Honoring professionals whose decades of experience continue to elevate their industries and inspire those around them

Tom Hughes & Jeremy Browne

Founding Principals, Hughes Browne Group

Q: Looking back over the past 20 years, what has been the driving force behind Hughes Browne Group’s success?
A: At its core, it has always been about the partnership between Tom Hughes and Jeremy Browne, and the belief that the client comes first. Tom brought more than 35 years of experience, an incredible ability to listen with purpose, and a deep understanding of the business. When Jeremy joined him 21 years ago, they built a partnership on a handshake that was grounded in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing what was best for their clients.

Neither of us has ever believed in “ego for ego’s sake.” We bring our individual strengths to the table and collaborate on whatever creates the best outcome for the client. That philosophy has shaped the team, the relationships we’ve built, and ultimately the reputation we’ve earned over the years. Our original motto was “A Trusted Name in Real Estate,” and after all these years, that remains exactly who we strive to be.

Q: You’ve represented some of the region’s most distinguished homes. How has your expertise evolved alongside the luxury real estate market?
A: We were fortunate to recognize the potential of Northern Palm Beach and Southern Martin Counties early on. Twenty years ago, places like Pennock Point, Tequesta, Jupiter Island, Admirals Cove, and The Bears Club were already special, but the broader world hadn’t yet discovered what we knew was here. We had the opportunity to grow alongside these communities and watch Jupiter and the surrounding areas become a true real estate destination.

That experience has taught us that luxury real estate is never simply about the price or the property. It’s about understanding the person behind the purchase–their lifestyle, priorities, family, interests, and vision for how they want to live. Whether it’s a waterfront estate, a country club community, a private island property, or a seasonal residence, our job is to listen, understand, and connect our clients with the place that feels right for them. After decades in this market, that local perspective is something you can’t replicate overnight.

Q: How have long-term client relationships influenced the growth of your business?
A: Our clients have become much more than clients—they’ve become lifelong friends. Their trust has provided us with incredible opportunities, meaningful relationships, and invaluable knowledge over the years. Many have returned to us through multiple home purchases and sales, while also introducing us to family and friends. Those lasting connections are the foundation of our business, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of so many important life journeys.

Q: What has surprised you most about the evolution of luxury real estate over the past two decades?
A: The biggest surprise has been how long it took for the rest of the country—and the world—to fully recognize what we’ve always known: Jupiter and the surrounding communities are truly extraordinary. Today, people are discovering everything this area has to offer—from beautiful waterfront living and world-class golf to exceptional dining, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming, laid-back lifestyle. It’s a place where luxury and authenticity coexist, and we’re proud to have helped introduce so many people to this remarkable community.

Hughes Browne Group | Compass

Tom Hughes
561.310.4422
Tomhughes@compass.com

Jeremy Browne
561.379.9474
Jeremybrowne@compass.com
www.hughesbrownegroup.com

Legacy Builders of the Palm Beaches

Scott Sullivan & Sons

Q: You learned the building profession from the ground up, following your father, Jerry. What knowledge passes from one generation of builders to the next, and how has that inheritance shaped the standards you won’t compromise?
A: What passes between generations is not only how to build, but how to care about what you are building and who you are building it for. My father taught me that quality isn’t something you inspect at the end; it must be present from the beginning—in how you prepare, communicate, manage details and respond to the unexpected. Now that my two sons are joining the business, that legacy means even more. They are learning the same values: take pride in your work, stand behind your word and treat every client’s home as your own. I hope they carry forward the quality, relationships and accountability that built the company.

Q: You have said a builder must sometimes “see through walls.” What combination of intuition, experience and restraint helps you understand what an existing home truly needs?
A: The ability to “see through walls” comes from decades of hands on experience, technical knowledge and the instinct developed over
a lifetime in construction. Whether building, renovating or adding to a home, that experience helps me identify potential problems,
anticipate challenges several phases ahead and understand how today’s decisions can affect the project months later. You learn to
think ahead, not simply react. When the unexpected arises, we can pivot quickly, solve it effectively and keep the project moving
without compromising quality.

Q: Budget management and transparency are central to your process. How do you turn financial stewardship into a foundation of trust?
A: Whatever the project’s size, our clients trust us with their money, home and vision. We must respect all three. That means explaining where their money goes, communicating openly as decisions are made and managing finances with the same attention we give construction. After decades in business, that approach is part of the track record and reputation Legacy is built on.

