6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal
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From the South Florida Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html
2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1)
Jun 26, 2020, 7:08am EDT
Ever since South Florida was pioneered in the 1800s, real estate has shaped the region’s economy. More than 100 years later – through depressions, recessions, and economic tumult – that continues to be the case.
The persistent force behind the local real estate market remains the property owners, developers and real estate brokers who power what remains a significant driver in the South Florida economy.
Though persistent, the individuals reflect the uniquely dynamic nature of South Florida’s BETHANY BICKLEY FOR AMERICAN CITY BUSINESS JOURNALS real estate marketplace. While 39 are making at least their fifth appearance on the list, 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate – Part 1 15 are newcomers to the list. Most are frequently mentioned in the pages of the South Florida Business Journal, as they make their mark across the community.
As South Florida emerges from the fallout of recent events, these modern-day pioneers will be the ones who continue to shape the region’s economy and our future successes.
Donna Abood
Principal, managing director, Avison Young
Miami
Abood is with the region’s eighth-largest commercial real estate brokerage. During her 36-year career, she has negotiated well over $750 million of lease transactions on behalf of her clients.
Birthplace: Detroit
Education: B.A., marketing and management, Florida State University
Childhood crush: Donny Osmond
I’d like to learn how to: Surf
Favorite decade: 1970s! The best music, clothing, hairstyles and free spirit
Favorite smartphone app: Pandora
Favorite TV network: Starz
Favorite professional development book: “The 25 Biblical Laws of Success” by William Douglas and Rubens Teixeira
Favorite movie director: Oliver Stone
Favorite sport: FSU Seminoles football
www.avisonyoung.com/donna-abood, [email protected], 305-446-0011
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 1/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Michael M. Adler
Chairman and CEO, The Adler Group
Miami
Formed in 1978, Adler Group offers a wide range of real estate services. Its development projects and holdings include over 10,000 rental apartments and 20 million square feet of commercial space from South Florida through the Southeast, mid- Atlantic and Texas markets. As chairman of the board and investment committee of Adler Kawa Real Estate Advisors, Adler oversees development of office, flex and industrial properties in the southern and eastern U.S. He’s also chairman of Kabel-X USA, a technology company that optimizes internet connections by extracting and replacing outdated copper core wiring with fiber optic cables.
Birthplace: Westchester, New York
Education: B.S.B.A., University of Miami
www.adlergroup.com, 305-392-4000
Joel L. Altman
Chairman and co-CEO, The Altman Cos.
Boca Raton
Altman leads the region’s second-largest commercial real estate developer. The company has delivered more than 26,000 multifamily units in Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas since Altman founded it in 1968.
Birthplace: Philadelphia
Education: Graduate, Michigan State University
First car: A used 1959 Corvette
Childhood hero: My dad
I’d like to learn how to: Upgrade my pilot’s license to a commercial rating
Favorite TV network: FOX
Favorite movie director: Martin Scorsese
Last concert attended: Andrea Bocelli
Favorite restaurant: Scalinatella Ristorante in New York City
Favorite movie: “Something’s Gotta Give”
I’d like to have drinks with: Mike Jackson
www.altmancos.com, [email protected], 561-997-8661
Brent Baker
Division president, Southeast Florida, Pulte Group
Palm Beach Gardens
Baker has been with Pulte for 18 years in a variety of land and finance roles. In the past four years, Baker has grown the division from 200 closings to over 800 closings, with a land pipeline of over 7,000 owned or controlled lots. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 2/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Birthplace: Greensboro, North Carolina
Education: B.S.B.A., MBA, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
I’d like to learn how to: Fix a car
Favorite decade: 1980s
Favorite smartphone app: Zillow
Favorite TV network: Netflix
Favorite drink: A good IPA
Favorite meal: BBQ, Carolina or Texas style
I’d like to have drinks with: The four participants in a recent golf match: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning
Bucket list: Attending the Masters
www.pulte.com, [email protected], 561-206-1405
R. Russell Barnes
Principal, Kimley-Horn and Associates
West Palm Beach
Barnes has worked on a variety of projects throughout Florida. He is responsible for the overall operations and results of the region’s 17 offices.
Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina
Education: B.S., civil engineering, North Carolina State University
First car: Chevrolet Citation
Childhood hero: My Dad
I’d like to learn how to: Scuba dive
Favorite decade: 1980s
Favorite smartphone app: Poker King Texas Holdem
Favorite TV network: Discovery Channel
Favorite movie director: Mel Gibson
Last book I read: “How Successful People Think” by John Maxwell
Favorite restaurant: Raindancer Steakhouse, West Palm Beach
I’d like to have drinks with: Clint Eastwood
www.kimley-horn.com, [email protected], 561-845-0665
Mike Belmont
President, Florida, Minto Communities https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 3/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Tampa
Belmont joined Minto in 2008 as an executive VP to expand the company’s presence beyond South Florida. In 2010, he was named president of Minto Communities USA and oversaw all U.S. operations.
