Meet Our Team

Abraham Valencia has been working in adult education since 1994. He started teaching Real Estate in 2004 and joined Gold Coast’s team of Spanish instructors in June of 2015. He strives for and takes pride in the success of his students. He is a lifelong learn who is pursuing his DBA and has an extensive training background including:

• Walden University: Pursuing DBA
• Jack Welch Management Institute: MBA
• Strayer University: BS in Criminal Justice
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: AAS Management
• Dale Carnegie Course: How to Win Friends and Influence People
• Everything DISC Profile: Management Profiling
• Public Speaking

When not teaching or studying, Abraham enjoys motorcycling, mountain biking, scuba diving, exercising, and playing tennis.

Adam Narkier is a real estate instructor who joined Gold Coast in 2015 teaching the 63-hour Sales Associate Pre-license and 14-hour Continuing Education courses. He is a licensed real estate broker, instructor, and previously a mortgage broker. Adam has spent the better part of his adult life in the real estate industry. He has been licensed and specializing in residential real estate since 2007 and enjoys working with both buyers and sellers. In addition, he was in the mortgage and banking industry for nearly 10 years prior to that.

Adam holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Management & Administration from Florida Atlantic University, an Associates of Arts Degree from Palm Beach Community College, is a member of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB), as well as a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity International. He is one of the few true native South Floridians born and raised in Palm Beach County, and has two rescue dogs that he loves dearly.

Alexander is currently a Real Estate Instructor at Gold Coast Schools and teaches: Pre-License, Post-License, Continuing Education courses. Alexander graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing, and from Broward College with a degree in Legal Studies. With almost 15 years as a real estate broker and owner he enjoys bringing his vast experience to the classroom.

Carlos A Suarez is a second generation Real Estate Agent who first came into the business as an assistant to one of Florida’s largest brokerages right after completing his Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida International University. With a strong belief that knowledge is the key to success, Carlos has committed himself to stay ahead of the game when it comes to the industry’s trends and education; which has taken him to participate in multiple real estate expos and workshops not only in the U.S. but in places like Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. As a huge soccer fan Carlos spends most of his free time either playing, watching or coaching soccer.

Carmen is an excellent real estate instructor who is passionate about helping each and every student that attends her Spanish Sales Associate Pre-license and CRAM classes. She joined Gold Coast in 2015 and has extensive experience in the real estate industry. When not teaching, Carmen loves to travel where she has the opportunity to explore and discover new things.

Cece Campbell transitioned to Real Estate from the Financial Industry in 2012 joining Gold Coast in 2019. Cece has been in the business world for over 25 years wearing many hats from Sales Manager, to VP of Sales, to Financial Consultant, to CEO of her own company and most recently Author. Cece is a proven leader in new business development and has also had great success in sales training, as well as helping others to close deals. She has traveled all across America developing and presenting seminars on complex information in a format that is easy to understand.

Cece has coached and counseled many Real Estate Associates in believing they can, therefore helping them achieve the mindset to success. You will find her passion addictive and her skills to help you attain your goal second to none.

Since joining the Gold Coast team of instructors in 1995, Dan Coco has helped thousands of students obtain their real estate sales associate license. Dan typically teaches the sales associate 4-week morning class, the math review seminar, and occasionally the weekend CRAM course. He is also the author of “Real Estate Math Made Easy!”, a popular study aid used by real estate students who want to further prepare for the math portion of the real estate licensing exam.

Dan is a member of the National Association of Realtors and holds a real estate broker’s license. He enjoys playing tennis, watching movies, reading books, and photography.

Diane Skopas – Real Estate Instructor

Ed Wachuku joined Gold Coast in July, 2017. As a life-long learner and an ardent advocate of continued education, he holds several local, national and international Real Estate designations and certifications. Ed has been active in the Real Estate business in Florida and New York as a broker, investor, instructor, coach and entrepreneur. A Certified International Property Specialist, Ed has extensive experience in the marketing and sale of real property in both local and international markets. Born and raised in Africa, his love for global tourism, and extensive business networking resulted in his enormous and diverse contacts around the globe. In his free time he enjoys playing Chess to sharpen his mind. In addition he gives back to his community by mentoring local high school kids to help them have a stronger head start in life.

