GCBA Board of Directors

Matt Ellish has more than 15 years of real estate experience. After graduating from the University of Michigan Business School and the University of Florida Law School, Matt practiced real estate law in Miami before becoming general counsel and a member of senior management for two highly regarded South Florida development companies. With a nuanced understanding of development and acute insight into the South Florida real estate market, Matt brings his business acumen, entrepreneurial drive, and real estate passion to Ellish Builders where he is committed to delivering a premium luxury residential experience and product for decades to come.

Marc Kruger is the Chief Operating Officer of Hierromat Development, a 3rd Generation steel importer to the United States and the Caribbean. In 2020, Marc transitioned the company through R&D to begin using manufacturing technologies and Cold-Formed Steel to launch a panelized/modular offsite construction division to address the affordable housing crisis in Florida. He has implemented strategic plans for sales, marketing, business development, acquisitions, and integrations. Hierromat Development has established a team with over 25+ years of skilled experience in design-build and the development of multifamily communities.

Born in Metro Detroit, Mark is a third-generation home builder and has over 15 years of leadership experience in homebuilding operations, including custom homes, new product design, accounting and finance, construction, purchasing, and development. Mark has extensive experience working with some of the nation’s largest home builders and developers. Mark has spent his career developing expertise in the Michigan and Florida custom home markets. 

As an AV Preeminent rated attorney with over 20 years of experience, my practice thrives where construction, business, insurance and real estate intersect. A significant portion of my career has been spent battling for my clients’ rights in these four areas in state court, federal court, and arbitration.

Because I have litigated so many of these disputes, I am uniquely qualified to analyze your business structure, your business practices, and your contracts, and to predict precisely where you are most likely to suffer liability. I enjoy identifying where your business might be most vulnerable and then proactively protecting you before problems arise.

Sam Yates is a veteran broadcaster and Crisis Communications Specialist. With more than 30 years experience in all phases of journalism, Yates has assisted corporations and individuals including celebrities survive the harsh light of critical review by the media. Yates is also a Media Trainer who has helped corporate spokespersons, shopping mall marketing representatives, CEOs and the rank and file members of law enforcement and first responders learn how to win with the media and turn every media encounter into a marketing opportunity. Yates is the founder of America's Best Urgent Care and the widely the acclaimed Great American Senior Show podcast that is heard wherever podcasts are available.