Uri Man is a pioneering force in the real estate development industry, with a career spanning over 20 years. As a Co-Founder and CEO of The Lagoon Development Company, Uri has redefined the concept of luxury amenities by developing large-scale crystal-clear lagoons designed for beach life and water sports. These lagoons have become transformative elements in master-planned communities, providing affordable access to resort-style living for the general public. Uri honed his expertise in amenities and master-planned communities under the mentorship of one of Texas’s greatest land developers, Mr. Al Brende, the visionary behind Land Tejas Companies. Under Uri’s leadership, The Lagoon Development Company has become a recognized leader in combining innovation with community impact.
Uri’s professional journey began in finance, working at Barclays Capital and Goldman Sachs in New York and London before transitioning into real estate development. His expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and asset management laid the foundation for a career marked by groundbreaking projects and industry accolades including projects that have won accolades such as best master-planned community and award winning amenities. Over the years, he has sourced and overseen the development of more than 4,000 homes and apartments, ranging from high-rise condominiums to sprawling single-family master-planned communities. His work spans a diverse portfolio, including a 300,000-square-foot retail lifestyle center, underscoring his versatility and strategic approach. Currently Uri is a general partner, limited partner and consultant on projects in Texas and Florida including a pipeline of over 12,000 lots.
At the heart of Uri’s career lies his role as Executive Vice President at Land Tejas, Houston’s top-ranked residential development company. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in driving Land Tejas’ success, a company that develops over 3,000 lots annually. As a key member of the Executive Loan Committee, his expertise in entitlements, mixed-use projects, and public-private partnerships has set him apart as a leader who bridges the gap between vision and execution.
Uri is credited with introducing the crystal-clear lagoon concept to the United States, a game-changing amenity that enhances residential and commercial developments. During his tenure as CEO of Crystal Lagoons US Corp, Uri successfully brought this patented technology to developers across the nation. His ability to align innovative technologies with market needs has transformed the landscape of residential development in the U.S. Today, The Lagoon Development Company continues to set industry standards, with projects like Lagoonfest Texas a public access attraction boasting over 150,000 paid visitors annually, Lago Mar Lagoon, the largest in the United States, anchoring mixed-use entertainment districts, the Angel Lagoon in Dayton Texas and the Balmoral Lagoon in Humble Texas as well as the Blue Lagoon Bar & Grill.
Education has been a cornerstone of Uri’s career. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. While pursuing his MBA, he was recognized as the Best Graduate Student Instructor, highlighting his commitment to excellence and mentorship. His academic achievements have translated into practical expertise, enabling him to lead multidisciplinary teams and navigate complex market dynamics.
A committed philanthropist, Uri has served on the boards of multiple charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces. His philanthropic efforts extend to fundraising for cancer research and other community initiatives. Uri believes that success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the positive impact one can make on society.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Uri is a respected thought leader in the real estate industry. He has contributed insights on economic trends and real estate markets on his own podcast, The Uri man Show and as a guest on national platforms, including NewsNation, CNN, CNBC, Fox News and FOX Business. His strategic foresight and ability to distill complex market dynamics into actionable strategies have made him a trusted voice among peers and industry stakeholders.
Uri’s commitment to innovation is matched by his dedication to fostering collaboration. Whether presenting to investors, engaging with government officials, or mentoring his team, he exemplifies a communication style that is clear, persuasive, and adaptive. These qualities have enabled him to build strong relationships and drive impactful outcomes across various projects.
As an industry leader, Uri’s tagline—“Developer of Tomorrow: Bringing Attainably Priced Homes and Luxury Amenities Together”—captures his relentless drive to create transformative projects that blend sophistication with inclusivity. His work continues to shape the future of real estate development, enhancing communities and elevating standards across the industry.
Character:
Uri Man embodies resilience, creativity, and a passion for making a positive impact. His dedication to excellence and innovation is matched by a commitment to fostering community growth and inclusivity.
Knowledge:
With over 20 years of expertise, Uri combines in-depth understanding of real estate development in several asset classes including land development, master-planned communities, rental apartments, mixed-use retail, and condo development with financial acumen and technical proficiency. His ability to navigate complex market dynamics ensures the success of transformative projects across various sectors.
Strategic:
Uri is a visionary leader who excels at identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and aligning projects with long-term goals. His strategic approach drives innovation and positions organizations for sustainable growth and success.
Communication:
Uri’s clear, persuasive, and adaptable communication style enables him to align diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration. His ability to distill complex concepts into actionable strategies has earned him trust and respect across the industry.
Company Websites:
https://www.lagoondevelopment.com
http://www.urimandevelopment.com
http://www.LagoonfestTexas.com
Podcast:
