feet of prime New York real estate. That included the 1.5 million square foot Chelsea Market complex. In what became a milestone for the real estate firm that would later kick off the transformation of Manhattan's Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market's renovation success is still hailed as amazing.
A financial service firm specializing in distressed debts presented a 1998 opportunity that Kislin couldn't pass up. Kislin's skills and strategies have helped the company build a portfolio worth nearly $2 billion.
In 2001, Mr. Kislin started a new partnership with the Achenbaum family. As a principal developer of the Gansevoort Hotel, Kislin used his Chelsea Market success to create the same opportunities in the Meatpacking District. The hotel is largely responsible for the transformation of the district, which is now the most exclusive destination spot for international fashion, dining, and nightlife. The transformation breathed life into an area that went from war torn to fresh and elegant, thus becoming one of New York City's most highly recognized neighborhoods. Mr. Kislin is currently overseeing development of two other Gansevoort properties: A South Beach property in Miami Beach and a New York City site, which will be on the prestigious and prominent Park Avenue. The New York City has not broken ground yet, but construction is expected to begin the summer of 2008. Capitalizing on the success of the highly respected Gansevoort brand, the partnership would like to continue expansion in the U.S. and abroad.
Kislin's skills, though, aren't all real estate based. In 2004, Mr. Kilsin invested in the private aviation industry with a small full service private charter management service. The company now has a fleet of private jets, maintenance, and fueling facility, and hangers for private aviation clients. Complete with Fixed Base Operations, which includes private aircraft terminals for clients, Kislin's keen sense of strategy has paid off again.
Arik Kislin is currently principal of Linx Industries, a diversified investment company with stakes in businesses from financial services to aviation.
There is a lighter and more personal side to this entrepreneur. Arik Kislin is also a member of the New York Friar's Club. He enjoys yachting, tennis, and being with his wife and two children. He also has an intense passion for baseball and is a life long player and fan.