World Red Eye Cultural Exchanges Speaker Series: The Next Genesis of Miami Real Estate
Miami Beach, FL – May 2, 2016 – For the first time in Miami’s history, the city’s most notorious real estate tycoons will take center stage with their successors to usher in the new era of leaders shaping the South Florida skyline. On Thursday, May 5th, World Red Eye (WRE), along with Perrier-Jouët and Tequila Avión, will present the second edition of the World Red Eye Cultural Exchanges Series, entitled “The Next Genesis of Miami Real Estate.”
Seth Browarnik of WRE has curated a prestigious panel of real estate moguls, who will be joined by the next generation of their family’s industry visionaries, to narrate their path to success and discuss how they will drive the city’s future. Panelists include: Related Group’s Jorge Pérez and son Jon Paul Pérez; Dezer Development’s Michael Dezer and son Gil Dezer; and Crescent Heights’ Russell Galbut and nephew Keith Menin of Menin Hospitality.
The event will be moderated by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Alfred Spellman (“Cocaine Cowboys,” “Square Grouper,” “The U”) and progressive real estate developer Avra Jain (pioneering MiMo Miami’s transformation and owner of the Vagabond Hotel). Panelists will exchange views on topics such as Miami’s transformation from a faded resort destination to an internationally renowned metropolis; the ongoing struggle between development and historic preservation; how these leaders experienced their “Big Break” and what lessons were learned in the industry; what the successors will “carry forward” and what they do differently; and more.
Jon Paul & Jorge Pérez
I love the fact that Miami is so varied and my experiences are not all the same. My groups of friends are from all walks of life; different countries, lifestyles, and professions. It makes my life very exciting.
Jorge Pérez, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group
Jorge Pérez, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, has been at the forefront of South Florida’s urban evolution since the 1960’s and is often credited with discovering the region’s most iconic neighborhoods. With over 90,000 units developed in his 35+ year career, Pérez is seen as one of the most influential developers in the country and has earned spots on TIME Magazine’s list of the 25 most influential Hispanics in America as well as the cover of FORBES.
Whenever I travel and you tell people about Miami their eyes light up; everybody wants to be here and live here.
Jon Paul Pérez, Co-Vice President of The Related Group
The second eldest of Jorge Pérez’s children, Jon Paul Pérez, began his real estate career at the Related Companies of New York, where he was directly responsible for the financial modeling, design programming, and construction management of over 900 units. In 2012, Jon Paul returned to Miami to serve as one of The Related Group’s vice-presidents and is currently developing Auberge Residences and Spa Miami, his first luxury condominium project.
Keith Menin & Russell Galbut
Miami is changing everyday and it is changing in magical, incredible ways.
Russell Galbut, Managing Principal of Crescent Heights
Russell Galbut is the Managing Principal of Crescent Heights, a company heralded as the leader in high-rise residential construction and hotel development. Crescent Heights has been active in 15 major cities developing over 50,000 residential units and has pioneered the condo hotel concept including the largest condo hotel in the world, the Ala Moana. Galbut is also a founding director and investor in Prestige Cruises and serves on several boards including the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
My family came here in the 1920’s. They started out with their first diner/hardware store called Al’s on 5th street, and since then have built everything from restaurants to hotels, retail, condominiums, and more.
Keith Menin, Principal of Menin Hospitality
After an early start in the hospitality industry, Keith Menin is lauded as one of the top new generation hoteliers in Miami. With family roots deeply embedded in South Florida’s hospitality industry since the pivotal 1920’s, Menin learned the fundamentals from his uncle and mentor Russell Galbut. Providing new distinctive experiences for today’s discerning traveler, Menin continues to expand his portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and nightspot venues such as Gale South Beach and Bodega Taqueria y Tequila.
Gil & Michael Dezer
I came to Miami at the right time. There were a lot of neglected motels, especially in Sunny Isles, so we converted it into the Florida Riviera, one of the nicest, richest communities in Miami Beach.
Michael Dezer, Founder of Dezer Development
Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Michael Dezer immigrated to the U.S. in 1962 and became instrumental in transforming Manhattan’s Chelsea from a failing manufacturing district to a hub of fashion, creativity, multinational business and desirable living spaces. The Dezer Properties portfolio encompasses over 1.3 million square feet. An avid car enthusiast and collector, Michael opened the Dezer Collection Museum and Pavilion to share his collection of over 1,000 rare vehicles with the public.
Miami is a beautiful place. We are fortunate enough to live in paradise and expect paradise to continue.
Gil Dezer, President of Dezer Development
Gil Dezer is one of the youngest and most innovative developers of luxury high-rise residential and condo-hotel properties in the U.S. Gil, together with his father, is one of the largest oceanfront property owners in Florida. Having earned a reputation as South Florida’s brand master, Dezer has sold over 2,400 units and generated over $3.4 billion in sales by forging relationships with marquee brands such as The Trump Organization, Porsche Design, and The Armani Group.