Industry Profile: Reetu Gupta of Easton’s Group

A few months ago, we had the honour of interviewing Easton's Group President Steve Gupta. We chatted about his story and the vision for his landmark development, King Blue Condominiums. We learned that the Easton's Group is a very family-oriented business, with Gupta’s daughters playing key roles within the company.

This week, we met with Reetu Gupta, the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Easton’s Group, to learn more about her, as well as to get more information on one of 2013's top Toronto projects, King Blue Condominiums.

NewInHomes (NIH): How did you get started in the industry?

Reetu Gupta (RG): I've always been very enthusiastic and passionate about the hotel industry. Given that we work in a family-based business, I started working within the company at a younger age. Right away, my father instilled that we needed to work hard; nothing would be given to us. During the summers, I would work on the marketing aspects of the business while I earned my MBA at Schulich. From there, I became more involved in the company.

NIH: What is your favourite part of the real estate industry?

RG: The best part about the real estate industry is that it’s similar to the hotel industry. You get the opportunity to treat all of your purchasers just like guests. You present them with quality features and finishes, offering them the best service and product that we can, all with a great price. You have the opportunity to wow people with what you present them, giving them things that they have never seen before, be it their suites or the amenities. It’s similar to the hotel industry in the fact that we can push ourselves to be much better and offer a better collection of finishes than our competition.

NIH: How is progress going at King Blue?

RG: We are extremely surprised by the reception that we have gotten thus far — it's exceeded our wildest imaginations. It’s been a great start. Initially, we opened the sales centre for our VIP event and their guests. We were shocked at the number of people who took interest! From there, we opened the project up to local agents, and once again were shocked by the attendance. The best part thus far has been the continued positive feedback that we have received — everyone loves the project. We can't wait until things really start to move forward.

NIH: What are your favourite features of the tower?

RG: There is a lot to like about King Blue, no question about that; however, the amenities that we have planned are my favourites. The rooftop patio will be something that everyone will talk about. I’m also excited about our plans for the retail; I think that’s going to be something that King West has yet to see.

NIH: We know that you're one of the visionaries behind King Blue's retail component. What do you have planned?

RG: I can't say too much just yet. The one thing that we are missing on King Street West is great, boutique-style retail shops. People come to King West and we have great dining and entertainment options, but we lack great retail. I think that’s where King Blue has an opportunity to stand out. King Blue will be more than just a residence; we hope to bring in some sophisticated shops to support everything else that we have in the Entertainment District.

NIH: You also have a fashion line coming out. Tell us more about that.

RG: Fashion has always been a passion of mine, even dating back to my childhood. We haven't launched yet, but my line, which is called Maya, will take traditional Indian fabrics and adapt them to a North American cut and style. We introduced them at the King Blue launch and I received some great feedback.

NIH: You must be extremely busy. How do you make it all work?

RG: You know what, it’s funny — everyone asks me that. I have to say that when you are doing things that you love, it doesn't feel like work. Working on my fashion line, working with Easton’s, these are all things that I truly enjoy. I don't view them as a job. These are the types of things that I would be doing in my free time, so it’s much easier for me to manage my time.

NIH: What's next for yourself and Easton’s Group?

RG: We are always looking for ways to grow the company and bring our level of service to other areas. I definitely want to see our hotel portfolio grow. We are looking at some specific international markets that we feel we could make an impact on. We will also be developing more condominiums in the future, but we haven't confirmed anything yet.

We would like to thank Reetu Gupta for her time and look forward to seeing where she and the Easton's Group are headed in the coming years. For more information on King Blue, click here.