Birthplace: Waukegan, Illinois
Education: Bachelor’s degree, journalism, political science, Marquette University
www.mintofla.com, 813-342-3844
Willy A. Bermello
Chairman, Bermello Ajamil & Partners
Miami
Bermello’s interdisciplinary architecture and engineering firm operates on six continents from offices in Florida, New York, California and Denmark. His latest accomplishment is “The Pearl,” Norwegian Cruise Line’s Terminal B at PortMiami.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: Bachelor’s degree, architecture, University of Florida; master’s degree, architecture and city planning, University of Pennsylvania
I’d like to learn how to: Ice skate
Favorite decade: 1970s
Favorite TV network: FOX News
Last book I read: “God and Donald Trump” by Stephen Strang
Guilty pleasure: Montecristo No. 1
Favorite sport: Horseback riding
Favorite book: The Bible
I’d like to have drinks with: Winston Churchill
www.bermelloajamil.com, [email protected], 305-859-2050
Angelo Bianco
Managing partner, Crocker Partners
Boca Raton
Founded in 1986, Crocker Partners is an institutional investor and pioneer in mixed-use developments and office repositioning. It has 11 million square feet and $3 billion in assets located across the Sun Belt, making the company the largest office landlord in Florida and the 39th largest in the country.
Birthplace; Brooklyn, New York
Education: B.B.A., finance, George Washington University; J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
Childhood crush: Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman
I’d like to have drinks with: Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 4/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Favorite smartphone app: Spotify
Favorite TV network: YouTube
Time travel: Past or future? Future
Favorite meal: Pasta with my mother’s green olive marinara sauce
Bucket list: Meeting my first grandchild
www.crockerpartners.com, 561-447-1801
Tere Blanca
Chairman and CEO, Blanca Commercial Real Estate
Miami
Blanca has 30 years’ experience assisting clients in the leasing and sales of approximately 12 million square feet across hundreds of projects, ranging from land acquisition to the master planning, design, construction, marketing, lease-up and sale of office and mixed-use assets.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.B.A., international marketing and finance, and MBA, University of Miami
Childhood hero: My maternal grandfather
Favorite decade: 2010-2020
Favorite smartphone app: Synctuition
Favorite TV network: HBO
Favorite movie director: Steven Spielberg
I’d like to have drinks with: Sir Richard Branson
Time travel: Past or future? Past (the roaring ’20s)
www.blancacre.com, [email protected], 305-577-8851
Mark Blanchard
VP, AECOM Tech Corp.
Miami
Blanchard leads the region’s largest architectural firm, with $162 million in gross billings in 2019, and its sixth-largest engineering firm, with nine South Florida offices.
Education: Western Michigan University
www.aecom.com, [email protected], 305-444-4691
Kieran Bowers
President, Swire Properties
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 5/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Miami
Bowers heads Swire’s U.S. operations. In South Florida, Swire is the ninth-largest condominium developer by closings, with 76 in 2018. The company’s $1.05 billion Brickell City Centre urban center includes hotel, residential, office and retail development.
Birthplace: Stafford, U.K.
Education: Degree, Oriental studies, Pembroke College, University of Oxford; master’s degree and diploma in real estate, Reading University
Last book I read: “The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War” by Ben Macintyre
Favorite author: Bill Bryson
Favorite drink: Negroni
Favorite sport: Rugby
Favorite local sports team: Miami Heat
www.swireproperties.com, 305-371-3877
Andrew Burnett
Senior principal, Stantec
Miami
Burnett leads the region’s third-largest architectural firm, Stantec Architecture, and the region’s second-largest engineering firm, Stantec Consulting Services.
Birthplace: Grew up in Greenville, South Carolina
Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech
First car: 1979 MGB
Favorite decade: The next one
Favorite smartphone app: The off button
Favorite TV network: Any sports network
Favorite season and location: Miami only has one season, but it’s my favorite one
Time travel: Past or future? Future (the past already happened)
Last concert attended: The Alhambra Orchestra
Guilty pleasure: BBQ and camping
www.stantec.com, [email protected], 305-482-8710
Malcolm Butters
Founder and president, Butters Group
Coconut Creek
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 6/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Butters heads the region’s third-largest commercial real estate developer, with 660,000 square feet developed in 2018, and the 22nd-largest commercial real estate brokerage with $108.53 million in sales and lease volume in 2018. He and his brother Mark currently own commercial space in Florida and Georgia.
