The Tribune

WITH a gradually warming economy igniting an uptick in real estate, one local development has quadrupled its Bahamian staff in less than a year.

“We were Nassau’s best-kept secret which is not a good thing for a development with so much to offer,” said Zack Bonczek, sales and marketing director for Palm Cay, the nearly 70-acre waterfront and marina community on Nassau’s southeastern shore.

“Now the word is out and that’s in no small part due to the energy and enthusiasm of this great team we have put together.”

One year ago, Mr Bonczek and administrator Peggy Burrows were the two locals holding down the fort.

“We knew we had a great product,” he said. “The developers had completed the beach restoration at a cost of $1.6 million. The Starfish beachfront townhomes looked super. Ground had been broken on the marina. Some of our garden view townhomes were selling. We were on our way.”

With product at the ready, Mr Bonczek began building human capital. First order of business was identifying Brooks Russell as a consultant for the marina.

A few months later, Mr Bonczek snagged Celeste Nixon, a lively blend of communications skills and real estate zeal. Next up was Bianca Lee, combining a consulting background with a knack for numbers to head up the dual human resources and finance department.

Clara Alcime joined the sales team in January, a solid match for both Palm Cay and the Hope Town native, who is well versed in property management and lush vacation rentals, Mr Bonzek said.

Next up was Lakeshia Albury, a civil engineer with more than eight plus years of experience who leapt at the chance to work in large scale residential development as project manager. Adding to the administrative team is Sonya St Louis, a hospitality veteran with high-end hotel experience. And holding it all together is still real estate veteran Mr Bonczek, the first to be called to Palm Cay.

“Today, the phones are literally ringing off the hook and we are so busy that most of us are working extra hours or days, but no one is complaining,” he said, projecting that reservations will exceed capacity for Phase 2 of the condo project, The Anchorage, creating competition for right to own. The 194-slip marina is open and busy. Tennis courts are in. Work is well underway on the first phase of The Anchorage. We’re right on target. I credit this team with helping us to get where we are.”