

Miami DealMakers
Omar Morales
Miami DealMakers is a podcast hosted by Omar Morales, a commercial real estate broker who has closed over $3 billion worth of deals in South Florida. This gives Omar access to some of the most prolific real estate dealmakers not only in South Florida, but across the country. This MDM podcast gives an inside scoop into the conversations and insights that power some of the most active real estate professionals in the field.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 13, 2024 • 51min
Omar Morales on Pomp Podcast | Selling Billions of Miami Real Estate
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.
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This conversation was recorded December 2022.
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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

Sep 13, 2024 • 44min
Robert Rivani | Class X - The Future of Office Buildings
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.
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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
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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

Aug 29, 2024 • 57min
Max Sharkansky | From Broker To $1.5 Billion Multifamily Portfolio
Max Sharkansky, co-founder and managing partner of Trion Properties, shares his journey from broker to multifamily mogul with a $1.5 billion portfolio. He dives into strategies for scaling a real estate fund and his insights on underwriting in today’s market. Max discusses the significance of his first property purchase via Twitter, managing properties in-house, and the growing opportunities in Florida's real estate landscape. He also reflects on market trends and lessons learned navigating economic challenges.

Jul 31, 2024 • 54min
Charles Foschini | Mortgage Broker With $25 Billion Closed Talks Career Journey, Deals, and Miami
Charles Foschini, a real estate investment banking leader known for closing nearly $25 billion in deals, shares his remarkable career journey. He discusses the evolution from leasing to capital markets and reflects on the challenges faced during the Great Financial Crisis. Miami's rise as a real estate hotspot is explored, alongside strategies for navigating today's volatile market. Foschini also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community engagement, revealing how personal connections and genuine relationships drive success in the industry.

Jun 27, 2024 • 41min
EXCLUSIVE: Isaac Toledano - One of Miami's Greatest Dealmakers
Isaac Toledano, Founder & CEO of BH Group, shares insights on building relationships, navigating the 2008 market crisis in Florida, the "nose for real estate," the structure and future of BH Group, advice for young professionals, Miami submarkets, lessons learned, market outlook, and the importance of family.

Jun 4, 2024 • 58min
Doug Jones | President of HUB International SFL on Florida’s Insurance Market Starting to Normalize
Doug Jones, President of HUB South Florida, talks about the difference between being a broker vs. building a brokerage, networking, decision to sell business, transition to HUB International, scaling insurance business, and insights into the insurance market.

May 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
Harvey Hernandez | Shaping Miami’s Skyline: Getting Started to Building over 13 High Rise Towers
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/

Apr 17, 2024 • 60min
Andrew Hellinger | Developing Marquis Residences and Miami River Landings
Andrew Hellinger, Principal of URBAN-X, shares stories from unwinding a $750m portfolio, developing condos in Miami, increasing building height, Miami River Landing development, economy insights, and thoughts on Miami's future.

14 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 1h 32min
Anthony De Yurre on Florida Live Local Act: Tackling the Unaffordability Crisis
Anthony De Yurre is a Partner in Bilzin Sumberg's Land Development & Government Relations Group. Bilzin Sumberg has one of the largest real estate law practices in Florida. His practice focuses on the representation of real estate developers and investors in complex land use and zoning matters with a focus on transit oriented development, large scale mixed-use development, and public private partnerships. In this conversation, we talk all things Live Local Act, SB102 & SB328, and all major implications across Florida.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
3:19 - Florida “Live Local Act”
11:12 - Higher upzoning
17:55 - Affordability component
27:08 - SB102 & SB328
37:10 - Zoning, tax, financing implications
1:00:35 - Parking component & unit sizes
1:08:50 - Statewide or local?
1:10:55 - Value add component
1:14:50 - Closing statements
Follow Omar on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmarMora1es
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarmora1es/
Newsletter: https://miamimultifamily.ck.page/

7 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 23min
Daniel Carr | From Ares to Alpaca Real Estate
Dan Carr, Co-Founder of Alpaca Real Estate, shares insights on starting his fund, innovation in investments, lessons learned, and the macro environment. Topics include investing themes, Miami's market, fund process, and his background in the industry.