About

Our History

Brefrank is a Florida-based real estate company founded by Leo Jacobsohn in the 1950s. The business was later managed by Leo’s sons, Harold and Ralph, and today remains a family enterprise led by Gary Koolik and David Weinstein.

Since its inception, Brefrank has participated in the development of real estate projects with an aggregate value of more than one billion dollars. In addition to extensive developments in Florida, the firm owns and manages properties in Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, Alabama, Texas, and the United Kingdom.

As a family business, we are deeply committed to creating a positive impact for all project stakeholders – including neighbors, tenants and municipalities. We know much of the success of Brefrank is due to ensuring that those involved in our work find real value and purposeful growth.

Our Team

Harold Jacobsohn

Harold led Brefrank’s growth for decades and continues to actively serve as a director. He was instrumental in advancing the firm to its current state and provides ongoing guidance on strategic direction. As a long-standing trustee of The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, Florida Harold has pursued his passion for education.

Gary Koolik

Gary is President of Brefrank. He is involved with the management of the firm and its subsidiaries, and is responsible for overseeing the development, acquisition and disposition of its real estate holdings. Gary holds a B.A. from Duke University, a J.D. from St. Thomas University, and an M.B.A from Florida International University.

David Weinstein

David Weinstein serves as Vice President of Brefrank and has been a principal in the firm for 15 years. He manages all aspects of Brefrank’s investment portfolio, which includes developments and investment properties in several states. Prior to joining Brefrank, David practiced law in Minnesota focusing on business litigation. David has a J.D. from Tulane University and an M.B.A. from Florida Atlantic University.

Ilan Jacobsohn

Ilan is a Director at Brefrank. He brings experience in complex project management from the world of higher education, technology, and consulting. Having served on the firm’s Board for over a decade, Ilan is deeply dedicated to advancing Brefrank’s operational success, long-term goals, and current ongoing developments. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Susan V Hatfield

Susan oversees financial management at Brefrank, bringing with her over 35 years of financial and operational experience. She is responsible for directing all financial, investment, and tax matters relating to the corporate, property management, construction, and development processes at Brefrank. Additionally, Susan works closely with the third-party clients and partners to ensure efficient operations for all. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant.

Joe Sullivan

Joe has over 45 years of construction experience that he brings to Brefrank as a Senior Project Director. He is responsible for all construction management and pre-construction for the firm. Prior to joining Brefrank in 2008, Joe held construction positions at Key International, The Weitz Company and Marriott, where he held similar construction related roles.

Nathalie J Franche

Nathalie is a certified property manager and has had an essential operational role at Brefrank for over two decades. Aside from managing relationships with commercial tenants, Nathalie is principally responsible for office management, insurance, and the firm’s communications.