Nick Rojo, the co-founder and president of Affiliated Development, died this week at age 44, prompting an outpouring of tributes across South Florida’s real estate community. Rojo helped build more than 2,000 apartments and guided major mixed-use and affordable-housing projects while becoming known for his leadership, integrity and commitment to local communities.
Key takeaways
- Rojo co-founded Affiliated Development in 2015 with CEO Jeff Burns.
- The company has developed or participated in projects representing roughly $1.5 billion in investment.
- His career included work in acquisitions, financing and multifamily development.
- A cause of death has not been disclosed, and Affiliated said its operations will continue.
A developer with a broad South Florida footprint
Rojo was a Palm Beach County native who spent more than 15 years in commercial real estate. Through Affiliated, he helped deliver multifamily and mixed-use developments in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lake Worth Beach, West Palm Beach and Sunrise.
The company’s work included 13 public-private partnerships and projects designed to serve areas with limited housing options. Its developments have expanded the supply of apartments while incorporating affordability and community-oriented uses.
Career shaped by finance and entrepreneurship
Rojo graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 2006 with a degree focused on finance and new and small business management. He also played four years of football at the university. After beginning his career as an analyst at Wachovia Securities, he launched Mako Capital LLC, which acquired and renovated single-family and multifamily properties in South Florida.
In 2015, he partnered with Burns to establish Affiliated Development. Their strategy centered on mixed-use multifamily projects, particularly in underserved communities, helping the firm become one of the region’s active developers.
Industry leaders remember Rojo
Burns announced Rojo’s death in a statement shared on the company’s LinkedIn account, describing his partner as an exceptional business leader, loyal friend and brilliant mind. Burns said Rojo’s influence would continue through the company and the communities it serves, adding that Affiliated would support his family.
Jaime Sturgis, founder of Native Realty, also remembered Rojo as an exceptionally genuine person. Sturgis’ firm worked with Affiliated to lease the ground floor of a 400-unit Fort Lauderdale mixed-use development to Spot Market. He said Rojo left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Projects continue amid the loss
Affiliated recently broke ground on The Cove, a 376-unit Fort Lauderdale development supported by a $74 million construction loan from Pacific Life Insurance Co. The Live Local Act project is expected to keep 55% of its units income-restricted.
The company said its team remains focused on honoring existing commitments and advancing its development pipeline. Beyond real estate, Rojo served on the Broward County Sheriff’s Advisory Council and the board of the West Palm Beach Police Athletic League, extending his civic involvement beyond his professional work.
Sources
- Prolific South Florida Developer Nick Rojo Dies At 44, Bisnow.
- Nick Rojo, Affiliated Development co-founder, dies at 44, The Business Journals.