This year’s Power Leaders and Power Brokers represent the top performers across the region’s critical real estate sectors.
From commercial, retail, office and industrial space to the residential properties defining – and redefining – South Florida, these developers, architects, engineers, property owners and brokers are not only shaping our region. They’re transforming what has become a global destination in a post-pandemic marketplace.
What hasn’t changed is their attention to what has made them successful. They’re client- and market-focused, dedicated to the product, and committed to improving the region.
Two comments stood out. One was from a locally born commercial broker who wanted to leave his mark on his hometown.
The other was from another who said he went into real estate because “the fundamentals are timeless.” As gentrification, infill and repurposing of properties grow vital to growth in a land-starved peninsula, real estate’s fundamentals will ensure projects are pursued, numbers are met and clients are served.
For those named Power Leaders and Power Brokers this year, the timelessness of these fundamentals will bode well for our shared future.
Click here to go to Part 2.
Click here to learn about the Power Brokers in Residential Real Estate.
Click here to learn about the Power Brokers in Commercial Real Estate.
Donna Abood
Principal, managing director, Miami, Avison Young
Miami
Abood recently completed 301,900 square feet of lease transactions in South Florida valued at a total of $130 million. She closed a 18,848-square-foot lease in late August, then closed on another 18,848-square-foot lease for the same tenant in December – doubling their office space within a few months.
Birthplace: Detroit
Education: B.A., marketing and management, Florida State University
I went into real estate because: My dad, who was a real estate developer, is my mentor and hero.
Professional pet peeve: Not everything can be communicated through email. Pick up the phone.
Habit to start my day: Prayer
Most treasured memory: As a little girl, watching my dad come home from work, go into his office and work some more.
Class that most affected me: Marketing 101. The 4 P’s – product, price, place and promotion – still stand true today.
www.avisonyoung.com/donna-abood, do*********@av*********.com, 305-447-7857
Joel L. Altman
Chairman and co-CEO, The Altman Cos.
Boca Raton
Altman has developed, constructed, acquired and managed more than 27,000 multifamily units in Florida and Michigan. Today, the company has nine communities in the pipeline, and opened an Atlanta branch to develop properties in Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Birthplace: Philadelphia
Education: B.S., construction management, Michigan State University
I went into real estate because: It is in my DNA. I am the fourth generation in my family to be involved in construction and development.
Enduring lesson from Covid: Where there’s a will, there’s a way to achieve business success.
Professional pet peeve: People who take shortcuts and try to just slide by
My perfect day includes: Being with my beautiful wife and family
Class that most affected me: Building construction at Michigan State University
www.altmancos.com, ja*****@al*******.com, 561-237-1326
Inigo Ardid
Co-president, Key International
Miami
Key International, with The Related Cos. and Wexford Real Estate Investors, acquired 116,627 square feet of office space in West Palm Beach for $35 million. Key also is developing Snug Harbor, a multifamily community with an eatery and marina in St. Petersburg.
Birthplace: Madrid
Education: B.S., business, Pepperdine University
I went into real estate because: It was a lifelong passion to continue the family legacy started by my father.
Deal that launched my career: Our first large-scale land acquisition in Brickell in 2004
South Florida’s next hot market: Class A office and beachfront towns on the east and west coasts
Tip for protégés: Pursue a career you are passionate about.
Event that changed me: The financial crisis of 2008
www.keyint.com, 305-377-1001
Brett Atkinson
President, South Florida, Moss Construction
Fort Lauderdale
Atkinson leads a department that has grown significantly over the past decade. He also serves on Moss’ enterprise leadership team, which has steered the company from a startup to revenue of $1.6 billion in 17 years.
Birthplace: Hollywood
Education: B.S., building construction, University of Florida
Professional pet peeve: When individuals put themselves above the team
Tip for protégés: Do the simple things right and you’ll be wildly successful.
Habit to start my day: Choosing to be positive, even in tough situations
Most grateful for: Family, health and the ability to work with friends
Event that changed me: Being born a triplet
My perfect weekend is spent: Spearfishing, lobstering and boating with the family
www.mosscm.com, 954-524-5678
Brent Baker
President, Southeast Florida division, PulteGroup
West Palm Beach
Baker has been in the home construction industry for two decades, serving in his current role for over six years. He has helped PulteGroup grow from 200 homes in the region annually to more than 1,200 homes projected for this year.
Birthplace: North Carolina
Education: Bachelor’s degree and MBA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
South Florida’s next hot market: Anything related to affordability
Enduring lesson from Covid: Virtual meetings are here to stay.
