PROFILE Exclusive Podcast with Real Estate Investor Robert Rivani of Black Lion Investment Group [Full Youtube Interview]

PROFILEmiami co-founder Demetri Demascus had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with real estate investor the founder and CEO of Black Lion Investment Group, to discuss the South Florida real estate market. We joined Robert at his beautiful home in Miami to discuss how he has taken Miami by storm, successfully investing over $250 million into Miami commercial real estate over the past several years. In this PROFILE Exclusive interview with Robert we explore the current state of the Miami real estate market, what factors are influencing the future of the market, Miami’s culinary and entertainment scene, his investment strategy, portfolio and why he moved his family to the Magic City.

Robert Rivani, President of Black Lion Investment Group, is an American entrepreneur, retail entertainment innovator and real estate visionary. The real estate and hospitality visionary has invested over $250 million into Miami real estate in the past few years and is venturing into the commercial office sector with his largest and most ambitious acquisition to date, the $62.5 million purchase of ‘The Lincoln’ in Miami Beach. Following the acquisition of ‘The Lincoln’ Robert has plans to invest an additional $50 million to reimagine the property into ‘Class X’, an innovative concept that aims to redefine luxury and service standards in the office industry. Named the ‘Rivani’, the reimagination will deliver a meticulously-designed, highly amenitized experiential office and retail property that transcends the standard, mundane office space.

Born in 1990, Rivani sold his first company–a footwear business–for $150,000 when he was only a teenager. From there, he went on to participate in day trading, only to lose most of his earnings. It was this first foray into the stock market that taught him patience and deliberation when it comes to investing. During the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009, Rivani worked at his family’s property management firm. He soon realized that there were opportunities in buying, flipping and re-selling inexpensive buildings in areas in need of development. He began doing this in Georgia, and then expanded to Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas.

Over time, he would perfect his business model and the art of the 1031 exchange. Rivani became increasingly interested in finding vacant or abandoned sites and transforming them into thriving retail and entertainment destinations. Throughout each process, Rivani always made it a goal to create ways to benefit the community. In 2014, Rivani created Black Lion Investment Group. He named it Black Lion because he feels he is the trend-bucking black sheep of the real estate world, and the lion is his favorite animal. To date, the company has transacted on over $500 million in real estate deals across the United States. Year over year, Rivani and Black Lion have consistently doubled their growth.

“I’m not your typical developer and owner, and never wanted to be. We have strong ambitions as a company, and are not afraid to take risks in this burgeoning new climate for entertainment and lifestyle real estate. As we begin to expand our portfolio, we are going to change the way it's done. I don’t follow trends. I want to set them to ensure future success,” says Robert Rivani.

Rivani sees the overlap of retail, entertainment and dining as a new frontier in real estate. Inspired by Miami’s high energy lifestyle, Black Lion presently focuses on entertainment-focused endeavors spanning from Brickell, Edge Water, Downtown, South Beach and all ever-expanding social scenes in South Florida. Through his company, Rivani has recently acquired the restaurant SLS Brickell, SLS LUX tower featuring the hot new restaurant Gekko with famed restaurateur David Grutman, Amara at Paraiso, One Thousand Museum, One Ocean, Marea and Continuum– all high profile restaurant spaces.

Furthermore, Rivani also has also developed a one of a kind property located in the heart of Wynwood, Miami’s famed creative hub. He acquired the property Wynwood Jungle to achieve this dream by dynamically changing the façade, look and feel of the center including building a 10,000 SF rooftop, all of which garnished 100% occupancy within 12 months of acquisition.

Rivani plans to invest another $100+ million into South Florida in the next year, as companies and individuals alike continue to relocate to the area from across the country. Rivani’s plans are certainly not limited to South Florida as Black Lion Investment Group has owned properties in 14 states. A historical and current profitable business model continues to be the retail power centers. Black Lion Investment Group currently owns a 300K+ SF center in New Jersey and a 100K SF center in Arizona. An early riser and a dedicated athlete (namely tennis and basketball), Rivani credits his disciplined routine for part of his success. His interests in life include spending time with his wife, traveling the world, and enjoying culinary adventures. Rivani has recently enjoyed his move to make Miami his primary home.

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 9 Featuring Jacques Bessoudo of Galium Capital

Season 1 Episode 9 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Jacques Bessoudo of Galium Capital. Jacques serves as Managing Partner of Galium Capital, a Miami-based private equity group which he founded in 2018. Galium Capital invests in and manages over $600 million of commercial property in major markets across the United States. Galium Capital’s portfolio comprises of multifamily, office, and retail assets across various major national markets including Houston, Palm Beach and Washington DC, amongst others.