Q: Legacy Builders is a family business, with relatives working in the office and on-site. How does that closeness shape the company’s culture and accountability?
A: The family atmosphere extends beyond our relatives. We create a culture where every employee feels part of the family, takes pride in their craft and shares responsibility for each project’s success.

Q: “Legacy” carries particular weight where homes are loved across generations. What do you hope will endure in the house and the family’s life?
A: Building exceptional custom homes has been part of our family for generations, and that history shapes the responsibility we bring to every project. With my sons joining the business, our family continues a standard established long before them. The homes belong to our clients, but our family name stands behind the work. Maintaining that standard, protecting our reputation and carrying it forward another generation is what Legacy means to us.

Legacy Builders of the Palm Beaches

561.202.6700
info@legacypb.com
legacy_.builders

Andrew & Michael Leibowitz

Brokers | Owners

Q: After 30 years specializing in luxury real estate, what’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the Palm Beach market?
A: The Palm Beach area has experienced tremendous growth over the past three decades. We’ve been living and selling here since before many of today’s premier communities were even established, so we’ve had the unique opportunity to watch the market evolve from the ground up.

One of the biggest changes today is the imbalance between supply and demand. Palm Beach has become one of the most desirable places to live, and while demand continues to grow, inventory—particularly within our country club communities—remains historically low. That creates challenges for buyers, especially those looking for a specific home style, location, or club membership. Fortunately, our experience and relationships provide insight that many buyers wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

Q: What makes country club living so appealing to today’s buyers?
A: Buyers today are looking for the full resort lifestyle. They value amenities from racquet sports to dining to spa and golf and everything in between. Each club has it’s own character and vibe and there is truly something for everyone, allowing members to be as involved as they want to be. The best part about the clubs in Northern Palm Beach County is the proximity to West Palm Beach and Palm Beach which have truly exploded in the last few years. When our clients want to go “off campus” they have access to everything in a short 15-20 minute drive.

Q: You’ve built your reputation in some of South Florida’s most prestigious communities. What do clients value most when choosing where to call home?
A: It’s honestly the people and where they feel most comfortable. People always ask us, “What’s the best community?” And we have to answer that there’s no one best community it’s what feels best to you and everyone is different. Some buyers prefer a larger more energetic community, and some might prefer smaller, more quiet and exclusive. Everyone prefers a different vibe and we don’t like to sell any one community or amenity. We like to present everything with our expert guidance and let our buyers choose what they love.

Q: What’s one misconception people have about buying or selling luxury real estate?
A: “Luxury homes sell themselves.” In reality, even exceptional properties require strategic pricing, professional marketing, high-end photography and video, targeted exposure, and an agent with relationships in the luxury market.

Q: What has kept the Andrew & Michael Leibowitz Team at the forefront of luxury real estate for three decades?
A: Because we have been active in all of these communities since their inception and have remained a trusted presence for more than 30 years, we offer a depth of knowledge and market insight that only comes from decades of firsthand experience. Many of our clients return as their needs evolve, whether looking to move up, downsize within the same community or transition to a different country club or luxury community altogether. These lasting relationships have become the foundation for our business. Having navigated every stage of the luxury market, we understand its nuances, its cycles, and the unique considerations that come with buying and selling in Palm Beach’s premier communities. Above all, our reputation has been built on integrity, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s in our clients’ best interests.

Q: How do you help clients find not just the right home, but the right lifestyle?
A: Listening is the most important of all, getting to know our clients and truly understanding what they value and then finding the right fit.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone preparing to buy in a private country club community?
A: You can transform any home into your “dream home”, but you are truly purchasing into the community and lifestyle. Because of our longterm standing in all of the premier country clubs, we can help our clients weigh the different communities and gain full understanding of the membership component.

Q: When clients recommend the Andrew & Michael Leibowitz Team to friends and family, what do you hope they’re saying about the experience?
A: So much of our business is based on referrals and repeat business. Our relationships are most important —with our clients and colleagues in the industry. Our clients experience a high level of service throughout their transaction, so much so that when the closing date passes, they often want to just call to check in because of the relationships we develop. Sometimes it is simple a hello and often a referral!