Eduardo joined Gold Coast in 2005 teaching real estate FREC 1, the CRAM review course, and the real estate post-license course. He has taught more than 5000 students and enjoys participating in their development and career success. He is a licensed real estate Broker, Instructor, and was previously a Mortgage Broker. Eduardo also holds a BA in Business Administration and Post Graduate in Marketing and Strategy. He is a professional businessman and entrepreneur who loves to play Monopoly.

Fred DeFalco Jr has extensive experience with customer relations in buying and selling real estate, property management in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, experience as a real estate investor, an education in finance and real estate. In his current position as a Real Estate Broker his real estate skills are strengthened as well as his ability to adapt in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment. During his employment he has developed real-world experience that allows him to recognize the importance of continuous learning, creative thinking, and working with others to reach established goals and produce maximum results. Fred currently holds a Florida Real Estate Broker license, a Community Association Manager license and a Real Estate Instructor license. Fred is active in volunteer work and loves spending time with his 2 daughters.

Gilberto started as an instructor with Gold Coast Schools in March of 2019. He brings over 20 years of real estate sales and leasing experience in South Florida to the classroom. He currently holds a Broker License along with a degree in Computer Information Systems and a MBA.

Jack began teaching at Gold Coast in 1998 and is passionate and experienced in teaching all of our real estate courses. He holds a real estate instructor license and real estate broker license, as well as has a B.S. Degree from Purdue University.

AA, St. Petersburg College BA, Florida State University Licensed Real Estate Broker

Jorge is a seasoned Loan Officer and Real Estate Broker who has been in the Real Estate Industry and the Education sphere for over 20 years. He has a degree in Computer Engineering from UCF as well as studying Business Administration and Management.

Jorge has not only been teaching Real Estate professionals for over 15 years, but he is also an Instructor for the US Army’s Special Forces. He is passionate about helping people, whether it is in choosing the right home for them or starting a new career in real estate.

Jose Miguel Arreaza joined Gold Coast Schools in 2012 and serves as a real estate instructor who teaches the Spanish 45-hour Post-license course. He holds a real estate broker and instructor license, 2-15 insurance license, and previously held a mortgage broker license. Prior to working at Gold Coast, Jose worked as a Realtor and brings real world experience into the classroom for students to benefit from. He previously studied law and business administration in Venezuela. When not teaching, Jose’s hobby is running.

With over 15 years in real estate, Jose has worked as a sales associate, owner-manager of a brokerage of 90+ agents, and as a real estate instructor. Jose has obtained the CRS®, GRI®, e-Pro® designations, is Microsoft Office certified, and holds a Community Association Manager’s license, in addition to his BA in Management Information Systems.

Jose is bilingual and teaches classes with a combination of real estate knowledge, real-world experience, and a sense of humor that provides students with a relaxed yet informative and entertaining learning environment.

Juan Carlos Velasquez is an excellent real estate instructor who joined Gold Coast in 2014 and teaches the FREC 1 Sales Associate Pre-license course. He holds a Real Estate Sales Associate license as well as a 2-20 & 2-15 insurance license. Prior to joining Gold Coast, Juan Carols worked for an insurance agency. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics from the University of San Luis Gonzaga, Peru. When not working, he has a passion for art and loves to draw and oil paint.

Keith teaches the 1-week Sales Associate Pre-license course and is well known as an excellent instructor for helping students pass both the course and state exam. He joined Gold Coast in 2004 and is dedicated to making the classroom experience enjoyable and memorable for students. Keith is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Instructor and comes from a background in the banking industry. When not teaching, Keith enjoys traveling and regularly drives from Miami to Toronto, Canada.

Larry Singh has 15 years experience in the real estate industry in roles varying from real estate agent, broker, and appraiser within South Florida. Currently Larry serves as a District Manager, instructor, and mentor to other real estate professionals. He has worked with new and seasoned agents on improving their customer care, general marketing, and business development techniques. Honesty and integrity, along with determination and dedication, are philosophies that Larry strives for in all aspects of his life. Applying these principles to his business has allowed him to explore positions in the corporate and government sectors of real estate. His background including a bachelor’s degree in real estate has given him the opportunity to work for some of the largest organizations in the state of Florida.

On his down time Larry likes to spend time with his two wonderful sons and beautiful wife.

Lisa Viscaino started as an instructor for Gold Coast in September 2018. Lisa has been proud to share her vast knowledge and experience with our future Realtors. She sees it to be a great honor to be a part of a person’s professional growth. Lisa has attained her Certified Residential Specialist designation and is a current member of the Honor Society. In 2019 she has the distinct honor of serving as President of the Women’s Council of Realtors Miami Dade. Throughout all of her professional and personal accomplishments she finds that anything is possible as long as you work towards your dreams and goals.

Marlene Montenegro began her real estate career more than 15 years ago. Her career path led to roles as Designated REALTOR® and Managing Broker where Marlene participated in hundreds of residential and commercial real estate transactions. She was appointed Administrative Hearing Officer for a local government agency to preside over hearings for violations of adopted codes, including building and property maintenance. Marlene has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami and an Associate in Science in Radio and Television Broadcast Programming from Miami Dade College. She is licensed as Real Estate Broker and Instructor. In her Real Estate Instructor role, Marlene has extensive experience teaching Pre-licensing, Post-licensing, Continuing Education, and State Exam Review courses and enjoys sharing her passion for building real estate careers at Gold Coast Schools.

Marylin joined Gold Coast Schools in 2012 and is an exceptional real estate instructor teaching the sales associate and broker pre-license and post-license as well as continuing education and CRAM review courses. She holds both a real estate broker and instructor license, a GRI designation, and has a bachelors degree from Barry University in Nuclear Medicine.

Prior to working at Gold Coast, Marylin worked at a Brickell Law Firm working with real estate and corporate matters. From there she worked at Coldwell Banker as a Sales Associate from 2003-2009 in addition to teaching pre and post licensing classes. Beyond having a passion for helping students succeed, Marylin is a huge animal lover.

Raquel is an accomplished, multiple award winning, and financially astute executive. She has domestic experience in operations, P&L oversight, and marketing involving both start-up and growth organizations. She has been frequently promoted in recognition of innovation, problem solving, and delivering results consistently for over 20 years. Raquel can be described as sharp, confident, and consistent driver of growth-oriented initiatives with diverse skill for deepening levels of team engagement.

Education:

• Broward College
• Gold Coast School Of Real Estate
• Ketcham Education Providers Teaching Techniques
• IFREC Real Estate Schools Business Ethics Core Law
• National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics Professional Standards
• Graduate REALTOR Institute Standard of Practice 1
• Certified Short Sale Professional Designation CSP
• Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate
• Tax Deferred 1031 Exchange
• Real Estate Investment

Raquel enjoys spending time with good friends and family, in addition to attending sporting events, reading history books, and boating.

Ray Clemente is a Real Estate instructor who joined Gold Coast in 2016 and brings extensive experience in many professional licensing industries including Real Estate, CAM, Appraisal and Insurance. He currently teaches Gold Coast’s Sales Associate and Broker pre-license and post-license courses, as well as continuing education. His list of professional licenses include:

• Florida Real Estate Broker
• Community Association Manager
• All Lines Adjuster
• Registered Trainee Appraiser
• General Lines Agent

Prior to joining Gold Coast, Ray held various roles through his career that range from business advisory to C-level financial leadership with a specialized niche in commercial real estate, asset management and a major multi-mixed land development project that consisted of a Four Seasons branded 218 key hotel, a Greg Norm Golf Course, mega yacht marina, casino and a utility plant on Great Exuma, Bahamas, as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Other experience includes maintaining banking and investor relationships, business start-ups & divestments, mezzanine debt capital structuring & creditor workouts, receivership and risk management.

Ray’s education includes:

• Florida International University Master of Accountancy
• Iona College Post Master Certificate in Information Decision Technology Management
• Iona College Master of Business Administration in Financial Management
• Mercy College Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
• Mercy College Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Certified International Property Specialist
• Certified Manager of Community Association
• Accredited Claims Adjuster

When not teaching, Ray enjoys traveling and watching movies and Broadway plays.

Rick has been a Real Estate Broker for more than 25 years. During this time, he has sold more than 1,500 homes and managed over 7,500 transactions in Miami Dade & Broward County. Rick became an instructor for Gold Coast Schools in 2018 and is proud to bring his vast amount of experience to help students succeed out in the field.

Shari Carpenter has 30 years of diverse experiences handling complex administrative activities through the field of Real Estate, REO sales, Short Sales, Recruiting, Advancement, and Public Administration.

