Steve Ekovich
Executive Managing Director & Partner
Broker-in-Charge
(813) 503-3118
sekovich@thelipg.com
________________________________________________License FL: BK3006962 | License GA: 172561
License AL: 000061315-0 | License NC: 165078Licensed Nationally
Professional Profile
Steve Ekovich currently holds the position of Executive Managing Director at Leisure Investment Properties Group, LLC (LIPG). With a career spanning over 35 years in the real estate industry, Mr. Ekovich has amassed extensive experience in brokering commercial real estate and serving as Regional Manager for multiple Marcus & Millichap offices.
In 2011, Mr. Ekovich, in collaboration with his partner Chris Karamitsos, founded Leisure Investment Properties Group. Since its inception, the group has achieved significant milestones, having sold over 200 leisure assets, and underwritten or sold $3.2 billion of golf courses, resorts, marinas, and master-planned communities. This success has solidified LIPG as the largest leisure property broker in the country. Mr. Ekovich’s clientele includes prominent names in golf ownership and management companies, and he has facilitated transactions with major national and international leisure asset owners, as well as leading banking institutions.
Mr. Ekovich’s contributions to the field have been recognized through various accolades. He has been acknowledged as one of the top ten “Movers & Shakers” by Golf Business for the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. Additionally, his expertise has been featured in reputable publications such as Bloomberg News, The New York Times, Reuters News, Golf Inc., My San Diego, and Business Journals in major metropolitan areas. Moreover, Mr. Ekovich has been a featured speaker at national real estate and golf industry events since 1998.
His accomplishments extend to the realm of media recognition, having appeared on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel for his insights into leisure properties. Through his comprehensive experience and industry knowledge, Mr. Ekovich has left a lasting impact on the real estate and golf sectors.
“Steve was incredibly professional and efficient in what was a very complicated transaction. His attention to detail and ability to navigate the complexities of this acquisition were tremendously helpful.”
“Steve’s deal experience, creative solutions and problem solving set him apart in the industry. He is a world class broker and individual and has become a friend.”
Qualifications & Awards
Education
- University of Maryland, College Park – B.S. in Marketing
Experience
- Leisure Investment Properties Group Founder and Managing Broker – Since 2008
- Marcus & Millichap Regional Manager – 25 Years
- Opened 4 Offices for Marcus & Millichap
- Former National Director of M&M’s National Self Storage Group
Recognition
- “Top Golf Mover and Shakers” (2014-2022)
- Top Specialty Group Agent for Marcus & Millichap (2012-2021)
- Voted “Regional Manager of the Year”
- Top Five Agent in First Year (First Union Investment Corp.)
- Who’s Who in America
- Top Printing Plate Processor Sales (Eastman Kodak)
Steve In the News
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Golf Real Estate Expert Update
A longtime player in the local commercial real estate community, Steve Ekovich co-founded Marcus & Millichap’s Leisure Investment Properties Group. It has built a national practice from Tampa and had a lot of success selling golf assets: public and private golf courses, golf resorts and golf master planned communities.
Club + Resort
When is the Optimal Time to Sell a Golf Course? Navigating Lifestyle, Financial and Market Dynamics
Deciding when to sell a golf course involves a nuanced analysis akin to timing investments in other markets. This article explores the multifaceted reasons behind selling a golf course and emphasizes the significance of market timing in making this decision.
Chicago Business Journal
Country clubs are hot targets for investors — and prices are soaring
After a turbulent period, country clubs and golf courses are attracting a wave of investors that previously targeted other industries. It’s leading to a wave of sales, but what’s driving the trend?
Speaking Engagements
- Golf, Inc. and Critten Moderator & Panelist (2012-2023)
- Tampa Bay Business Journal
- Stanford University
- UC Berkeley
- NAIOP Orlando
- National Real Estate Investor Round Table (Atlanta)
- University of Florida
- University of South Florida
