Our Heritage

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The Hilton Family Office (HFO Capital) is built upon a legacy of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that spans generations.

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The Visionary: John J Hilton

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Born in 1912 in Nové Zámky, near Bratislava, Gyula Heitler's early life was marked by adversity. During World War II, he escaped a train bound for Auschwitz and survived in hiding in Budapest. In 1947, seeking a new beginning, he arrived in Australia and adopted the name John J Hilton. Starting his career at Olympia Fashions in Sydney, he soon co-founded a women's knitwear business with his brother Emil.

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Under the brand "John J Hilton," they focused on creating elegant and durable dresses for women in their mid-twenties and older. The brand's slogan, "It's a Honey, It's a Hilton," became iconic. At its peak, the company employed over 100 people, had showrooms across Australia, and was represented in fashion capitals like Paris, New York, and London. John J Hilton was a pioneer in exporting Australian fashion to markets including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States. He was also among the first to incorporate wool into women's dresses and received accolades such as the Australian Wool Award.

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After successfully building and eventually selling his fashion enterprise to Dunlop, John J Hilton focussed on real estate, investing in and developing properties throughout Sydney, 

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Continuing the Legacy: Jeffrey S Hilton SC

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Following John J Hilton's passing, his son, Jeffrey S Hilton SC, took the helm of the family's diverse business interests in 2008. Jeffrey brought with him a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, specializing in commercial, competition, and administrative law. He was appointed Senior Counsel in New South Wales in 1993 and later served as Queen's Counsel in Western Australia and Tasmania. His roles included Head of the Ninth Floor of Selborne Chambers in Sydney and Associate Commissioner of both the Trade Practices Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Additionally, he served as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve, achieving the rank of Captain.

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Under Jeffrey's leadership, HFO Capital has expanded its footprint in Sydney's real estate landscape, focusing on strategic investments, developments, and asset enhancements.

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Today, the Hilton Family Office continues to uphold the values of innovation, resilience, and excellence, building upon a legacy that spans fashion, law, and real estate.