Celebrating rising industry leaders whose first decade of excellence is shaping the future of Palm Beach

THE MATT & NICK TEAM

SERHANT PALM BEACH FOUNDING AGENTS

Q: With more than 30 years of combined experience and $1.6 billion in closed sales, what distinguishes the Matt & Nick Team?
A: We deliver immediate value. Our command of local inventory, access to opportunities beyond the public market, and ability to solve complex problems allow clients to move with confidence. SERHANT.’s global network, media reach, and marketing platform amplify our local relationships and outreach. Exceptional marketing creates interest; exceptional brokers convert that interest through strategy, judgment, and execution.

Q: What does “white glove service” look like from day one through closing?
A: It begins with listening, understanding the client’s goals, and building a tailored strategy. From private showings and property preparation to marketing, inspections, negotiations, and closing, we anticipate needs and manage every detail. Clients always know what is happening, what comes next, and that we are accessible. Our role is to protect their interests, remove friction, and make even the most complex transaction feel seamless and discreet.

Q: Is there a client story that reminds you why you love what you do?
A: During the COVID lockdown, we answered a call from a London number while floating in our pools. The caller wanted a $6,500 rental for his parents, who hoped to leave Canada for South Florida. Border closures ended those plans, but we stayed connected and continued providing value. Two years later, we sourced and sold him a private listing in Boca Raton’s The Sanctuary for $14 million. It affirmed our belief that every client and conversation matters, regardless of price point or where the relationship begins.

Q: What principle will you never compromise, regardless of market conditions?
A: Sound business judgment. We assess every opportunity through the lens of value, risk, and long term financial positioning. In
12 years, we have never resold a home that a client originally purchased through us at a loss. We would rather recommend walking away or lose a transaction than endorse a decision we do not believe serves the client. Our responsibility is to protect their interests, not simply close a deal.

Q: What distinct strength does each of you bring to the partnership?
A: Nick drives business development, marketing, positioning, and early client strategy. He creates momentum and develops the opportunity. Once a contract is signed, Matt leads negotiations, due diligence, problem solving, and closing, earning the nickname “Moser the Closer.” The division is natural and complementary. Nick creates the opportunity; Matt protects it and carries it across the finish line.

SERHANT.

Nick Gonzalez
561.306.7220

Matt Moser
954.383.3422
mn@Serhant.com
mattandnickteam.com

Lisa Wennick

Director of Luxury Sales | Broker Associate

Q: After a decade in real estate, what distinguishes a beautiful property from a true home?
A: A beautiful property is easy to admire. A “home” can be harder to find. I could present the view, the address, the finishes, but none of it holds unless the client can picture their own life unfolding within it. A home behaves differently the moment it holds a life rather than a floor plan, so I spend time understanding the people who will live in them. A true home is the one that enriches your lifestyle.

Q: What does genuine luxury mean to you—and how do you recognize it in a home?
A: Genuine luxury is quiet. It is the light in a room in the late afternoon, the weight of a well made door, the sense that everything was considered and nothing overdone. For me, it lives as much in location and proximity as in the property itself; where a home sits can be one of its greatest luxuries. Beyond that, I look at the proportion of the rooms, the flow from one space to the next, and the quality of finishings and offerings. There is a warmth and soul, that’s what makes you want to stay.

Q: How do you understand what clients need and translate it into the right opportunity, intuition?
A: I’m not sure it’s intuition so much as noticing, listening and understanding our market. As far as buyers, some don’t have clear ideas and I give them time to share it all, then distill it into real possibilities. I’ll often introduce locations or data they hadn’t considered, because part of my role is showing them what they can’t yet see. Other clients know exactly what they want, and it simply isn’t available. This is where professional relationships matter most. A trusted colleague may have something off-market or coming soon that is just right.

Q: How do you nurture long-term client relationships, and what do family referrals mean to you?
A: The majority of my business comes through referrals from past clients and colleagues. I’ve been entrusted with many of their friends and family members, nothing has been more meaningful. Working with and getting to know these clients has been incredibly gratifying. It is a thrill to share a lifestyle I love and am always happy to return to after finding inspiration in other beautiful parts of the world. Florida and Palm Beach County offer so much beyond its beaches; when the season begins, I love reconnecting in person through some of our exciting local events, charities and places like Glazer Hall and The Norton Museum.

