EP002 How to stand out in multi-residential development

In this episode, we dive into the mind of a successful real estate developer and builder. Maxime Laporte shares his insights on the vision and methodology applied at Groupe Quorum, one of Montreal’s most established residential developers for over 30 years. What’s the difference between a developer, a builder, and a promoter? Can someone wear multiple hats at once? What does it take to manage a family business and its succession? Does a different career path shape a unique company culture? Is the new construction supply enough to meet consumer demand in an overheated real estate market? Condos or houses? What’s the impact of the pandemic on the real estate sector? How does diversity in the construction industry come into play? Entrepreneurship, perseverance, and intrapreneurship – many fascinating topics were passionately explored in this engaging conversation with Chia.

This episode aired on October 15, 2021, and is available for replay on our YouTube channel. Here is a snippet of the transcript:

Chia-Yi Tung
Hello, everyone! I’m Chia, your host for Real Talk with CHIA. Today, I’m thrilled to have Maxime Laporte with us. Maxime, when and how did we meet?

Maxime
We met in China, didn’t we?

Chia
Yes.

Maxime
It was during a trade mission, I believe in 2011-2012.

Chia
Yes, so it’s been over 10 years!

Maxime
Time flies.

Chia
Indeed! Now, Maxime, you wear many hats. Could you explain the difference between a promoter, developer, builder, property manager, etc.?

Maxime
That’s a good question, and people often don’t see the distinction between these roles. In real estate, there’s property ownership and management, which makes up a large portion of the industry. Real estate spans across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. Then we have the construction process, which involves development, promotion, and building. At Groupe Quorum, we handle all three: development (zoning and planning), promotion (selling or leasing), and construction (bringing the project to life). We even manage some of our properties.

Chia
That’s impressive! I’m curious about the history of Quorum – it’s been around for over 30 years. Who founded it?

Maxime
It was my father, Hilaire Laporte, and his partner, Peter Costantini, who started the company over 30 years ago, initially focusing on residential projects in the West Island of Montreal.

The conversation continues, touching on various topics, including the challenges of developing new residential projects, the rising costs of construction, the role of zoning in urban development, and Maxime’s personal journey into the family business. He shares his views on the current real estate market, the importance of understanding consumer needs, and his involvement in mentoring young entrepreneurs in Quebec.

Maxime also reflects on the importance of diversity in the construction industry and how Groupe Quorum has naturally embraced it, with a gender-balanced workforce and an open-minded approach to recruitment.

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