With a career spanning over four decades and nearly $2 billion in real estate sales, Rick Bertel has made a significant mark in the commercial real estate industry, building a legacy rooted in both Wall Street rigor and real estate innovation. Rick began his professional journey on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, where he quickly honed his financial acumen. However, his passion and drive for a more tangible impact led him to pivot toward commercial real estate, a decision that would shape the course of his career and countless developments along Florida’s East Coast and beyond.

Rick has been involved in some of the most prominent commercial deals across Florida, from the sale of Walt Disney World properties to major transactions involving shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, and well-known restaurant chains. His experience is also marked by his extensive work in residential subdivision development, having led the creation of over a dozen large communities with 100+ homes each. In collaboration with leading home builders, such as Engel Homes, Holiday Builders, and DR Horton, Rick located and acquired prime properties, transforming these visions into thriving neighborhoods.

Rick’s expertise goes beyond residential developments. His ventures have expanded to waterfront condominiums and townhouse communities throughout Florida, where he has overseen every stage, from initial planning and construction to sales and successful closings. During the 1990s, his ambitions took him to new heights with the development of a private island in the picturesque Eleuthera area of the Bahamas, marking a unique chapter in his dynamic career.

As a former Coldwell Banker franchise owner and commercial agent with Sotheby’s, Rick has developed a diverse and resilient business portfolio. For the past eight years, he has leveraged his experience as a leader at FHRM Commercial, a division of Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage, one of the largest real estate corporations in Florida. Here, he pioneered a robust commercial real estate division designed specifically to empower motivated residential agents with the tools and support needed to achieve success in the commercial market. This innovative program enables residential agents to participate in commercial transactions with minimal effort or, for those interested, provides a path to becoming fully-fledged commercial specialists.

Rick’s industry affiliations include membership in ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) and collaborations with influential entities such as The Shopping Center Group. His portfolio boasts transactions with national and regional brands, including CVS Pharmacy, Texas Roadhouse, and Ford’s Garage, all expanding across the state of Florida with Rick’s strategic expertise.

Today, Rick is proud to support a growing team of 2,800 residential associates, bridging the gap between residential and commercial real estate in groundbreaking ways. With nearly $2 billion in total sales under his leadership, his vision is clear: to make commercial real estate accessible to motivated agents eager to diversify, whether they seek active involvement or a passive role through his trusted network. For those who choose the latter, Rick and his team are ready to manage the entire transaction, ensuring a seamless experience that culminates in a well-earned commission check.