Biography of Charlotte Vidor: Founder of TOGA Group -Entrepreneur
Biography of Charlotte Vidor:
Journey of Resilience and Opportunity
Charlotte Vidor was born in Poland in 1934 and endured the
atrocities of World War II before migrating to Australia in 1948 with her
parents. A Holocaust survivor, she embraced education with vigor, attending
Sydney Girls High School and excelling in her studies, topping the state in two
subjects. She earned a scholarship to study pharmacy at the University of
Sydney, setting the stage for her remarkable journey.
Early Career and Family Foundations
While pursuing her studies, Charlotte contributed to her
parents' jewelry shop in Sydney’s Central Business District. In 1958, she
married Ervin Vidor, a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in Australia as a
teenager. Charlotte worked as a pharmacist while Ervin completed his commerce
degree at the University of New South Wales and established a costume jewelry
business, forming a partnership built on hard work and shared ambition.
The Birth of TOGA
In 1963, Charlotte, Ervin, and builder Antonino Stillone
founded TOGA, initially called Progress Developments. Their first project
involved constructing two blocks of nine units in Glebe, a suburb in
inner-western Sydney. This marked the beginning of TOGA's transformation into a
respected name in property development.
Diversifying Expertise
Charlotte expanded her skillset by securing auctioneer and
real estate agent licenses. She also launched Robert Edwards Real Estate under
the TOGA Group umbrella in the mid-1970s. In 1988, she furthered her education,
earning a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Macquarie University, equipping
her with the knowledge to shape urban spaces.
Introducing Serviced Apartments to Australia
While on a trip to the United States in the 1980s, Charlotte
and Ervin were inspired by the concept of serviced apartments. Recognizing its
potential in Australia, Charlotte spearheaded the creation of Medina Randwick,
a serviced apartment complex, in 1982. This venture became a cornerstone for
TOGA's future growth.
A Leader in Hospitality
By the 1980s, TOGA had established itself as a leader in
serviced apartments, later expanding into limited-service hotels under the
Travelodge brand and full-service hotels with the Vibe brand. In 2013, TOGA
partnered with Far East Hospitality to form TFE Hotels, which today operates
nearly 80 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
A Commitment to Multiculturalism
Charlotte's impact extended beyond business. From 2014 to
2017, she served as a member of the Australian Multicultural Council, advising
the federal government on multicultural affairs. Her work demonstrated her
dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in Australian society.
Supporting the Jewish Community
Charlotte also made significant contributions to the Jewish
community. She served as a director of the JewishCare Foundation Trust for a
decade starting in 1995. Her commitment to cultural preservation and community
welfare remained central to her efforts throughout her career.
Biography of Charlotte Vidor: Founder of TOGA Group -Entrepreneur #startup#age#net worth#Real Estate story#investor#austrelia#Charlotte Vidor story
Recognitions and Awards
In 2021, Charlotte was honored as a Member of the Order of
Australia for her substantial contributions to multiculturalism, tourism, and
urban planning. Her recognition on the New South Wales Honour Roll in 2006
further cemented her legacy as a respected leader in multiple fields.
A Thriving Family Business
TOGA, now operated as the TOGA Group of Companies, has grown
into a multifaceted enterprise. The company encompasses TOGA Development &
Construction, TOGA Property Investment, and TFE Hotels. The group's portfolio
includes iconic brands like Adina, Medina, Rendezvous, and Travelodge, which
collectively generate significant revenues.
Expanding Global Footprints
Under Charlotte's leadership, TOGA expanded its influence
internationally. The 2013 partnership with Singapore-based Far East Orchard
marked a significant milestone, managing hotels across Australia, New Zealand,
and Europe. In 2022, TFE Hotels announced plans to launch its first Vibe and
Adina hotels in Singapore, showcasing Charlotte’s visionary foresight.
A Legacy of Vision and Leadership
Charlotte’s journey, from surviving the Holocaust to
creating a global enterprise, exemplifies resilience, vision, and leadership.
Her contributions to business, multiculturalism, and urban development have
left an indelible mark. As a trailblazing entrepreneur and philanthropist,
Charlotte Vidor continues to inspire future generations.
Timeline for story
1934: Charlotte Vidor is born in Poland.
1948: Migrates to Australia with her parents as a Holocaust
survivor.
1958: Marries Ervin Vidor and works as a pharmacist.
1963: Co-founds TOGA (initially Progress Developments) in
Sydney.
1970s: Launches Robert Edwards Real Estate under the TOGA
Group.
1982: Establishes Medina Randwick, the first serviced
apartment complex in Australia.
1980s: Expands TOGA into serviced apartments and hotels.
1988: Earns a Master’s in Urban Studies from Macquarie
University.
2013: Forms TFE Hotels through a partnership with Far East
Hospitality.
2014-2017: Serves on the Australian Multicultural Council.
2021: Honored as a Member of the Order of Australia.
2022: TFE Hotels plans to expand with new hotels in
Singapore.
