Fort Lauderdale Fireside Chat

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  Jenni Morejon

  In 2016, Jenni Morejon was named President & CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the first woman to lead the agency in its 54-year history. The DDA was created in 1965 by the Florida State Legislature to promote and sustain investment in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, now a growing urban center in the Southeast Florida metropolis of 6 million people. Jenni oversees the implementation of projects and programs that require close collaboration with federal, state and local governments and a diverse group of Downtown stakeholders. The agency’s broad scope of work spans from major capital projects to community enhancement programs. She is currently facilitating the development of a new federal courthouse and a new joint city/county government campus, while implementing streetscape beautification projects and public art installations that enhance mobility and improve the urban public realm. Prior to joining the DDA, Jenni served as director of the department of sustainable development for the City of Fort Lauderdale from 2014 to 2016. She led a 185-person team with a total budget of $30 million and was responsible for city planning, economic development, housing programs, code compliance and building permits. At the start of her tenure as Deputy Director in 2012 and then Director in 2014, Jenni managed the consolidation of five separate operating departments into one as part of a citywide reorganization. During this time, her Department processed a record number of site plan applications and building permits (26,000 permits in 2015 with a total job value of $1.7 Billion) while adopting major updates to the Florida Building Code and City Zoning Code. Jenni serves on the National Public-Private Partnerships Product Council for the Urban Land Institute (ULI), was chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative committee for the ULI’s Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council from 2017-2019 and sits on the ULI’s Management Committee. She’s served a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce since 2015 and is currently the Chair of the Chamber’s Downtown Council. Jenni is a proud graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Lauderdale program in 2014 and Leadership Broward’s Women Leading Broward class three in 2016. Jenni grew up in South Florida before moving with her family to western Colorado as a teenager. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Environmental Design and moved back to South Florida in 1999, starting her professional career with the City of Fort Lauderdale as an entry-level urban planner. She and her husband, Jose, live in Pompano Beach with their two sons, and spend most weekends on the ball fields, in their backyard with friends and neighbors, or cheering on their beloved and beleaguered local sports teams.

  Fort Lauderdale DDA

  CEO & President

  Jenni Morejon

  CEO & President

  Fort Lauderdale DDA

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  Dean Trantalis

  Dean Trantalis was first elected mayor of Fort Lauderdale in 2018 and was re-elected in Novembe 2020. His 2018 election represented the largest victory in city history for a candidate running for a first term as mayor. The 2020 election was also by landslide proportions and featured the largest turnout ever in a city race. Mayor Trantalis previously served on the City Commission representing District 2 for eight years. As mayor, he represents Fort Lauderdale on the Florida League of Cities, the Broward County Tourism Development Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and the Broward Workforce Development Board. He also served as a member of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Re-Open Florida Task Force in 2020. Born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut, he attended high school at Norwich Free Academy. At Boston University, he majored in political science and graduated cum laude and with distinction in 1975. He received a Juris Doctorate in 1979 from Stetson University School of Law. Mayor Trantalis was admitted to the Connecticut and Florida Bar Associations in 1980 and has practiced law in Broward County since 1982. He maintains a successful general law practice in Broward County with some emphasis in the areas of real estate, probate, estate planning, bankruptcy, and corporate matters. His long track record of public service in our community began with his involvement in the fight for civil rights. As mayor, he is committed to improvements to the city’s infrastructure, responsible growth, community involvement in development decisions, increased fiscal responsibility in city government and the maintenance of the great quality of life in our neighborhoods. Recognized for his leadership in our community, Mayor Trantalis has received multiple awards and honors. He was an inaugural honoree of the Diversity Honors awards presented by the Harvey Milk Foundation in 2015 and was presented with their lifetime achievement award in spring 2018. He also has been honored as a Community Champion by the Broward County Commission and the Broward County Human Rights Board for his work on behalf of equal rights. In October 2019, he received the Visionary Award from the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.