Leibowitz Realty Group

Andrew Leibowitz
561.262.0722

Michael Leibowitz
561.262.0721
www.leibowitzrealty.com

Robert Floyd

Sales Associate

Q: You’ve spent more than 20 years helping clients navigate South Florida real estate. What has been your greatest lesson?
A: There is a direct correlation between the time I dedicate to real estate and the results I achieve. Early in their careers, many agents—including me—become frustrated when they don’t know where the next deal will come from. Over time, I learned that the more time I spend studying listings, recent sales, and local and national trends, the more knowledgeable and confident I become. That preparation allows me to help clients understand current conditions, make educated decisions, and feel confident in their choices.

Q: How has your experience as a professional golfer shaped your approach to real estate?
A: Professional golf gave me a strong competitive drive. I don’t like losing, but real estate has taught me to redefine what a loss means. A sale may fall through, a client’s offer may not be accepted, or I may not win a listing. While those moments are disappointing, I believe in getting back up and working harder. Often, that leads to finding a better home, negotiating a better price, or earning the next listing. Success isn’t about never failing; it’s about how quickly you recover and turn disappointment into opportunity.

Q: Why do South Florida’s golf and luxury communities continue to attract buyers?
A: When I began in real estate nearly 25 years ago, I was still playing professional golf, so these communities were a natural fit. I knew the courses and understood the distinct character of each neighborhood. South Florida is arguably the winter golf capital of the world, with world-class options for every age, skill level, personality, and lifestyle. Palm Beach and Martin counties also offer exceptional beaches, weather, recreation, and culture. My role is to understand what each client values and use my experience to connect them with the right home and community.

Q: What has earned the loyalty of your repeat and referral clients?
A: A referral or returning client is one of the greatest compliments a Realtor can receive. I’ve always tried to make clients feel as though they are my only client. I attend showings personally, remain available after closing, and help with renovations and vendor recommendations. I’ve even played golf with many clients. Those relationships often grow into friendships. When people know me personally, they understand my dedication and how deeply I care about their outcome.

Q: After more than two decades, what keeps you motivated?
A: I genuinely love what I do, and my appreciation for real estate continues to grow. I enjoy discovering different homes, architectural approaches, and design styles. I also haven’t lost the competitive fire I had as a golfer. I continually study market trends, learn, and look for ways to offer clients something others may not. Aside from my family and children, real estate is my passion—and I don’t see that ever changing.

Village Realty Group

561.301.4715
Robertfloyd1976@gmail.com
www.RobertFloydRealty.com

Ryan Watley

Owner, Watlee Construction, Inc

Q: When you founded Watlee more than 20 years ago, what did you believe the custom home experience was missing, and how has that original vision shaped the company you’ve built?
A: Watlee was founded on the idea that the custom home experience was missing direct input from the buyer during the build process. That original vision established a company culture focused on uncompromising craftsmanship, devotion to architectural vision, and exceeding expectations by perfecting every detail.

Q: A home is both an expression of its time and a structure meant to endure for generations. How do you balance evolving ideas of luxury with the principles of timeless design and lasting craftsmanship?
A: Evolving luxury is balanced with lasting design by drawing inspiration from architectural styles past and present, such as the timeless principles of Frank Lloyd Wright, while maintaining high standards of uncompromising craftsmanship across both modern and traditional builds.

Q: Watlee’s philosophy begins with the direct involvement of the homeowner. What have your clients taught you over the years about how people truly want to live?
A: Clients want total transparency and real-time connection to their home’s creation. Standard blueprints capture square footage, but working hand-in-hand with homeowners reveals the daily routines that shape a home’s success—how a family navigates the kitchen on a busy morning, where they drop their keys, or how they like to entertain. Involving clients in early decisions, from structural blocking to exact outlet placement, ensures every detail is tailored to their lifestyle before walls are ever closed up.

Ultimately, our clients have taught us that true luxury is peace of mind—both in the clarity of the build process and in a finished home built around the way they live every day.

Q: South Florida’s landscape, climate, and lifestyle create a unique architectural character. How has building in this region influenced your understanding of what makes a home feel truly rooted in its surroundings?
A: Building in South Florida requires designing homes that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces while standing up to intense sunlight, high humidity, and coastal weather conditions. The region’s unique environment drives an architectural approach that prioritizes natural light, climate-resilient materials, and open layouts that frame the surrounding tropical landscape.

Q: As you look ahead to Watlee’s next 20 years, what parts of the company’s legacy are most important to preserve, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth and innovation?
A: Preserving a legacy means continuing to uphold a high standard of personal client collaboration, uncompromising craftsmanship, and hands-on site management. The greatest opportunities for growth lie in incorporating sustainable building technologies, smart-home automation, and energy-efficient design strategies that meet modern demands without sacrificing custom quality.