Birthplace: Montreal
Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance, University of Miami; master’s degree, real estate, Florida International University
Childhood hero: Groucho Marx
I’d like to learn how to: Use technology to enhance marketing efforts for the company
Favorite smartphone app: Uber
Favorite TV network: CNBC
Favorite season and location: Winter in Colorado and Utah with the family
Last book I read: “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris
In a movie, I’d be played by: Larry David
I’d like to have drinks with: My lovely wife, Catherine
www.butters.com, [email protected], 954-312-2400
Jim Carr
CEO, CC Homes
Coral Gables
As a career homebuilder since 1976, Carr has built more than 50 new home communities and more than 15,000 homes. He is also a member of Baptist Health South Florida’s board of trustees, currently serving as chairman of the board.
Birthplace: New Jersey
Education: University of Miami
Favorite decade: Current
Favorite smartphone app: Zillow
Time travel: Past or future? Future
Last book I read: “The President’s Club” by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy
Last concert attended: Rod Stewart
I’d like to have drinks with: Bill Gates
Bucket list: Continuing to have a great life
www.cchomes.com, [email protected], 305-448-0353
Kevin Carroll
Partner, Southeast region, Bridge Development Partners
Miami https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 7/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Carroll leads the region’s sixth-largest commercial and industrial real estate developer, with 221,542 square feet developed in 2018. The company has acquired 473 acres throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and has delivered more than 4 million square feet of Class A industrial space to date.
Birthplace: New Rochelle, New York
Education: B.S.B.A., University of Southern California; MBA, University of Illinois at Chicago
First car: 1965 Mustang
Childhood crush: My wife, Mary
Guilty pleasure: A good cigar
Bucket list: Visit all seven continents; three to go
Favorite restaurant: Il Gabbiano in Miami
www.bridgedev.com, [email protected], 305-280-9000
Alicia Cervera Lamadrid
Managing partner, Cervera Real Estate
Miami
Cervera has played a role in every Miami real estate cycle since her career began in 1980. She has helped revitalize Brickell, Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, downtown Miami and Edgewater. Today, She oversees more than $4.5 billion worth of real estate sales in preconstruction and general real estate.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.S., psychology, University of Miami
www.cervera.com, 305-374-3434
Tony Cho
President and CEO, Metro 1
Miami
Cho heads the real estate brokerage, management and development firm focused on shaping neighborhoods and developing sustainable cities and the region’s urban core. Since its 2005 founding, the company has completed nearly $3 billion in transaction volume. Cho is also co-founder of the Magic City Innovation District in Miami’s Little Haiti.
Birthplace: Vero Beach
Education: Attended Northwestern University
First car: Nissan Sentra hatchback
Favorite decade: This is my favorite decade thus far
Favorite smartphone app: Whatsapp
Favorite book genre: Professional development and biographies
Favorite movie director: Martin Scorsese
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 8/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Favorite drink: Spicy skinny Mezcal margarita
I’d like to have drinks with: President Barack Obama
Bucket list: I want to see the Northern Lights
Favorite restaurant: Mandolin Aegean Bistro in Miami
www.metro1.com, [email protected], 305-571-9991
Armando Codina
Founder and executive chairman, Codina Partners; founder, CC Homes
Coral Gables
Codina Partners’ portfolio consists of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use projects, including the 250-acre Downtown Doral mixed-use community in western Miami-Dade County.
Birthplace: Cuba
First car: Used 1957 Chevy
Last book I read: “Things That Matter” by Charles Krauthammer
I’d like to learn how to: Play a musical instrument
Favorite season and location: Miami anytime of the year, but summer/fall in Connecticut are not bad.
Favorite restaurant: Bachour in Coral Gables
www.codina.com, 305-529-1300
Michael A. Comras
President and CEO, Comras Cos.
Miami Beach
Comras leads the full-service real estate brokerage company founded in 1992. It specializes in the leasing and sale of retail properties in emerging neighborhoods, including Miami’s Design District, Wynwood Arts District and downtown; and suburban areas throughout the tri-county region.