Her professional experiences include: Vendor management, Acquisition, sales and leasing, manage real estate agents, customer relations, RE0 listing and buyers agent, admissions, enrollments, recruitment, hiring, training, supervising support personnel and teachers, development, writing curriculum, grants, scholarship funding, corporate funding, planning and implementing special events, educational programs, acting as a community and corporate liaison, and facilitator.

2002.2002 Gold Coast Real Estate School, Fort Lauderdale, Fl, Licensed Real Estate Broker.

1990.1992 Florida International University, Miami, Fl, Masters in Public Administration

1981.1983 Florida International University, Miami, Fl Bachelors in Communications

Steve is a licensed real estate broker and instructor who has been in the real estate business since 1981. He began teaching Gold Coast’s sales associate pre-license, post-license, continuing education, and CRAM courses in 2011, and is well liked for his engaging teaching style. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Florida, Steve owned an antique mall, worked as a real estate broker who owned and operated his own office, served as a property manager, and specialized in both commercial and residential real estate. When not teaching, Steve has a passion for buying, restoring, and selling antique muscle cars.

Terry joined Gold Coast in 2002 and is a highly experienced real estate instructors. He teaches the following courses:

• Sales Associate Pre-Licensing
• Sales Associates Post Licensing
• Broker Pre-Licensing
• Broker Post Licensing
• Continuing Education
• State Exam Cram Review

Terry holds a Florida Real Estate Broker license and a Florida Real Estate Instructor permit. When not working, he enjoys traveling, playing racket ball, weekend trips to the Florida Keys and the West Coast of Florida each month.

BS, University of Miami Owner/Broker, Ocean Real Estate Group, LLC (FL and SC)

Walt has been an Instructor at Gold Coast Schools since 1998. He teaches the real estate sales associate pre-license course and the CRAM review which prepares students to pass the state exam. Over the years, Walt has taught all of the real estate courses that Gold Coast offers.

Walt teaches at the Lantana campus and is passionate about perfecting the materials used to teach so that he can better guide students towards success in their new careers. He has a real estate instructors license, real estate broker’s license, Bachelor’s Degree (BBA U of M), J.D. New York Law School. Before Gold Coast, he was an officer in the US Navy for 5 years and toured in Vietnam and England. He has 30 years of experience in data processing, 20 years in business law and approximately 15 years in real estate. When he is not teaching real estate classes, Walt enjoys spending time with family, playing golf and reading.

Augusto joined Gold Coast Schools in 2009 as a CAM instructor teaching the CAM Pre-license course, CRAM course, and Continuing Education courses. He holds a CAM license and brings industry experience into the classroom for students to benefit from. Augusto hold various degrees and certifications including:

• ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY, M.B.A.
  1982 Chicago, IL. Master in Business Administration.
  Concentration in Organizational and Human Resources Development
• UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, B.A. 1974
  Chicago, IL. Bachelor Degree in Latin American Studies
• THE CORPORATE SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. 1996
  Organizational consulting with concentration in organizational structure reinvention and redesign, work process alignment, strategic performance optimization, alignment corporate systems, leadership, change agent and team development, reward and employee development.
• AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, 1998
  International School of Management, Certified Consultant and Facilitator

When not teaching, Augusto volunteers at his community association, Lions Club, and is politically involved with Ecuadorian issues.

Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to Gold Coast in 2015. She received her community association manager license in 2001, and has CAM experience that spans over fifteen years. Laura earned her PCAM designation from Community Association Institute in 2007. She is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

As an independent consultant, she worked with developers for five years. As senior manager with a community association firm in Palm Beach County, Laura provided supervision and training to other managers.

Laura’s educational background is in organizational leadership and employment law. She received her Master’s Degree with Barry University, and served as Adjunct Professor with Barry University from 2005 through 2012.

Laura is still active in the real estate profession as well as community association management. In her spare time she serves her own community association’s board of directors. Planning, design, communication and development are her personal enjoyments.

Paul joined Gold Coast Schools in 2015 and is the Assistant to Director of CAM Education. He teaches and writes CAM continuing education and pre-license courses and brings extensive experience into the classroom. He has held many licenses including CAM, Life & Health insurance, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 3, was a Certified Financial Planner, and held a Mortgage license.