  Fort Lauderdale

  Mayor

  Dean Trantalis

  Mayor

  Fort Lauderdale

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  Ken Krasnow

  Ken Krasnow serves as Vice Chairman of Institutional Investor Services for the Florida region. In this role, he is responsible for broadening the company’s platform by developing key client relationships, leading major projects and transactions, maintaining senior real estate industry and political relationships and recruiting new talent. Ken brings more than 30 years of acclaimed expertise in the commercial real estate industry, offering an exceptional level of on-the-ground market knowledge. Ken began his career as a commercial leasing broker and was responsible for more than three million square feet of Class A building agencies in New York City. His knowledge of brokerage and hands-on approach to management makes him an invaluable member of the Colliers leadership team. In today’s Florida market, he will continue to leverage his level of expertise to accelerate our success in the region. BUSINESS AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Since joining Colliers as Market Leader in 2015, Ken has overseen the tremendous growth of the business from less than two dozen professionals to more than 150 as of year end 2018, during which time the firm acquired high profile companies such as CREC, Pointe Group and MF&Co. During that same period, revenues more than quadrupled while maintaining solid profitiability margins. Prior to joining Colliers, Ken served as Managing Director overseeing all operations for CBRE in South Florida. While at CBRE, he recruited almost 40 sales professionals and during his tenure, revenues and profits for his region more than doubled. Prior to joining CBRE in Florida, Ken held executive positions for Cushman & Wakefield in the New York City area and Trammell Crow Corporation. Ken served at Cushman & Wakefield for 18 years during which time he oversaw the New York area profit center where he brought his region back to record revenues after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Ken attended Emory University where he earned his Bachelor of Administration in Finance. He also attended New York University for Graduate Real Estate studies. PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Named one of the “Florida 500” influential business leaders by Florida Trend • Named “Power Leader” by South Florida Business Journal • Named on of Real Estate New York’s “Top 40 Under 40” • Recognized as one of the “Next Great Leaders” by Real Estate Forum • Recipient of the Percy Douglass Award by Friends of Island Academy • Winner of the Royal Poinciana Community Leadership award by Debbie’s Dream Foundation • Listed as one of “Top 50 Leaders in Commercial Real Estate” by Real Estate Weekly

  Colliers

  Vice Chairman, Institutional Investment Services

  Ken Krasnow

  Vice Chairman, Institutional Investment Services

  Colliers

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  Bob Swindell

  Bob Swindell was named President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in November 2009. He joined the Alliance as the Senior Vice President of Business Development in 2003. Bob and his team market and promote Broward County as a highly desirable location to do business; bringing high skill / high wage jobs and diversifying the local economy. The Alliance also assists local, national, and international companies already doing business here or those prospective companies considering a move to Greater Fort Lauderdale. The Alliance is Broward County's official public / private economic development partnership and brings together the County’s business community and 31 municipalities for the purposes of accelerating economic and job growth. A lifelong Broward resident, he has served in several business and community leadership roles. Prior to his position with the Alliance, Bob was President of Champion Manufacturing for 18 years; a Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale based industrial supply company serving the Southeastern United States. In 1992, during the impact of Hurricane Andrew, Bob chaired the local Board of the American Red Cross for 2 years. In 1989 Florida Governor Bob Martinez appointed Bob as a Commissioner for the Florida Board of Harbor Pilot Commissioners. Bob was and continues to be the youngest member to ever serve as a Pilot Commissioner. Governors Chiles, and Bush re-appointed Bob and he served as the Board Chairman and Vice-Chairman during his terms. In November 2012, Bob was appointed to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for a two-year term by Governor Rick Scott. He serves on several professional and community Boards including CareerSource Broward, United Way of Broward County, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Winterfest, and is a past- Chairman of the FEDC (Florida Economic Development Council). Since October of 2005, he has served on the Florida Atlantic Research & Development Park Authority as an appointee of the Broward County Commission. Bob also served on the Board of Directors for NAIOP and Enterprise Florida. Bob is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXXI (31). He is a 1986 alumnus of Leadership Broward – Class V (5) and was recognized as an Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal in 2018, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Hall of Fame honoree, a 2018 Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame inductee, and was named the Seafarers’ House South Florida Business Leader of the Year in 2017. In 2016, Bob was honored by the Florida Economic Development Council as Florida’s economic development professional of the year and the American Red Cross honored Bob with their 2015 Humanitarian Award. He was recognized by the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Community Service in February 2014 and was also named a 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Leadership Broward Foundation. In 2013, Governor Rick Scott presented Bob with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award.

  Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

  President & CEO

  Bob Swindell

  President & CEO

  Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

Fort Lauderdale And Future Developments Moving Forward

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  Asi Cymbal

  Asi Cymbal is the Chairman of Cymbal DLT Companies. Mr. Cymbal has over 30 years of experience in real estate development, construction, finance, and law. He is driven by his passion for great architecture and design, his focus on transforming communities, and his commitment to creating great wealth for his investors. He has been fortunate to work with the world’s best architects and designers (Philippe Starck, Bjarke Ingels, Enrique Norten, Jo Palma, Arquitectonica) as a first mover in neighborhoods at a critical time in their transition (the Financial District in Manhattan, Tribeca, SOHO, the Miami Design District, Wynwood, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Miami Gardens). Mr. Cymbal is grateful to his investors and proud of the fact that he has rewarded them with unmatched returns.  Mr. Cymbal raised his first fund in 2010.  That $3 million fund is now worth over $180 million.  He is focused on increasing that to $700 million by 2026. After experimenting with retirement in 2014, he came back to create a second fund during the 2020 Pandemic.  He turned that $16 million fund into $90 million in 20 months. Mr. Cymbal is currently raising a $100 million evergreen fund to be deployed into the $2 billion Cymbal DLT pipeline. Mr. Cymbal also has significant food and beverage experience. He has co-created and owned over half a dozen of the hottest restaurants and clubs in Miami, including Sra. Martinez (with celebrity chef and James Beard award-winner, Michelle Bernstein), Bardot, and gigi. Mr. Cymbal has been named by the South Florida Business Journal as a Heavy Hitter in Construction and Real Estate Development, a Top 100 Power Leader, and as one of 2013’s People to Watch. He has also appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Mr. Cymbal is the Vice Chair and board member of Florida International University’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts - Miami Beach Urban Studios. He is also a board member of Wynwood Norte, the organization that is spearheading the revitalization of north Wynwood. Mr. Cymbal was a past board member of Business for the Arts of Broward. Mr. Cymbal is a graduate of Vassar College and the UCLA School of Law. He is an experienced real estate and business attorney licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C., and is a licensed general contractor in Florida.

  Cymbal DLT

  Chairman

  Asi Cymbal

  Chairman

  Cymbal DLT

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  Jeffrey Ardizon

  Jeffrey Ardizon is Principal at The Estate Companies, a Miami-based full-service, vertically integrated developer, owner and operator of residential communities throughout the tri-county region, and one of the largest and most active multifamily developers in Florida. The firm is best known for its institutionally recognized Soleste brand which features Class A multi-family communities throughout South Florida’s urban core and submarket locations. Mr. Ardizon has been credited for identifying and evaluating off-market opportunities, temporary market dislocations, special workouts, overall capitalization and general overall direction of the firm. The Estate Companies has implemented its strategic plan is to increase its focus on development in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and has many luxury projects in various stages of development including Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach, three projects in Hollywood, two in North Miami Beach, and Spring Gardens, among others. Mr. Ardizon was instrumental in structuring and executing one of South Florida's first opportunity zone transactions, Soleste Grand Central, a 360-unit Class A multifamily project in Downtown Miami. Prior to joining The Estate Companies, Mr. Ardizon was the co-founder and principal of ECI, a real estate investment, management and development firm based in South Florida. The firm focused on providing GP/LP equity and debt for multi-family real estate developments and value-add opportunities across a diverse portfolio of asset classes. During that time, Mr. Ardizon was credited for strategically structuring and creating one of the more notable single-family offices in South Florida. Mr. Ardizon began his real estate career with one of the largest nationally ranked advisory firms in the country, where he led the firm's real estate practice for nearly a decade. He represented some of the largest real estate developers, REIT’s, operators and sponsors in the region. Under his leadership, the firm was awarded the top real estate tax firm by various publications. Mr. Ardizon was a top revenue producer for the firm and quickly gained industry recognition as a leading go-to advisor, advising clients on over $3 billion in transactional value.