Habit to start my day: Making a to-do list
Most grateful for: Having a healthy family and being able to live in this paradise bubble of South Florida
Class that most affected me: Real estate development classes in my MBA program confirmed that I wanted to get into this space.
My perfect weekend is spent: Spending time with my family
www.pultegroup.com, br*********@pu********.com, 561-206-1405
Victor M. Ballestas
Principal, Integra Investments
Miami
Integra Investments’ recent projects include the repositioning and disposition of 1674 Meridian, a development partnership for Starwood Capital’s new Miami Beach headquarters, the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club, Aventura Park Square and St. Regis Residences Miami.
Birthplace: Barranquilla, Colombia
Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance, Florida International University; master’s degree, real estate finance, University of Florida
I went into real estate because: My father was one of the original warehouse developers in Wynwood in the late 1970s.
South Florida’s next hot market: Affordable workforce housing has been and continues to be a dire problem
Professional pet peeve: Overthinking
Habit to start my day: A morning espresso
To unwind, I: Spend time on the boat
www.integrafl.com, **@in*******.com
Josh Bank
Senior managing director and South Florida market leader, CBRE
Miami
Recently named to his current role, Bank is a career real estate professional approaching a decade with CBRE. He previously held various roles in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Washington, D.C.
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio
Education: B.B.A., University of Texas; MBA, Georgia Tech
I went into real estate because: I was and remain curious about the built environment.
Tip for protégés: You are your brand.
My perfect day includes: A full night’s sleep
Most treasured memory: Time with my grandmother
Event that changed me: Deciding to move abroad
My perfect weekend is spent: Traveling around a new city
www.cbre.com, jo*******@cb**.com, 305-381-6423
Russell Barnes
Principal, Kimley-Horn and Associates
West Palm Beach
Barnes served as principal for the firm’s Florida region for over a decade before transitioning leadership to Jonathan Thigpen. After more than three decades at Kimley-Horn, he will retire in the beginning of 2023.
Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina
Education: B.S., civil engineering, North Carolina State University
Enduring lesson from Covid: You can’t build relationships virtually.
Professional pet peeve: [When people don’t just] pick up the phone and talk to someone
I got where I am by: Following the example of my dad
Tip for protégés: Take time to build the relationships that will last your career.
I define success as: Seeing those I have invested in be successful
Habit to start my day: Prayer
My perfect day includes: A nice glass of wine on my balcony at the end of the day.
www.kimley-horn.com, ru************@ki*********.com, 561-459-8979
David J. Bateman
Managing director, South Florida, CBRE
Fort Lauderdale
Bateman is a former professional quarterback who, as a real estate professional, has completed over 7 million square feet of transactions valued at more than $100 million.
Birthplace: Fort Myers
Education: B.B.A., Florida Atlantic University
I went into real estate because: I was told to get a “real job.”
Professional pet peeve: Meetings that don’t start and end on time and don’t involve only those who actually need to be there
Tip for protégés: Stay committed and trust the process
I define success as: Doing what you want, with whom you want, when you want
My perfect weekend is spent: Outside
To unwind, I: Hit the beach
www.cbre.com, da***********@cb**.com, 954-331-1722
Willy A. Bermello
Chairman, Bermello Ajamil & Partners
Miami
Bermello’s team most recently handled design work for Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Terminal B at PortMiami. He also mentors architecture students at Florida International University.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: Bachelor’s degree, architecture, University of Florida; M.Arch., University of Pennsylvania
www.bermelloajamil.com, ng*****@be************.com, 305-859-2050
Angelo Bianco
Managing partner, CP Group
Boca Raton
Bianco oversaw the purchase of the former 1.7 million IBM campus and its transformation into the Boca Raton Innovation Campus. CP Group today is the largest office landlord in the state of Florida.
Birthplace: New York
Education: B.S.B.A., George Washington University; J.D., University of Virginia
Deal that changed my career: CityPlace Tower in 2007
Professional pet peeve: Failure of people to do their best work
I define success as: Being happy at home and at work
Event that changed me: Becoming a dad
My perfect weekend is spent: Learning a new hobby with my children
To unwind, I: Listen to the “Stuff You Should Know” podcast
www.cpgcre.com, in**@cp****.com, 561-447-1800
Tere Blanca
Founder and CEO, Blanca Commercial Real Estate
Miami
Blanca Commercial Real Estate reportedly handles more than 32% of all Class A and B office lease transactions in Miami. The firm has three offices across the region and offers services including property management, tenant engagement services and development consulting.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.B.A., international marketing and finance, and MBA, University of Miami
Deal that launched my career: 1450 Brickell. It showcased our capability and established the firm as an industry leader.