Watlee Construction

561.354.9005
info@wcifl.com
watleeconstruction.com

Watley Coastal & Club Group

561.427.7566
hunter@watley-group.com
watley-group.com

Michael & Hayley Hummel

Just Tile & Marble

Q: As you approach 40 years in the industry (Congratulations!), how has your understanding of luxury and what makes a material truly exceptional evolved?
A: Over the years, I have learned that real luxury is about quality, craftsmanship, and how a material makes a space feel. The best materials are timeless, made well, age beautifully, and still look just as good years later. I have also learned that people notice quality, even if they cannot always explain it. The right materials make a space feel more custom, more valuable, and better built. That is the difference exceptional materials can make.

Q: Just Tile & Marble works directly with leading international factories. How does that access expand the creative possibilities for designers and their clients?
A: Working directly with our Italian factories gives us a lot more flexibility. We are not limited to what is sitting in a warehouse. We can help designers find something unique, customize certain products, and source materials that fit their vision instead of forcing them to settle.

Q: From landmark South Florida residences to projects around the world, what makes Just Tile & Marble a trusted partner for work of exceptional scale and expectation?
A: We have built our reputation by doing what we say we are going to do. We work closely with designers, builders, and homeowners from the beginning of the project until the end. We have long standing relationships with our factories, we know our products inside and out, and we are always available when our clients need us. After almost 40 years, people know they can trust us to help make their projects successful.

Q: As Hayley brings a new perspective to the company’s next chapter, which founding values must remain, and where do you see the greatest opportunity for evolution?
A: The values should never change. We have always believed in standing behind what we sell, and building relationships that last. That is how we have been in business for so long. Where I see the biggest opportunity is embracing new technology and finding more efficient ways to connect with designers and clients. Hayley brings a fresh perspective to that and I think combining new ideas with the values we were built on is what will keep the company growing.

Just Tile & Marble

561.272.4900
info@justtiledelray.com
justtiledelray.com

Julie Roberts

Owner, The Palm Beach Art Collection

Q: Your career has been shaped by two seemingly different disciplines: the analytical world of finance and the intuitive world of art. Where do those perspectives intersect in the way you evaluate artists, guide collectors, and lead The Palm Beach Art Collection?
A: Before starting The Palm Beach Art Collection, I spent many years as a financial executive at US Airways and later at Marriott. I also served on several boards, including those of two public companies, and provided strategic and financial consulting to several galleries, combining my business experience with my passion for art.

What I do now as a gallery owner and artist draws on every skill I have developed throughout my career. I use my financial and consulting experience to run the gallery and to help organize, curate, and price art projects for collectors. I use technology to show collectors how art will look in their spaces, create AI-generated concepts for commissions based on client input, and present options side by side—all of which help collectors make informed decisions. I also use technology for social media, which has become such an important part of how art is discovered, bought, and sold today.

My art training and experience as a painter help me evaluate the technical abilities of artists who are interested in joining The Palm Beach Art Collection. I also rely on intuition and research to assess whether a new artist’s work will resonate with our collectors.

None of these skills operates in isolation. They have become one integrated skill set, even though it took many years and several careers to develop it.

Q: As younger collectors enter the market and digital platforms reshape how art is discovered, what do you hope remains deeply personal—or even wonderfully old-fashioned—about the experience of collecting?
A: I love that technology has made art more accessible. Younger collectors can discover an artist on Instagram or through an online art marketplace, see how a piece might look in their home before purchasing it, and compare options side by side. I use these tools myself every day, and I believe they have genuinely opened the art world to an entirely new group of collectors.

But I hope we never lose the personal dimension of buying art. Some of my best moments in this business come from simply sitting with a client, talking about what they are drawn to and why, and introducing them to artists whose work I think they will love. That kind of connection cannot truly be automated.

Q: What advice would you offer emerging artists who are hoping to partner with galleries like yours?
A: I am fortunate to have many artists approach me about being represented by The Palm Beach Art Collection. Many are very talented but have not yet put in the time, work, or discipline required to meet enough of the criteria I consider when accepting artists for the website.

My advice is to make a plan to “check all the boxes” over time, since most galleries will evaluate artists using similar criteria. I encourage many artists to stay in touch and approach me again when they are further along in their careers.

