By Jeff Zbar
Apr 25, 2025
South Florida has earned global attention for a host of key sectors. Its technology, banking and finance, and travel and tourism industries are among the most noted industries in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
The real estate sector, however, continues to garner headlines across the country and around the world. From luxury single-family homes and condominiums trading for tens of millions of dollars – some even over $100 million – to developers’ and government leads’ focus on workforce housing, residential remains a burgeoning and vital market.
For businesses moving to the region, commercial real estate and mixed-use developments are accommodating inbound migration and upward growth alike. Warehouse and logistics facilities, in tandem with the transportation infrastructure, make sure that products arriving via seaports, airports, rail and trucks find their way to consumers.
This year’s Power Leaders in Real Estate and Power Brokers in Residential and Commercial Real Estate showcase the agents, brokers, developers, investors, architects and engineers behind South Florida’s built environment. Like the region itself, the list is dynamic, with dozens of new names that reflect how the market is evolving. Together, they are helping build South Florida today for our shared tomorrow.
Read the Power Leaders in Real Estate Part 1
Read the Power Leaders in Real Estate Part 2
Read the Power Brokers in Commercial Real Estate
Christian J. Angle
President, Christian Angle Real Estate
Palm Beach
Since starting in real estate around 2020, Angle has sold over $4.6 billion in properties. Year-to-date, he has sold and put under contract over $470 million in properties.
Birthplace: Suburban Boston, Massachusetts
Why I enjoy real estate: Once I’ve learned what a client wants, I love strategizing and the hunt for finding something very special for them, be it on or off market.
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: We have seen the local market explode in the past few years.
Message to future real estate professionals: Anything in life worth doing requires sacrifice, hard work and dedication.
Highlight from my career: I’ve been part of numerous record sales over $100 million.
Where I take friends in town: Carriage House and Bilboquet.
Contact: www.anglerealestate.com, cjangle@anglerealestate.com, 561-629-3015
Nancy Batchelor
Founder and principal, The Nancy Batchelor Team at Compass
Miami Beach
Batchelor is a top-producing Realtor in the South Florida market. Backed by over two decades of experience, she leads an award-winning team serving luxury buyers, sellers and investors across the region.
Birthplace: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Education: Bachelor’s degree, journalism and language arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Why I enjoy real estate: The people and the pace. No two days or transactions are alike.
How AI will change my industry: It will enhance efficiency, but will never replace personal interactions.
Message to future real estate professionals: Call people; don’t text them. Remember: This is a people business.
Highlight from my career: I feel lucky to work alongside both my kids.
Contact: www.nancybatchelor.com, nancy@nancybatchelor.com, 305-903-2850
Chad Carroll
Founder and president, The Chad Carroll Group at Compass
South Florida
As head of the top mega team in South Florida, according to RealTrends, Carroll has amassed some $7 billion in career sales.
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio
Education: Bachelor’s degree, management and marketing, Hofstra University
Why I enjoy real estate: I enjoy leveraging my skillset to successfully close deals designed to benefit my clients.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: South Florida’s shortage of ultra-luxury properties to meet the demand.
Message to future real estate professionals: Find a mentor. It’s essential to set yourself up for long-term growth.
Where I take friends in town: Boating through Miami and to the Bahamas.
Contact: www.thechadcarrollgroup.com, chad@thechadcarrollgroup.com, 305-400-9507
Ivan G. Chorney
Partner and advisor, The Ivan & Mike Team at Compass
Miami
Chorney recently closed the highest sale of his career, a Miami Beach property, for $35 million. He co-leads RealTrends’ third-highest-ranked medium team in South Florida.
Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut
Education: B.S., exercise science, Keene State College
Why I enjoy real estate: It’s an ever-changing and challenging profession that makes me grow.
How AI will change my industry: There will be AI real estate robots in the future.
Message to tomorrow’s real estate professionals: Proximity is power. Surround yourself with high achievers.
My latest cultural discovery: India.
Where I take friends in town: Sushi by Scratch, Hiden or Cafe La Trova.
Contact: www.ivanandmike.com, ivan.chorney@compass.com, 786-863-5900
Jill Hope Eber
Broker associate, The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker Realty
Fisher Island
Eber co-leads RealTrends’ top large team in South Florida. The group has also been ranked the top-performing team in the nation for four consecutive years.
Birthplace: Tarrytown, New York
Education: B.F.A., theater, University of Miami
Why I enjoy real estate: Each day is an adventure helping clients achieve their dreams and building lasting relationships.