Professional pet peeve: Someone saying “it can’t be done”
Tip for protégés: Visualize what success means for you, write it down and share with others. It will help build accountability.
Most treasured memory: My daughters’ birth
To unwind, I: Go navigating with my husband on our boat
www.blancacre.com, te*********@bl*******.com, 305-577-8851
Noah Breakstone
CEO and managing partner, BTI Partners
Fort Lauderdale
BTI Partners’ latest achievements include the establishment of a $350 million land fund for Florida opportunities, its downtown Hollywood developments, and its Westshore Marina District project in Tampa.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.A., Yale University
South Florida’s next hot market: The redevelopment of well-located infill neighborhoods, like downtown Hollywood
Professional pet peeve: Selfishness
I got where I am by: Never accepting “no” for an answer
Most treasured memory: The birth of each of my children with my wife, Patty
Event that changed me: As a child with dyslexia, a teacher said I wouldn’t go to college. I decided I would never let someone limit me.
www.btipartners.com, in**@bt*********.com, 305-441-2117
Andrew Burnett
Senior principal, senior architect, Florida practice leader, Stantec
Miami
Burnett leads several teams within the Miami office. He is currently working on the $1 billion expansion of the Broward County Convention Center and Hotel, and several high-profile multifamily projects.
Birthplace: Greenville, South Carolina
Education: Bachelor’s degree, architecture, Virginia Tech
Deal that changed my career: It’s always “the next one”
South Florida’s next hot market: South Florida is the hot market for the rest of the country
Professional pet peeve: Messy drawings
Tip for protégés: Avoid shortcuts. You learn the most while on the journey
Most grateful for: My wife and two boys
Class that most affected me: World history in middle school
My perfect weekend is spent: At a campsite
To unwind, I: Go somewhere where I can hear nature
www.stantec.com, an************@st*****.com, 305-482-8710
Jeff Burns
Founder and CEO, Affiliated Development
Fort Lauderdale
In 2020, the firm launched a $125 million Housing Impact Fund to build Class A multifamily communities at attainable rates. The company has developed over 2.5 million square feet and more than $500 million of commercial and residential real estate, including over 2,000 apartment units for low-income and market-rate tenants.
Birthplace: Kansas City, Kansas
Education: B.B.A., University of Missouri
I went into real estate because: My father introduced me to the business.
Tip for protégés: Do what you say you’re going to do.
Habit to start my day: Coffee in silence
My perfect day includes: A nap
Most grateful for: My three beautiful daughters
To unwind, I: Enjoy any activity that involves competition and/or adventure
www.affiliateddevelopment.com, jb****@af*******************.com, 954-798-6030
Malcolm Butters
President, Butters Construction & Development
Coconut Creek
Butters Construction & Development is No. 2 on the Business Journal’s annual list of the region’s commercial real estate developers. In 40 years in commercial real estate, Butters has developed over 8 million square feet and been a six-time NAIOP Developer of the Year.
Birthplace: Montreal
Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance, University of Miami; master’s degree, real estate, Florida International University
Deal that launched my career: In 1998, we entered into our first joint venture with Fidelity to develop Pointe West Industrial.
I define success as: Making a difference in life, being happy, changing the world
Habit to start my day: Respond to and finish all emails from the prior day.
Most grateful for: My parents’ kindness and ability to give me a formal education
Event that changed me: Meeting my wife, Catherine
www.butters.com, ms*******@bu*****.com, 954-464-5354
Lissette Calderon
President and CEO, Neology Life Development Group
Miami
Calderon heads the lifestyle-driven residential and commercial real estate firm credited with helping transform the Miami River District and spearheading the revival of the city’s historic Allapattah neighborhood.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.S., finance, multinational management and real estate, The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
I went into real estate because: It’s where my passion, talent and purpose intersect.
Deal that launched my career: Neo Lofts, my first solo project
Tip for protégés: Never be afraid to fail.
Event that changed me: My parents’ courage to leave their homeland
My perfect weekend is spent: Getting lost exploring a new city
www.neologylife.com, in**@ne*********.com, 305-444-6565
Grant Cardone
Founder, Cardone Capital
Aventura
Cardone is a real estate investor whose portfolio of multifamily properties is reportedly worth over $5 billion. It includes the the Waterline Miami River apartment complex and four Broward apartment properties in 2021. He wrote “The 10X Rule” and “If You’re Not First, You’re Last.”
Birthplace: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Education: McNeese State University
Deal that launched my career: I purchased a multifamily complex in San Diego five years after my first deal (which failed).
