Movers & Shakers: Elliman’s Exclusive Group Expands to Vero

In the latest roundup of personnel moves, firms across South Florida’s real estate industry are ramping up hiring.

Douglas Elliman’s Exclusive Group, led by Gary Pohrer, Nick Malinosky and Devin Kay, added Michael Merrill to the team, according to a press release. Merrill has been based out of Elliman’s Vero Beach office since it opened in 2022. Pohrer, Malinosky and Kay launched the Exclusive Group in South Florida last year after closing more than $100 million in deals together.

Compass brought in commercial agent Jean McCoy Phillips from Douglas Elliman, a press release shows. McCoy Phillips will be based in the brokerage’s Palm Beach office.

Russell Galbut’s GFO Investments hired Rick Berendsen as general manager for the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, according to a press release. Berendsen was previously complex general manager at Sonesta Hotels in Atlanta, overseeing 550 rooms and over 31,000 square feet of conference space, the release shows. The Gale has 240 units, some of which are condo-hotel units, and 70,000 square feet of amenities.

Marcus & Millichap hired Victor M. Garcia as regional manager in its Miami office, a press release shows. In his new role, Garcia will oversee brokerage operations, including recruiting, hiring and training of agents. He was previously a managing director at Crexi for three years.

In Palm Beach, real estate investment firm Township Capital hired Damon Rein as head of investor relations, according to a press release. Rein was previously a registered representative with Fort Ghent Brokerage in New York City, and has worked in the venture capital and hedge fund sector for more than 30 years, the release and LinkedIn show.