The Palm Beach Art Collection

301.674.2671
www.ThePalmBeachArtCollection.com

Ross Baldwin

Owner, Luxury Staircase Railings

Q: Luxury Staircase Railings is known for artistry, safety, and craftsmanship. What inspired you to enter this field, and how has your vision evolved?
A: My passion has always been creating architectural elements that leave a lasting impression. A staircase is more than a way to move between floors; it is often the centerpiece of a home or commercial space. Early in my career, I saw how exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design could transform a functional feature into art. When we founded Luxury Staircase Railings, our goal was to deliver custom work without compromising safety, quality, or aesthetics. Today, we create complete architectural experiences by combining innovative design, engineering precision, and skilled craftsmanship.

Q: Your services now include railings, exterior ironwork, architectural design, and renovations. What drove this expansion, and what projects best showcase your capabilities?
A: The expansion happened naturally as clients asked us to do more. After completing a staircase, they often wanted matching glass railings, decorative ironwork, entry gates, balconies, structural steel, or remodeling services. We built an in-house team that could deliver a complete solution. Today, we manage luxury residential renovations and commercial developments, from planning and engineering through fabrication and installation. Whole-property transformations are especially rewarding because every custom element contributes to one cohesive architectural vision.

Q: How does your team turn a client’s initial idea into an installation that is visually striking, structurally sound, and built to last?
A: Everything begins with listening. We learn how clients use their space and what they hope to achieve. Our architects and designers then develop concepts that balance beauty with practicality, while our engineers confirm structural requirements and building-code compliance. Detailed drawings and 3D visualizations help clients understand and refine the design before fabrication. During production and installation, our craftspeople closely monitor every measurement, weld, finish, and detail, creating work that performs safely and reliably for decades.

Q: How have 3D modeling, BIM methodology, and advanced fabrication techniques transformed your design process and client experience?
A: These tools allow clients to visualize projects before construction and make informed design decisions. They also strengthen collaboration among architects, engineers, fabricators, and installers. By identifying challenges early, we can reduce delays, limit waste, and improve efficiency. Modern fabrication technology gives us exceptional precision, while traditional craftsmanship preserves the distinctive, handcrafted quality of our work.

Q: Looking back over the last two decades, what makes you proudest, and what is your vision for the company’s next chapter?
A: I am proudest of the trust we have earned and the team we have built. Homeowners recommend us, architects return as partners, and talented craftspeople grow their careers with our company. Looking ahead, we will embrace new technologies, expand our design capabilities, and pursue increasingly ambitious projects. Our goal is to remain known for exceptional staircases while becoming a broader leader in architectural design, metal fabrication, and construction solutions. Above all, we will continue creating projects that unite beauty, function, safety, and lasting quality and give every client a finished space that feels distinctive, personal, and truly timeless.

Luxury Staircase Railings

561.933.7001
lsrailings.com
www.rebuildluxury.com

Brad & Shannon Ball

Luxury Real Estate Advisors

Q: After more than two decades in luxury real estate, what has remained the foundation of your success as the market has evolved?
A: Integrity. Markets change, technology evolves, and trends come and go, but doing what’s right for your client never goes out of style. Too many agents tell clients what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. We provide honest, expert advice—even when the conversation is difficult.

We never base recommendations on earning a commission. What would we do if this were our own money or home?” Our
goal isn’t one transaction; it’s a lifelong client relationship built on trust.

Q: What do today’s discerning Palm Beaches buyers and sellers value most compared with 20 years ago?
A: Clients now expect a true advisor—not simply someone who opens doors or writes contracts. They want expertise across the entire real estate ecosystem, including construction, architectural design, market dynamics, law, financing, and title.

Having renovated homes, built new construction, worked with designers, and collaborated closely with real estate attorneys, we provide insight beyond the transaction. Ultimately, clients value confidence in their representation: professionals who anticipate issues, offer clear guidance, and always act in their best interest.

Q: How has building your business as a husband-and-wife team shaped your clients’ experience?
A: Our partnership is built on trust, communication, and putting people first. Clients benefit from two perspectives—Brad naturally connects with certain conversations and Shannon with others—helping everyone feel comfortable and understood. Many clients have become close friends with whom we’ve shared dinners, travel, and important milestones.

Our licensed assistant, Vanessa Tarry, keeps every detail organized. Shannon leads many showings and daily client interactions, while Brad focuses on business development, negotiations, and new opportunities. Together, we provide three dedicated professionals delivering responsive, first-class service.

