Recognized Luxury Property Management Leaders 2025

Kristan de Graaf is the founder of Elite Rentals Dubai, known for its luxury cars and yachts, including Dubai’s only Lamborghini Yacht. He was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30. Since 2019, Kristan and his brother Julian have built a fleet of 90+ luxury cars and yachts. Kristan also flips Dubai mansions, turning them into top-selling homes. Kristan’s work sets new standards in luxury.

Julian de Graaf is the co-founder of Elite Rentals Dubai, overseeing a fleet of high-end cars and yachts, including Dubai's exclusive Lamborghini Yacht. Since 2019, Julian and his partner Kristan have expanded their collection to more than 90 luxury vehicles and vessels. Julian is also known for transforming Dubai’s luxury real estate, flipping mansions into record-setting properties. Julian’s vision and dedication fuel the success of his luxury ventures.

With over 15 years in New York City’s luxury real estate market, Mukul “Micky” Lalchandani, managing broker of Undivided, specializes in modern luxury condominiums and new construction properties. Since 2022, Micky and his team have assisted over 130 clients, saving them more than $5.7 million. His clear communication and personalized service ensure clients feel confident throughout the buying process. By identifying exclusive listings, including off-market opportunities, and efficiently managing transactions, Micky allows clients to focus on their personal and professional commitments. Micky’s dedication to excellence is evident through his numerous accolades, including: • Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - NYC, 2024 • RealTrends “2023 Best Real Estate Professional,” ranked #56 in Manhattan & #134 in New York State • Level Group’s “Creative Steward Award” in 2018 • USA Property Awards’ “Best Real Estate Agency Marketing” for 2016-2017 • Featured agent on HGTV’s “House Hunters” Micky is also a distinguished speaker on real estate marketing, sharing his expertise at industry conferences and contributing to top publications. Additionally, he is a content creator on YouTube, where he shares exclusive property tours, neighborhood spotlights, and insider tips to help you find your perfect home. He has over 40,000 subscribers and uploads weekly videos packed with actionable advice to stay ahead in the competitive luxury real estate market. Holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Boston University and LEED accreditation, Micky is committed to eco-friendly building practices. As an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), he stays current on industry trends and best practices.

Hassan Morcel is an established specialist in travel and tourism, real estate investment, and interior design for vacation rentals. As the founder of three hospitality brands ('Keys Please Holiday Homes' & 'Dubai Short Stay' and 'Beirut Short Stay'), he runs a range of high performing vacation properties within Dubai. With personal experience in overseeing guest operations, generating rental ROI and producing spaces that generate 5-star reviews, Hassan brings a level of deep practical knowledge about how the three industries intersect.

I'm a seasoned real estate investor, stager, and designer, with extensive experience in conducting deals across North America. Over the years, I’ve built and run four successful house-buying companies, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of real estate. My expertise has earned me mentions in hundreds of publications such as Men's Journal, Zapier, and Bustle, covering a range of topics including finance, sales, real estate, and home décor. Whether it's buying and selling homes or discussing market trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to every conversation.

My name is Chad Phillis. I'm a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned real estate investor, and I'm the founder and CEO of Checkmate Rentals—a premier short-term rental management company focused on maximizing revenue, optimizing operations, and delivering unmatched experiences for both guests and property owners. I built Checkmate Rentals to stand apart in an industry often marked by one-size-fits-all solutions and a lack of transparency. With deep expertise in Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Google Vacation Rentals, I recognized that most property management companies treat owners like just another number. That's why I prioritize profitability, transparency, and genuine partnerships, treating each owner like family with tailored strategies and clear financial insights. My hands-on experience in dynamic pricing, listing optimization, and operational automation has helped countless property owners turn their rentals into high-performing, passive income streams while providing exceptional guest experiences. As a trusted thought leader in the short-term rental space, I also advise investors on scaling portfolios, navigating industry regulations, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. By blending market analysis, cutting-edge technology, and a people-first approach, I've redefined what short-term rental management can be—because at Checkmate Rentals, the difference isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the relationships.

As a seasoned finance professional and entrepreneur, I offer a unique perspective that blends rigorous financial analysis with real-world business experience. My career spans various roles in higher education finance, entrepreneurship, and corporate settings, giving me a comprehensive view of today's economic landscape. My expertise allows me to provide insights on a wide range of topics, including budget planning, financial forecasting, entrepreneurship, and the challenges facing modern universities. I can offer data-driven analysis on financial trends, as well as practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, as a local business owner and community member, I can speak to the economic climate and lifestyle of the Bay Area, particularly Marin County. Whether you're looking for expert commentary on financial matters, insights into the world of startups, or a local perspective on Bay Area living, I'm ready to provide clear, informed, and engaging responses to support your reporting.