Enduring lesson from the pandemic: What you think you need to live well, be successful and survive is never truly enough
South Florida’s next hot market: The Miami River area
Habit to start my day: Working out. I am 64 and in the best shape of my life.
Class that most affected me: Math
www.grantcardone.com, 800-368-5771
Kevin Carroll
Partner, Southeast Region, Bridge Industrial
Miami
Bridge Industrial in December acquired Pompano Beach Commerce Park, a three-building, 336,852-square-foot industrial campus. The company has acquired about 700 acres and has delivered or has under construction some 8 million square feet of Class A industrial space regionwide.
Birthplace: New Rochelle, New York
Education: B.S.B.A., University of Southern California; MBA, University of Illinois at Chicago
South Florida’s next hot market: Cold storage – the hottest-growing industrial sector
Professional pet peeve: Emails that are too long. Pick up the phone.
I got where I am by: Being a great listener, thinking outside the box and taking calculated risks
I define success as: Operating with integrity
Most grateful for: My family, friends and work that doesn’t feel like work
To unwind, I: Have a Cohiba by the pool
www.bridgeindustrial.com, in**@br**************.com, 305-280-9000
Ramon Castella
VP, water, Stantec
Coral Gables
Castella has over 27 years of expertise in programming, planning, design, construction documents, construction administration and inspection of public and private infrastructure projects.
Education: B.S., civil engineering, Florida International University
Professional pet peeve: Overcomplication
Tip for protégés: Patience and perseverance. Also, if you’re not now, learn to be a good communicator.
Habit to start my day: I make the bed.
My perfect day includes: Waking up in the morning
Class that most affected me: Not a particular class, but a professor: Dr. Thompson
To unwind, I: Watch a light-hearted, funny show, clean my pool or walk my dog
www.stantec.com, ra************@st*****.com
Alicia Cervera Lamadrid
Managing partner, Cervera Real Estate
Miami
Launched over 50 years ago, Cervera Real Estate has sold over 70,000 properties across 115 projects and 85 developers. The firm is representing Lofty Brickell, a 44-story condominium that will commission and display an NFT collection.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.S., psychology, University of Miami
Enduring lesson from Covid: While technology is immensely helpful, nothing can replace the value of the human touch.
Professional pet peeve: When people say they are going to do something, then don’t do it
Tip for protégés: Stay committed to doing the right thing, no matter how tempting it may be to do the wrong thing.
Habit to start my day: A walk in my garden
My perfect day includes: Family, friends, work, a smile, a hug or the transmission of love and joy in one way or another
Event that changed me: Becoming president of the UM Student Government
www.cervera.com, 305-374-3434
Mukang Cho
Founder and CEO, Morning Calm Management
Boca Raton
Cho is involved in all aspects of the firm’s development. He is responsible for strategic planning, operations, and acquisition, disposition and other capital markets activities.
Birthplace: Seoul, Korea
Education: B.A., Cornell University; J.D., Harvard Law School
I went into real estate because: It allows me to use both sides of my brain.
South Florida’s next hot market: Downtown West Palm Beach
Professional pet peeve: Lack of self-awareness
I got where I am through: Sheer will and determination to build a company that will outlast generations of us
One habit to start my day: I meditate around 5 a.m. on weekdays, before heading to CrossFit
Event that changed me: Becoming a dad
www.morning-calm.com, bo*******@mo**********.com, 561-383-2400
Armando Codina
Executive chairman, Codina Partners
Coral Gables
Codina Partners’ portfolio consists of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use projects including Downtown Doral, 2020 Salzedo and Beacon Logistics Park.
Birthplace: Cuba
Education: Attended Jacksonville University
Enduring lesson from Covid: The importance of family and marrying above yourself
Greatest professional accomplishment: My daughter, Ana, becoming CEO of Codina Partners
I got where I am by: Being lucky that Cuba was 90 miles away from this country
Tip for protégés: There are no good deals with bad guys.
My perfect weekend is spent: With my family
Ability I wish I had: To play a musical instrument
www.codina.com, 305-529-1300
Ana-Marie Codina Barlick
CEO, Codina Partners
Coral Gables
Codina Partners last year proposed Regency Tower, an 18-story, 120-unit condominium development in Coral Gables. Along with leading the firm started by her father, Codina Barlick is the founding and current board chair at Downtown Doral Charter Elementary School.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.A., Trinity College; MBA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
South Florida’s next hot market: Doral
Enduring lesson from Covid: I need to pay more attention to what my children are being taught in school.
