Toronto Star

Connecting on the slopes

- BRIONY SMITH CONTRIBUTI­NG COLUMNIST

The daters

Peter and Paige Torkan are founders and managing partners of realestate firm Team Torkan; they have sold over $1.6 billion dollars in luxury real estate in the Greater Toronto Area. They star in the new reality show “Luxe Listings Toronto,” available on Prime.

The dates

Paige “We first crossed paths in the mountains of Shemshak in Iran, introduced by a mutual friend. The moment our eyes met, there was an undeniable spark that ignited within me. I was captivated by his charms and the warmth radiating from his tanned face, a testament to his love for skiing.”

Peter “I recall always trying to make her laugh when we met each other on the ski hill and I always wanted to feed her. Every day I would buy her snacks like chocolate and cookies. She loved sweet treats and I had to make sure she had them. Then we would get on calls for hours and talk until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. I couldn’t get enough. At that time in Iran, dating was not allowed so the only way we could spend time together was either skiing, or she would skip class at university so we could hang out together, even for brief periods of time.

Paige “Our journey towards life partnershi­p was undeniably romantic. From the very onset of our conversati­ons, we found ourselves deeply aligned. In a beautiful testament to our connection, he proposed to me after just two months of dating.”

Paige “We’ve been together for an incredible 30 years, with 29 of those years blissfully married. Our journey into business together was a natural evolution rooted in our shared passions and complement­ary skills. While Peter had already amassed nine years of experience in real estate, my background was initially in the banking sector. After the birth of our second daughter, Rosana, who now also shines in ‘Luxe Listings Toronto,’ I chose to resign from my banking position to focus on raising our children.

My entreprene­urial spirit led me to pursue a mortgage licence, initially assisting Peter’s clients with their mortgage needs. It wasn’t long before I discovered my true passion lay in real estate and home design. Despite industry challenges, I obtained my real estate license in 2015, a decision met with understand­able concerns from Peter. Yet, driven by determinat­ion and fuelled by passion, I’ve never looked back since joining Peter in the business. It has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.

In our partnershi­p, we’ve found that working together not only strengthen­s our profession­al endeavours but also deepens our personal connection. Our success is built on a foundation of trust, honesty, and shared values, which we’ve cultivated from the start. By maintainin­g open and honest communicat­ion, we navigate challenges with ease, knowing we have each other’s unwavering support. Our shared vision and mutual respect drive us to overcome obstacles together, ultimately strengthen­ing our bond both in and out of the workplace.”

Peter “Starring on the show, I truly want people to see that not only can they find someone to love but they should strive to find their spiritual partner. To me, that means someone that not only loves and respects themself but also their other half.” Paige “Our dating traditions, though simple, are infused with meaning and connection. From cherished moments of sharing burgers from Burger King in the car or a park to our weekly outings to more upscale venues, each experience reinforces our closeness and appreciati­on for one another. Despite the demands of raising two teenage daughters and managing our profession­al responsibi­lities, prioritizi­ng these moments of intimacy has remained paramount to keeping our connection alive and thriving.

We both enjoy a nice meal with a good conversati­on and that’s why we go to different restaurant­s in Toronto. One of our favourite Toronto date spots is Tutto Pronto on Avenue Road. Not only do we both adore seafood, but the cosy ambience and character of the restaurant make it a perfect choice for us. Its proximity to our office also adds to the convenienc­e, allowing us to unwind and enjoy delicious food after a busy day of work. Tutto Pronto holds a special place in our hearts, not just for its delectable cuisine, but for the memories we’ve created there together.

Our future together is filled with excitement and endless possibilit­ies. Our relationsh­ip continues to grow stronger with each passing day, and I have no doubt that our love will continue to deepen over time. While we both enjoy the idea of romantic getaways and adventures, we find joy in the simplicity of everyday moments. Whether it’s exploring new places or simply spending quality time together at home, every day is an opportunit­y to strengthen our connection and create lasting memories together.”

 ?? COURTESY OF PETER AND PAIGE TORKAN ?? Peter and Paige Torkan first met in the mountains of Shemshak in Iran 30 years ago. They have been married for 29 years.
COURTESY OF PETER AND PAIGE TORKAN Peter and Paige Torkan first met in the mountains of Shemshak in Iran 30 years ago. They have been married for 29 years.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada