Historic Hollywood

Sarkis M. DerSarkissian began building the
foundation of the Hollywood-based real estate
company that bears his name four decades ago,
thus realizing a lifelong dream of owning his
own business.
After earning his real estate license in 1962,
Sarkis was hired by Hollywoodland Realty
Company. He worked part time for six months
and eventually earned full time status.
Just three years later, Sarkis earned his
broker’s license and founded Sarkis Realty in
1965. The firm is located along Hollywood’s
historic Sunset Boulevard in the same offices it
has occupied for close to forty years.
The company became Sarkis Realty, Inc. in
1980 after successfully completing the
corporation process. The full-service
corporation handles virtually all types of real
estate transactions, including residential and
commercial sales, leasing, and management.
In addition to his role as company president,
Sarkis has also formed several limited
partnerships for which he has become general
partner, handling land acquisitions, and
development of strip shopping centers,
automotive shops and apartment buildings. He
also handles the leasing and management of each
of these projects following their completion.
Sarkis has also invested time in helping
others to learn the profession. In addition to
secretarial help, he has also hired sales licensees
to work in the company as well.
The operation of Sarkis Realty, Inc. is also a
family affair. Mary, Sarkis’ wife of thirty-two
years and mother of their two children, provides
crucial bookkeeping help. Ani, his daughter, has
also helped in the office over the years. And his
son Ara recently became an associate and
partner in the business, continuing the family’s
tradition of providing professional service to the
cultural mosaic that Hollywood has become
over the years.
The civic-minded real estate broker and
Realtor is actively involved in community
affairs. In addition to being a member of the
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Sarkis is a
founding member of St. John Armenian Church
in Hollywood, serving as past chair of the
Parish Council.
Sarkis is also a founding member of the TCA
Arshag Dickranian School, a private Armenian
school in Hollywood that assists immigrant
students from various countries in grades
pre-kindergarten through 12. Sarkis is chairman
of the school’s building committee and is a
member of the Board of Trustees.
Working closely with son Ara on current and
future projects, Sarkis is preparing to pass the
torch to the next generation, thereby cementing
the family’s place in Hollywood history.
❖
SARKIS
REALTY, INC.
Above: Sarkis Realty’s offices along
Hollywood’s historic Sunset Boulevard.
Below: Broker-Realtor Sarkis M.
DerSarkissian.
Sharing the Heritage ✦ 53