Extract from an article that appeared in Pune Times - March, 2005

Visit Rohit Gera in his office and he will be tapping away on his laptop. “If it is not a project assignment, I am surfing – keeping myself abreast with the latest building technologies world-wide,” says Rohit.

He is the new age builder. Well aware of the murky past that the real estate developers have been associated with, Rohit swears transparency. “What is the qualification to become a builder? Nothing. Now my sector is more transparent,” he argues.

Swanky complexes, ‘intelligent’ buildings and variable motors apart, Gera has a bird’s eye view on the city’s real estate scenario. “Property tax rationalization and urban ceiling act are two core issues in our sector,” he maintains adding, “A consistency in policy is imminent for the growth of the sector.” His family is one of the pioneers of construction in Pune.

“My father Kumar had a more hands-on approach. He was more into specifics. I am more hands-off,” Rohit says. Ask him what he learnt from his father and he says it is identifying development areas for maximum profitability. “Dad had a knack for it,” says Gera.

Branding is the core area that Rohit mentions to survive the cut-throat competition. “We have to build trust in the brand,” he feels. “We have easier access to foreign technologies now. Which is why value-additions to buildings is improving so much in the city,” adds Gera.