Message to future real estate professionals: Become an expert in a specific area, educate yourself on the market, stay focused, persistent and align yourself with an experienced agent.
Highlight from my career: Working with Shaquille O’Neal in both buying and selling his home on Star Island.
My latest cultural discovery: Scuba diving worldwide.
Contact: www.jillszeder.com, jille@jillszeder.com, 305-915-2556
Laurie Finkelstein Reader
Founder and CEO, Finkelstein Reader Real Estate
Plantation
Finkelstein Reader leads Broward’s top team of any size. In over 25 years in the industry, her team has sold over 3,100 homes for a combined $1.3 billion.
Contact: www.lauriereader.com, laurie@lauriereader.com, 844-577-3557
Candace Friis
Broker associate, Corcoran
Palm Beach
Friis is a top producer with over 25 years of experience, closing some $3 billion in South Florida luxury and waterfront properties. She is the second-ranked small team by volume, according to RealTrends, and is consistently recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the Real Estate Top 100 professionals in the U.S.
Contact: www.corcoran.com, candace.friis@corcoran.com, 561-573-9966
Suzanne T. Frisbie
Broker associate, The Corcoran Group
Palm Beach
Frisbie has been a broker-associate in Palm Beach since 1988. Her familiarity with the area’s geography, amenities, architecture, market trends and property values helps her drive residential sales, acquisition and development throughout coastal Palm Beach County. RealTrends ranked Frisbie the sixth-leading individual agent by dollar volume in South Florida.
Birthplace: Albany, New York
Education: B.A., psychology, University of Virginia
Contact: www.frisbiepalmbeach.com, suzanne@frisbiepalmbeach.com, 561-373-0941
Dina Goldentayer
Executive director of sales, Douglas Elliman
Miami Beach
Goldentayer is Douglas Elliman’s No. 1 agent, and is RealTrends’ top-ranked broker by volume in Miami and third in Miami-Dade County. She has logged $2.5 billion in sales since 2021.
Birthplace: Moldova
Education: Bachelor’s degree, government and politics, University of Maryland
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: The implementation of buyer/broker agreement forms.
Message to future real estate professionals: Embrace traditional methods of selling while always innovating and adapting with the times.
Highlight from my career: Selling a $70 million Bal Harbour estate mid-construction.
My latest cultural discovery: Florida’s West Coast.
Where I take friends in town: Any Dave Grutman restaurant.
Contact: www.stepinsidewithme.com, dina.goldentayer@elliman.com
Nelson Gonzalez
Senior VP, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty
Miami Beach
Gonzalez has sold $4 billion in luxury real estate during his 35-year career. In 2024, he sold three mansions from $24 million to $34 million, and has an $88 million mansion on La Gorce Island under contract.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.S.B.A., University of Central Florida
Why I enjoy real estate: I love architecture and thrive on the challenge of putting deals together.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Low inventory of new homes, especially in Miami Beach’s luxury market.
How AI will change my industry: For the better, the way the Internet changed it.
Highlight from my career: Selling Billy Joel two homes on Miami Beach.
Contact: www.nelsongonzalez.com, nelson@nelsongonzalez.com, 305-674-4040
Ralph Harvey
President and CEO, ListWithFreedom.com
Boynton Beach
Harvey is the top broker by volume and number of homes sold in South Florida, according to RealTrends. He founded his firm in 2014, and from 2018 to 2020 was ranked among the nation’s leading listing agents.
Contact: www.listwithfreedom.com, 855-456-4945
Jill Hertzberg
Founding member, The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker Realty
Miami Beach
Hertzberg founded The Jills with business partner Jill Eber over 30 years ago. Today, she co-leads the team ranked by Real Trends as the top-performing large team in South Florida.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Florida
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: The lawsuits filed in 2024 created a major shift in how buyers and agents interact.
Message to future real estate professionals: Listen carefully to your clients.
Highlight from my career: Having my son and daughter join me in my business.
My latest cultural discovery: New World Symphony.
Contact: www.jillszeder.com, jillh@jillszeder.com, 305-788-5455
Dana Koch
Sales associate, Corcoran Group
Palm Beach
Koch sold over $300 million in real estate, including a $85 million deal for 108 El Mirasol, making him RealTrends’ No. 18 agent in the country for sales volume in 2024. The Palm Beach native has sold over $2.5 billion in his two-decade career.
