Miami DealMakers

In this episode of Miami DealMakers, Omar Morales sits down with Fred Zutel, Partner and President of Lockton’s Florida Division, the largest privately held and independently owned insurance brokerage in the world. Fred shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Hialeah and selling nails and screws to insuring some of the most iconic developments in Miami — including the Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis Brickell, and Bentley Residences. He opens up about his early struggles breaking into the insurance world during the 2008 recession, how a chance meeting at Zuma led to his first major developer client, and the mindset that helped him scale a 30-person team into 130+ employees statewide. The conversation dives deep into the inner workings of real estate insurance — from how mega-projects are structured across 40+ carriers, to why prices spiked after Hurricane Ian, and how falling interest rates are now reshaping the market. Fred also discusses leadership, grit, and staying hungry, even after reaching the top of his industry. Whether you’re a developer, broker, or investor, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, execution, and the business behind Miami’s biggest buildings.=====================0:00 – Intro0:36 – What Lockton does + Fred’s background3:40 – Early jobs and how Fred got into insurance in 200914:40 – Pivoting into insuring real estate and getting clients19:02 – First big client (Zuma bar story)21:55 – Now insuring Waldorf Astoria Miami and how mega-projects are insured23:45 – How does Lockton provide outsized value?28:36 – Why insurance prices spiked in 2021 + interest-rate impact34:12 – Breaking down layers of insurance (liability, builder’s risk, etc.)40:16 – Building a team and joining Lockton46:26 – How insurance brokers make money50:25 – Grit and motivation to keep pushing54:05 – Future of Florida’s insurance market56:28 – Advice for young professionals in their 20s=====================Follow us on social media⁠⁠⁠⁠MDM Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MDM LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales TikTok

In this episode, Omar Morales sits down with Daniel de la Vega, President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, to unpack his incredible journey from working in construction to leading one of the most powerful luxury brokerage networks in Florida. Daniel shares untold stories about growing up in Coral Gables, buying the Sotheby’s franchise out of bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis, and scaling it into a $10B+ sales powerhouse with over 1,400 agents. They dive deep into Miami’s luxury real estate cycle—from The Setai and Brickell’s transformation to today’s wave of new developments in Surfside, Coral Gables, and South Miami. Daniel also opens up about building culture, staying grounded through market cycles, and transitioning from brokerage to development. Whether you’re an investor, agent, or developer, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the evolution of Miami real estate.====================Noise complaints are one of the top issues facing condo and hotel developers. Pliteq engineered the GenieMat to provide effective sound isolation of floors and walls in units for quiet living and restful sleep. As a designer, you know high quality amenity spaces set your project apart but they shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. Pliteq's products isolate the noise from gyms, pools and even my favourite, pickleball courts, so residents can fully enjoy their homes. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pliteq.com/⁠⁠⁠ today and build quieter buildings. ====================TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro  1:15 - Daniel’s background into real estate  13:40 - Challenges in today’s market  17:32 - Managing thousands of agents and the culture of leadership  22:24 - Buying ONE Sotheby’s out of bankruptcy in 2008  31:18 - Working with developers and the rise of Brickell  34:39 - Scaling ONE Sotheby’s across Florida  35:48 - Compass acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate  42:59 - Shifting into development as a principal (One Capital)  47:39 - Future developments in Surfside & Coral Gables  1:01:20 - Daniel’s favorite projects he is not working on  1:04:46 - Submarkets Daniel is very excited about  1:13:04 - Leadership and team building in real estate  1:17:28 - Miami condo market outlook  1:24:25 - Advice for aspiring agents and brokers  1:31:44 - Closing thoughts and Miami’s future====================Follow us on social media⁠⁠⁠MDM Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MDM LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales TikTok

