From modest beginnings to the growth of NP Immobiliare: the Cagliari-born entrepreneur recounts his sacrifices, unconventional choices, his first deals, and his plans for the future.

Nicola, who were you before becoming the entrepreneur we know today?

I was born in Cagliari and raised in Selargius in a modest family. We were four siblings; my father worked as a salaried employee and my mother primarily took care of us. I had no inheritance or significant connections. But even as a child, I was fascinated by successful people. I remember when, at about ten years old, I saw the yachts in Porto Cervo: I wondered what the owners did to afford them. I wasn't envious; I wanted to understand how they managed it.

You had a secure job. Why wasn't that enough?

At 21, I got a job at a telecommunications company. Everyone was happy: a salary, a contract, a stable future. I wasn't. I couldn't imagine my life behind a desk, taking orders and waiting for the weekend. I wanted to make my own decisions and build something of my own. I realized that if I wanted a different future, I had to start acting differently.

Why did you choose real estate?

I've always been fascinated by construction sites, cranes, and buildings under construction. I began studying Cagliari's market: prices, neighborhoods, building features, and redevelopment opportunities. I looked for opportunities on every street.

You spent two years almost isolated from the world. What was that like?

Extremely hard. While my peers went out and traveled, I split my days between work and study, sometimes seven or eight hours a day. I saved over 80% of my salary and even sold my new car to use my grandfather's. No dinners out, no clubs, no vacations. I had a goal written on a piece of paper. Those sacrifices toughened me.

Was there a moment when you thought about giving up?

One January evening, it was pouring with rain. After work, I had an appointment at the agency for a property. I searched for a long time for parking, arrived soaked, and discovered it had already been promised to another buyer. I got back in the car and sat there for two hours, staring into space. I'd been working for almost two years without results. I wondered if I was wasting my youth. That night, I hit rock bottom. But the next day, I kept going.

How did the first operation come about, without large amounts of capital?

I had found a property for €30,000. Between purchase, work, and professionals, it would cost about €78,000; I had saved €20,000. I paid a €5,000 deposit and began searching for the missing funds. After countless rejections, I obtained a €30,000 bank loan. I still had to find someone to carry out the work, accepting deferred payment: I met with several companies, until one accepted the project. Twenty-one days after construction began, I sold the property on paper for €118,500. I had made my first €40,000. It was proof that research could translate into concrete results.

What did you feel then?

A huge satisfaction, and not just for the amount. I started with €500 in my account, with no experience and no one to finance me. I had finally closed a deal. I realized I couldn't stop: I had to reinvest, continue training, and improve with every deal.

NP Immobiliare Srl was founded in 2020. How has it grown?

I have structured a model based on the purchase and redevelopment of properties, including large buildings and offices, to transform into modern apartments. Over time, I have built a team of professionals and strengthened relationships with clients and private investors. The latter have played a key role: thanks in part to the trust of those who have chosen to invest capital in my projects, in recent years I have been able to undertake increasingly large transactions and accelerate growth. Today, I coordinate an organized structure and increasingly complex construction projects.

At thirty, you made your first million. What changed?

My financial security has changed, not my desire to do things. I can live experiences that were previously unthinkable. But the real advantage is being able to choose: who to work with, how to organize my day, which projects to pursue. I didn't want to get rich by owning expensive things. I wanted to be in control of my time. I continue working because work is my greatest passion, not because I'm forced to.

How important is your nonconformist nature?

A lot. I wasn't a model student in school: I graduated with a straight A. I've never been good at following a path just because everyone thought it was right. Over time, I've transformed this trait into the ability to think for myself and see what most people don't.

How do you deal with the judgement of others?

When you share your achievements publicly, some people praise you and others criticize you. I listen to constructive criticism and acknowledge mistakes, but I've never considered giving up on my ambitions for fear of what others will think. When it comes to gossip, I prefer to let my work and results do the talking.

How important is trust in your industry?

It's crucial. In the real estate market, you work with significant assets, often with your life savings. A client needs to feel supported even after the deed is signed; an investor needs to know who they're working with. Today, we also work with private investors who participate financially in our transactions. For me, it's a huge responsibility: behind every investment, there's someone who relies on my experience and the projects we develop.

What would you say to 23-year-old Nicola?

To keep going, even when it seems like all your efforts are getting nowhere. Those two years in your bedroom, the sacrifices and closed doors, would become crucial. I would also tell him not to rush: important things often take longer than we imagine.

What is your greatest ambition today?

To continue growing, both as a person and as an entrepreneur. I want to develop new projects and build something that will last even after I'm gone. One of my next goals is to expand NP Immobiliare beyond its original location, with construction sites in multiple Italian cities simultaneously. I'm interested in exploring new markets: Milan, for example, is a city I'm already closely monitoring and where I'd like to develop real estate projects. For me, success isn't a definitive goal, but rather the opportunity to continue building year after year.

What advice would you give to a young person who dreams of changing their life?

Don't use your starting point as an excuse not to try. I didn't have capital or a family of entrepreneurs behind me. I had a desire to learn and great determination. You have to study, develop skills, manage money, and take action. There are no shortcuts or guaranteed results. But waiting for the perfect moment is often the best way to never get started.

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