Birthplace: New York City
Education: B.A., Skidmore College; MBA, George Washington University
Why I enjoy real estate: I love being an entrepreneur and building my own brand and business.
Message to future real estate professionals: Work hard and become a knowledgeable expert in your area.
Highlight from my career: Working with my mother and mentor on a daily basis.
My latest cultural discovery: My daughters have turned me on to Gracie Abrams.
Where I take friends in town: Sant Ambroeus in The Royal Poinciana Plaza.
Contact: www.corcoran.com, dana.koch@corcoran.com, 561-379-7718
Elliot Koolik
Founder and principal agent, The Koolik Group at Compass
Boca Raton
Koolik leads Real Trends’ No. 2 mega team in South Florida and the top-ranked Compass team in Palm Beach County, with $341 million in closed or pending in 2024.
Birthplace: New York
Education: B.S., accounting, University of Florida
Why I enjoy real estate: I enjoy helping people “find their place in the world.”
Message to future real estate professionals: Invest in a good CRM early. Relationships compound over time.
Highlight from my career: Working alongside my daughter, Lindsey, is a dream come true.
My latest cultural discovery: Kando, a Japanese word meaning “a deep sense of awe.”
Where I take friends in town: The Boca Raton.
Contact: www.koolik.com, elliot.koolik@compass.com, 561-560-0057
Chris Leavitt
Executive director, luxury sales, Douglas Elliman; co-founder, The Leavitt McIntosh Team
Palm Beach
Leavitt is co-leader of RealTrends’ No. 2 medium team in South Florida. Recent top deals include Tarpon Island ($152 million), the off-market 740 Hi Mount ($75 million); and the sale of 1230 South Ocean ($40 million).
Birthplace: Manchester, Massachusetts
Education: B.A., cinema television, University of Southern California
Why I enjoy real estate: Every day is a challenge. I love a challenge and it never gets boring.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Finding the right inventory for the most discerning clientele.
How AI will never change my industry: The amount of hand holding and personal contact could never be replaced by AI.
My latest cultural discovery: Estiatorio Milos.
Contact: www.elliman.com, cleavitt@elliman.com, 917-664-0720
Michael Ledwitz
Owner, Engel & Völkers Boca Raton
Boca Raton
Ledwitz specializes in country club and waterfront estates, with over $1.5 billion in career sales. He is ranked as the top broker in the Americas at Engel & Völkers, according to RealTrends, and has been recognized as the 102nd-ranked Realtor in the country, out of 1.5 million Realtors, by The Wall Street Journal.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: Northeastern University
Why I enjoy real estate: It’s a new adventure every day.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Lack of inventory that matches buyers’ needs.
Message to future real estate professionals: Understand your marketplace and prove your self-worth.
Highlight from my career: Designated as the No. 1 agent in the Americas for our worldwide brokerage.
My latest cultural discovery: Motek in Boca Raton.
Where I take friends in town: On my boat.
Contact: www.ledwitz.com, mw@ledwitz.com, 561-235-3900
Vince Marotta
Realtor associate, Illustrated Properties
Palm Beach Gardens
Marotta is the top-selling broker with Keyes/Illustrated, according to RealTrends, and is one of the top-selling Realtors in South Florida. He handled a $30.18 million sale in Jupiter Inlet Colony and a $19.5 million sale in The Bear’s Club.
Birthplace: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Education: B.A., Yale University
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: Tariff wars have not helped our industry.
Message to future real estate professionals: Think outside the box. Do more than other Realtors for your clients.
Highlight from my career: Having billionaires respect your opinion is extremely gratifying.
My latest cultural discovery: Estiatorio Milos.
Where I take friends in town: Time on the boat, especially at sundown, is always fun.
Contact: www.marottarealty.com, vmarotta@marottarealty.com, 561-847-5700
Michael Martinez
VP, senior global real estate advisor, One Sotheby’s International Realty
Miami
Martinez is the top broker at One Sotheby’s, according to RealTrends, and ranks among the Top 100 U.S. agents by The Wall Street Journal. He regularly exceeds $100 million in annual Pinecrest sales, and closed more than $202 million in sales in 2024.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.B.A., Florida International University
Why I enjoy real estate: Creating dream lifestyles and building lasting client relationships.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Constantly shifting market conditions and buyer expectations.
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: New commission structures and evolving regulations.
Message to future real estate professionals: Start from the ground up, give yourself time to grow and master the craft.