In this episode of Miami DealMakers, Omar Morales sits down with Nelson Stabile, co-founder of Integra, to trace his path from corporate America and a scrappy cabinetry venture to building one of South Florida’s most respected development firms. They cover early risk-taking, lessons from the 2008 crisis, and how partnerships with Paulo Melo and later Victor Ballestas shaped Integra’s diversified, disciplined growth across condos, market-rate and affordable rentals, and a white-glove marina platform (now approaching half a billion in assets). Nelson shares the decade-long St. Regis Brickell story—from acquiring a HUD-restricted site and relocating 222 seniors to a new 270-unit community, to launching a 152-residence ultra-luxury tower with Related Group—plus why “location, timing, and basis” beats old clichés. The conversation boils down to a candid blueprint: be resourceful, take measured risks, build complementary teams, capitalize conservatively, and stay relentlessly action-oriented—because in real estate, execution and relationships compound.====================Noise complaints are one of the top issues facing condo and hotel developers. Pliteq engineered the GenieMat to provide effective sound isolation of floors and walls in units for quiet living and restful sleep. As a designer, you know high quality amenity spaces set your project apart but they shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. Pliteq's products isolate the noise from gyms, pools and even my favourite, pickleball courts, so residents can fully enjoy their homes. Visit ⁠⁠https://www.pliteq.com/⁠⁠ today and build quieter buildings. ====================TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro 1:17 - Deals between Omar & Nelson3:35 - How Nelson got into real estate32:15 - Starting Integra and navigating 200846:19 - Buying first property in Boynton Beach50:07 - Scaling Integra and how the business is structured1:06:15 - How Nelson and Integra got into marinas 1:17:32 - Milestones and size of Integra’s portfolio 1:26:27 - Developing St. Regis in South Brickell 1:41:14 - Meeting Vanessa and relationship advice 1:48:27 - Advice for young real estate professionals ====================Follow us on social media⁠⁠MDM Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠MDM LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Omar Morales TikTok

In this episode of Miami DealMakers, Omar Morales sits down with Diego Ojeda, President of Rilea Group and founder of CIPRES, to talk about his journey from film school to building Miami landmarks like 1450 Brickell, The Bond, and now Santander’s 900K-SF Brickell tower. They cover a Port St. Lucie land deal, new projects in Wynwood like Mohawk and The Ryder, and why spec office, private capital, and storytelling have been the family’s formula for success. Diego also shares insights on navigating recessions, launching his own firm, and advice for the next generation of developers.====================Noise complaints are one of the top issues facing condo and hotel developers. Pliteq engineered the GenieMat to provide effective sound isolation of floors and walls in units for quiet living and restful sleep. As a designer, you know high quality amenity spaces set your project apart but they shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. Pliteq's products isolate the noise from gyms, pools and even my favourite, pickleball courts, so residents can fully enjoy their homes. Visit ⁠https://www.pliteq.com/⁠ today and build quieter buildings. ====================Follow us on social media⁠MDM Instagram⁠⁠MDM LinkedIn⁠⁠Omar Morales Instagram⁠⁠Omar Morales LinkedIn⁠⁠Omar Morales YouTube⁠⁠Omar Morales TikTok

In this powerful and wide-ranging interview, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez sits down with Omar Morales to reflect on the city’s incredible transformation—from the violent 1980s to becoming one of the most desirable cities in the world. Mayor Suarez shares stories about his upbringing in Miami, his father’s political legacy, and how his administration has tackled crime, homelessness, and housing affordability while embracing innovation in tech, crypto, and AI. He opens up about the challenges of leadership, the city’s booming real estate market, and why billionaires and global investors are choosing Miami. Whether you’re an investor, policymaker, or simply someone fascinated by Miami’s rise, this conversation dives deep into the data, the mindset, and the vision driving the Magic City forward.====================Noise complaints are one of the top issues facing condo and hotel developers. Pliteq engineered the GenieMat to provide effective sound isolation of floors and walls in units for quiet living and restful sleep. As a designer, you know high quality amenity spaces set your project apart but they shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. Pliteq's products isolate the noise from gyms, pools and even my favourite, pickleball courts, so residents can fully enjoy their homes. Visit https://www.pliteq.com/ today and build quieter buildings. ====================Follow us on social mediaMDM InstagramMDM LinkedInOmar Morales InstagramOmar Morales LinkedInOmar Morales YouTubeOmar Morales TikTok

In this episode, Omar sits down with legendary Miami developer Carlos Rosso to talk about his journey from architect in Argentina to becoming one of the city’s most influential builders. Carlos shares how he went from measuring sewer pipes to launching a $2 billion master-planned community in the heart of Midtown Miami.