  The Estate Companies

  Principal

  Jeffrey Ardizon

  Principal

  The Estate Companies

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  Patrick Murphy

  Congressman Patrick Erin Murphy is currently an Executive Vice President of Coastal Construction. He oversees Coastal’s diversification and growth as the company continues its expansion throughout Florida. Additionally, he co-chairs Coastal’s philanthropic arm, Coastal Cares. Patrick’s first job was a day laborer, then project engineer, estimating assistant and accounting manager with Coastal. After graduating from the University of Miami, Patrick worked at Deloitte where he earned his CPA license. Patrick served in U.S. Congress, representing Palm Beach and Treasure Coast in the House of Representatives for four years (2013-2017) and was the nominee for the US Senate in 2016. After leaving office in 2017, he was named chair of the Future Forum Foundation, a nonprofit organization that researches key issues impacting millennials, such as automation, artificial intelligence and the sharing economy. Additionally, Patrick is conducting a bi-partisan nationwide tour of college campuses titled: “Why Gridlock Rules Washington and How We Can Solve the Crisis” that has visited 25 campuses nationwide. Patrick served as Transition Chairman for newly elected Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. During the Fall 2017 semester, Patrick was a visiting Fellow at the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service in Washington D.C. and is currently a Senior Fellow at FIU. Patrick proudly serves as a board member of the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, a homeless shelter for children.

  Coastal Construction

  EVP

  Patrick Murphy

  EVP

  Coastal Construction

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  Chris Gallagher

  SVP

  CBRE

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  Jean Francois Roy

  Jean Francois Roy is the founder and president of Ocean Land Investments, Inc. Founded in 1990, Ocean Land Investments acquires and thoughtfully develops prime waterfront property, providing luxury residences and improving the overall aesthetic of previously underutilized sites. With more than four decades of entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Roy first achieved success developing Canada’s third largest portfolio of retirement homes and senior care facilities. He moved to South Florida from his native Quebec in the late 1980s, and soon founded Ocean Land Investments’ unsurpassed reputation with the vision to elevate and fulfill the potential of waterfront properties. Having developed numerous luxury condominium projects throughout his career, Mr. Roy continues to play an instrumental role in bringing developments to fruition. Under Mr. Roy’s leadership, Ocean Land Investments acquires approvals for redevelopment and provides the equity needed for builders to obtain construction loans. The company’s long-term investment approach and collaboration with premier builders and sales teams have led to an enviable record of success. Ocean Land Investment’s unsurpassed reputation for integrity is bolstered by Mr. Roy’s commitment to building lasting relationships with property owners, neighbors and civic leaders. Ocean Land Investments has strategically purchased waterfront property throughout South Florida, redeveloping land along the state’s east coast with modern condominium towers. The company’s past projects include 2080 Ocean Drive in Hallandale Beach; Aquazul in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; Trump Hollywood in Hollywood Beach; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Singer Island, Palm Beach; and Lake Place Condominiums in West Palm Beach; among others. “Today, Ocean Land Investments is revitalizing waterfront property in the East Las Olas Isles of Fort Lauderdale with the development of luxury condominium projects. Situated on Hendricks Isle and Isle of Venice just off of Las Olas Boulevard, the contemporary developments introduce modern architecture and upscale amenities to complement the isles’ natural beauty and waterfront lifestyle. Low-rise condominium tower AquaVita opened in 2015, AquaLuna was completed in 2016, and AquaMar was completed in 2017. Additional projects, AquaBlu and AquaVue are presently under construction. Recently, Jean Francois has announced plans for Riverwalk Residences of Las Olas, a first-of-its-kind luxury senior living facility in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

