Florida’s real estate market is buzzing with activity as new brokerages emerge and established organizations welcome new leadership. From the launch of a national mortgage executive’s new brokerage to significant appointments within industry associations, the state is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and change.
Key Takeaways
- A new national brokerage, MVRK Real Estate, has launched in Florida with ambitious growth plans.
- Ian Black Real Estate has expanded its Sarasota team with four new hires.
- Leadership changes are occurring within Florida Realtors and the Long Island Board of Realtors.
- Douglas Elliman and SERHANT have also announced key personnel appointments.
MVRK Real Estate Launches with National Ambitions
John Motowidlak, founder and CEO of national mortgage firm Mpire Financial, has launched MVRK Real Estate, headquartered in Orlando. The firm, which began with 10 agents, aims to rapidly scale to 1,000 agents by the end of the year, leveraging experience from growing Mpire Financial. MVRK Real Estate is piloting its concept in Florida with plans for national expansion within two years. The brokerage is focusing on agent recruitment, offering incentives such as company shares for the first 20 qualified team leaders and an 80/20 commission split with revenue sharing options for agents. MVRK also plans to offer a dual licensing program, allowing agents to obtain loan officer licenses in partnership with Mpire Financial, emphasizing transparency and consumer benefit.
Ian Black Real Estate Expands Sarasota Operations
Premier commercial real estate firm Ian Black Real Estate, based in Sarasota, has welcomed four new employees to its growing team. Caitlyn Bench joins as Marketing Assistant, providing support to the sales team. The property management division has been strengthened with the addition of Building Engineers James Smith and Jeremy Turman, and Facilities Maintenance Technician Derryl Wilkinson. These new hires bring a combined wealth of experience to enhance the firm’s services in the Sarasota-Bradenton market.
Leadership Transitions in Industry Associations
Florida Realtors has announced Chuck Bonfiglio as its 2026 president. Bonfiglio, broker/owner of AAA Realty Group, plans to focus on member interests, including taxes, insurance, and affordability, while advocating for clear information for consumers navigating market challenges.
Meanwhile, the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) has installed Shaan Khan as its 85th president for 2026. Khan, broker/owner of RK Realty Group, aims to strengthen the profession, elevate ethical standards, and highlight the value Realtors bring to communities. Yvette Clark Watkins, Renée Hughes, and Mark Donnelly will join Khan on the executive committee.
Executive Appointments Across the Industry
SERHANT, a New York-based brokerage, has appointed Greg Chan as its Chief Technology Officer. Chan, with extensive experience from Microsoft and Amazon, will lead the firm’s technology strategy and AI-driven platform development.
Douglas Elliman has welcomed Nir Perets to lead sales at Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale. Perets brings two decades of experience in South Florida’s residential development market, having generated over $2 billion in career sales.
Sources
- Meet MVRK Real Estate, the latest brokerage launched by a mortgage executive, HousingWire.
- Ian Black Real Estate hires four, growing Sarasota team, Patch.
- SERHANT appoints CTO; Florida Realtors, LIBOR install presidents, RealEstateNews.com.
- Nir Perets joins Douglas Elliman to lead sales at Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale, South Florida Agent Magazine.