We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Meghan Maloof Berdellans. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Meghan below.
Meghan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
The real estate market is in a unique position right now that is truly fascinating. All across the country, homes are selling and leasing at or above asking, waiving contingencies and more. Additionally, inventory is low, which is one of the many factors in driving the increase in demand. Currently, the state of Florida is trending as an attractive place to move, specifically South Florida/Miami.
Florida is an international tourist destination with year-round sunshine (earning the state its nickname “The Sunshine State”) with world-class theme parks. The economy is dynamic and diverse, with dozens of global business headquarters and a government that is both pro-business and pro-development.
Since 2010, the population of Florida has grown by 14.6% and is currently the third-largest state by population in the U.S. The State of Florida expects 845 new residents per day through April 2025, representing an annual compound growth rate of 1.39%. Florida counties expected to have more than 1.6 million residents in the next ten years are Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, and Palm Beach.
The Magic City is now a hotspot with a growing population of tech and Silicon Valley natives who have been flocking to this great city in droves. It’s something we like to call the Mass ‘Techxodus’.
Major players in Miami such as City of Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez and Billionaire Entrepreneur and Visionary Moishe Mana, have been at the forefront of building a tech hub here, especially within the center of Downtown Miami in the coveted and historic ‘Flagler District.’
It’s remarkable to see what is happening in the real estate industry as a whole.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I have a strong background in digital/social marketing and real estate, where I developed my pedigree and work ethic in my hometown in New York. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to lead successful projects ranging from viral rainbow bagels in Brooklyn to Pope Francis with the Vatican & Archdiocese of New York, landing my dog Ceili the Puppy as a model in New York Fashion Week and beyond. I love selling, and I love marketing. My day-to-day consists of a fusion of both, as they are crucial in complementing one another.
What got me into real estate was social marketing consulting for a high end residential broker in New York many years ago. I was fascinated by the work he was doing and loved the ins and outs of the industry. It was around this time where I was planning to make Florida my primary residence, which inspired me to get my real estate license.
I officially made the move to South Florida in 2016, first residing in Jupiter, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and then Miami. Sometimes I joke that we will be in Key West in 5 years. All jokes aside, I am grateful for that journey, because it has given me an unmatched knowledge of this geographical area, putting me at an advantage when it comes to selling real estate.
I firmly believe in the power of a multi-pronged approach to be successful in any industry: interpersonal relationships & networking, strong content strategy, continuing education and authenticity. Bringing value and a true connection with the consumer is so important. I work hard to implement this strategy within all my projects, whether it’s sales, marketing, or both.
In addition to the businesses I own and operate, giving back my time and talent is very important to me. I sit as Associate Director and an executive board member on The Endometriosis Coalition, a Los Angeles based 501(c)3, promoting awareness and reliable education for endometriosis.
I am also heavily involved with Beaux Arts Miami, an organization of 85 of Miami’s most active women whose purpose is to support the Lowe Art Museum on the campus of the University of Miami. Additionally, I sit on the executive board as secretary of Comfort Crusaders, a Miami non-profit, volunteering to benefit those in need on local and national scales.
When I’m not in South Florida, I spend my time in New York’s Metropolitan Area or California. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University, & have previously worked in commercial real estate portfolio management. My hobbies are interior design, fashion, and Latin.
I’ve been married to my husband, Albert Maloof Berdellans III, since June 2019 and we are active members of the Miami Chapter of Legatus and parishioners of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Coral Gables, FL.
Any advice for managing a team?
The best advice I can give for managing a team and maintaining high morale is twofold: gratitude and community.
THANK your team members for all that they do. They work hard, and it is so important that they feel valued and appreciated for the time and effort they put in.
Additionally, whether it is coming to the office early once a month for complimentary breakfast and conversation, team happy hours or dinners, it is crucial to foster community within the workspace.
I feel very passionate about this, because, at the end of the day, the company is all working towards the same goal: the success of the business and its mission.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I know this may sound old school, but I have found that handwritten letters and ‘snail mail’ have helped foster brand loyalty within all of my businesses. As I mentioned previously, authenticity is a part of all of my business plans, and I genuinely am grateful for each and every client and loyal customer.
Handwritten letters are truly an expression of the gratitude in which I feel. It is just putting it pen-to-paper. I am also a big lover of personalized stationary to write these letters. People never forget. I have had people tell me how touched they were, when I was just showing an expression of gratitude for their business.
Contact Info:
- Website: megconnolly.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/megconnolly
- Facebook: facebook.com/megconnolly18
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megmb/
- Twitter: twitter.com/megconnolly_