Previous to founding Galium Capital Jacques oversaw the management of over 200 single-family homes across South Florida and spent eight years with The Boston Consulting Group, one of the top global strategy consulting firms. Jacques holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a BA in Finance from ITESM.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

This Podcast is Presented By:

ONE Sotheby's International Realty Launches Luxury Podcast Series

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has launched the ‘The New Luxury’ Podcast Series. The leading luxury brokerage along Florida’s East Coast created the podcast to give their sales agents valuable insights, strategies and ideas through informative and inspiring discussions. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty will invite leaders from some of the world’s most iconic and emerging luxury brands to discuss the innovative ways in which they are navigating this ever-evolving marketplace. Episode 1 will feature Mayi de la Vega, founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to effectively connect with our agents,” said de la Vega. “Our sales associates are always on the go, visiting properties and meeting clients. A podcast offers an energizing avenue to share new ideas, and give agents access to some of the luxury world’s most influential minds.”

Other confirmed speakers for Season 1 include Glenn Gonzales, founder and CEO of Jet It; Janice O’Leary, Executive Editor of Robb Report; and senior executives from brands such as Shinola and Holman Motorcars. Season 1 will also feature Daniel de la Vega, President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, who will discuss the global appeal of branded residences.

“Featuring luxury perspectives beyond real estate is key,” said Isadora Badi, Senior Vice President of Marketing at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “That brings diversity of thought to the show. We are looking to other industries for new strategies and technology and then connecting the dots with lessons we can apply to our own business.”

Podcasts have boomed in popularity in recent years. Over 78% of Americans are familiar with podcasting and more Americans listen to podcasts than have Netflix accounts. Monthly podcast listeners have grown 61.5% in the past 3 years.

How to Listen/Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-luxury/id1603758456

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CT4T5GgrLeioBgtWDgRV8

iHeart Radio Podcasts: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-new-luxury-91279781/

OMNY Show Page: https://omny.fm/shows/the-new-luxury

This article was produced in partnership with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 8 Featuring Ronny Finvarb of Finvarb Group

Season 1 Episode 8 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Ronny Finvarb of Finvarb Group. Ronny Finvarb is Principal of the Finvarb Group, a real estate development and investment company specializing in developing and owning award-winning hospitality projects including mixed-use hotels in premium urban locations and in emerging and underserved markets throughout the United States. The Finvarb Group portfolio includes multiple Marriott-branded hotels in Florida, Texas and Arizona.

Ronny recently developed the Kimpton Palomar South Beach which serves as a gateway to Miami’s Sunset Harbor neighborhood and is home to Osteria Morini which just won “Best Italian Restaurant” and “Best Brunch” in Miami. Ronny also just broke ground on the highly-anticipated Thompson South Beach.

Ronny holds B.B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Miami and is a member of The Florida Bar. He previously served as Executive Director of Business & Legal Affairs for two publicly-traded companies, including a division of General Electric (NYSE: GE), and also for one of the largest privately-held media, entertainment, telecommunications, technology and consumer products organizations in the world, the Cisneros Group. Ronny is also an active member of YPO, the premier leadership organization of chief executives in the world as well as is a member of the University of Miami Master of Real Estate Development and Urbanism (MRED+U) Advisory Board.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

This Podcast is Presented By:

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 7 Featuring Ryan Shear of PMG

Season 1 Episode 7 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Ryan Shear, Managing Partner of PMG. PMG is a national real estate development firm with offices in Miami and Manhattan, specializing in new construction commercial and residential projects. For nearly 30 years, PMG has led the acquisition, financing, development, construction, and marketing for 85 residential buildings and over 150 real estate projects including 111 West 57, Muse Sunny Isles, Echo Brickell, and X Miami, amongst others. PMG is currently developing The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami, E11EVEN Residences and Society Biscayne.

A Miami-native, Ryan is responsible for all company operations. Ryan was personally trained by PMG founder Kevin Maloney after arriving at PMG shortly after college. He currently manages a growing portfolio of over $10 billion worth of real estate assets. Ryan oversees PMG’s developments across the United States, which primarily includes ground up Condo and Multifamily projects in core cities such Miami, New York, Denver, Phoenix, Orlando and more.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

This Podcast is Presented By:

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 6 Featuring Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures

Season 1 Episode 6 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Dev Motwani of Merrimac Ventures. Dev serves as Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale based real estate firm that focuses on value-add investment and development opportunities. Property types owned and operated include hotels, condos, retail, office and rental apartments primarily in South Florida but also throughout the United States.