Birthplace: New York
Education: B.A., University of Miami; MBA, Pace University
www.comrascompany.com, [email protected], 305-532-0433
Casey Cummings
CEO, Ram Realty Advisors
Palm Beach Gardens
Cummings joined Ram in 1991 and has served in capacities including acquisitions, leasing and development. He was named CEO in 2010. Ram acquires and develops retail, multifamily and mixed-use properties in high-growth markets throughout the Southeast. It recently closed its fifth discretionary private equity fund. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 9/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Birthplace: Montreal
Education: B.S., finance, Boston University
Favorite smartphone app: Audible
Favorite professional development book: “A More Beautiful Question” by Warren Berger
Last concert attended: Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
Favorite drink: Diet ginger beer with lime
Guilty pleasure: Sunday afternoon naps
Favorite meal: Medium-rare cheeseburger with crispy French fries
Favorite book: “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
I’d like to have drinks with: Bruce Springsteen
www.ramrealestate.com, [email protected], 561-630-6110
Mayi de la Vega
Founder and CEO, One Sotheby’s International Realty
Coral Gables
De la Vega founded the firm in 2008 with one office and 30 agents. Today, it has 17 offices and more than 750 agents. In May, her firm merged with boutique real estate firm Sea Turtle Real Estate.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.B.A. finance, Florida International University
First car: Volkswagen Vento
Childhood hero: Not a hero, but I looked up to Jackie O. I loved her sense of style.
I’d like to learn how to: Become a wine sommelier
Favorite decade: 2000s
Favorite smartphone app: YouTube
Favorite TV network: FOX News
Favorite season and location: Summer in Colorado
Favorite book genre: Romance
Favorite movie director: Walt Disney
I’d like to have drinks with: Rich Taylor
Time travel: Past or future? Future
www.mayidelavega.com, [email protected], 305-666-4562
Manny de Zárraga
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 10/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Executive managing director, JLL Capital Markets
Miami
De Zárraga came to JLL as part of the HFF acquisition and serves as co-head of the firm’s national investment advisory group. JLL is the region’s sixth-largest commercial real estate brokerage, with $1.78 billion in sales and lease dollar volume in 2018. In his career, de Zárraga has completed over $26 billion of capital markets transaction volume.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.S., civil engineering, and MBA, University of Miami
First car: Opal Rallye
I’d like to learn how to: Play piano
Favorite smartphone app: Google
Favorite TV network: Food Network
Favorite movie director: Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar
Guilty pleasure: Super dark chocolate
I’d like to have drinks with: Bill Gates
www.am.jll.com, [email protected], 305-448-1333
Edgardo Defortuna
President and CEO, Fortune International Group
Miami
Defortuna founded Fortune International Group in 1983, and today is widely recognized for having bolstered Miami’s reputation as a global business, trade and vacation hub. Projects include the Jade Signature condominium and the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach.
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Education: Bachelor’s degree, electrical and mechanical engineering, National University of Argentina; MBA, University of Miami
Childhood crush: Farrah Fawcett
I’d like to learn how to: Drive a large yacht
Favorite smartphone app: Waze
Favorite TV network: NBC
Favorite professional development book: “How Real Estate Developers Think” by Peter Hendee Brown
Favorite movie director: Steven Spielberg
I’d like to have drinks with: Julia Roberts
www.fortuneintlgroup.com, [email protected], 305-351-1000
Pryse R. Elam https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 11/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Chief investment officer, president of development and investments, Foundry Commercial
Boca Raton
Elam leads Foundry’s investment platform, which has in the past five years completed $1.5 billion in transactions that it has sponsored, invested in and serves as the general partner for. Some $1.2 billion of the total is in industrial development and acquisitions totaling more than 11.5 million square feet.
Birthplace: Oklahoma City
Education: B.A., Washington and Lee University; J.D., MBA, Southern Methodist University
First car: A very used Chevy Camaro
Childhood hero: My dad
I’d like to learn how to: Play the guitar
Favorite smartphone app: Dark Sky
Favorite TV network: CNBC
I’d like to have drinks with: Peggy Noonan
Time travel: Past or future? Future
www.foundrycommercial.com, [email protected], 561-883-3308
Misha Ezratti
President, GL Homes
Sunrise
Ezratti heads the third-largest home builder in the region. In his 18-year career with GL Homes, Ezratti has worked in almost every department prior to becoming president in 2016.
Birthplace: Hollywood
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Boston University
Childhood hero: My father (still is)
I’d like to have drinks with: Salvador Dali
Favorite decade: he ’90s – love grunge music
Favorite smartphone app: The New York Times
Favorite TV network: Netflix
Favorite season and location: Year-round in Florida
Time travel: Past or future? Future
Bucket list: Scuba diving in Bonaire
Favorite restaurant: Daniel in New York City
Favorite local sports team: Miami Heat (season ticket holder for 32 years)
www.glhomes.com, 954-753-1730 https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 12/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal
Art Falcone
CEO, Encore Capital Management
Boca Raton
Falcone currently has $7 billion in development projects nationwide, including Miami Worldcenter, Plantation Walk, Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Encore Resort at Reunion. In 2020, he was named an honoree of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award.
