Michael Friedlander is known as a tough landlord, controlling a large empire of more than 220 properties all over Auckland. The portfolio of commercial and residential real estate has been built up over many years and now includes a huge parcel of land in the Waikato worth more than $18 million. The family business which comprises Samson Corporation and Sterling Nominees is largely operated by his two sons Jason and Daniel .
The family is heavily media-shy about its several investments but opens up more about its longstanding and generous philanthropy through the Friedlander Foundation.