Q: How do you help clients find the right lifestyle?
A: We begin with lifestyle—the house comes second. Luxury may mean keeping a boat behind the house, walking the beach each morning, joining a world-class golf community, or finding the right schools.

In the Palm Beaches, the community is often more important than the property. We help clients understand each area’s culture, amenities, social atmosphere, and financial commitments. Only after discovering where they want to live do we focus on what they want to live in.

Q: Looking back, what legacy do you hope you’ve created for your clients and the market?
A: We love what we do and expect to advise clients for as long as we can. But if we had to define our legacy, we hope people remember that Brad and Shannon Ball always did the right thing—even when no one was watching.

We don’t want to be remembered for the number or value of homes we sold. We want people to say, “If Brad and Shannon gave you their word, you could count on it.” If that’s our legacy, we’ll consider our careers a success.

Frankel-Ball Realty

Brad Ball
561.373.8700

Shannon Ball
904.945.8484
bradandshannon@frankel-realty.com
bradandshannonball.com

Dory Faxon & Geraldine Skanko

Real Estate Advisors

Q: As a team, what do you believe has been the key to building such a successful partnership, and how does working together ultimately benefit your clients?
A: Our partnership works because we genuinely complement one another. We each bring different strengths to the table, but we share the same values—integrity, responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. There’s never any ego; it’s always about what’s best for the people we represent. Having two experienced professionals involved means our clients benefit from constant communication, broader market knowledge, and personalized attention throughout every step of the transaction. We truly believe that together we’re stronger than we are individually.

Q: You specialize in some of South Florida’s most sought-after luxury, golf, and waterfront communities. What continues to draw buyers to this market, and what trends are you seeing today?
A: Palm Beach County continues to attract buyers because it offers an incredible lifestyle. World-class golf, beautiful waterfront properties, exceptional dining, private clubs, boating, and year-round sunshine create a combination that’s difficult to find anywhere else. We’re also seeing buyers prioritize lifestyle over square footage. They want wellness amenities, privacy, newer construction, lock-and-leave convenience, and communities that foster a sense of connection. Inventory in the luxury market remains limited in many of the most desirable neighborhoods, which continues to support strong demand.

Q: Luxury real estate is about much more than buying and selling homes. How do you create an experience that makes clients feel confident and cared for throughout the process?
A: For us, luxury service is really about trust. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions someone can make, so communication is everything. We believe our clients should always know what’s happening, understand their options, and feel like they have trusted advisors guiding them—not salespeople. We anticipate needs before they arise, solve problems proactively, and remain accessible throughout the process. Our goal is that when the transaction is over, our clients feel they gained lifelong advisors and friends.

Q: In a business built on relationships, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your clients throughout your careers?
A: We’ve learned that listening is far more important than talking. Every client has different priorities, motivations, and goals, and taking the time to truly understand those priorities allows us to provide better guidance and better results. We’ve also learned that trust is earned through consistency, honesty, and always doing what you say you’re going to do. Those relationships often extend well beyond the closing table, and that’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Q: As you look ahead, what excites you most about the future of your business and the evolving luxury real estate market in Palm Beach County?
A: Palm Beach County continues to evolve in exciting ways. New private clubs, luxury developments, exceptional restaurants, and continued investment in the area are attracting buyers from around the world. We’re especially excited to continue growing our presence in the communities we know best while expanding relationships with both local and international clients. No matter how the market changes, there will always be demand for knowledgeable advisors who understand not only the real estate, but the lifestyle that comes with it. Being able to help people find that perfect fit is what continues to inspire us every day.

Compass

Dory Faxon
401.965.7530
dory.faxon@compass.com

Geraldine Stanko
561.603.6730
geraldine.stanko@compass.com
www.faxonandstanko.com

Marius Fortelni

Developer, Forté Luxe

Q: With more than 40 years of international experience in real estate development, construction, and finance, what first drew you to the industry—and what continues to inspire you today?
A: Real estate has always been part of my life. I grew up in Austria watching my mother develop properties, and from an early age she taught me that every great project begins with vision, perseverance and the willingness to take a calculated risk. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career, from Europe and the Middle East to New York and South Florida. What continues to inspire me is the opportunity to create places that improve the way people live. Every property presents a new challenge, and I still enjoy imagining what something can become long before anyone else sees its potential.

