David Martin

CEO, TERRA, MIAMI

Terra is an integrated development firm that works in 16 municipalities across South Florida and has about 80 employees, most of whom work in its Coconut Grove headquarters. To date, the business has amassed a portfolio of more than 5 million square feet of residential and commercial real estate valued in excess of $8 billion across all major real estate asset classes. Martin co-founded the company with his father, Pedro Martin, in 2001. “The firm prioritizes people over profits, often taking a ‘less is more’ approach to development,” Martin says. “Our firm believes green space is a strong community asset and has focused on adding sustainable elements to all of our communities with parks like Canopy Park, Regatta Park, Glades Park, North Shore Open Space, Pace Park, Museum Park and more.”

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BA, MBA, JD)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I’d pass legislation to invest in innovative education solutions and create laws that incentivize municipalities and private sector to invest in water and energy resiliency projects.

MENTOR: My father — he has always created a balance of entrepreneurship/capitalism and ethics/integrity to guide his business decisions.

RECOMMENDED READING: Seth Godin’s blog

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Any CEO that balances financial goals and community goals to ignite action. Stuart Miller, CEO of Lennar, exemplifies this.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: The true character of an individual reveals itself when that person is in a difficult situation.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA
“Hack capitalism to solve societal needs/issues.”