Full Article Banking on Success — Episode 9: Samir Mane’s Eye for Opportunities

These are the words Mane uses to describe his entrepreneurial spirit. At just 22 years of age, the young university student immigrated to Vienna in search of a better life. Realizing the potential of the consumer electronics area, Mane left university just 6 months after enrolment to pursue his business. 

Alba-Trade’s growth stemmed from Albania’s small consumer electronics market. With plenty of resources left, Mane decided to expand business operations to other eastern European countries. However, it didn’t end there: Alba-Trade grew into Balfin Group through smart investments in other retail areas. 

In 2004, Mane opened the very first shopping center in Albania. Yet, skeptics were pessimistic about its success: “Everybody was negative about my business plan and my idea, including my father ( … ).” Mane proved them wrong when entire highways were blocked due to the amount of people showing up for the mall’s opening. 

Boosted by this breakthrough, Mane went on to open the first supermarket chain in Albania. Again, he received pushback from foreign investors as Albania didn’t seem like an attractive market at the time. Once again, the entrepreneur proved them wrong. Balfin Group went on to invest in many other industries across eleven countries and multiple continents. 

Samir Mane’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t always smooth sailing though. His brief endeavor in telecommunications ended when his newly founded mobile operator couldn’t keep up with the competition. He sold the company at a loss and took it as a learning opportunity. Mane emphasizes the importance of a proper business plan and the right timing when launching a new product. 

As of 2025, Balfin Group employs more than 5,000 people. Reliable managers are vital for the development of such a large workforce. When choosing his current leadership team, each candidate was asked one important question: What would you do better if Balfin Group were your company? 

Mane was looking for passionate people who put their all into the work they do. Consequently, the candidates that weren’t able to give a concrete answer, citing that they are already doing things as if it were their own company, were chosen to lead the conglomerate. 

This decision process didn’t appear out of thin air. Mane himself shows how it’s done: “I do what I do with passion.” 

Although the eastern countries in Europe combine to form a relatively small market, Mane sees great opportunities in that area. There is a high demand for future-proof technology and new products. Especially the next generation proves to be a customer group of particular interest. Employment costs are cheaper compared to the west as well, making it a particularly lucrative base for technological investments and exports. 

Eastern Europe still has its fair share of troubles, however. For one, the infrastructure leaves some space for improvements. Additionally, the general trend of emigration from east to west is still a major topic. 

Despite the current economic situation, Balfin Group was one of few companies that managed to grow by 30% in 2024. Samir Mane reveals the two best performing investment areas: real estate and tourism. He notes the unchanging nature of some industries and that “the way people sleep is not going to change, at least for the next 100 years.” Even with digital developments transforming a lot of fundamental human experiences, people still need a roof over their heads and a space of their own. 

Looking towards the future, Mane expects Balfin Group to expand into western Europe and even further to Asia. Their focus currently lies on affordable housing; an endeavor they will be taking with them to different corners of the world.