Professional pet peeve: People who don’t know what they don’t know
I got where I am by: Having the business philosophy that the only good deals are those where both sides share the feeling of winning
My perfect day includes: Any day on vacation with my family
To unwind, I: Read
www.codina.com, 305-529-1300
Howard Cohen
CEO, Atlantic Pacific Cos.
Boca Raton
Cohen, a former real estate attorney, leads the multigenerational firm. Atlantic Pacific performs or manages development, construction and rehabilitation of market-rate and affordable apartments. It also handles property management for some 150 communities with 40,000 homes.
Birthplace: Miami Beach
Education: B.S., Cornell University; J.D., University of Miami
South Florida’s next hot market: Transit-oriented development
Professional pet peeve: People who are not on time
I got where I am through: A strong family business foundation instilled in me as a child and a great educational background
Tip for protégés: Be kind, do what you say, and do not be afraid to ask questions.
Habit to start my day: Checking email
My perfect weekend is spent: Playing golf and enjoying dinner with my family and friends
www.apcompanies.com, 305-867-2245
Robert “Bobby” D’Angelo
VP, Compson Associates
Boca Raton
D’Angelo represents the fourth generation at the family-owned firm. He has been primarily responsible for the sales and leasing at Renaissance Commons, a $550 million mixed-use development in Boynton Beach.
Education: B.A., business administration, Florida Atlantic University
www.compson.com, bd******@co*****.com, 561-244-6650
Mayi De la Vega
Founder and CEO, One Sotheby’s International Realty
Miami
De la Vega founded the firm in 2008 and today has 27 offices and a global network of 23,000 associates in 70 countries and territories. The firm is among the highest-producing Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates worldwide.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.B.A., Florida International University
Deal that changed my career: In December 2008, being able to sign my deal with Sotheby’s International Realty changed my life forever.
Professional pet peeve: Brokers who are not nice to other brokers and feel that their success gives them a sense of entitlement
Tip for protégés: Be humble, work hard and do what’s right for the client.
Habit to start my day: Morning coffee and getting ready for my workout
My perfect weekend is spent: Cruising the ocean on my boat
To unwind, I: Read art books, work out and go out on the boat
www.mayidelavega.com, ma**@on***************.com
Manny de Zárraga
Executive managing director, JLL Capital Markets
Miami
De Zárraga co-heads the national investment sale advisory group for JLL Capital Markets. The capital markets practice serves institutional and ultra-high-net-worth family offices in Europe, U.S. and Latin America.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.S., civil engineering, and MBA, University of Miami
Deal that changed my career: Sale and financing of Miami International Commerce Center in 1992 for $175 million
Professional pet peeve: Lapses of integrity, ethics and respect for others in business dealings
Tip for protégés: Always, without fault, do the right things with and for others
I define success as: Happiness of others and myself
Most grateful for: My amazing family, colleagues and friends
Class that most affected me: Philosophy of Being at Christopher Columbus High School
us.jll.com/capitalmarkets, ma*************@am.com, 305-448-4596
Edgardo Defortuna
President and CEO, Fortune International Group
Miami
Defortuna founded Fortune International Group in 1983. With branded residences in demand, the company recently launched The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach and the St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach.
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Education: Bachelor’s degree, electrical and mechanical engineering, National University of Argentina; MBA, University of Miami
Deal that changed my career: The 2001 launch of Jade Residences at Brickell, my first luxury high-rise development
South Florida’s next hot market: Pompano Beach
I got where I am by: Being passionate about what I do
Tip for protégés: Don’t be afraid about speaking up and making mistakes.
My perfect day includes: Having enough time to share great moments with my three boys
To unwind, I: Exercise
www.fortuneintlgroup.com, in**@fo**************.com, 305-351-1000
Gil Dezer
President, Dezer Development
Sunny Isles Beach
Dezer is one of the nation’s youngest developers of luxury high-rise residential and condo-hotel properties. His brand partnerships with Bentley, Armani/Casa and Porsche helped change the face and value of South Florida real estate.
Birthplace: Queens, New York
Education: B.S., international finance, University of Miami
I went into real estate because: It was a dinner table conversation topic, and as a kid I always wanted to work with my father.
I got where I am by: Luck. When opportunity happens, preparedness rises to the occasion.
Tip for protégés: Work hard and make sure you maintain a great reputation.
Habit to start my day: Watching the ocean waves, and seeing if it’s calm or rough, which dictates my mood
Most treasured memory: The birth of my children
www.dezerdevelopment.com, ex*******@de***.com, 305-932-1000
Pryse Elam
Chief investment officer/president of development and investments, Foundry Commercial
Boca Raton
Foundry’s 2021 projects included 10 million square feet of new industrial development, acquisition of several senior housing investments. In the past five years, Foundry has sourced, invested in and is currently active on nearly $3 billion of real estate investments.