Q: How has living abroad shaped your understanding of elegance, culture and home?
A: Tokyo expanded how I interpret elegance, in simplicity and of course in the details. So much of the beauty there is in the precision, the refined presentation, and in what is left out. A single branch, an empty corner, space treated as valuable on its own. That aesthetic shaped the way I arrange flowers to this day, something I have always loved. London and Europe, rich in history and tradition, was a 180 degree turn; collected and curated layers and rooms that feel better for having been lived in over time, the same abundance I love in an English garden. Between them, I let go of the idea that there is one correct version of a beautiful home. What doesn’t change from place to place is the meaning of it. Home is wherever a person feels both comfortable and inspired, and for me, that always includes fresh flowers and a garden to wander.

Douglas Elliman

843.329.9930
Lisa.Wennick@elliman.com
lisawennick.com

Bridgette Caporaso

Founder & Principal Designer, SKETCH.a design studio

Q: You’ve spent more than a decade in the design industry. Looking back, what’s one lesson you learned early on that still shapes every project you take on today?
A: I started in kitchen and bath design, which forced me to get precise: technical drawing, space planning, construction documentation. There’s no room for guesswork when building custom cabinetry. That early discipline still shapes everything I do. Beautiful design isn’t just a feeling, it’s the result of real technical rigor behind the scenes. When I moved into full-scope interior design, I made sure that same precision carried through every room.

Q: Luxury design has evolved dramatically over the last ten years. What do today’s homeowners value most that they didn’t a decade ago?
A: Homeowners today want guidance, not just decoration. They look to us to navigate a vast landscape of design and construction decisions, and value a firm tuned in to what actually matters, not just what’s trending. I also see clients pushing back on predictable choices. On a recent condo near The Boca Raton’s Beach Club, our clients could have gone the expected all-white, sandy beach-house route. Instead, they wanted sophistication, so we leaned into darker finishes that gave the space a more elevated, hotel-suite feel. That willingness to move away from the obvious is something I’m seeing more and more.

Q: Your background spans both interior design and construction. How has that unique perspective changed the way you approach creating a home from the ground up?
A: That’s the foundation of SKETCH.a design studio was built on. I began in the kitchen and bath, learning custom cabinetry and millwork at a technical level most interior designers never touch. As open-concept floor plans became the norm, I watched clients struggle to carry that same attention to detail into the rest of their home. So I built SKETCH to close that gap: a firm that treats an entire home with the precision most designers reserve for a kitchen. That shows up on every project, from cabinetry details to full architectural collaboration on ground-up builds.

Q: Many designers are known for a particular aesthetic, but your work is rooted in creating homes that feel timeless. How do you strike the balance between current trends and lasting design?
A: I believe great design begins with intention, not trend-chasing. On our Le Lac new-build in Boca Raton, I avoided the expected look. With so many new residents moving here, I wanted the home to feel intentional, so we leaned into a modern Tudor-style architecture, at home in Sun Valley as much as South Florida. It still had to work for everyday living, with details like plaster barrel ceilings and sculptural, comfortable seating. That’s the balance: materials with real presence, grounded in how a family lives, not what’s popular this season.

Q: After more than ten years in business, what continues to inspire you, and what excites you most about the next chapter for SKETCH?
A: Craftsmanship itself keeps me inspired: the artisans and fabricators who bring every design to life. That’s why I founded The Wood Lab, a bespoke millwork and furniture studio, and why I’m building out Raven & Ooak, a retail concept and showroom still in development. SKETCH, The Wood Lab, and Raven & Ooak together form a vertically integrated ecosystem, with design, fabrication, and retail all under one roof. I’m also proud to serve as Membership Chair for the NKBA’s Treasure Coast Chapter, since mentoring the next generation, especially women, matters as much to me as any project. That’s what excites me most.