Birthplace: Floral Park-Elmont area of New York
Education: Graduated from high school
Childhood heroes: Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
Favorite decade: 1980s
Favorite season and location: Summer in Aspen
Favorite book genre: Biographies
I’d like to have drinks with: Warren Buffett
Time travel: Past or future? Future
www.encorecm.com, 561-961-1000
Pepe Fanjul Jr.
President, FCI; executive VP, Florida Crystals Corp.
Miami
Fanjul leads a vertically integrated real estate services organization that develops, builds and manages luxury rental communities, with a focus on multifamily residential development in urban and infill areas. His corporate duties include control and direction of all real estate development and investments, including Florida land holdings, the Central Romana and Casa de Campo operations, government affairs and corporate communications. Fanjul is also a founding partner and senior advisor of BlueGate Partners, a boutique real estate investment banking firm, and is general partner and member of the investment committee of the company-sponsored Atlantic Creek Real Estate Funds.
Birthplace: Florida
Education: B.S.B.A. and MBA, University of Miami
www.floridacrystals.com, 561-366-5100
Michael T. Fay
Principal, managing director, Miami, Avison Young
Coral Gables
Fay is with the region’s eighth-largest commercial real estate brokerage, with $1.04 billion in sum dollar sales and leasing volume in 2018. In his 36-year career, he has been involved in over $12 billion in transactions, working with large corporate real estate accounts, private and institutional investors, financial institutions and capital sources worldwide.
Birthplace: Miami https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 13/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Education: B.A., business, LaGrange College
First car: Chevy Blazer
Childhood hero: Ted Nugent
I’d like to have drinks with: Donald Trump
Favorite decade: The ’80s
Favorite smartphone app: My Radar Pro
Favorite TV network: CNBC
Favorite movie director: Quentin Tarantino
Last concert attended: Pat Travers
In a movie, I’d be played by: Matthew McConaughey
www.avisonyoung.us/web/miami, [email protected], 305-447-4872
Bernardo Fort-Brescia
Founding principal, Arquitectonica
Miami
During his career, Fort-Brescia’s designs have won hundreds of design awards from around the world. His work has been featured in thousands of publications and 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; Masters, architecture, Harvard University
First car: Used Audi
Favorite smartphone app: Teams
Favorite TV network: Netflix
Favorite season and location: Winter in Miami, spring in Paris
Favorite movie director: Alfred Hitchcock
Last concert attended: New World Symphony
Guilty pleasure: Pistachio ice cream
Favorite meal: Ceviche of the fish I just caught
I’d like to have drinks with: Bill Gates
www.arquitectonica.com, [email protected], 305-372-1812
Dan Freed
VP, Miami office leader, CallisonRTKL
Coral Gables https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 14/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Freed started with CallisonRTKL in 1988 and today is a regional office leader for the company. He relocated to Miami to lead the firm’s expansion in Florida and Latin America.
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Education: Bachelor’s degree, architecture, University of Arizona
First car: Renault Fuego
Childhood crush: Annie Lennox
I’d like to learn how to: Be fluent in Spanish
Favorite decade: The ’90s
Favorite smartphone app: Pre-Covid: The New York Times; post-Covid: Microsoft Teams
Favorite TV network: Netflix
Favorite season and location: Winter in Tucson, Arizona
Favorite movie director: Brian de Palma
I’d like to have drinks with: Betty White
Time travel: Past or future? Past
www.crtkl.com, [email protected], 786-268-3200
Russell Galbut
Managing principal, Crescent Heights
Miami
Galbut began his career as a hotel and real estate consultant with Laventhal and Horwath, where he earned his CPA certification. Today, he manages a diverse, national real estate portfolio. Galbut also serves a chairman of the board for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Birthplace: Miami Beach
Education: School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University; J.D., University of Miami
First car: 1964 Buick Electra
Childhood hero: My father
I’d like to learn how to: Relax
Favorite decade: The late ’60s and early ’70s, when we were young and free
Favorite smartphone app: Mail
Favorite season and location: Winter in Miami, summer cruising the world
Favorite drink: Vodka and ginger ale
Favorite sport: Racquetball
www.crescentheights.com, [email protected], 305-374-5700
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 15/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Mark A. Gensheimer
Founder and president, Penn-Florida Cos.
Boca Raton
Gensheimer founded Penn-Florida in 1987 and today focuses on real estate development, ownership, operation and capitalization, especially in complex mixed-use projects. The company is currently developing Boca Raton projects Via Mizner, an urban resort anchored by Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Residences, and University Village, an 80-acre mixed use community adjacent to I-95 and Florida Atlantic University.
