Harvey Hernandez
Chairman & CEO
Miami Connection
Hernandez has shaped Miami's skyline through trendsetting high-rises like Natiivo, Lofty, Solaris, and Centro in Brickell, introducing luxury finishes, cutting-edge amenities, and flexible ownership models that set new market standards. His innovations in short-term rental-licensed condos via LOFTY and Natiivo have catered to evolving homeowner needs, boosting residential and hospitality sectors in South Florida. Recognized as a 2024 Power Player in Real Estate by South Florida Business Journal and 2023 Apogee Award winner for CEO Leadership, his work drives economic growth and urban evolution in Miami.
About
Originally from Venezuela, Harvey Hernandez grew up in humble circumstances and started working at age 14 before launching his own computer business at 17. He immigrated to Miami in the 1990s, beginning as a hands-on real estate investor inspired by the city's growth potential. Over 25 years, he founded Newgard Development Group, pioneering luxury high-rise residential projects with innovations like robotic parking, no-parking condos, and short-term rental designs under brands LOFTY and Natiivo. Key Miami projects include the sold-out 51-story Natiivo Brickell and 44-story Lofty in Brickell, alongside Solaris and Centro. He has expanded to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Austin, and Nashville, delivering over 10 million square feet. Currently, he leads ongoing developments like Natiivo Fort Lauderdale near the Brightline station.