Adam Chahl is an award-winning Vancouver Real Estate Agent with Oakwyn Realty, a member of the Medallion Club (awarded to the top 10% of agents in Vancouver), and has been empowering people to purchase real estate for many years. Growing up in the UK amidst a family heavily focused on Real Estate Development. Adam has sought out, secured financing, and project managed successful and profitable build projects in the UK, the Caribbean, and here in Beautiful British Columbia. Having a strong business background Adam graduated from Aston Business School in the UK with Honours, he has worked with several large ‘blue chip’ corporations in Project Management and Business Development roles. He actively donates to the Children’s Miracle Network, the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, and is a ‘Big Brother’ with the Urban Native Youth Association.

My name is Humberto Marquez. I am a seasoned real estate investment strategist with a keen eye for spotting high-potential properties and optimizing them for exceptional returns. As the Founder of gethomecash.com, I have redefined property acquisition and management by leveraging innovative Airbnb strategies and a commitment to quality over quantity. My approach ensures that each investment is carefully selected and managed to maximize its full potential. Holding a Texas Real Estate Broker License and backed by five years of hands-on experience in short-term rental management, I have successfully helped over 100 investors secure profitable vacation rental opportunities nationwide. Recognized in numerous publications and trusted by industry leaders, I continue to set new standards in property management and investment excellence.

Paul Herskovitz is the founder and CEO of Discount Lots, a pioneering real estate company dedicated to making land ownership easy and affordable for everyone. Leveraging his extensive background in e-commerce and marketing, Paul established Discount Lots in 2019 with the vision of simplifying the often complex and expensive process of purchasing land. Under his leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth, facilitating thousands of transactions and helping a broad spectrum of buyers—from first-time landowners to seasoned investors—acquire valuable land nationwide. Beyond its commitment to affordable land solutions, Discount Lots plays a key role in tackling the nation’s housing shortage by preparing land for development. By coordinating with local governments and navigating entitlement procedures, the company ensures its properties are well-positioned for new homes and community expansion. Guided by Paul’s expertise in scaling businesses and cultivating strong customer relationships, Discount Lots has become a go-to resource for individuals and developers alike, providing comprehensive support that goes beyond merely selling land. As a result, Paul continues to shape the real estate landscape by championing innovative, customer-centric approaches to property ownership.

Desiree Russo is a Partner and Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations at MasonMade Ventures, where she drives operational excellence across the firm's portfolio of critical infrastructure companies. With nearly two decades of experience in construction and facilities management, Desiree brings extensive expertise in scaling processes, managing operations, and delivering best-in-class service to clients nationwide. Before co-founding MasonMade, Desiree served as Partner and Vice President of Operations at CS Hudson, where she was instrumental in streamlining workflows, exceeding client expectations, and developing internal talent. Earlier in her career, she advanced steadily through leadership roles at a facility management company—starting as a Client Team Manager and ultimately becoming Director of Client Services. She began her professional journey at Empire Facilities Management Group, rising from Coordinator to Supervisor to National Account Manager. Desiree attributes her career growth to a strong work ethic, a focus on operational efficiency, and a people-first leadership philosophy. As a female leader in a historically male-dominated industry, Desiree is known for breaking norms and modeling an inclusive, collaborative. Her leadership is characterized by humility, active listening, and a commitment to continuous improvement—for individuals, teams, and the businesses she helps to scale. She is a two-time recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing her consistent impact in building high-performing teams and lasting client relationships.

Melody “Mel” Stevens is the high-energy CEO and lead designer behind Design On A Dime Interiors—the Greater Houston studio celebrated for magazine-worthy rooms that respect the checkbook. Since opening in 2017 she’s transformed scores of kitchens, baths, and family hubs, pairing Southern warmth with fearless color to deliver “million-buck” looks on sensible budgets. Named City’s Best Interior Designer two years running (2023-24), Mel’s approach has been spotlighted in Best of Home & Garden, where she unpacked her patience-first strategy during a five-phase Lake Conroe remodel. Houston native who first honed her craft at a large remodeling firm, she now leads an all-female Dream Team that blends space-planning savvy, budget-smart sourcing, color psychology, and tight project coordination. Her horticulture training lets her extend the design story outdoors with native, drought-wise plant palettes. Off the jobsite, Mel mentors women in business, cheers at her grandkids’ games, and pens practical design tips for the DOAD blog (start with “The Power of Color in Interior Design”). Ready to swap builder beige for brilliant living? Connect with Mel at designonadimeinteriors.com or on Instagram @doad_interiors.

Innovative eCommerce and digital marketing leader with 15+ years of experience driving multi-million-dollar revenue growth through SEO, paid media, and omnichannel strategies. Proven track record in building high- performing teams and achieving up to 900% organic sales growth. Expertise in eCommerce platforms, customer retention, and performance marketing.