Dev is also Founder and Managing Partner of Ramesh Properties, a distressed real estate investment fund focused on opportunistic investments in residential and commercial development sites throughout South Florida. He currently oversees nearly $750 million in development projects. Current projects include the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences, as well as Las Olas Riverfront, all in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Dev is Founder and Managing Partner of Chieftain Residential, a yield-oriented distressed residential fund purchasing single-family homes, and residential land, primarily in the Southeast US and Texas. The fund aims to balance current income opportunities through the rental markets for its single-family home inventory, while also targeting capital appreciation in single family homes and land as the US Residential Market continues to rebound.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

This Podcast is Presented By:

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 5 Featuring Robert Rivani of Black Lion Investment Group

Season 1 Episode 5 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Robert Rivani, Founder and President of Black Lion Investment Group. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Black Lion Investment Group is a real estate investment firm focused on development and redevelopment of retail, hospitality, office, and mixed-use assets in several high-growth markets such as Arizona and South Florida. Black Lion recently acquired several high-profile properties in Miami, spending over $38 million in just 60 days while acquiring Wynwood Arcade, Amara at Paraiso and the former Katsuya space in SLS Lux Brickell Hotel & Residences. As President of Black Lion Investment Group, Robert is responsible for acquisitions, strategic direction, sourcing investment opportunities, capital markets and operations for the firm. Black Lion plans to deploy $50-100 million in additional capital in South Florida in the coming months.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

This Podcast is Presented By:

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 4 Featuring Oren Alexander of The Alexander Team

Season 1 Episode 4 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Oren Alexander of The Alexander Team. Oren is the co-founder of The Alexander Team, an internationally recognized, record-breaking luxury real estate sales team with over $5 billion in total sales and $1.5 billion in sales to date in 2021. Oren runs The Alexander Team with his brother Tal, operating in Miami, New York, Hamptons and Aspen. Oren has broken the records for highest sale price for single-family home and condo in Miami, and facilitated the #1 sale in Miami for 2019. Oren also has a proven track record of representing world-renowned developers for their pre-construction condo sales including Alan Faena and Len Blavatnik with Faena House, and David Martin’s Terra Group at Eighty Seven Park. Oren is also co-founder of The Alexander Group, one of Miami’s leading ultra-luxury spec home developers, having developed homes with his father Shlomy Alexander in Miami’s Indian Creek and Bal Harbour neighborhoods including the record breaking 3 Indian Creek and 252 Bal Bay Drive.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 3 Featuring Scott Sherman of Tricera Capital

Season 1 Episode 3 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Scott Sherman, co-founder and Managing Partner of Tricera Capital, which he founded with Ben Mandell in 2017. Based in Miami, FL, Tricera Capital is a private equity real estate investment firm focused on value-add, urban retail investments within the United States. Tricera has acquired over 25 retail and mixed-use assets totaling roughly 1.7 million SF, with roughly $200 million assets under management.

Tricera Capital is currently developing The Dorsey in Wynwood, in partnership with Related Group and LNDMRK Development, as well as redeveloping the former Palm Beach Post campus into The Press, a mixed-use office and retail property in West Palm Beach. Other current developments include Soleste Cityline Apartments, Paseo Miami and 4112 NE 1st Ave. in Miami Design District. Tricera Capital also recently acquired The Cube in Wynwood as well as the Las Olas Riverfront.

As Managing Partner of Tricera, Scott is responsible for strategic direction, sourcing investment opportunities, capital markets and operations for the firm. Previous to launching Tricera, Scott was Vice President of Acquisitions at Thor Equities, where he completed in excess of $2 Billion of closed deals. Prior to Thor, Scott was the Director of acquisitions at Becker Brothers.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

PROFILE Exclusive Podcast Season 1 Episode 2 Featuring Kobi Karp of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

Season 1 Episode 2 of the PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami features Kobi Karp, Founder & Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, which he founded in 1996. Based in Wynwood, Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design is a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing a vast array of services on projects, ranging from the design of large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects to intimate, low-rise residential and commercial structures. Kobi's restoration design techniques have contributed to a renaissance in one of this country’s most cherished areas, Miami Beach’s Art Deco District which is internationally recognized around the world. Kobi is behind many of the most iconic designs driving around Miami including the The Surf Club Four Seasons, Palazzo Del Sol Fisher Island, Cadillac Courtyard Miami Beach and Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale. He is currently designing the transformation of the historic Raleigh Hotel is South Beach.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast by PROFILEmiami, the leader in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content, profiles and gets intimate with the movers and shakers in the South Florida real estate industry. Throughout the series we will interview and get inside the minds of South Florida's top developers, investors, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast is hosted by Demetri Demascus Co-Founder of PROFILEmiami and Director of Business Development at private equity group Galium Capital as well as Katya Demina, Co-Founder of PROFILEmimai and Development Associate at development firm Royal Palm Companies.

The PROFILE Exclusive Podcast now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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