DAVID BEHNKE
Chief Executive Officer
BIO
David Behnke is a seasoned real estate executive, developer, and property management leader with more than 35 years of experience managing, developing, repositioning, and maximizing the performance of complex real estate assets throughout the United States and internationally. As CEO of Founders 3 Real Estate Services and F3 Marina, Mr. Behnke provides strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio spanning commercial real estate, multifamily, retail, office, industrial, and marina properties.
As one of the original founders of Founders 3 Real Estate Services, Mr. Behnke has led the company through significant growth, expanding the organization from five employees to more than 300 employees across the country. Under his leadership, the company broadened its traditional real estate management platform into specialized industries, including marina management.
Mr. Behnke brings a distinctive, investor-focused perspective to high-end real estate development, drawing on extensive experience managing sophisticated commercial real estate assets. His approach is grounded in disciplined capital allocation, rigorous financial oversight, and a clear focus on risk-adjusted returns and long-term asset value. He understands that today’s premium properties must perform not only as exceptional customer experiences, but also as compelling investments. By integrating strategic asset management, operational excellence, hospitality, service, branding, and financial discipline, Mr. Behnke works to maximize property performance, strengthen long-term cash flow, protect invested capital, and create sustainable value for investors and stakeholders.
Throughout his career, Mr. Behnke has worked alongside prominent real estate organizations, owners, investors, and developers, managing complex assets and development initiatives across a broad range of property types. His experience includes premier Class A office towers, large-scale commercial and mixed-use developments, ground-up construction, property repositioning, asset turnarounds, and the ongoing management and operation of high-value real estate.
Most notably, Mr. Behnke was instrumental in the development of F3 Marina Fort Lauderdale, a highly differentiated, technology-driven drystack marina recognized for its operational efficiency and elevated member experience. F3 Marina combines sophisticated automation, hospitality-driven service, and disciplined operational management to create a premium marina experience while optimizing asset utilization and operating performance.
EDUCATION & ACCREDITATION
- University of Wisconsin-Madison – Accounting Degree
- Certified Property Manager from Institute of Real Estate Management
PRIOR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- JMB
- Jones Lang LaSalle
- Jacobs Visconsi & Jacobs
- KPMG
- COMPASS Management & Leasing