Contact: www.michaelmartinezrealtor.com, mmartinez@michaelmartinezrealtor.com, 305-979-9367
Michael Martirena
Broker, The Ivan and Mike Team at Compass
Miami
Martirena’s team closed $358 million in sales in 2024, and this year closed on a property at The Shore Club South Beach Hotel for $38 million. He co-leads RealTrends’ third-ranked South Florida medium team. He is in the top 1% of agents nationwide.
Birthplace: Queens, New York
Education: B.A., business and economics, University of Florida
Why I enjoy real estate: Creating legacy investments and extraordinary lifestyle opportunities for clients.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Inventory shortages and shifting global buyer expectations.
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: Surge in demand for branded residences with private services.
Message to future real estate professionals: Master relationships, stay adaptable and prioritize integrity above all.
Contact: www.ivanandmike.com, michael.martirena@compass.com, 561-310-3009
Jim McCann
Broker associate, Premier Estate Properties
Palm Beach
McCann leads the top small team by volume, according to RealTrends. In January, he represented the buyer in the $25.4 million sale of a Palm Beach mansion. In 2024, he represented the buyer in the $43.77 million sale of a spec mansion one lot from the ocean in Palm Beach.
Birthplace: Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York
Education: History major, College of the Holy Cross
Contact: www.jimmccanngroup.info; jim@premierestateproperties.com; 561-655-5560
Ashley McIntosh
Managing broker, executive director of sales, Douglas Elliman; co-founder, The Leavitt McIntosh Team
Palm Beach
McIntosh is a third-generation Palm Beach local and is co-leader of RealTrends’ No. 2 medium team in South Florida. In 2024, her team closed the record-breaking $75 million off-market sale of 740 Hi Mount.
Birthplace: New Orleans
Why I enjoy real estate: I meet the most amazing people from around the world who become friends.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Small town, big competition.
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: The pandemic and the 2025 presidency have shifted our niche industry overnight.
Message to future real estate professionals: Be transparent and follow up – a lot.
Highlight from my career: We sold the first house in Palm Beach for over $100 million.
Where I take friends in town: Lamarina.
Contact: www.leavittmcintoshteam.com
Lawrence Moens
Owner, Lawrence A. Moens Associates
Palm Beach
Moens represented Louise Riggio, the widow of Barnes & Noble Booksellers CEO Leonard Riggio, in the November sale of her Palm Beach home for $81 million. In 2023, Moens was involved in a $170 million off-market deal that topped a $132 million sale he handled in 2021, which at the time was Florida’s highest and nation’s second-highest price paid for a single-family property.
Contact: www.moensrealestate.com, moens@moensrealestate.com, 561-655-5510
David W. Roberts
Owner, Royal Palm Properties
Boca Raton
Roberts is RealTrends’ fifth-ranked broker in Palm Beach County by volume. He has closed over $6 billion in sales, mostly in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Recent efforts include brokering the $19.75 million sale of a newly built residence there in 2024, and the sale of another in the neighborhood for $15.8 million.
Birthplace: Detroit
Contact: www.royalpalm.com, david@royalpalm.com, 561-368-6200
John Scalia
Realtor, EXP Realty LLC
Cooper City
Scalia is Broward’s top broker by volume in 2024, according to RealTrends. He also took the firm’s top spot nationwide as a producer and team in 2023, with $152.2 million in sales and 386 deals.
Birthplace: Long Island, New York
Education: Attended college
Why I enjoy real estate: I enjoy helping people with the difficult transition a move can bring.
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: The shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, driven by a surge in inventory and cooling demand.
Message to future real estate professionals: Always answer your phone.
Highlight from my career: Making the Top 10 on Real Trends’ leaderboard for sales and volume.
Contact: www.homesnap.com/John-Scalia, 954-822-6612
Judy Zeder
Sales associate, The Jills Zeder Group at Coldwell Banker Realty
Coral Gables
Zeder is co-leader of RealTrends’ No. 1 large team in South Florida, and has been ranked first in the nation for the last five years by The Wall Street Journal.
Birthplace: Detroit
Education: Saint Mary’s College
Why I enjoy real estate: It was a natural outlet to my desire to take care of people and meet their needs.
Biggest challenge facing real estate: Supply and demand.
Most unexpected recent change to my industry: The lawsuits of 2024, which added documentation between a buyer and agent.
My latest cultural discovery: Sanctuary of the Arts.
Contact: www.jillszeder.com, judy@jillszeder.com, 305-613-5550