From Montreal to Pompano Beach: Marie Gonneville's Journey to Real Estate Success

In the competitive world of South Florida real estate, adaptability and a diverse skill set are key to success. For Marie Gonneville, the Co-Owner of Engel & Völkers Pompano Beach, her unique background in luxury marketing and a desire for a new challenge led her to the sunshine state’s booming property market.

Marie’s journey to becoming a real estate entrepreneur is as inspiring as it is unconventional. With a degree in marketing, she spent eight years at LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the world’s largest luxury goods company. Rising to the position of PR Director for Canada, Marie gained invaluable experience in brand management and high-end client relations.

However, life had other plans. After her tenure at LVMH, Marie faced a significant personal challenge – a cancer diagnosis. This life-altering event became a catalyst for change. “After I got through cancer, I was saying to myself, ‘Why am I working for someone else?'” Marie recalls. It was during this period of reflection that two friends suggested she try her hand at real estate.

The suggestion resonated with Marie. She realized that real estate encompassed many aspects of her previous experience – the need for strong PR skills, emotional intelligence, and marketing acumen. “Real estate is all about yourself,” Marie explains. “Everything is becoming the icon of reference in the real estate industry.”

Starting as a residential and commercial real estate agent for Engel & Völkers in Montreal, Marie quickly found success, closing $22.5 million in deals in her first year. She then expanded further into commercial real estate, learning to navigate the more numbers-driven, less emotional side of the business.

Marie’s path eventually led her to Florida. Tired of Montreal winters and attracted by the wealth and booming real estate activities of the Sunshine State, she connected with Francisco Garcia, a well-renowned luxury broker. After navigating the complexities of obtaining a work visa, Marie found a solution – purchasing, in collaboration with Francisco Garcia, a share of the business and opening a new Engel & Völkers office in Pompano Beach.

The choice of Pompano Beach was strategic. As Marie explains, “Most of Pompano and Fort Lauderdale welcome Montreal and Canadian snowbirds. Given my French-speaking ability and experience living across Canada, I see significant potential in targeting Canadian clients. It’s an exciting opportunity, and I believe it should be a key part of our client acquisition strategy.” Her international experience and multilingual skills (she speaks English and French) positioned her well to serve the diverse clientele in South Florida.

Marie and Francisco’s Engel & Völkers office, located at 2401 East Atlantic Avenue in Pompano Beach, focuses on high-end properties, particularly those along the beach. They’re targeting areas like Harbor Village, Santa Barbara Shores, and Hillsboro Shores, with a median price point of around $1.7 million.

Their clientele is diverse, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of South Florida. “You have two different types of buyers,” Marie explains. “You have the buyers that are actually coming from the United States, people that are relocating mostly from California and New York.” The other significant demographic is Canadians, particularly from Vancouver and Toronto, looking for vacation homes or investment properties.

Marie sees Pompano Beach as a market with significant growth potential. “The city of Pompano is really aware of this. They’re agreeing to have a lot of new construction,” she notes. The city is investing heavily in infrastructure, including a $2 billion project to revamp the downtown area. New luxury developments like the Ritz-Carlton Residences and high-end restaurants are transforming the area.

Compared to Miami, Pompano Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere and better value for money. “It’s starting to get very expensive to live in Miami,” observed Marie. “I think people are tired of the traffic and overcrowding.” Pompano Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with activities such as boating and yachting for couples and a younger crowd, including family-friendly facilities while being close to the action.

Looking ahead, Marie is optimistic about the market’s future. With interest rates potentially decreasing and older buildings undergoing renovations to compete with new construction, she sees opportunities for both investors and homebuyers. The median rent in the area is around $5,500 a month, indicating strong demand.

As South Florida continues to attract domestic and international buyers, Marie and her team are ready to serve this diverse clientele, helping them find their piece of paradise in the evolving landscape of Pompano Beach.