Chris Tyson

Chris Tyson, the chief executive officer of Tyson Properties, has had a longstanding relationship with the real estate industry, beginning long before he took the helm of his company in 2015. His connection to the field traces back to his childhood, where his first exposure came from sitting in the car while his mother conducted show houses. This early experience sparked a lifelong interest in real estate and laid the foundation for his career. As Tyson Properties approaches its 20th year, Chris reflects on the journey with pride and a deep sense of commitment to the industry.

Before diving into the world of real estate, Chris’s first job was in a completely different environment. After finishing school, he decided to take a gap year and worked as a barman at a hotel in Grahamstown, primarily serving students from Rhodes University. This experience, though far removed from the real estate sector, was invaluable in teaching him the importance of hard work, customer service, and adaptability. These skills would later prove essential as he navigated the challenges of running his own business.

PRIMARY MOTIVATION
Chris’s drive is deeply rooted in his commitment to his family who serve as his main source of inspiration. “My family inspires me the most. They are my why and it’s a big why,” he explains, highlighting that they are the primary motivation behind his professional efforts.

The pride his family takes in his accomplishments, particularly his son’s reactions, deeply inspires him. “When he makes comments like, ‘Dad, I saw a YouTube advert for Tyson Properties,’ or notices our boards on the side of the road, it makes me very proud and motivates me,” shared Chris.

However, his sense of responsibility extends beyond his immediate family. For Chris, Tyson Properties is more than just a job; it represents a significant part of his life’s work and a community he deeply cares about.

He says, “Having started business and being actively involved for almost 20 years, I consider the team at Tyson Properties as part of my family.” He reflects, “I know most of the team individually, and for me it’s a big why to get up in the morning and go to work and actually experience a very different environment. It’s not just a job for me, it’s something so much more…”

VALUES AND ETHICS
When asked about his proudest accomplishment, Chris comments on the cumulative successes over the years rather than a single event. “After 20 years of owning your own business, you have some very high highs and some very low lows,” he notes. Among the highs are winning prestigious international awards and gaining recognition from industry peers for the company he has built. “It’s all based on values and ethics,” Chris emphasises, expressing his pride in the company’s adherence to these principles. This focus on ethical behaviour and long-term thinking has been a cornerstone of Tyson Properties’ growth and success.

Throughout his career, Chris has adhered to a piece of advice that has significantly shaped his approach to business: “How you conduct yourself today will determine how your business grows in years to come.” This guidance has influenced his every action, encouraging him to behave in a way that aligns with his personal and professional values. “I’ve always been very mindful to behave in a certain way to make sure that whatever I do is done to the best of my ability and with a strong personal belief to always do the right thing,” he reflects.

SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES
Chris identifies two major challenges that have defined his career: the financial crisis of 2007 and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both events posed significant financial challenges, creating uncertainty about the future of his business. “You find yourself wondering, ‘How on earth are you going to go from today till tomorrow?’” he recalls. However, Chris believes that perseverance and a strong focus on doing the right thing are key to overcoming such challenges. “If you put your head down, focus on what you’re doing, and make sure you always do the right thing, you will get through them,” he asserts. These experiences have reinforced his belief in the importance of resilience and maintaining a steady focus during tough times.

Motivating the team at Tyson Properties, especially in recent years, has been extremely important. The fluctuating interest rates and an unpredictable market have made it difficult to maintain consistent morale. “Just when we think it’s getting better, it slumps back down again,” Chris observes. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic. Chris believes that with recent developments, including elections and infrastructure improvements, the market will stabilise. “We’re looking forward to a more motivated environment to work in,” he says, acknowledging that motivation requires continuous effort and adaptation to changing circumstances.

PROMISING DEVELOPMENTS
Chris has an optimistic vision for KwaZulu-Natal over the next five years. Despite facing significant challenges, including storms and infrastructure issues, he sees promising developments on the horizon. “The right people are being put in place to ensure that service delivery is restored,” he says, expressing confidence in the province’s future. He believes that with improving infrastructure and stabilising interest rates, KwaZulu-Natal will see strong market growth. “We’re continuously looking at our business in Durban to ensure we grow in the right direction,” Chris states.

Chris lives by a simple yet powerful motto: “How you conduct yourself will determine how your business continues to grow.” This principle, which he mentioned earlier, guides his actions both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, Chris Tyson’s journey with Tyson Properties is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and commitment to values. As Tyson Properties approaches its 20th year, Chris remains focused on leading the company with integrity and optimism for the future.