Ezra Katz
As Chief Executive Officer and founder of Aztec Group, Inc., Ezra Katz has had a demonstrable track record as the consummate dealmaker focusing on initiating innovative strategies for creating joint ventures and solving complicated real estate transactions. Established in 1981, Aztec Group, Inc. is recognized as the premier real estate investment and merchant-banking firm in Florida.
Katz began his career in real estate in 1971 as a Construction Superintendent in Cleveland, Ohio. He then joined US Realty Investments, a N.Y.S.E. equity REIT where he oversaw development, management and workouts for nearly 50 properties. Katz graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.Katz has participated in and completed over $8 billion of real estate transactions involving investment sales, mortgage financing, mezzanine and equity placements as well as joint ventures during the past decade. His vision and creative abilities are key aspects of his success in structuring deals and orchestrating complex negotiations.
Under Ezra’s leadership, Aztec has been involved in transactions ranging from the $72 million sale of Mayfair Shops, the $70 million financing of Dadeland Station, the $157 million capital investment by Colony with the Michael Swerdlow Companies and the formation of Progressive Development Company in Charlotte which develops shopping centers with Walmart and other national tenants in the Carolinas. Aztec has also been involved in over $500 million worth of transactions involving the hospitality sector as well as condo hotels during 2005.
Katz serves on the Board of Directors of several philanthropic organizations including the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Lennar Foundation and the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. His community activism led to his being elected as the President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation during 2003 and 2004. His philanthropic contributions have been directed towards a variety of organizations including the United Way of Miami, Alexis de Tocqueville Society and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Miami.
