UGO COLOMBO

FOUNDER & CEO, CMC GROUP, MIAMI

CMC Group is a Miami-based real estate development firm founded by Ugo Colombo in 1986. Known for shaping Miami’s skyline with landmark projects like Santa Maria, EPIC and Brickell Flatiron, CMC specializes in luxury residential developments that emphasize timeless design and enduring value. With over three decades of experience, the firm remains deeply engaged in the civic and cultural life of South Florida while delivering architecturally significant buildings that define the region’s urban landscape.

EDUCATION: University of Miami (BS)

FIRST JOB: While I was in college at the University of Miami, I was working to manage some of the Miami properties of a few of my dad’s Italian friends. Working in property management is what brought the Miami real estate market into focus for me. It made me aware of a need I felt I could fulfill. In Europe, luxury homes were synonymous with condos, and in Miami that was lacking. I saw a chance to build what was missing.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I love dogs. I would never ban dogs from my buildings. I currently have four, and when I went to Iceland a couple of years ago, I even brought one home. I bring them to work with me sometimes.

HOBBIES: I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I love heliskiing, race car driving, dirt bike riding. I used to race boats in the '80s. If it moves fast and is a little dangerous and probably a bit inadvisable … I like it.

INDUSTRY TREND: Branded residences. The impact we are seeing branded residences have in our market was something that I think took our industry by surprise. The Four Seasons was a pioneer in this sector, but now we are seeing so many brands try to expand into residences, and we’re seeing buyers respond to it. All businesses have always understood the power of a brand, but in real estate, it has never been more evident than it is today.