LJ Hooker is a name synonymous with real estate in Australia, but the man behind the brand had a story few ever knew. Born illegitimate to a half-Chinese mother in 1903, orphaned at just eight years old, and with no formal education beyond primary school, Leslie Joseph Tingyou faced immense challenges from the start. At 21, determined to carve out a future free from prejudice, he legally changed his name to Leslie Joseph Hooker. Armed with nothing but a second-hand car and an unshakable ambition, he set out to build the biggest real estate company in Australia.  

What followed was an extraordinary journey of resilience, vision, and groundbreaking achievements. LJ Hooker developed some of Australia’s most prestigious buildings, provided housing for thousands, and became the largest landowner in the Southern Hemisphere—owning property equivalent in size to Belgium. A true pioneer, he transformed the Australian property market and shaped the skyline of the nation.  

Yet his story was not just one of business success. Sir Leslie Hooker was also a philanthropist, a champion of opportunity, and a man who overcame adversity to leave a lasting legacy. In 1973, he was knighted in recognition of his distinguished service to commerce and the community.  

His remarkable journey is revealed in LJ Hooker The Man: The Untold Story of an Australian Icon. Written by his granddaughter, Natalia Hooker, after seven years of meticulous research, this compelling biography is as gripping as a novel—woven with themes of identity, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to succeed.  

Set against the backdrop of a changing Australia and the constraints of the White Australia Policy, this book is more than just a biography—it is a testament to ambition, courage, and the power of reinvention.  

Featuring rare photographs and memorabilia, this beautifully crafted book is a must-read for history lovers, business leaders, and anyone inspired by stories of triumph over adversity.