Birthplace: Michigan
Education: B.S.B.A., management, Central Michigan University
Childhood hero: Arnold Palmer
Favorite decade: The next one
Favorite smartphone app: Life360
Favorite season and location: Winter in Boca Raton
Favorite drink: Beefeater with a splash of soda & lime
Favorite meal: Fresh fish
Guilty pleasure: A weekend on the boat
Bucket list: Family trip to the Maldives
www.pennflorida.com, [email protected], 561-750-1030
Robert Given
Vice chairman, Cushman & Wakefield
Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Given has participated in the sale, marketing, financing and consulting of more than 300 investment properties representing over 115,000 multifamily units valued at more than $22 billion. He leads a 40‐member team with region’s second-largest commercial real estate brokerage.
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee
First car: A red VW Beetle
Childhood crush: “Charlie’s Angels”
Favorite decade: 2000-2010
Favorite TV network: ID (Investigation Discovery)
Favorite season and location: Winter in South Florida
Favorite movie director: Quentin Tarantino
Time travel: Past or future? Past
Last book I read: “Aftershock: The Next Economy and America’s Future” by Robert Reich
Favorite drink: Iced tea with fresh cut lemon https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 16/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal I’d like to have drinks with: George H.W. Bush
www.cushwake.com, [email protected], 954-377-0513
Jessica Goldman Srebnick
CEO, Goldman Properties/Goldman Global Arts
Miami Beach
Goldman Srebnick is the second-generation leader of the company founded by her father, the late Tony Goldman. Since 2012, she has been the curator of Wynwood Walls. In 2015, she co-founded Goldman Global Arts, a Miami- and New York-based creative collective.
Birthplace: New York City
Education: B.A., psychology, Boston University; executive education, Harvard Business School
First car: Jeep
Childhood hero: My dad (still is)
I’d like to learn how to: Speak Spanish
Favorite decade: 2000-2010
Favorite smartphone apps: Calm and Instagram
Favorite drinks: Coca-Cola Slurpee from 7-Eleven and iced chai latte from Starbucks
Favorite meal: Thanksgiving dinner
In a movie, I’d be played by: Julia Roberts
I’d like to have drinks with: Barack Obama
www.goldmanproperties.com, 305-531-4411
Matthew Goodman
Managing director, JLL
Miami
Goodman serves as market lead for JLL South Florida, the region’s sixth-largest commercial real estate brokerage and sixth- largest commercial property management firm.
Birthplace: Boston
Education: B.S., economics, Syracuse University
First car: 1983 Toyota Supra
Childhood hero: Larry Bird
Favorite smartphone app: Spotify
Favorite season and location: Winter skiing in Colorado
Favorite movie director: Quentin Tarantino https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 17/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Time travel: Past or future? Past
I’d like to have drinks with: Sam Harris
www.us.jll.com, [email protected]
Jeff Greene
Private investor; founder, The Greene Institute
Palm Beach
Greene is a developer and landowner whose latest project, Currie Corridor, will span 18 acres he’s assembled along the Intracoastal Waterway. He’s a signatory to The Giving Pledge and, with wife Mei Sze Chan, established The Greene School, which provides an academically advanced educational program.
Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts
Education: B.A., economics, Johns Hopkins University; M.B.A., Harvard Business School
Favorite city: Palm Beach
Favorite drink: Water
Favorite author: James Patterson
Favorite restaurant: Our restaurant, Copycats, at Tideline Ocean Resort
Favorite sport: Tennis
Favorite book: “The Great Gatsby”
Favorite movie: “The Godfather II”
Scott Gregory
Senior VP, head of operations, East Region, Prologis
Miami
Gregory recently expanded his role within the region’s third-largest commercial property management firm. His region consists of over $30 billion in warehouse/distribution real estate and teams in major markets from New York to Miami.
Birthplace: Conway, New Hampshire
Education: B.S.B.A., University of New Hampshire; MBA, Hawaii Pacific University
First car: GMC Jimmy (doubled as a work truck for plowing snow)
I’d like to learn how to: Sail
Favorite decade: 2000s
Favorite smartphone app: Quik (for making travel videos)
Favorite TV network: Netflix
Favorite season and location: September in Europe
I’d like to have drinks with: Richard Branson https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 18/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal www.prologis.com, 305-392-4270
Bill Handler
GRBK GHO Homes
Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach
Handler leads GHO Homes, a private homebuilder on Florida’s Treasure Coast. The company, founded by Handler’s father, Dan, was acquired by Texas-based Green Brick Partners in 2018.
