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Legacy: The Legendary Stephen M. Ross on Building a Real Estate Empire and Florida’s Next Great City

August 12, 2025 36 Minute Listen

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Real estate titan Stephen M. Ross shares his bold vision for commercial real estate and West Palm Beach. Ross sees the rising Florida market as a hub for innovation, business activity and entertainment, highlighting strategic investments in healthcare, education and cultural amenities, Ross looks back on an incredible career as a developer and entrepreneur.
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Legacy: The Legendary Stephen M. Ross on Building a Real Estate Empire and ...

August 12, 2025 36 Minute Listen

Legacy: The Legendary Stephen M. Ross on Building a Real Estate Empire and Florida’s Next Great City

 

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Key Takeaways:

  1. West Palm Beach Is Emerging as a Strategic Business Hub: With major investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare, the city is evolving from a back-office market into a front-line destination for corporate headquarters and innovation.

  2. Walkability and Waterfront Access Are Driving Tenant Appeal: The city's urban design, combined with its coastal location, offers a lifestyle advantage that's increasingly important for attracting and retaining top talent.

  3. Class A Office Space Is Thriving Despite National Trends: Premium developments in West Palm Beach are commanding Florida's highest office rents, signaling strong demand from financial and tech firms seeking quality and location.

  4. Inclusive Growth Is Key to Long-Term Value: Investments in workforce housing, K–12 education and cultural amenities are creating a well-rounded ecosystem that supports both occupiers and employees.

  5. Palm Beach County Is Competing with Top Growth Markets: With its favorable business climate, lifestyle advantages and expanding infrastructure, the region is positioning itself alongside cities like Austin, Nashville and Dallas as a top choice for corporate expansion.



Guests

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Stephen M. Ross

CEO and Chairman of Related Ross

Stephen M. Ross is the CEO and Chairman of Related Ross, Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Related Companies, Owner of the Miami Dolphins and a devoted philanthropist. Related Ross is focused on driving transformation growth in South Florida—concentrating on the high-growth areas of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. Mr. Ross formed Related Companies in 1972 and today the company has over $60 billion in real estate assets owned or under development, including mixed-use, residential, retail and office properties in premier high-barrier-to-entry markets. The company is also one of the largest owners and preservationists of affordable housing in the country. Related was recently named one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World by Fast Company Magazine. In 2024, Mr. Ross founded and became Chief Executive of Related Ross, already the largest commercial-property owner in downtown West Palm Beach focused on continued development and inclusive economic growth across South Florida. Mr. Ross is an investor in Equinox® Fitness Clubs, Equinox Hotels and SoulCycle.

Host

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Spencer Levy

Global Client Strategist

Spencer is the Global Client Strategist and Senior Economic Advisor for CBRE, where he plays a central role on the firm’s “Client Care” team, working daily with its largest investor and occupier clients. He brings more than 30 years of experience as a lawyer, investment banker, and leader in research and capital markets leader, with the last 18 years at CBRE.

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