  OceanLand Investments

  Founder & President

  Jean Francois Roy

  Founder & President

  OceanLand Investments

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  Dev Motwani

  Dev Motwani serves as President of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale based real estate firm that focuses on value-add investment and development opportunities. Property types owned and operated include hotels, condos, retail, office and rental apartments primarily in South Florida but also throughout the United States. Dev is also Founder and Managing Partner of Ramesh Properties, a distressed real estate investment fund focused on opportunistic investments in residential and commercial development sites throughout South Florida. He currently oversees nearly $750 million in development projects. Current projects include the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences, as well as Las Olas Riverfront, all in the Fort Lauderdale area. Dev is Founder and Managing Partner of Chieftain Residential, a yield-oriented distressed residential fund purchasing single-family homes and residential land, primarily in the Southeast US and Texas. The fund aims to balance current income opportunities through the rental markets for its single family home inventory, while also targeting capital appreciation in single family homes and land as the US Residential Market continues to rebound. Prior to his current role Dev worked at Credit Suisse in New York City, where he first structured OTC Equity Derivative trades for the firm's largest corporate clients and then for the firm's largest hedge fund clients. Before that he worked in the White House and on the 2000 Gore/Lieberman Presidential Campaign. Dev plays an active role in the South Florida Community, through his involvement with numerous charities and business organizations, currently serving on the board of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, Fort Lauderdale's Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Downtown Council. He was recently appointed to the Orange Bowl Host Committee. He previously served on the boards of the Riverwalk Trust, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Broward County's Small Business Advisory Board. Dev has served as Co-Chair for the Bonnet House's Annual Impressions Fundraiser, the Ghost Light Society's Annual Soiree, and the Jeb Bush Classic Beach Bash benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year the Motwani family co-founded the Laughing Out Loud fundraiser benefitting the Scleroderma Foundation, which raised over $170,000 for the charity. Dev graduated from Duke University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics and Public Policy and from Columbia University's Masters of Science in Real Estate Development Program. He has also studied at the London School of Economics.

  Merrimac Ventures

  President

  Dev Motwani

  President

  Merrimac Ventures

Why Fort Lauderdale CRE Investment?

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  Ronald Krongold

  Gold Krown LLC. is a private investment firm that develops, owns, operates, and invests in a range of businesses and real estate projects. Gold Krown and its principals have been active in developing, building and selling single family residential properties in South Florida for a number of years, and have been ranked among the Top 15 Builders in South Florida. The company has developed warehouses properties and residential communities, with notable projects including: The Mayfair, a hotel and mixed use shopping center in Coconut Grove, FL The FBI building in North Miami, Florida Numerous rental apartment projects in North Carolina The Publix-anchored South Vero Shopping Center in Vero Beach, Florida The Federal Express Distribution Center in Downtown Miami (which was the recipient of a number of awards, including the Excellence in Construction Award from Associated Builders and Contractors) Gold Krown recently purchased and redeveloped 559 residential condominium units in Midtown Miami, a unique, urban, self-contained mixed-use development located adjacent to the 40th Street Design District in the uptown Wynwood district of the City of Miami. After repositioning the property Mid Krown, LLC. sold in less than 3 years all of the units. At the present time Gold Krown is developing a number of projects including 160 Marina Bay, LLC. 160 Marina Bay is an exclusive high tech condominium project with a 14 slip marina within walking distance of Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Co-managing Members of 160 Marina Bay are M. Ronald Krongold, Gary Goldbloom and Teig Lawrence. In addition to the above-noted real estate projects, there are a number of companies in which Gold Krown has taken an active role, either as an investor and/or managing member. Jungle Island: Gold Krown partnered with Dr. Bern Levine in the development of Jungle Island, one of Miami’s most popular and beloved tourist attractions. Built at a cost of over sixty million dollars, the park is a globally renowned botanical garden, wild animal and bird sanctuary with food, beverage and banquet facilities. With 75 year-old roots as Parrot Jungle, the name-change reflected the expansion of attractions at the new property from primarily birds and parrots to a wide range of bird, animal and plant life. The property is situated on 16.11 upland acres and 2.5 acres of submerged land, totaling 18.61 acres, on Watson Island in Miami, FL.