Birthplace: New York
Education: Bachelor’s degree, building construction, J.D., University of Florida
First car: Dodge Ram charger
Childhood hero: My dad, Dan Handler
I’d like to learn how to: Be the absolute best father to my three sons and daughter
Favorite TV network: CNBC
Favorite season and location: Spring in Florida
Favorite movie director: Robert Zemeckis
Favorite restaurant: TooJay’s
Favorite book: “The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy
I’d like to have drinks with: My mom. Some people are so special and gone to soon.
www.ghohomes.com, [email protected], 772-257-1100
Jeff Hardin
Founder, owner and CEO, Straticon
Fort Lauderdale
Now in his 29th year in business, Hardin leads the region’s 12th-largest general contracting and construction management firm. South Florida projects have included the Mandarin Oriental in Boca Raton and renovations at the Versace Mansion.
Birthplace: Michigan
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Western Michigan University; studied master’s-level business and commerce, University of Michigan
First car: Chevy Monza
Childhood crush: Farrah Fawcett
Favorite decade: The ’80s
Favorite smartphone app: Zelle
Favorite TV network: ESPN
Favorite season and location: Fall in Michigan https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 19/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Time travel: Past or future? Past
Favorite meal: Steak grilled at home
In a movie, I’d be played by: Jeff Bridges
I’d like to have drinks with: Elon Musk
www.straticon.com, [email protected], 954-900-3689
Jerome Hollo
Executive VP, Florida East Coast Realty
Miami
Hollo oversees real estate acquisition, development, design and approvals of each project in the company’s extensive portfolio throughout Florida, Nevada and New York. Most recently, he led the development for Panorama Tower, Miami’s tallest building.
Birthplace: Miami Beach
Education: B.A. and J.D., University of Miami
I’d like to learn how to: Fly a seaplane
Favorite decade: 2000s
Favorite smartphone app: Dashlane (it’s so hard to manage passwords)
Favorite TV network: Netflix
Favorite season and location: Winter in Miami
Favorite book genre: Political thrillers
Favorite movie director: Todd Phillips
Last concert attended: Lettuce
Favorite drink: Clase Azul Reposado
I’d like to have drinks with: Charles Bukowski
www.fecr.com, [email protected], 305-358-7710
Alan Hooper
Founder and president, Hooper Construction
Fort Lauderdale
Since 1994, Hooper has developed and built a variety of projects ranging from waterfront homes to multifamily high-rises, restaurants and office buildings, as well as historical renovations. He is a past board member and past chairman of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, his firm in 2019 was selected as a prime contractor for the city’s FAT Village.
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale
www.hooperconstruction.net, [email protected], 954-761-8439
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 20/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Bobby Julien
President and CEO, The Kolter Group LLC
West Palm Beach
Julien oversees one of the region’s largest homebuilders, with projects proposed or underway in South Florida, Tampa Bay and Georgia. The real estate development and investment firm’s projects and investments are valued at more than $15 billion. The company has executed investments across major asset classes at all stages of the development cycle and its portfolio of complementary businesses.
Education: Studied business, McGill University
www.kolter.com, 561-682-9500
Kobi Karp
CEO, Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design
Miami
For over two decades, Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design has been providing unique, creative and innovative design solutions to renowned domestic and international clients in hospitality, retail and high-rise residential developments.
Birthplace: Netanya, Israel
Education: Bachelor’s degree, architecture and environmental design, University of Minnesota Institute of Technology
First car: Toyota Corolla
Childhood heroes: Superman and Frank Lloyd Wright
Favorite smartphone app: The New York Times
Favorite TV network: Travel Channel
Favorite movie director: Francis Ford Coppola
Last book I read: “New Ideas From Dead CEOs” by Todd G. Buchholz
www.kobikarp.com, [email protected], 305-573-1818
Arnaud Karsenti
Principal, 13th Floor Homes
Miami
Karsenti began his real estate career in 2003 by assembling and developing land parcels in Miami’s urban cores. These initial acquisitions led to the 2007 creation of 13th Floor Investments, which has acquired, developed and managed over $1.5 billion in real asset value.
Birthplace: Paris
Education: Bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineering and economics, Duke University; MBA, Harvard Business School
First car: Ford Explorer
I’d like to learn how to: Kitesurf
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 21/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Favorite smartphone app: iReal B
Favorite TV network: Discovery Channel
Favorite season and location: Summer in Colorado
Favorite movie directors: The Coen Brothers
Last book I read: “Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World,” by Bradley Hope and Tom Wright
Favorite local sports team: Ransom Everglades tennis team
www.13fi.com, [email protected], 786-220-0460
Michael Kaufman
CEO, Kaufman Lynn Construction
Delray Beach
Kaufman founded the full-service construction firm more than 30 years ago. Last year, the firm increased revenue by 73% to more than $456 million. Kaufman sold his shares in the company to all its employees with the establishment of an employee stock ownership plan.