Birthplace: Oklahoma City
Education: B.A., Washington and Lee University; J.D. and MBA, Southern Methodist University
www.foundrycommercial.com, pr********@fo***************.com, 561-883-3308
Misha Ezratti
President, GL Homes
Sunrise
GL Homes purchased 334.5 acres of farmland west of Boca Raton for a combined $215 million in 2021, and now owns 522.5 acres in one of the region’s most attractive suburban development markets.
Birthplace: Hollywood
Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance, Boston University
I went into real estate because: It is in my blood. I grew up in the homebuilding business.
Professional pet peeve: Talking over someone. Everyone should have a chance to be heard.
Most treasured memory: Weekly dinners cooked by my grandfather
Class that most affected me: Philosophy courses opened up my mind as to how to strategize in business and life
My perfect weekend is spent: Boating, reading a book and hopefully selling lots of homes
www.glhomes.com, 954-753-1730
Art Falcone
Chairman and CEO, Falcone Group
Boca Raton
Under Falcone’s leadership and direction, the Falcone Group continues to reshape skylines and redefine the way people live, work and play. He is currently developing Miami Worldcenter and Plantation Walk, two of the team’s largest mixed-use developments in South Florida.
Birthplace: Floral Park-Elmont area of New York
Education: High school graduate
Deal that launched my career: At 20, I became the youngest operator of a McDonald’s franchise, which ultimately launched my career in real estate.
South Florida’s next hot market: Single-family build-to-rent
Habit to start my day: Exercise
My perfect day includes: Being at my home in either Aspen or South Florida, and good wine
Most grateful for: My wife, three sons and grandchildren
Most treasured memory: Marrying my wife, Marcy
www.falconegroup.info
Michael T. Fay
Principal, managing director, Miami, Avison Young
Miami
Fay has handled some $13 billion in transactions over a four-decade career. In December, his team secured the $105 million sale of Biscayne Place, a 3-acre parcel in downtown Miami for mixed-use development.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.A., business, LaGrange College
Deal that changed my career: In 1989, I was co-contracted to handle the disposition of over 600 drug seizure assets for the U.S. Marshals Service.
I got where I am by: Being friendly and making connections and lasting relationships at every level
Tip for protégés: Invest and have a sense of urgency.
I define success as: Being able to donate my time, talent and treasure to others in need
Habit to start my day: Prayer
My perfect day includes: Surfing and golfing
www.avisonyoung.com, mi*********@av*********.com, 305-495-0003
Bernardo Fort-Brescia
Founding principal, Arquitectonica
Miami
Fort-Brescia’s work has won hundreds of global design awards, been featured in thousands of publications and has been the subject of numerous museum exhibitions. In 2018, he became the first architect to receive the Urban Land Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.
Birthplace: Lima, Peru
Education: B.A., Princeton University; M.Arch., Harvard University
I went into real estate because: I love designing buildings.
Deal that launched my career: My first high-rise, Atlantic on Brickell
South Florida’s next hot market: Coconut Grove
Tip for protégés: Love your job.
Most treasured memory: Starting the firm with my wife
Class that most affected me: Jim Rouse talking about making neighborhoods
www.arquitectonica.com, bf***@ar************.com, 305-372-1812
Russell Galbut
Managing principal, Crescent Heights; chairman, GFO Investments LLC
Miami Beach
Galbut oversees investment projects across South Florida and the U.S. Mixed-use developments include residential, office and hospitality, as well as startup companies in the technology and gaming spaces.
Birthplace: Miami Beach
Education: School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University; J.D., University of Miami
Enduring lesson from Covid: It reinstated and reminded us that life is too short, so love your family and friends fiercely as long as you can.
Tip for protégés: Listen more than you speak and think through issues clearly.
Habit to start my day: I smile in the mirror and tell myself it will be a wonderful day. Then, I’m off to early morning emails.
Most grateful for: My family and friends
Most treasured memory: The days my daughters were born
My perfect weekend is spent: With my grandchildren and family
www.crescentheights.com, rg*****@cr*************.com
Robert E. Given Jr.
Executive vice chairman, Cushman & Wakefield
Fort Lauderdale
Given’s team recently oversaw the $20 million acquisition of a 45,000-square-foot development site in Miami Worldcenter by Abbhi Capital. His 35-member team focuses on institutional multifamily sales, land development sales, structured equity finance and private capital sales throughout Florida.
