Early Life
Salvatore "Sam" Tarascio was born in Vizzini, Sicily, in 1944. At the age of five, in 1949, he emigrated to Australia with his family. He was raised by Sicilian migrant parents in Werribee, Melbourne. His early experiences as a migrant shaped his drive and determination to succeed. In his early years, he worked in sales before venturing into the pharmaceutical industry.
Rise to Success
Tarascio founded Salta Properties in 1972, after purchasing swampland and constructing a warehouse. Over the years, Tarascio built a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial properties across Melbourne. He recognized early on the importance of logistics and industrial development, leading to the creation of Westgate Logistics. This business was later sold to Linfox in 2008. Salta Properties, now run by his son, Sam Jr., has completed over 150 projects and has a multi-billion-dollar portfolio.
Key Business Strategies
Key to Tarascio's success has been his ability to identify and acquire prime land, his long-term buy-and-hold strategy, and his focus on customer service. His vision extends to creating places of enduring value, adapting to market changes, and fostering strong relationships with tenants and partners. The company has expanded to include industrial, commercial, and residential developments, including landmark projects like the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre.
Philanthropy
While specific details of his philanthropy are not readily available from the search results, he is known for his commitment to community and creating assets that will be enjoyed for generations.