SKETCH.a design studio

561.207.7703
hello@sketchdesignstudio.com
www.sketchdesignstudio.com

Sharon Loayza, PA

Realtor Associate

Q: Luxury isn’t just about price—it’s about lifestyle. How do you help clients find a property that truly fits the way they live?
A: Every client is different, and every search is a unique experience. For some, luxury means waterfront living with breathtaking views. For others, it’s a world-class equestrian facility, privacy, or being close to family and the activities they love. I always ask my clients what makes them happy, where they see themselves, and what is motivating their purchase or investment. Those conversations help me understand how they live, what they value, and what they envision for the future. Once I understand their lifestyle, I can help them find a property that truly feels like home—not just a beautiful house.

Q: Equestrian real estate is a world of its own. What should buyers look for beyond the home itself when choosing the right property?
A: The home is only one piece of the equation. Buyers should carefully evaluate the quality of the barns, footing, drainage, paddocks, riding arenas, and the overall functionality of the property for both horses and riders. Location is equally important, especially proximity to competition venues, veterinary services, and training facilities. A well-designed equestrian property should support the owner’s goals while providing comfort, efficiency, and safety for both horses and riders.

Q: Over the years, what has remained the most important part of earning your clients’ trust?
A: Honesty, communication, and consistency have always been the foundation of my business. I believe trust is earned by putting my clients’ interests first, keeping them informed, and being available whenever they need guidance. One promise I have always made to myself is that I will never encourage a client to invest in a property that I would not invest in myself. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions people make, and I want every client to know they have an advisor they can trust long after the transaction is complete.

Q: How has being bilingual influenced the relationships you’ve built over the years?
A: Being bilingual has allowed me to connect with clients on a deeper level by communicating in the language they’re most comfortable with. It builds trust, eliminates misunderstandings, and creates stronger relationships. More importantly, it allows me to serve a diverse community with confidence, understanding, and genuine care.

Q: Looking back, what life lesson has had the greatest impact on your career?
A: I started my career as a young mother of two, and my children became my greatest motivation. I wanted them to have the same quality of life I had growing up—and even better. I came to this country with big dreams, worked hard, started from scratch, and never gave up. Every challenge was a lesson, and every success reminded me to stay humble and grateful. That journey shaped not only my career but also the way I serve my clients. I believe every client deserves honesty, respect, and exceptional service, regardless of the size of the transaction. When you genuinely care about people and consistently do the right thing, trust follows—and that has been the foundation of my career.

Douglas Elliman

786.307.0689
sharon.loayza@elliman.com
instagram: sharon_wellington.investment
www.elliman.com

Stephen Petrucci

Owner, Bella Homes

Q: You founded Bella Homes in 2014, and the company has delivered more than 2,300 homes. Looking back, what has been the driving force behind that growth?
A: From day one, the goal has been to build homes that combine exceptional quality, thoughtful design, and long-term value. We’ve focused on creating homes in some of South Florida’s most desirable communities while never losing sight of our commitment to craftsmanship and our customers. That consistency has allowed us to grow while earning the trust of homeowners throughout the region.

Q: Bella Homes has become known for blending luxury with sustainability. Why has that been such an important part of your philosophy?
A: We believe luxury and sustainability should go hand in hand. By incorporating Florida Green building practices, energy-efficient technologies, and environmentally conscious materials, we’re able to create homes that are beautiful, comfortable, and cost-effective to own. It’s about building for today while thinking about tomorrow.

Q: What makes Bella Homes different from other builders in the South Florida market?
A: We’re a full-service builder with a passion for innovation. Every home is designed with contemporary architecture, high-quality materials, and functional living in mind. We also embrace technology and eco-friendly solutions that enhance the homeowner’s experience while reducing environmental impact. It’s that balance of elegance, performance, and sustainability that defines our brand.

Q: As someone who lives and builds in South Florida, how does the region influence your approach to design?
A: South Florida has a unique lifestyle that’s centered around the outdoors, natural light, and coastal living. We design homes that embrace those elements while delivering sophisticated interiors and functional spaces that fit the way people live today. Every project reflects our appreciation for the area’s vibrant communities and distinctive character.

Q: Bella Homes emphasizes that a home is a form of self-expression. What does that mean to you?
A: A home should reflect the people who live in it. Our mission is to create residences that combine timeless architecture, precision craftsmanship, and personalized design so homeowners feel connected to their space. Whether it’s the finishes, technology, or overall layout, every detail should contribute to a home that’s as unique as its owner.

