Steve Gupta came to Canada 45 years ago with $108 in his pocket and a vision to build beautiful properties offering impeccable service reminiscent of the five-star hotels he admired as a child in his native India.

Today, Mr. Gupta is president and CEO of Greater Toronto-based Easton’s Group of Hotels and the company’s real estate arm, Gupta Group. His real estate portfolio includes 15 hotel properties, landmark buildings offering upscale living in the city core and a recent venture into office condos—a property class that is exponentially gaining market appeal.

In the latest issue of Knowledge Leader, Mr. Gupta describes the significant role his family has played in his business success. His daughter, Reetu Gupta, is the chief operating officer of Easton’s Group and Gupta Group.

Download the Fall 2016 Knowledge Leader magazine.

When describing one of Gupta Group’s most exciting recent projects, Yonge Park Plaza, Ms. Gupta explains their approach to examining the affluent neighborhood of Yonge and York Mills and anticipating what and who could move into it in the future. Identifying a lack of retail, restaurant and hotel options, Gupta Group designed Yonge Park Plaza to bring together 20,000 square feet of restaurants and retail shops, a four-star hotel and the new, niche concept of office condos.

Mr. Gupta saw an opportunity to offer companies the benefits of owning office space, including, he notes, “freedom and flexibility to build your space the way you want it, investing towards your own asset, stable monthly payments versus rising rents and peace of mind that you won’t be removed from your space.”

Gupta Group isn’t stopping there. Despite a dedicated “build one at a time” approach, in the next five years they plan to complete two significant developments totaling no less than 3 million square feet. And while other magnates measure their success based on dollars and prestige, for Mr. Gupta, his children—and their sound values and achievements—are his legacy.

To learn more about the demand for “office condos” and other developments from Gupta Group, download the Fall 2016 Knowledge Leader magazine.

Michelle Santos is the Communications Specialist for Colliers International in Canada. A passionate writer, Michelle regularly contributes to Colliers’ business magazine, Knowledge Leader, and is a writing coach to professionals across the Canadian business.