Written by: Annette Densham, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Young Goro Gupta felt shame and embarrassment rise in his chest as he walked into the classroom. While the rest of the kids were excited and the happy babble increased in volume, his mind worked furiously to fabricate reasons why he couldn't attend the school excursion.
Sharing the truth about his family's financial situation wasn't an option – he'd have to make up an excuse. Like many families arriving on Australia's sunny shores from other countries, Goro's family faced financial difficulties after moving to Australia from Dubai in 1990. It is not uncommon for families to struggle when moving to a new country, as they confront cultural and language barriers and difficulty finding employment.
Today, he owns 35 properties globally, breathes new life into investment portfolios around the world, and allows vulnerable Australians to keep a roof over their heads.
"My father developed an interest in property investment and attended seminars and workshops, believing that the family's financial salvation lay in this direction. The hours, the money, and dedication to learning set us on a new course," Goro said.
A property sponge
A young Goro trailed behind his father, absorbing every bit of information that came his way.
"By the time I turned 16, my father offered me a gift: a car, or a deposit on a house. Inspired by the seminars I'd attended with my father, I jumped at the opportunity to buy my first property at the age of 18," he said. "I joined forces with my father, and together, we diverted all our business earnings into properties, not just in Australia, but also around the world. Our timing allowed us to focus on capital growth opportunities right from the beginning."
Launching a new venture
In 2020, Goro launched Ethical Property Investments to address the rise in Australians facing homelessness. His journey to own more than 35 properties around the world combined, over 20 years in the finance industry, and a genuine desire to make a difference made this a natural next step.
Ethical Property Investments create commercial solutions to social housing problems, which means investors can grow their investments, while the most vulnerable members of society can keep a roof over their heads.
Addressing affordable housing need
Goro said the solution is to provide appropriate and affordable housing for older women facing homelessness and women fleeing domestic violence.
"It's not just for the benefit of those groups, but also for everyday Australians who want to invest their resources into something ethically driven that will make a difference. You don't have to be vastly wealthy to get into profitable property investment," he said.
"Investors typically invest in houses that suit a standard family, with rising rents. This pushes singles and other types of people out, who have to live in caravan parks and tents. What Goro does differently is to give them the opportunity to live in safe, secure homes under a roof by finding investors who want to build houses that are customised to the needs of the people who desperately need them."
Goro's plan is to construct 30 houses within the next year, giving everyone the chance to invest in a growth-oriented property market that's making a positive impact. "This ensures each property is tailored to suit the needs of its tenants, like separate ensuite bathrooms and custom accessibility modifications," Goro said.
Investing to do good
Working with Empowered Liveability, a disability-specific property development company (also under Goro's entrepreneurship), to build specialist disability homes across Victoria will see Goro and his team create homes for young adults with disabilities. "This means they'll finally have the opportunity to live independently with the relevant accessibility modifications that turn a house into a home," Goro said.
With 650000 immigrants due to arrive in Australia over the next 2 years, further negatively impacting the Australian homelessness crisis, Goro hopes to see fewer people frantic and facing homelessness by building at least 80 homes over the next year.
"I want our approach to challenge the belief system that the not-for-profit sector and the business world cannot blend. We show people that it's possible to do well and do good at the same time," Goro said.
By bringing together the best of both worlds, Goro is creating a new paradigm for socially responsible entrepreneurship.
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Annette Densham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders in establishing themselves as authorities in their field. She has shared her insights into storytelling, media, and business across Australia, UK, and the US speaking for Professional Speakers Association, Stevie Awards, Queensland Government, and many more. Three times winner of the Grand Stevie Award for Women in Business, gold Stevie International Business Award, and a finalist in Australian Small Business Champion awards, Annette audaciously challenges anyone in small business to cast aside modesty, embrace their genius and share their stories.