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee
www.cushwake.com, ro**********@cu******.com
Todd Michael Glaser
Principal, Todd Michael Glaser Homes
Miami Beach
Glaser began his career with a fire sprinkler company. He went on to develop condominiums, renovate masterpieces including the Carl Fisher estate and Cher’s estate on La Gorce Island.
Birthplace: Miami Beach
Education: Miami Beach High School
Deal that changed my career: 5020 N. Bay Road, the Carl Fisher house. I bought it in 2005 for $16.4 million, began renovating it, and sold it in 2007 to Ugo Colombo, who completed it.
South Florida’s next hot market: Dry homes. A waterfront-quality home for people who don’t want or can’t afford waterfront.
Tip for protégés: Get in the game, no matter how small it is.
Habit to start my day: Positive thinking
Most treasured memory: The birth of my kids
My perfect weekend is spent: In Palm Beach on my 1938 Trumpy Mathis Classic yacht
www.toddmichaelglaser.com, 786-208-2124
Cristina Gonzalez
Senior principal, Langan
Miami Lakes
Gonzalez brings almost three decades of geotechnical engineering experience in Florida. She has particular expertise in coastal high-rises and projects with difficult ground conditions requiring deep high-capacity foundations or very shallow foundations. Local projects have included 1000 Museum, Brickell Flatiron, The Plaza at Coral Gables, 1450 Brickell, Marina Blue, the University of Miami Life Science & Technology Park, and additions to Hard Rock Stadium.
Education: B.S.C.E., University of Miami; M.S.C.E., geotechnical, Cornell University
www.langan.com, cg*******@la****.com, 786-264-7200
Scott Gregory
Senior VP, head of operations, East Region, Prologis
Miami
Named to his current post in 2020, Gregory supports eight markets from Miami north to Toronto. He heads a team of 190 overseeing nearly 200 million square feet of real estate valued at $30 billion.
Birthplace: Conway, New Hampshire
Education: B.S., business, University of New Hampshire; MBA, Hawaii Pacific University
I went into real estate because: I liked that it was a relationship-based business that combined finance, design/architecture and marketing/sales.
Professional pet peeve: Managers who lead with their ego
Habit to start my day: Meditation and a beach run
My perfect day includes: Exploring new parts of the world with my wife
Event that changed me: My early time in the military shaped my perspective on life
To unwind, I:Breathe and listen to music
www.prologis.com, sg******@pr******.com, 305-392-4270
Vanessa Grout
CEO, OKO Real Estate
Miami
Grout is involved in the development of Miami’s Class A+ office tower 830 Brickell, luxury condominiums Missoni Baia and Una Residences, and the Aman Hotel & Residences in Miami and New York.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.A., University of Miami; MBA, finance, Stern School of Business, New York University; J.D., St. Thomas University
www.okogroup.com, vg****@ok******.com, 305-573-1158
L. Scott Helms
CEO, Helms Development
Fort Lauderdale
Building on relationships stretching back 30 years, Helms has nine buildings that will start construction by year-end and four different partnerships, including a 32.8-acre industrial park near West Palm Beach.
Birthplace: New Braunfels, Texas
Education: B.S., College of Charleston; MBA, University of South Carolina
I went into real estate because: You can create something amazing from an empty site or dated building.
Deal that changed my career: Buying a women’s prison in 2017
South Florida’s next hot market: More land use/zoning conversions to industrial
Habit to start my day: Wordle and coffee
Most treasured memory: As a teenager, working on a ranch milking cows and in the oil fields
Class that most affected me: Economics
Event that changed me: My parents’ divorce
www.helmsdevelopment.com, sc***@he**************.com, 954-648-1933
Jerome Hollo
COO, Florida East Coast Realty
Miami
Hollo represents the next generation in leadership of a company that has developed and redeveloped Miami-Dade’s business and residential centers. It developed Panorama Tower, Florida’s tallest building, and One Bayfront Plaza, which will be the tallest mixed-use tower south of New York.
Birthplace: Miami Beach
Education: J.D., University of Miami
I went into real estate because: Other than a short stint in acting, I always knew I wanted to be in the real estate industry.
Professional pet peeve: Not being proactive to address issues
Habit to start my day: Some form of physical activity to loosen up the body and mind
Most grateful for: The time I am able to spend with family, and that I have worked work with my father for 30 years
Most treasured memory: The births of my three children
To unwind, I: Go for a swim with my Golden Retriever, Cori
www.fecr.com, 305-358-7710
Steven W. Hudson
CEO, Hudson Capital Group
Fort Lauderdale
Hudson heads Hudson Capital Group, a private family office that invests and manages assets in private equity, select startup ventures and real estate holdings. They include warehouses, retail centers, office buildings, and over 4,000 apartments and condo units.