Q: As Bella Homes continues to grow, what remains your top priority?
A: Our priority is staying true to the values the company was built on—quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. We want every Bella home to stand as an example of thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship while continuing to build communities that families are proud to call home.

Bella Homes

561.510.6000
steve@bellahomes.us
www.bellahomes.us

Carolina Buia Barefoot & Laura Gambino

Luxury Property Specialists

With a decade of working together, Carolina Buia Barefoot and Laura Gambino of the CL Team have closed deals in four South Florida counties, worked with a multitude of fascinating buyers and sellers, and even delved into land and commercial transactions. This duo, born a few months apart, share a personal and professional history built on loyalty, trust and integrity. Those values are the threads that hold together their long-standing relationships.

Q: Laura, how did you get your start in real estate?
A: I earned a paralegal certification as a minor in college and, after graduating, I joined a real estate law firm to determine whether pursuing law was the right path for me. That experience quickly made me realize my passion lay not in practicing law, but in the ever-changing, “no-two days-are-the-same” world of real estate. I quickly got licensed, launched my career with Douglas Elliman in Manhattan and then continued my practice into South Florida.

Q: Carolina, explain how your partnership draws from each of your strengths?
A: Since Laura’s mother is a Realtor (and a part of our Naples team!) and her father a real estate attorney, she has literally grown up in the business and there’s little that she has not seen. Laura’s analytical acumen is key in coming up with our strategic pricing approach for sellers. When representing buyers, we’re known for being aggressive negotiators who can bring a deal to the finish line with confidence.

As a journalist and media professional, I bring a targeted marketing strategy to each home. Our exceptional properties have received both local and national editorial exposure as a result.

Q: Laura, you focus on golf and waterfront communities, where are those markets headed?
A: The post-Covid frenzy has calmed, but sales continue to stabilize even as inventory remains scarce. Our communities are continuously investing beyond the golf course and boat docks. On-site dining, racquet sports (Mirasol is about to unveil indoor pickleball courts!), the latest fitness equipment means that the experiential factor in our developments consistently exceeds expectations. Today, customers are not only coming from the Tri-State area, but from California, New England, the Midwest and even other parts of the world.

Q: Carolina, how does the CL Team differentiate themselves from the many agents out there?
A: As partners, we bring high-level, collective-thinking into every deal, whether it’s navigating tense negotiations or executing creative staging. We’ve fostered strong partnerships in the financial, legal, construction and design fields. Also, because of our community involvement, we love working with those that are relocating. We have our pulse on the best medical professionals, restaurants, schools and so much more. Our relationships go beyond getting someone into a house, they are about including them in a lifestyle that we both love so much. (And yes, that includes VIP restaurant reservations and sharing the best colorist in town!)

CL Team | Mirasol Realty

Carolina Buia Barefoot
917.655.2034
cbarefoot@mirasolrealty.com

Laura Gambino
561.846.1714
lgambino@mirasolrealty.com
www.beautifulpalmbeachhomes.com

Jessica Julian

Luxury Property Specialist

Q: Your own journey brought you from Nebraska to Seattle and ultimately Palm Beach. How has that path shaped the advisor you are today?
A: Growing up in the Midwest gave me values I’ll probably never outgrow: work hard, tell the truth, and treat people the way you’d want to be treated. Living in different parts of the country also taught me that every move is really a search for a better life, not just a different address.

I think that’s why I don’t approach clients with a sales mindset. I’m naturally curious. I want to understand what they’re leaving behind, what they’re hoping to find, and how they want their lives to feel five years from now.

Q: Palm Beach offers remarkably distinct neighborhoods and lifestyles. How do you help clients discover where they will truly feel at home?
A: I don’t believe people fall in love with neighborhoods because of architecture alone. They fall in love with how a place makes them feel. Some people light up around walkability and energy. Others instantly relax when they’re near the water.

My role is to listen carefully enough to recognize those preferences, even unspoken. Once we understand the lifestyle they’re chasing, the right neighborhood usually reveals itself.

Q: In a market where the best opportunities are often discreet, how do your local expertise and trusted network create an advantage for clients?
A: People often assume luxury real estate is all about having exclusive access. I think it’s more about earning trust. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with fellow agents, developers, architects, attorneys, and local business leaders because I enjoy collaborating.

