How She Developed a High-Rise in Miami at Just 28 Years Old with Lissette Calderon, Ep. 731

Multifamily Insights
Lissette Calderon is the founder and CEO of Neology Group, a vertically integrated, impact-driven development firm based in Miami. As the first Latina to lead a major development firm in her hometown, she’s led the transformation of the Miami River and Allapattah neighborhoods through “attainable luxury”—providing high-quality, amenitized housing for the local workforce. With over 1,500 units developed and more on the way, Lissette proves that profitability and purpose can—and should—coexist.
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Key Takeaways
Lissette began her development career at The Related Group and went on to break ground on her first high-rise—Neo Lofts—at just 28.
Neology’s focus on “attainable luxury” creates aspirational, amenitized workforce housing in overlooked neighborhoods.
Her team uses public-private partnerships, cultural awareness, and design-forward thinking to catalyze community growth.
Lissette bootstrapped her first deals through savings, small checks, and networking her way to institutional equity partners.
She views workforce housing as both a business opportunity and a social mission to serve overlooked middle-income renters.
Topics
From Wall Street to the Miami River
Started as an investment banker but realized her passion was in real estate development.
Left banking to work for The Related Group—eventually becoming their first female developer.
Used her experience to launch Neology and develop her first major project, Neo Lofts.
Why Lissette Focuses on Workforce Housing
Identified unmet demand from up-and-coming professionals being priced out of desirable locations.
Targets neighborhoods with potential (e.g., Miami River, Allapattah) and adds value through design, amenities, and affordability.
Believes in “impact per square foot,” building purpose-driven communities, not just properties.
Executing a Vision Without a Playbook
Faced skepticism from lenders and investors when pioneering the Miami River corridor.
Collected 199 condo reservations in 3 months to prove demand and secure financing.
Partnered with the city to reopen parks and build early phases of the Miami Riverwalk.
Scaling Development Without Losing Soul
Developed over 1,500 units, including 40-story high-rises and ground-up towers in emerging areas.
Opened “Fourteen” with 237 units in Allapattah—67% leased in two months.
Blends institutional discipline with local cultural integrity and community engagement.
Advice for Aspiring Developers
Start by working under an experienced developer or firm to learn the process and build relationships.
If going solo, begin with smaller, less risky projects like townhomes or build-for-rent.
Execution, discipline, and team-building are essential to success—vision alone isn’t enough.
Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.
Round of Insights
Failure that set Lissette up for success: Leaving investment banking felt like failure at the time, but it opened the door to her true path in development.
Digital or mobile resource: AI tools for leasing, construction, and resident experience. Also uses Monday.com for real-time collaboration and task tracking across projects.
Book recommendation: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight — for its honest portrayal of entrepreneurship, grit, and resilience.
Daily habit: Spends five minutes each morning in silent gratitude and intention-setting—grounding her day in purpose.
#1 insight for being a successful developer: Blend passion, purpose, vision, and execution. You need all four for success—none can stand alone.
Favorite restaurant in Miami, FL: Versailles.
Next Steps
Learn more at neologylife.com
Follow Lissette’s journey on social to see how design, culture, and business can intersect for good
Look beyond profits—invest in projects that uplift communities and create long-term value
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