Meet the 2024 Power Leaders in Real Estate
Profiles of this year’s Power Leaders in Real Estate and Power Brokers in Residential Real Estate and Commercial Real Estate revealed as much about the individuals as they did the South Florida market.
From the economic turmoil dating back to the Great Recession through the fallout of the pandemic and the current high interest rates that create an undercurrent of uncertainty, these real estate professionals have proven themselves as resilient as the market they work and live in.
They are bullish, optimistic and focused on creating communities that help elevate South Florida’s built environment and its residents’ quality of life.
Their commitment to quality and focus on the future – including delivery of much-needed workforce housing – helps drive the region’s shared prosperity. In short, it’s what makes them Power Leaders and Power Brokers.
Asi Cymbal
Chairman, Cymbal DLT Cos.
Miami
Cymbal has over 30 years of experience in real estate development, construction, finance and law. His firm is currently spearheading a portfolio totaling over $2 billion. It is completing Laguna Gardens, a 341-unit, garden-style community in Miami Gardens.
Birthplace: Petach Tikva, Israel
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Vassar College; JD, UCLA School of Law
I went into real estate because of: My mom. She went from being a bookkeeper to a multifamily investor, and that got the family off of food stamps.
The deal that made me: I was fortunate to turn $2 million into $11 million in 24 months on a note acquisition in the Miami Design District. That $2 million is now worth over $180 million.
South Florida’s next hot market: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Best advice ever received: Open your heart.
Bucket list: Exposing my children to the world and different cultures when they are ready.
Hector Torres
CEO, Cymbal DLT Group of Companies
Miami
Torres has over 40 years of experience in delivering complex developments spanning 3.5 million square feet across South Florida, and restoring major projects in New York City.
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Education: Advanced master’s development program in real estate, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
South Florida’s next hot market: Fort Lauderdale and, broadly, Broward County
Best advice ever received: Real estate is never about location; it is always about timing.
First job: Director of construction and development with Cabi Developers
Most lasting business lesson learned: It’s never about how much money you make; it’s only about how much money you keep.
Latest binge: “The Flight of the Monarch Butterfly” on Netflix
Most grateful for: Our natural world
