On this episode we share a drink with Jay Newman — one of the driving forces behind some of the most iconic luxury hotels and branded residences in the country.

Before he was leading projects like Amangiri, Montage, and the Four Seasons, Jay was a freshly minted college grad with a law degree, a curious mind, and a few good friends in a VW bus headed across the country. That trip landed them at the 1976 Montreal Olympics — and eventually launched Jay into a career that bridges real estate, hospitality, and the legal world.

We talk about:

• Jay’s early career as an attorney and what pulled him into development
• How Athens Group turns overlooked sites into world-class destinations
• What it really takes to build in the ultra-luxury space
• And why patience, partnerships, and purpose are more critical than hype

This one has it all — cocktails, road trips, five-star design, and a grounded perspective on what it takes to bring luxury to life.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram - we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn

We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.