The best ideas and opportunities often come from working together, not working against one another. When relationships are built on mutual respect, everyone wins—especially the client.

Q: What have ten years in Palm Beach real estate taught you about anticipating the needs of luxury buyers and sellers?
A: Palm Beach has taught me that luxury is constantly evolving. Buyers today aren’t simply purchasing beautiful homes. They’re buying time, wellness, walkability, boating, privacy, community, or proximity to the people and experiences they value most.

A successful strategy requires knowing which aspects of the home and lifestyle will resonate with buyers. The more I study the market and these changing priorities, the better I can help clients make decisions that serve them now and support the future they envision.

Q: As you enter your next decade in real estate, what ambitions continue to inspire and shape your work?
A: I’ve come to realize that success isn’t something you chase, it’s something you build through consistent improvement. Every year, I ask myself how I can communicate better, understand the market more deeply, contribute more to my community, and create an even better experience for the people who trust me.

I want to keep growing without losing the qualities that brought me here: curiosity, integrity, discipline, and care. If I continue improving and raising the standard year after year, I believe everything else will take care of itself.

Douglas Elliman

M: 714.305.6565
jessica.julian@elliman.com
jessicajulianre.com
JJ_In_Motion

David DiNatale

Capital Funding | Managing Partner

Q: What did year one in this industry look like for you — and what’s changed most since?
A: Year one, I was still thinking like a lawyer, not a lender. I came out of law school knowing how to draft the legal contracts inside and out, but private lending isn’t about just the paperwork. It’s about analyzing a set of facts quickly and knowing whether the story makes sense and the numbers actually work. My first year I closed $10 million in transactions, mostly residential fix and flips, and honestly I was double- and triple-checking everything because I didn’t want to be wrong once.

What’s changed most since then is speed and scale. Back then, a deal like a $2 million residential fix and flip might take 3-4 weeks to get comfortable with. Now we’ve got a track record, over $1 billion in closed loans, and I can look at a $4-5 million construction project in West Palm Beach and know within 30 minutes whether it pencils out or not.

Q: What deal made you realize private lending was where you could make the biggest impact?
A: There’s not just one. There have been countless times we’ve stepped in to help good people in bad situations. A wife who lost her husband to cancer and needed a quick bridge loan until her property sold. A borrower whose bank backed out at the last minute, putting his $250,000 deposit at risk. A general contractor who sank his life savings into a project and got stuck with a maturing loan he couldn’t qualify to refinance through a bank.

But most of our clients aren’t in crisis. They’re high-net-worth guys who value their time and know that speed and certainty win when there’s a real estate opportunity on the table. Most of them could easily qualify for a bank loan. They’d just rather pay a little more for capital and sleep well knowing the financing is already in place.

We’ve closed countless deals in Jupiter and West Palm Beach in 7 days or less, so our client could put in a cash offer with no financing contingency while his competition offered more money but needed a bank behind them. Banks protect the bank. We protect the deal.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone preparing to purchase a luxury home?
A: Know your numbers before you fall in love with the house. I’ve seen buyers get emotionally attached to a listing, waive contingencies, or not get their financing lined up, and it costs them leverage in negotiations or puts them at risk of losing a lot of money. We’ve had situations all across the country where the buyer who won the house was the one who had the financing lined up before they made an offer, not after.

Luxury deals move fast in South Florida. If your capital isn’t already lined up, you’re not really in the conversation.

Q: Can you share a deal where fast capital made the difference between landing a lot or losing it?
A: We recently had a deal in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where the buyer had 3 days to close or the seller was moving to the next offer. A bank couldn’t touch that timeline, that’s 60 to 90 days minimum. We got it done in 3 days, for $1.125 million.

That lot is now under development for a spec home being built by an experienced developer who knew exactly who to call when the clock was ticking. Without that capital showing up on time, that deal doesn’t happen, period.

Q: How has hard money lending changed the real estate market?
A: It’s given investors a real alternative to waiting on banks. Ten, fifteen years ago, if a bank said no, your deal was probably dead. Now, private lenders like us close deals banks won’t even underwrite.

That’s changed the pace of the market. Deals that used to take a generic 60-90 days now close in under 2 weeks, and that’s forced sellers and buyers both to move faster. It also gives you a massive competitive advantage on pending or potentially under-contract properties that you don’t want to miss out on.

