Solmar Development Corp. News & Press
Benny Marotta: A leader with vision
"With a highly ambitious plan to build Vaughan's first ever condos, Marotta's plan will transform the way people live here."
When Benny Marotta walks into a room, there's a spring in his step. And after speaking to him for a little while, it's no wonder why. As the president and owner of Solmar Development Corp., a Concord-based company that's garnered a solid reputation of building communities in the lucrative housing market that includes single detached homes, condominiums, and custom estate homes; he's got a lot to be proud of.
But with his disarming smile and his kind disposition that manifests itself by the friendly conversation he seems to engage in with everyone in his midst, you'd never know it. Soft-spoken and debonair, he exudes both confidence and charm moments into my meeting with this middle-aged man who has salt-and-pepper hair, and a twinkle in his dark eyes. (And if you ever thought that your hand shake was indisputably firm, try shaking Marotta's hand; you'll learn what 'firm' really means).
Having been immersed in southern Ontario's home development industry for over 25 years, he has an intimate knowledge of all the intricacies of home building and buying. But recently, he's undergone an ambitious project in Vaughn that will dramatically transform the way people live in this thriving city that's better known for being part of the outlying suburbs than for a dynamic city that's reached its full potential.
The project: Vaughn's first condo development that will see an exciting downtown core created. The reason: A need was identified and Marotta rose to the challenge, taking demographics – everything from an ageing population that want to make the move to single-floor living, to young professional couples who grew up here and want to remain in close proximity to their families while avoiding the myriad of responsibilities that come with home ownership, such as pulling weeds, trimming shrubs, shovelling snow, and tending to those beloved tomato patches.
Asked about his connection to Vaughan, Marotta jokes that he's a "patriotic citizen." Yet there's definitely some truth to that statement. Having established both personal and professional roots here, Marotta has a vested interest in the community's development. "For me, it's not just about selling units and making money. I'm confident that by virtue of the design and development of our condos, what we offer stands out."
Four condo towers are emerging – Bellaria Tower I Condominiums, Bellaria Tower II Condominiums, Bellaria Tower III Condominiums and Bellaria Tower IV Condominiums -- that will be located at Jane and Rutherford Road. Yet what will separate this development from your usual concrete jungle, will be the serene setting that's sure to beckon onlookers from afar. This is because the community will span across 20 acres of parklands that will include babbling brooks, and the very best that Mother Nature has to offer with trees, plants, and colourful flower arrangements, so revelling in nature will be something you can indulge in on a daily basis.
As well, the towers will also boast state-of-the-art exercise/recreation facilities, billiard lounges, board rooms, party rooms for entertaining purposes and even guest suites. A 24-hour concierge and the creation of security codes to access the suites will enhance the residents' sense of comfort and security, which is a top priority in this gated community.
One of the most appealing aspects of the towers is how aesthetically appealing they are. Classy and luxurious, right from the moment you set foot in the European-style lobby with high ceilings, brass chandeliers and shining marble floor, you might think you've accidentally stepped into a five-star hotel.
Moreover, Solmar's Director of marketing and sales, feels that what makes these towers particularly appealing is the fact that future residents will find themselves in the midst of a bustling centre of commerce and leisure. "People really like having amenities close by and with our residences; you're guaranteed that because Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre is in walking distance. As well, accessing highways 400 and the 401 are made easy because they're so close, as are restaurants, parks, grocery stores and Canada's Wonderland."
Yet for Marotta, who seeks to challenge himself whenever the opportunity presents itself, the two Bellaria towers he's already built aren't it for him. In fact, he's already aspiring to greater heights both literally and figuratively, with plans to develop two more towers in the surrounding area. A plan for luxury residences has been presented to the city of Vaughan, with two towers – one 28 storeys and one 33 storeys, as well as two levels of professional and medical space.
Explaining how this new venture embodies his secrets to success, he's reflective. "I believe that when you're doing well – when you're at the top, you still have to push yourself to do better." Describing how it's easy to hit a plateau and subsequently to stop striving for more, he's candid about how this can be avoided. "It's important to recognize all your accomplishments, but rather than continuing to sustain your expectations, you have to exceed them. It's not about greed. On the contrary; you have to continue to challenge yourself. If you made $1.00 today, try and make $2.00 tomorrow."
In order to ensure that Solmar runs as effectively as possible and that its success continues to flourish, Marotta expects a great deal of commitment and dedication from his staff and this takes many forms, but confirms that Marotta's anything but passive when it comes to his personal involvement with the company. "He's incredibly detail-oriented and he loves being involved in the decision-making process and contributing his thoughts and ideas to different undertakings in our various departments. He wants to be intimately involved because he cares very deeply about the success of the company, so leadership is something he thrives on."
For Marotta, this is only natural. He equates initiative with success and with the red-hot real estate market booming, it doesn't look like things are going to slow down for him any time soon. There's no denying he's up for the challenge, embracing any obstacles he encounters along the way wholeheartedly. "I love what I do and I value honesty and integrity. I'm always encouraging people to live by these principles; to do the right thing."
For more information, please call Solmar at (905) 660-9222 (122 Romina Drive, Concord, Ontario), or the sales centre (on Jane Street, north of Rutherford Road) at (905) 417-8482. www.solmar.ca
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