Michael Simkins, President and CEO of Lion Development Group, is at the forefront of one of Miami’s most transformative real estate ventures. Through District 11, featuring the iconic E11EVEN Hotel & Residences and E11EVEN Beyond, Simkins is reimagining a once-overlooked 10-acre site in Park West into a vibrant 24-hour destination. This global, connected “live-work-play” environment is set to be a hub for entertainment, culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Beyond his role at Lion Development Group, Mr. Simkins is a key player at E11EVEN Partners, the visionary team behind the renowned E11EVEN Miami brand, which includes a nightclub, hotel, residences, vodka line, and audio equipment. His strategic insight has propelled the brand beyond hospitality, cementing its status as a premier lifestyle brand. ====================Follow Omar on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Kobi Karp is the Founder and Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc (KKAID). Kobi Karp founded the firm in 1996 and has been the Principal-in-Charge of design since that time. KKAID is a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing a vast array of services, ranging from the design of large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects to intimate, small-scale low-rise residential and commercial structures.====================Follow Omar on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Partner of BridgeInvest since 2013. Jon oversees loan origination, underwriting and structuring at the firm in addition to oversight of the firm’s existing portfolio. In his role, Jon led the firm’s expansion into a nationwide debt platform with capabilities across the development and bridge lifecycles of transactions. While at BridgeInvest, Jon has closed over $2 billion of commercial real estate loans. Prior to BridgeInvest, Jon focused on acquisitions with Resource Real Estate (acquired by Blackstone) where he was charged with the deployment of a $1 billion private REIT focused on the acquisition and work-out of non-performing commercial real estate and real estate related debt throughout the United States. Jon is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with concentrations in both finance and real estate.====================0:00 - Trailer0:28 - What does BridgeInvest do?6:38 - Jon’s journey into real estate13:07 - Buying, selling, and financing notes17:49 - How Jon landed at BridgeInvest25:24 - Scaling and building BridgeInvest30:02 - Biggest loan: Wake Biscayne Bay38:12 - Current market conditions50:52 - Insights for loans that are struggling55:49 - Advice for young professionals59:33 - Closing thoughts on Miami====================Follow Omar on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Sydne Garchik is a highly accomplished and driven real estate professional with a proven track record in property investment, development, and management. Sydne has demonstrated expertise in affordable housing preservation, multi-family real estate acquisitions, and community-focused initiatives. Sydne is adept at fostering strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional results.   In 2015, Sydne established MRK Partners, a prominent real estate investment and management firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable multi-family properties nationwide. Under her leadership, MRK has delivered over 6,000 affordable housing units across 25+ properties, with an additional 700 units in the pipeline. The company’s portfolio represents over $1 billion in assets, solidifying its impact in delivering sustainable housing solutions for underserved communities.   Sydne serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for BLOOM, a 501c3 organization dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for upward mobility and fostering resilient individuals and thriving communities. BLOOM is steadfast in its commitment to delivering comprehensive support and resources that empower personal and professional growth. She is also a Board Member of UMiami’s School of Architecture MRED and is an active participant in the Women’s Leadership group.   Sydne lives in Florida with her husband and three young daughters. ==================== 0:00 -  Trailer 0:28 - How Sydne got into real estate 10:08 - Affordable capital stack 25:18 - Strategies to help developers 28:06 - Starting MRK Partners 35:13 - MRK Partners first deal 37:47 - MRK Partners strategy & portfolio 48:48 - South Florida vs. other counties 50:03 - Building & scaling MRK Partners 54:13 - Sydne’s experience in South Florida 55:58 - Advice for women in the industry ==================== MRK: https://www.youtube.com/@mrkpartners https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrkpartners/ https://www.instagram.com/mrkpartners/   Sydne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydne-garchik-3a27701a9/ https://www.instagram.com/sydnegarchik/ ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Matt Ferrari is the Co-Chief Investment Officer and Head of Acquisitions nationally at TruAmerica Multifamily while also serving on TruAmerica’s Investment Committee. Since joining TruAmerica in 2016 to lead the firm’s investment efforts on the East Coast, Matt has played a meaningful role in TruAmerica’s phenomenal growth. Matt has been a driving force in TruAmerica’s national expansion opening new investment markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas and the Ohio River Valley. Matt currently manages the acquisitions team and has acquired $10 billion in multifamily properties and over 47,000 units during his tenure. In addition, Matt oversees operations and asset management for TruAmerica’s Eastern and Central United States portfolio, comprising 22,000 apartments. ==================== 0:00 - Trailer 0:32 - Matt’s background into real estate 19:02 - Transition from acquisitions to investment 22:00 - What motivated Matt’s transition 29:37 - Over $10B in MultiFamily investments 44:17 - Current real estate market across the country 47:07 - Markets excited about in 2025 57:55 - Advice to young professionals 1:03:19 - Matt’s passion for climbing mountains 1:14:34 - Matt’s experience in Miami ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Jay Massirman was a top 1% broker, then built Rivergate Companies. In