Q: What math needs to work before an investor even calls a lender about a lot?
A: Loan-to-cost and loan-to-value both have to pencil before you pick up the phone. I want to see purchase price, construction budget, and projected sale price or ARV all laid out. If the total project cost is X, and the after-repair value is Y, there needs to be enough spread for us to lend and for you to still profit.

On a recent deal, a $125 million ultra-luxury estate on Indian Creek Island in Miami (neighbors on that island include Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Tom Brady), the investor came to us with a $30 million second mortgage request on an asset worth more than four times the loan amount. That’s exactly the kind of clean math that gets a fast yes.

No committee. No back and forth. When the numbers are clean, the collateral is undeniable, and the borrower knows their deal, we move. That’s what a direct balance sheet lender is supposed to do.

Q: What opportunities are you seeing right now for spec-home builders in South Florida?
A: Land is tight, but demand for new construction in the Palm Beach market isn’t slowing down. The builders doing well right now are the ones buying lots as close to the waterfront as possible, tearing down what’s there, and building new with lenders like us behind them.

These homes run the full range. Some are fully-imported, high-end spec builds, others are just a clean, well-built home ready for a buyer relocating for work. Either way, the opportunity’s the same. Builders who move on the right lot before it’s marketed widely are the ones winning.

Q: What’s the biggest misconception investors have about construction draws and loan-to-cost?
A: People think the full loan amount hits their account day one. It doesn’t. Draws get released as work is completed and inspected, that’s how loan-to-cost is supposed to work. I’ve had borrowers get frustrated waiting on a draw because they didn’t budget their own cash flow for the gap between finishing a phase and getting reimbursed.

The lesson: line up your own working capital to bridge between draws, don’t assume the draw shows up the second the concrete’s poured.

Q: How do you push back on the idea that “hard money” means last-resort financing?
A: I tell people the best investors I work with use hard money as a strategy, not a fallback. Usually, our clients don’t come to us because a bank said no. They came to us because they needed to close in order to make the deal happen, and banks can’t move that fast, full stop.

Speed is the product. That’s not “last resort,” that’s a competitive edge.

Q: What separates a builder who profits from a spec project from one who gets cash-crunched mid-build?
A: Contingency budget. Every time. The builders who do well build in 25% cushion for the unexpected: permitting delays, material cost jumps, whatever. The ones who get crunched priced the project way too tight and had nothing left when reality hit.

It’s not the market that kills a spec project. It’s a budget with no room to breathe. Our team works really hard to creatively find a solution to free up more capital so the project can continue regardless of the unexpected, which makes us easy to work with on your investment projects.

Q: Ten years in, what still fires you up about this business — and what’s next?
A: Honestly, it’s the same thing that got me into it. I like being the reason a deal happens instead of the reason it doesn’t. Closing a $50 million financing deal still gets me the same way a big at-bat did back at Miami. It’s technical, it’s high-pressure, and you either deliver or you don’t.

What’s next: joint venture plans with local developers in my own backyard in Palm Beach County. We’re now structuring deals where part of the construction funding is at play with an equity partnership to help complete the project and sell it at top dollar, like the Noor – an ultra-private architectural estate in Palm Beach Gardens we financed not just as a lender, but as a partner.

Capital Funding has done over $1 billion in closed loans so far. I want the next chapter to move even faster than the last one did, with real skin in the game.

Capital Funding

954.320.0242
david@capitalfunding.com
www.CapitalFunding.com

Patrick Gambale

AGENCY PRINCIPAL

Q: Which principles have driven Gambale Insurance Group’s exceptional growth and reputation?
A: The foundation of everything we do is service. Our mission has remained the same for nearly 20 years: to provide every customer with the best service and value possible. By prioritizing our customers’ needs, treating them with respect and delivering meaningful benefits, we have built lasting loyalty throughout the Treasure Coast, across Florida and beyond.

Today, Gambale Insurance Group is one of the largest captive agencies in the country, serving more than 15,000 policyholders. Despite that growth, we have maintained a local, personal feel. Our customers know that if the unexpected happens, we will be there to help them in their time of need. As I always say, we work for our customers—not the insurance companies.

