DEV MOTWANI

MANAGING PARTNER, MERRIMAC VENTURES, FORT LAUDERDALE

Merrimac Ventures is a family-owned real estate company focused on luxury hospitality, residential and mixed-use developments. The company and its principals are active in supporting numerous nonprofits. Motwani’s parents started the company nearly 40 years ago, and the family has been involved in the transformation of a once-blighted area of Fort Lauderdale Beach into a luxury family-friendly tourism destination, home to hospitality brands from the Four Seasons to the Conrad and beyond. He and his brother have run the business for the last 20 years. EDUCATION: Duke University (BS), Columbia University (MS) FIRST JOB: Front desk clerk at our first motel, The Merrimac, at age 8. DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: Professional tennis player SOMETHING SURPRISING: I put on the annual Fort Lauderdale Air Show. HOBBY: I love to travel to new places and explore local cultures. To me, there’s no better way to learn than to experience firsthand. NONPROFIT PASSION: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts. It has a major impact on our community in many ways including supporting the arts, promoting economic development and, most importantly, we run the largest arts in education program in the country. I currently serve as vice chair of the Foundation Board. INDUSTRY TREND: Flexible living and short-term rental residential units are making units more affordable by offering buyers and renters alternative income options.