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale
Education: B.A., economics, Southern Methodist University
I went into real estate because: I bought my first warehouse because I don’t like paying rent to a landlord other than myself.
Enduring lesson from Covid: Don’t bet against South Florida real estate.
Tip for protégés: “If you want to accomplish twice as much as the competition, you need to work twice as hard.” – H. Wayne Huizenga
One habit to start my day: Stretch, to make sure everything is still working.
My perfect weekend is spent: On a boat
www.hudsoncapital.com, sw*@hu***********.com, 954-356-5801
Jonathan M. Jaffe
Co-CEO and co-president, Lennar Corp.
Miami
Jaffe has been with Lennar since 1983, when he was a regional president of homebuilding operations. In time, he headed Lennar’s acquisitions of land and other homebuilders and developers, eventually creating the nation’s leading homebuilder.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, architecture, University of Florida; graduate studies, architecture, Georgia Tech University
www.lennar.com, 305-229-6400
Bobby Julien
President and CEO, The Kolter Group LLC
West Palm Beach
Since 1997, the Kolter Group has been proposing and developing properties across the region. In March, the company proposed over 500 townhomes in Homestead. Other projects include 3000 Alhambra, a two-building oceanside condominium project in Fort Lauderdale; a single-family community on farmland in western Palm Beach County; and developments in other markets including Tampa and Atlanta.
Education: Studied business, McGill University
www.kolter.com, 561-682-9500
Kobi Karp
Founder and principal, Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design
Miami
Karp founded his eponymous firm in 1996. Recent noteworthy projects include The Four Seasons Surf Club, Wynwood 25, Gateway at Wynwood, Fisher Island, Four Seasons Ft. Lauderdale, Raleigh Hotel and Residences, and Legacy Tower at Miami Worldcenter.
South Florida’s next hot market: Wynwood – the new “tech hub”
Enduring lesson from Covid: Work from home does not work. I’m all about working together and in teams.
Habit to start my day: Meditation
Most grateful for: My two amazing sons, Jordan and Aden
Class that most affected me: Art History at the University of Minnesota
To unwind, I: Read books my youngest son, Aden, recommends, and then we discuss them together in detail
www.kobikarp.com, 305-573-1818
Arnaud Karsenti
Managing principal, 13th Floor Investments
Miami
Since its inception, the company has acquired, developed and managed nearly $2.6 billion in residential, industrial and mixed-use, transit-oriented developments across the Southeast. Among its deals in 2021, 13th Floor acquired 3 acres in downtown West Palm Beach.
Birthplace: Paris
Education: Bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineering and economics, Duke University; MBA, Harvard Business School
Deal that launched my career: Link at Douglas, a transit-oriented development that connects with The Underline linear park
Enduring lesson from Covid: Our ability to predict the future is random at best.
Tip for protégés: Wake up early.
Habit to start my day: 12 ounces of pure celery juice
To unwind, I: Build Legos with my two sons and daughter. It makes me proud to see them build projects from the ground up.
www.13fi.com, ak*******@13**.com, 786-220-0460
Michael Kaufman
President and CEO, Kaufman Lynn Construction
Delray Beach
Kaufman founded his company in 1989 with a loan from his family. Today, the $450 million commercial construction company has over 220 associates working on public and private projects in Florida and North Carolina.
Birthplace: Bethpage, New York
Education: B.S., building construction, University of Florida
Deal that launched my career: Starting my company
Professional pet peeve: Lack of accountability
Tip for protégés: Remain nimble. Change is constant.
Habit to start my day: Caffeine
My perfect day includes: Being away from the office with my wife
Event that changed me: Learning from Terry Stiles and Kevin and Keith Koenig of City Furniture. I draw upon their wisdom and inspiration every day.
To unwind, I: Go fishing
www.kaufmanlynn.com, in**@ka*********.com, 561-361-6700
Carl E. Klepper Jr.
VP, Compson Associates
Boca Raton
Klepper has more than 16 years of real estate development and management experience and today represents the fourth generation of developers at Compson. He oversees all aspects of development, finance and asset management for the company.
Education: B.S., business management and finance, University of Hartford
www.compson.com, 561-244-6650
Sign up here for the Business Journal’s free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting South Florida. For more business intelligence, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Big deals. High stakes. Handsome reward. These high-profile awards recognize the best real estate deals between June 2021 and June 2022 and the movers and shakers who made them happen. Nominate today!
© 2022 American City Business Journals. All rights reserved. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated January 1, 2021) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated July 1, 2022). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of American City Business Journals.
About Author
