Benny Marotta

Benny Marotta and Solmar Development Corp. have been building innovative, thoughtfully-planned communities across the Greater Toronto Area for more than 30 years as a private family-owned, and operated company.

Marotta and his family are also the visionaries behind Two Sisters Vineyards, an inspired winery, and collection of vineyards spanning more than 130 acres across the heart of the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake countryside. Owned and operated by Marotta and his two daughters, Two Sisters Vineyards crafts an array of ultra-premium, world-recognized wines while bringing an extraordinary wine and culinary experience to the region.

By combining expertise, focused attention to detail, and a forward-thinking vision to every project, Marotta and the Solmar team ensure each new planned community offers residents a brighter way of living – providing an experience that enriches and inspires the lives of every homeowner.
Each development created by Benny Marotta and Solmar is distinguished and defined by a sophisticated, stunning, and timeless design, and crafted with the homeowner in mind. Marotta and Solmar are committed to creating communities that enrich lives and empower a better tomorrow.
From day one, Solmar has operated on four time-tested pillars of excellence, including:

Throughout every project, Benny Marotta and Solmar focus on pursuing only the highest standards of quality, ensuring the best results are achieved at every opportunity.

Each Solmar team member is pledged to conduct themselves with the utmost honesty and integrity and to hold themselves to the highest levels of professionalism.

Marotta and Solmar and passionate about what they do, and approach each new challenge with the motivation, enthusiasm, and positive energy needed to achieve a successful, next-level outcome.

Benny Marotta and Solmar are tireless in their pursuit of new heights of building excellence and setting all-new standards of quality for others to strive toward. “We bring our forward-thinking vision to every project,” says Benny Marotta, CEO and leader at Solmar since 1989. “It’s a vision that is distinguished by timeless elegance, sophisticated interior designs, and meticulous attention to detail.”

Where did the idea for Solmar Development Corp. come from?

I was inspired by the ideas of my family. Solmar Development Corp. has been where my greatest success has taken place. The winery I opened with my two daughters was inspired by our love for wine and culinary art.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I am an early riser and like to get in the office by 7 am. I review land acquisition opportunities daily as we stay current on what is available. I meet with department heads on a regular basis and sit with our CFO each morning and late afternoon as we discuss financial strategies for each on going and upcoming projects. I am very close to our leads in construction and review plans with them often as I have a passion for drafting and architectural design. I often visit the job sites 2x a week to see progress and meet with our onsite superintendents and construction managers.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I get inspired by architecture and am a very visual individual. There have been many buildings and structures that I have come across in my travels that have inspired the design direction of many projects.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I don’t feel I follow any trends. I am very focused on designing communities that have a timeless quality. Many architectural details are classic in nature and I plan to ensure each building and structure can withstand years of wear and tear and still look relevant and current in design over time.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I am patient and strategic in my approach. Planning and development require patience as there is a process involved. I also do not stray away from challenges and have learned to navigate through them and persevere.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To take more time to enjoy my family and to focus on having a more balanced life between work and personal time.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

There is a buyer for everything!

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I ensure that I am flexible and try to balance negotiations as all parties involved in any project or collaboration should experience success.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Communication is very important and our planning department together with some heads of the department meet biweekly to ensure follow-up and status of files/projects are current. We encourage break-out meetings regularly between departments as our philosophy is to work collaboratively to reach our end results successfully. We are Better together!

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I have had my share of setbacks. But that has not stopped me from finding my way past them and pushing through with perseverance.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Surround yourself with things that inspire you. Your business idea will come to you.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A good bottle of wine is always money well spent.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Google maps! It is something I use frequently when I cannot physically get to a location or land acquisition site in a timely manner. Satellite images are important to get a feel for value from the onset.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Not necessarily a book. I read the National Post and Globe and Mail daily so I am updated on everything that is happening.

What is your favorite quote?

Knowledge is Power, Sir Frances Bacon

Key Learnings:

• Patience is the key to success. When things get tough, just push through.
• Having a balance between work life and personal life is very important.
• Being hands-on and present, as the boss, is important. This allows you time to interact with your employees and see the progress they are making.