  Gold Krown Investments

  Co-Managing Member

  Ronald Krongold

  Co-Managing Member

  Gold Krown Investments

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  Adam Tiktin

  Adam J. Tiktin has been an investment specialist for over 20 years. As President and Broker of the leading South Florida-based investment sales brokerage firm, Tiktin Real Estate Investment Services (TREIS), Adam focuses on the sale of shopping centers and office buildings in Florida and single-tenant net lease properties nationally. In 2016, Mr. Tiktin was appointed Chairman of the ICSC South Florida Idea Exchange. He is a distinguished member of FIU’s Hollo School of Real Estate Advisory Board as well the Florida State Board of ICSC. Prior to launching his own company, Mr. Tiktin was a First Vice President Investments of a publicly traded national brokerage firm and was awarded Top Agent in its Miami office. Prior to that, Mr. Tiktin was a Partner in a regional business brokerage firm based in Ft. Lauderdale. This experience combined with his extensive background in accounting, real estate investment and finance, and construction and development, allows him the ability to provide his clients with a high level of expertise and advisory services. Among his numerous industry accolades are 12 sales achievement awards, 8 national achievement awards, and a Chairman's Club Award. Mr. Tiktin has a Bachelor’s of Science in Management with an Accounting concentration from Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business. Mr. Tiktin's ability to provide his clients with a reliable source of informed research, advisory and transactional services makes him uniquely qualified to understand the need of his clients. This coupled with his integrity, honesty and work ethic has distinguished him as a consummate professional.

  Tiktin Real Estate Investment Services

  President/Broker

  Adam Tiktin

  President/Broker

  Tiktin Real Estate Investment Services

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  Fred Zutel

  Mr. Zutel has worked with large and complex businesses across virtually all industries and geographies. Fred is an industry leading risk management and insurance resource. Some of his clients include preeminent owners, developers, national homebuilders, construction companies, hotels, and lenders across the United States and overseas. He specializes in structuring unique Surety and Risk Management programs with the goal of enhancing a corporation’s balance sheet and ability to procure financing. He has also been engaged to manage some of the largest and most intricate claims, damage evaluations, and business disputes resulting from Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey and Superstorm Sandy. Fred has been instrumental in cementing Willis Towers Watson’s leading market position in the real estate, hospitality, and construction industries. In addition to his client facing responsibilities, Fred Zutel leads Willis Towers Watson in Florida. Based in Miami, Fred focuses on strategic planning, heightening client service and retention, talent acquisition, staff development, sales and sales management. Fred leads a diverse team of professionals who engage with large corporations to identify and quantify the risks facing their organizations. He works to align resources from across Willis’ global platform to deliver best in class strategies and solutions to clients. Fred earned an MBA from the University of Miami along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida International University. Risk and Insurance® honored Fred as a 2017 “Power Broker®” in Real Estate and named him to their “Rising Stars” list for his achievements in the insurance industry. He has been featured in numerous publications and has served as keynote speaker at industry conferences.

  Willis Towers Watson

  Head of Corporate Risk & Broking, Florida

  Fred Zutel

  Head of Corporate Risk & Broking, Florida

  Willis Towers Watson

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  Nicole Shiman

  Nicole Shiman is a Managing Director and the Regional Head of EDENS Florida Business. Nicole is responsible for overseeing the EDENS Florida portfolio and team and leading all new acquisition and development activity in the state. Nicole joined EDENS in 2016 and has been focused on Florida based real estate for over 10 years. Prior to EDENS Nicole served as Vice President at Miami-based 13th Floor Investments, and worked at The Boston Consulting Group in their Toronto, New York and Miami offices. Nicole is an active member of the South Florida real estate community and sits as an advisory board member for ULI Southeast Florida/ Caribbean and is a Board Member for The University of Miami School of Law LLM program. Nicole received her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School.and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from The Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. Nicole is natively Canadian and grew up in Toronto. She is married with three children, a 6- year old daughter a 4-year old son, and a 2-year old daughter and resides with her family in Boca Raton.

  EDENS

  Managing Director

  Nicole Shiman

  Managing Director

  EDENS

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  Greg Freedman

  Principal

  BH3

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  Doug McCraw

  Doug McCraw is the founder and developer of FATVillage, an arts district located in a city designated four block area in the Ft Lauderdale city center. The area was developed out of a warehouse district in 1999, and has some of the oldest buildings in the city. It has developed into a community of artists, galleries, theaters, studios (photography, film, graphics design, media management, arts technology incubation), and other arts centric businesses. Prior to FATVillage, Doug was the founder of DAS Records and Data Storage, a South Florida company acquired by Iron Mountain Group in 1996. He is active in the venture capital community in Alabama and has founded a new company, Art + Light + Space Studios with partners Peter Symons, Leah Brown, and Lutz Hofbauer. Doug is a graduate in Marketing (1972) from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and remains active with board work on the campus.

  FAT Village

  Founder & Developer

  Doug McCraw

  Founder & Developer

  FAT Village