Q: Your career has taken you from the New York metropolitan area, including Manhattan and the Hamptons, to South Florida. How have those distinct markets shaped your approach to luxury development?
A: Every market has its own character, and I believe a successful developer has to respect that rather than force a formula. New York taught me the value of exceptional design, quality craftsmanship and maximizing every square foot. South Florida, on the other hand, is defined by its connection to the outdoors and the waterfront. Luxury here is about light, views and lifestyle as much as architecture. Those experiences came together at Forté Luxe, where we created homes that embrace the natural beauty of the site while delivering the level of quality and sophistication buyers expect from a luxury residence.

Q: Forté Luxe reflects your passion for great architecture and unique real estate assets. How do your personal tastes and experiences influence the way you envision a project?
A: I’ve always believed architecture should be beautiful, timeless and purposeful. It’s easy to create something different, but creating something that feels authentic and lasting requires balance and restraint. I become involved from the earliest stages of every project because I believe every decision matters, from how a building is positioned on the site to how natural light moves through a residence. At Forté Luxe, my goal was to create homes that feel elegant without being overstated and that allow the waterfront to remain the centerpiece of the experience.

Q: After four decades in the industry, what does Forté Luxe represent in your personal journey—and what do you hope it contributes to the future of luxury waterfront living in South Florida?
A: Forté Luxe represents the culmination of everything I’ve learned throughout my career. It combines an extraordinary waterfront setting with timeless architecture, thoughtful planning and an unwavering commitment to quality. I’ve been fortunate to work on projects around the world, yet opportunities to create something this distinctive are incredibly rare. My hope is that Forté Luxe will be remembered not simply as another luxury community, but as one that respected its surroundings, elevated waterfront living and demonstrated that boutique developments can create some of the most meaningful and enduring places to call home.

Forté Luxe

Completion End of 2026
561.440.6103
info@forte-development.com
forte-luxe.net

Donna Hutchins

Senior Director of Sales

Q: Your career has spanned more than two decades across some of the country’s most competitive luxury markets. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about serving high-end buyers and sellers?
A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that luxury real estate is really about people, not just properties. High-end transactions involve significant emotions, complex negotiations, and substantial financial decisions. My clients place an incredible amount of trust in me.

My role is to stay calm when emotions run high, anticipate challenges before they become problems, and keep the transaction moving forward as smoothly as possible. If challenges arise, I handle the stress rather than transferring it to my clients. They’re busy and have entrusted me to handle the details, solve issues behind the scenes, and guide them with confidence.

Every client has different goals, and taking the time to truly listen makes all the difference. Luxury buyers and sellers expect experience, discretion, and someone who can confidently navigate even the most complicated situations. At the end of the day, trust and long-term relationships are far more important than any single transaction.

Q: What do you believe has been the key to building lasting relationships with your clients throughout your career?
A: Without question, it’s trust. My clients know I genuinely care about them and that my commitment doesn’t end at the closing table. I’m there long after the transaction is complete, whether they need advice, a recommendation, or simply someone they can count on.

Being accessible has always been important to me. When my clients call, they get me—not an assistant or a call center. Real estate is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions people make, and they deserve someone who is responsive, dependable, and invested in making the process as seamless as possible.

Over the years, many of my clients have become close friends, and there’s no greater compliment than earning their trust and having them refer their family and friends to me.

Q: Today’s luxury buyers and sellers have more information than ever before. What value does an experienced advisor bring that technology alone cannot replace?
A: Technology has changed real estate and given buyers and sellers access to more information than ever before. I embrace it—AI, digital advertising, and social media are valuable tools that help me market properties and reach buyers. But technology can’t replace experience, relationships, market knowledge, and good judgment.

I work personally with my buyers and sellers and understand property values beyond what you can find online. Through years of building relationships, I’m also often aware of off-market opportunities that may never be publicly listed.

Strong negotiation comes from experience—understanding the dynamics of a deal, anticipating challenges, finding solutions, and protecting my client’s best interests. Technology is an incredible tool, but experience, knowledge, relationships, and personal interaction truly make the difference.

Q: As you look ahead, what excites you most about the future of Jupiter’s luxury real estate market and your role in it?
A: Jupiter continues to attract people from all over the country because of its incredible lifestyle, beautiful waterfront, world-class golf, and sense of community. It’s exciting to see the area continue to grow while still maintaining the charm that makes it so special. I’m looking forward to continuing to help buyers and sellers navigate this market and introducing more people to everything this amazing community has to offer.

Douglas Elliman