this conversation we discuss, his journey into real estate, brokerage career, pivoting into entrepreneurship, scaling the business, and advice for anyone pursuing their own business. Jay Massirman is the Founder & CEO of Rivergate Companies. Rivergate Companies is a real estate holding company with the goal of delivering outsized returns in varying product types, geographies, and market cycles. Jay was formerly a Vice Chairman with CBRE global real estate, where he participated in over $10 billion in advisory transactions over a stellar 20 year career. ==================== 0:00 - Intro 1:29 - Journey into real estate 12:21 - Brokerage career 19:11 - Pivot into building own company 32:36 - First deal & 2008 financial crisis 36:19 - Motivation to keep going 41:57 - Scaling businesses 49:22 - Partnerships 53:31 - Structure of the businesses 57:31 - Entrepreneur advice 1:06:12 - Reflection on career journey ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Omar Morales has been part of selling $3 billion in real estate in South Florida. In this conversation, Pomp and Omar discuss the math behind deals, the biggest players in the space, and why South Florida continues to be a hot spot for individuals and businesses moving down. ==================== This conversation was recorded December 2022. ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Robert Rivani is an entrepreneur, retail entertainment innovator and real estate visionary. With a remarkable journey marked by buying and selling over $750 million in real estate deals without a single partner or investor. Rivani's visionary leadership as President of Black Lion extends nationwide, from the prestigious shores of Malibu to the vibrant city of Miami. Beyond real estate, he has reimagined hospitality spaces and has brought on as tenants esteemed brands like Catch, Delilah, Gaia, Amara at Paraiso, Rosa Negra, and more to Miami. ==================== 0:00 - Trailer 0:29 - Robert’s background into real estate 1:53 - First real estate deal and scaling 6:02 - When did hair and beard come into play? 6:40 - First real estate deal in South Florida 10:04 - First higher F&B deal 12:27 - Walking though the Gekko deal 16:25 - Social media culture 16:54 - Residential house in California 18:19 - Miami real estate prices 22:29 - Building “class X” office: Rivani 29:59 - “Class X” office vision and timeline 37:49 - Macro economic backdrop ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Max Sharkansky is the co-founder and managing partner of Trion Properties, a multifamily investment shop. Max has a large west coast presence in California and sent Omar a DM through twitter, that him and his investors are dying to buy property in Florida. Six months later, he was buying a $108 million property from our team in Orlando. Max started as a broker, before starting to buy his own multifamily properties. What started as a 12 unit investment, is now a portfolio of about 6,500 units valued at roughly $1.5 billon.  In this conversation, we discuss how to transition from brokering to buying your own properties, scaling a real estate private equity fund, how Max is underwriting properties in today’s environment, where he thinks multifamily valuations are headed, and more.  ==================== 0:00 - Intro 1:42 - Max’s background 5:10 - Beginning career as a broker at Marcus & Millichap 8:50 - Buying his first deal and competition  11:47 - Beginning to raise capital and building Trion 14:22 - Navigating the 2008 market 17:27 - Growing portfolio of notes 21:42 - Decision to go in-house for property management & constriction 27:42 - First deal and connecting through twitter 31:16 - Transition from LA to Miami 34:54 - Trion Properties payroll 35:42 - Trion Properties portfolio  37:42 - Lessons learned from Trion Properties 41:25 - Current market conditions and interest rates 49:03 - Growth of Florida and Miami market 52:52 - Current investment opportunities  55:22 - Closing statements on Miami ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Charles Foschini is a nationally recognized real estate investment banking leader who has been involved in the sale and financing of commercial properties approaching over $25 billion. He specializes in complex capital solutions and routinely closes landmark deals for his clients in South Florida and beyond (hashtag #bigloansonbigbuildings). He’s been named a member of Berkadia's CEO Circle, recognizing company-wide, top-five producers nationally, several times since 2016. Prior to joining Berkadia, Charles served as Vice Chairman for CBRE, a member of its elite institutional group, where he started his career and was a perennial top producer across all product lines nationally. ==================== 0:00 - Intro 1:49 - Charles background 5:24 - Transition to leasing agent and capital markets 11:41 - Walking into buildings with floor plans as leads 13:53 - Leasing / brokerage timeline 15:03 - Great Financial Crisis 18:00 - Current market conditions  20:49 - Miami and Florida 26:11 - Savings and Loans crisis  27:51 - Trends throughout United States 31:37 - Mortgage banker and capital markets broker breakdown 36:23 - Source of capital examples 40:17 - Early career breaks and accomplishments  45:03 - Biggest loans done / portfolio  47:06 - University of Miami 49:28 - Motivational aspect and advice ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Isaac Toledano is the Founder & CEO of BH Group. BH Group has been actively involved in numerous significant real estate transactions and developments. This has likely been one of Isaac's first long-form interviews, and the Real Deal did a profile on Isaac that read, "Big Investments, Big Partners, and Big Mystery." I have been fortunate to close over $200 million worth of deals with Isaac Toledano, and he is by far one of the most interesting guys I have met in the business. ==================== 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Isaac background 6:09 - Building relationships 13:24 - 2008 14:50 - Market in Florida 20:05 - The “nose for real estate” 21:56 - Structure and future of BH Group  32:28 - Advice for young professionals 35:34 - Miami submarkets  36:16 - Lessons learned 37:02 - Market outlook 40:10 - Family ==================== Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omarmora1es