Q: How do you deliver highly personalized service while operating at significant scale?
A: It starts with having a strong team. Our agents are licensed and highly trained to answer customers’ questions, explain their options and help them find ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the protection they need.

It may sound simple, but we also answer the phone—and if we miss a call, we return it the same day. That responsiveness matters. Regardless of how much we grow, every customer deserves to feel that their needs are understood and that someone is personally accountable for helping them.

Q: What does true protection look like for clients with complex assets and lifestyles?
A: True protection begins with understanding that no two clients are exactly alike. We tailor each insurance policy to the client’s specific needs and priorities rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our licensed agents are trained to ask the right questions, identify potential gaps and present appropriate options. The goal is not simply to sell a policy; it is to make sure each client is properly protected if the unexpected occurs.

Q: How has your athletic background shaped your leadership and competitive discipline?
A: Competing as a Division I college athlete taught me qualities that I continue to apply in business, including discipline, consistency and the ability to perform under intense competition. It also taught me the importance of constantly improving, especially under pressure.

Most importantly, athletics showed me how to build a team in which everyone understands their role. Holding people accountable and working together toward a shared goal directly translates to how we operate as an agency and serve our clients to the best of our abilities.

Q: Beyond business growth, what defines success for you today?
A: Beyond growing the business, success means making a positive difference for our customers and within the community. It also means maintaining a healthy work-life balance and having enough time and energy for family, health and personal interests without experiencing burnout.

Ultimately, success is having the ability to choose how I spend my time and the freedom to make those choices without major constraints.

Gambale Insurance Group

888.875.3476
patrickgambale@allstate.com
gambaleinsurancegroup.com

Matthias Fretz

Executive Director of Luxury Sales

Q: You’ve been the No. 1 agent at Douglas Elliman Jupiter since 2016—what has changed most about the luxury Jupiter market since then?
A: The biggest change has been Jupiter’s evolution from a highly desirable regional market into a nationally recognized luxury destination. In 2016, many buyers were already familiar with Palm Beach, but Jupiter was still something of a well-kept secret. Today, affluent buyers from across the country understand the value of the lifestyle here—the boating, beaches, golf, schools, privacy and sense of community. We have also seen a major shift in buyer expectations. Buyers are more informed, more design-conscious and less willing to compromise. They want newer construction, exceptional outdoor living, smart-home technology, hurricane protection and turnkey quality. At the same time, the range of what is considered “luxury” has expanded significantly.

Q: Your background is in Marketing and Hospitality from FAU. How has that shaped the way you serve clients compared with a more traditional real estate path?
A: Hospitality taught me that exceptional service is about anticipating clients’ needs and making every interaction seamless. Marketing taught me how to position a property, tell its story, and reach the right audience. Together, those disciplines allow me to provide strategic marketing while delivering a highly personalized client experience.

Q: Clients describe you as a consummate professional who supports them from offer to closing and beyond. What does that post-sale support typically look like?
A: Closing is just the beginning. I continue helping clients with trusted local resources, contractors, designers, club introductions, property management, renovations, and ongoing advice whenever they need it.

Q: What do out-of-town buyers most often misunderstand about Jupiter?
A: Jupiter is made up of distinct micro-markets. Waterfront access, dockage, golf memberships, neighborhood rules and construction quality can dramatically impact value, even within a few miles.

Q: Where do you see the $1M+ Jupiter market heading?
A: I expect a more selective but healthy market. Turnkey homes, waterfront properties and exceptional locations should continue to outperform.

Q: What is the biggest mistake buyers make?
A: Focusing only on price instead of long-term value. The best property is often the one that fits a buyer’s lifestyle and is difficult to replace.

Q: What is your best advice for sellers?
A: Prepare the home thoroughly and price it correctly from day one. Professional presentation and realistic pricing create urgency. Additionally-a pre listing home inspection can help prevent any surprises during a buyer due diligence period.

Q: Where is the market heading for the remainder of 2026?
A: I expect a balanced market. Exceptional homes will continue to perform well, while overpriced or outdated homes may take longer to sell. Jupiter’s long-term fundamentals remain very strong.

Douglas Elliman

561.676.3824
matthias.fretz@elliman.com
elliman.com
@matthiasfretz

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