Birthplace: Bethpage, New York
Education: University of Florida
First car: 1972 Ford F-100
Childhood hero: Former New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver
I’d like to have drinks with: My wife
I’d like to learn how to: Play the guitar
Favorite decade: The 2020s
Favorite TV network: Netflix
www.kaufmanlynn.com, [email protected], 561-361-6700
Nancy Klock Corey
Regional VP, Southeast Florida, Coldwell Banker Realty
Coral Gables
Corey brings over 40 years of experience in real estate to her position. She oversees operations for 16 branch and satellite offices, supporting 2,040 affiliated agents. She led the team in Miami-Dade and Broward to No. 1 in market share.
Birthplace: Philadelphia
Education: Bachelor’s degree, history and economics, Hiram College
First car: 1965 White Ford LTD
I’d like to learn how to: Draw horses
Favorite smartphone app: ColorNote https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 22/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Favorite season and location: Fall in Ireland
Time travel: Past or future? Future
Last concert attended: Jimmy Buffett
Favorite drink: Margarita
Favorite local sports team: Inter Miami CF
Favorite book: “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom
I’d like to have drinks with: Bill and Melinda Gates
www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/florida, [email protected], 305-672-6300
Ryan Kratz
President, Southeast region, Colliers International
Miami
Kratz is responsible for 20 offices, more than 350 brokers and 150 marketing and research staff. He is also the market leader for Colliers South Florida, which includes Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Birthplace: Iowa
Education: B.S., management and entrepreneurship, Babson College; MBA, Harvard University
First car: Chevrolet Blazer
I’d like to learn how to: Be an AI/machine learning guru
Favorite decade: 2020 had a bumpy start, but it’ll most certainly be an amazing decade
Favorite smartphone app: Siri answers (almost) all
Favorite TV network: Comedy Central
Time travel: Past or future? Future
www.colliers.com/southflorida, [email protected], 305-359-3690
Christopher Longsworth
CEO, Invesca Development Group
Plantation
Longsworth, who has a family background in commercial banking and private equity, founded Invesca in 2001, at age 17. Its diverse approach in the South Florida market has ranged from distressed fund management, retail and sporting goods to vertically integrated multifamily development and asset management.
Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona
First car: Jeep
Childhood crush: Lucy Liu
I’d like to learn how to: Dance the tango https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 23/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal Favorite smartphone app: ESPN
Favorite season and location: Winter in Colorado
Favorite professional development book: “Ego Is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday
Favorite movie director: Christopher Nolan
Time travel: Past or future? Future
Bucket list: A vacation without my cellphone
I’d like to have drinks with: Sam Zell
www.invesca.com, [email protected], 954-727-3839
Ernesto Lopes
Founder, president and CEO, AHS Residential
Miami
Lopes founded AHS Residential in 2012 to provide housing for America’s workforce. The full-service multifamily development company seeks to innovate and disrupt a sector that caters to high-income residents and excludes the middle class, including nurses, teachers, police officers, firefighters and other skilled professionals. Lopes’ construction and real estate development experience spans more than 30 years in Latin America, Europe and the U.S. He was previously construction director for Odebrecht S.A.
Education: Degree in civil engineering, University of São Paulo; alumnus of the Harvard Business School and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design
www.ahsresidential.com, 305-255-5527
Scott K. Lunine
VP, regional manager, Miami, Marcus & Millichap
Miami
Lunine has trained, coached and mentored over 3,000 commercial real estate agents, brokers and investors in the areas of both commercial real estate and financial services, helping independent contractors and brokers increase sales and profitability and build thriving practices.
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Education: Organizational communication, California State University Northridge
Last concert attended: Bruce Springsteen
Favorite drink: Diet Coke
Guilty pleasure: “Game of Thrones”
Bucket list: Machu Picchu
Favorite sport: Baseball
Favorite local sports team: Florida Panthers
Favorite movie: “The Shawshank Redemption” https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 24/25 6/26/2020 2020 Power Leaders in Real Estate (Part 1) - South Florida Business Journal www.marcusmillichap.com, [email protected], 786-522-7000
Jeff Zbar Correspondent South Florida Business Journal
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/06/26/2020-power-leaders-in-real-estate-part-1.html?iana=hpmvp_sflo_news_headline&s=print 25/25