Doug Jones entered the insurance industry in 2005 and started JAG in 2013 with his partners Luis Gazitua and Fernie Alvarez. JAG grew to be one of the largest independent insurance firms in the Southeast US and was acquired by HUB International in 2022. Currently Doug serves as the President of HUB South Florida, the 5th largest insurance broker in the world. In this conversation, we talk about the difference between being a broker vs. building a brokerage, builders vs. chasers, and how the insurance market has started to normalize. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:43 - Meeting Jamie Dimon 3:51 - Doug’s path to insurance 9:26 - Insurance business breakdown 13:56 - Relationship with partners 19:50 - Networking & long-term thinking 23:16 - Watching Entourage 24:10 - Social media videos with Gary Vee 27:45 - Decision to sell business 34:34 - Transition to HUB International 36:07 - Insurance industry 44:41 - Communication 47:02 - South Florida 50:13 - Scaling insurance business 53:26 - Advice & closing thoughts Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠

Harvey Hernandez is Chairman & CEO of Miami-based Newgard Development Group and founder of Natiivo Hospitality. With 25 years of active involvement, he has distinguished himself as a forward-thinking, innovative, and fearless developer, who has been a pivotal figure in shaping city skylines. Originally from Venezuela, Hernandez’s real estate journey began in the 1990s as a hands-on investor in Miami. Inspired by the city's transformative potential, he transitioned to large-scale real estate developments, particularly focusing on high-end, high-rise residential projects. Hernandez has been a pioneer in pushing design boundaries and integrating luxury finishes, innovative amenities, branding, and cutting-edge technology into his projects. Hernandez has successfully delivered 13 trendsetting residential projects, totaling over 2,600 units spanning over 10 million square feet, in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Austin, and Nashville. He also completed hotel and office/condominium redevelopments. Always ahead of evolving market trends, he most recently pioneered residential developments designed, built, and licensed for short-term rentals. He created two brands from scratch—LOFTY and Natiivo—that are incorporated into each project that utilizes this “flexible ownership” model. Hernandez’s approach and dedication to excellence have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was named a Power Player in Real Estate by the South Florida Business Journal, and in 2023, he received an Apogee Award for CEO Leadership by South Florida Business & Wealth. Newgard’s Gale Residences & Hotel project earned an Honoree recognition in the 2018 Structures Awards given annually by the South Florida Business Journal. Hernandez is also considered a thought leader in real estate development and is often invited to sit on panels or talk with the media to share his insights on market trends. He has spoken at events sponsored by The Real Deal, Commercial Observer, Bisnow, and IMN. He has been quoted in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Miami Herald, South Florida Business Journal, and many others. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:46 - Harvey’s background 9:31 - First real estate investments & scaling 15:28 - First development project 18:25 - Taking on bigger projects/risks 19:38 - Development of Solaris in Brickell 23:11 - Miami: bubble or keep growing? 25:26 - Adding hospitality component  35:31 - Natiivo Miami & Lofty Brickell  38:35 - First deal outside of Florida  41:41 - Other markets excited about 46:26 - Advice for entrepreneurs & college graduates  51:12 - Structure of management agreement  53:07 - Future of Miami & market outlook Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠

Andrew B. Hellinger is a Principal of URBAN-X, a real estate development and advisory company. His current focus is the design and development of River Landing Shops and Residences. Under his direction and leadership has obtained its entitlements and rezoning in May 2013, within a six-month period. In this conversation, Andrew shares unique stories from unwinding a $750m portfolio during the great financial crisis, developing well-known condos in Miami, economy, opportunities, and more. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:36 - Andrew background 6:52 - Increasing allowable height through city, county, FAA, pilot union 19:01 - Coming out of real estate recession  25:28 - Miami River Landing development 44:56 - Economy and future opportunities  47:04 - Mid River District vs Allapattah  50:31 - Healthcare economic impact  53:06 - River Landing appeal 54:27 - Thoughts on Miami  Follow Omar on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/⁠⁠