Building South Florida: The Vision, Faith, and Growth of BH Group
When people talk about South Florida’s transformation over the last quarter century, they often mention population growth, luxury towers, and global capital flowing into Miami, Palm Beach, and Broward counties. But behind the skyline are individuals who recognized opportunity long before it became obvious. One of those individuals is Isaac Toledano, Founder and CEO of BH Group.
From a modest start as a mortgage broker to leading one of South Florida’s most active real estate development firms, Toledano story mirrors the evolution of Florida itself—from a regional destination for sun and retirement into a global hub for business, finance, and luxury living.
From Israel to Opportunity in America
Isaac Toledano arrived in the United States in 1999 from Israel, carrying ambition, faith, and a willingness to start from the ground up. Like many immigrants, his early years were defined by learning the market, understanding Ameri-
can business culture, and building relationships from scratch.
He began his U.S. career as a mortgage broker in the early 2000s, a role that gave him a front-row seat to how real estate transactions actually worked. While others saw paperwork and commissions, Toledano saw patterns—how properties were valued, how financing unlocked growth, and how timing could turn modest investments into major opportunities.
By 2002, he was investing personally in real estate. His earliest deals were small, but deliberate. Each one was a classroom, teaching lessons about risk, leverage, and patience.
Scaling Up: From Small Deals to Major Developments
By 2004–2005, Toledano had begun working on larger projects, particularly condominium conversions. This period marked a turning point. Instead of operating deal by deal, he began thinking in terms of scale—hundreds and eventually thousands of units.
Condo conversions became
the foundation that propelled BH Group forward. Toledano identified a need in the market and matched it with timing, execution, and what he openly calls mazal—a mix of preparation and good fortune.
About 15 years ago, BH Group expanded decisively into co-development and new construction. That shift required a different mindset: longer timelines, higher risk, more capital, and far greater complexity. It also positioned the company to shape skylines rather than simply participate in them.
BH Group Today: A Portfolio Across South Florida
Today, BH Group manages approximately 35 active projects, ranging from some of the most exclusive addresses in the country to transformative mixed-use developments.
The portfolio includes:
• A billion-dollar project on Fisher Island, one of the most prestigious residential locations in the United States
• Luxury residential developments tied to brands such as
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the Ritz-Carlton Residences in West Palm Beach
• Major projects in Sunny Isles, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and beyond
BH Group’s offices have been based in Aventura for over a decade, while Toledano himself lives in Sunny Isles—a reflection of his commitment to the region he builds in.
South Florida Then vs. Now
Looking back to 1999–2001, Toledano recalls a very different Florida.
“You didn’t see a lot of new faces,” he explains. “The people you knew were your neighbors and coworkers. There wasn’t this constant movement of people coming in.”
Fast-forward 25 years, and the contrast is dramatic. South Florida is now a magnet for:
• Corporate relocations
• Financial powerhouses
• Tech entrepreneurs
• International investors
Major names—from hedge fund leaders to global celebrities—have chosen Florida as home. Counties like Palm Beach are experiencing explosive growth, while Miami has become an international business capital.
Equally important, Toledano notes, is quality of life. Florida is no longer just about beaches and weather. Families see strong schools, safety, and opportunity. Even middle-income earners can enjoy a high standard of living, public beaches, and vibrant communities.
Faith, Family, and Work Ethic
Behind the projects is a deep-
ly personal story. Toledano is the father of eight children and describes himself as a hardworking, faith-driven individual. His belief system plays a central role in how he views success.
“I believe that when God decides something, it will happen,” he says. “You can work seven days a week, 23 hours a day, but if it’s not your time, it’s not your time.”
That belief doesn’t replace effort—it fuels it. Toledano starts early, finishes late, and works alongside his wife, who is deeply involved in both the business and managing their family. Together, they model a message he is passionate about passing on to his children: success comes from effort, humility, and persistence.
The Turning Point: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Every entrepreneur has a moment where the mindset shifts. For Toledano, it wasn’t a single property—it was scale.
The transition into thousands of units through condo conversions marked the moment BH Group moved from opportunistic investing to strategic development. Recognizing unmet demand, structuring deals creatively, and acting decisively allowed the company to grow rapidly while maintaining focus.
Scarcity, Creativity, and the Future of Development
One of the defining challenges in South Florida today is land scarcity—particularly in prime locations. BH Group’s response has been creativity.
Rather than waiting for empty parcels, the firm:
• Acquires existing buildings
• Buys out entire condominium properties
• Demolishes and redevelops sites at significantly higher density
In Sunny Isles, for example, BH Group purchased an existing condominium for over $130 million, planning to demolish it and construct a 62-story luxury tower directly on the ocean. Similar strategies have been executed in Naples and Coconut Grove.
This approach reflects where the market is heading: manufactured deals, not obvious ones.
Mixed-Use Communities and Reduced Commutes
Another trend BH Group is embracing is mixed-use development—projects that combine residential, office, and retail in a single walkable environment.
In Boca Raton, the firm is demolishing an existing office building and replacing it with:
• 500 residential units
• Restaurants and retail
• Proximity to office space and golf course views
The goal is simple: reduce the need for daily car trips and create self-contained communities where people can live, work, and relax without spending hours in traffic.
A Bullish Outlook on South Florida
Despite infrastructure challenges and rapid growth, Toledano remains optimistic—甚至 bullish—about South Florida’s future. Growth is pushing both north and south, while Palm Beach County continues to surge. Demand remains strong from New York, California, Chicago, Cana-
da, South America, and beyond.
“There’s not a lot of land left in prime locations,” he says. “That makes what we’re doing even more important.”
Staying Focused
While many developers diver-
sify into unrelated ventures, BH Group remains firmly focused on what it does best: real estate development in South Florida. That discipline—combined with faith, experience, and longterm vision—has allowed the firm to grow steadily while helping de-
fine the region’s next chapter.
As South Florida continues to evolve, BH Group stands as both a product of that transformation and one of its architects—building not just structures, but communities shaped by opportunity, belief, and relentless work ethic