Prior to joining Gold Coast, Paul was employed as a CAM for approximately 13 years, primarily for troubled high-rises. He wrote courses and trained and supervised instructors to teach community associations directors, officers & residents, through a 501(c)(3). The courses were offered throughout the State of Florida in 2000-2001. He was President of the Northeast Dade Coalition, a community association education & advocacy group representing over 120 associations in Miami-Dade County, for about 10 years. Paul also served as President of an association board for a short period of time. Through his corporate entity (co-owned with Patricia Rogers), he had contracts with Barry University and Broward Community College, to offer education to community association residents. As a health care professional, he served in high level administrative and/or planning positions in comprehensive health planning councils in LA and Boise and county health departments in Erie County (NY), and Miami-Dade County. Paul successfully wrote grants for these entities. In Miami-Dade County, he successfully negotiated funding from the federal government to help handle the influx of Haitian refugees in the 1980s. Paul’s corporation also wrote and successfully obtained grants for local municipalities in Miami-Dade County.

He holds various degrees and certifications including:

• State University of NY at Buffalo – B.A. Anthropology
• University of California, Berkeley – School of Public Health – Master of Public Health (Administration & Planning)
• College for Financial Planning – Denver, CO – Certified Financial Planner
• Gold Coast Professional Schools – Insurance, Mortgage & CAM licenses
• Miami-Dade County – Management Productivity Analyst

Paul has two cats, Dynamuffin and Blueberry Muffin. He has a great sense of humor which he uses to great effect both in business and in personal relationships. With a cousin in NJ, Paul did extensive research tracing his family tree back to the 1700s. He shared his findings with the Montreal branch at a family reunion, including slides of birth, marriage and death certificates, and photographs of some of his ancestors.

Ricardo (Rick) Russi received his CAM license in 1995. He also holds a license as a real estate broker, and recently received his license as a Real Estate Instructor. Rick earned his Bachelor’s degree from Barry University in Legal Studies and his MBA from Florida Atlantic University, in Business Administration. He is currently working on a PhD at Kansas State University, focusing on financial planning Rick has owned a small business for over 20 years. He has a strong background in sales, business development, customer and employee relations, and community associations.

An active member of the community, Rick has served on several community committees, including the Miami-Dade County Housing and Urban Development Advisory Board, City of Miami Community Social Development Committee, Metro Miami Action Plan, and the Business Friends of the Northeast Dade Coalition.

In addition to teaching CAM classes with GCPS, Rick is also an adjunct at the school of business at Johnson & Wales University, where he is teaching business and finance courses.

Rick is married and has two daughters.

A recent addition to the GCPS team, Rick notes: “I value the reputation and the quality of Gold Coast Schools. I came here as a student in 1992, and I have been coming to the school for my continuing education ever since. Now I can assist others in achieving their objectives.”

Stanley Medow – Real Estate & CAM Instructor

Alejandro teaches the General Contractors Exam Prep Class at Gold Coast Schools where he teaches students the means and methods of construction and assists them in passing the general contractor’s exam in the State of Florida.

Alejandro has worked in commercial construction and facilities engineering for over ten years. During this period, he has completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from the National Labor College and his Master Degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University.

Coming up through the commercial building engineering field, Alejandro gained vast experience in several building trades and construction project management. He has been involved in various construction and renovations projects in active facilities within the following sectors: retail, hospitality and professional sports facilities.

Ali has been in construction since 2005 and is currenlty the Vice President of Stone Concept Miami Inc. He has his Certified General Contractor License, Home Inspection License, Certified Glass and Glazing License and is OSHA-30 Certified.

Ali got his Bachelor of Construction Management , from Florida International University 2013

Ashleigh Hernandez is a Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida. She is Founder and Co-Owner of Southern Custom Iron and Art, a Structural Steel, Welding, and Fabrication business in Lantana. She has a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is a Florida Native and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children during off time. She looks forward to assisting aspiring General Contractors in obtaining their licenses by equipping and empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed to be successful. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the quote ” If you give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day, But teach a man to fish, and you will feed him for a lifetime.”

Charles Stanley has worked for more than thirty years in the mechanical/electrical/plumbing trades. He received his Mechanical and Plumbing contractors licenses from the State of Florida in 1993. He is currently serving Gold Coast Schools as an instructor for Air Conditioning and Mechanical contractor license applicants.

Chris Clausing is a Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida with over 20 years’ experience in the Construction and Inspection industry. As a Gold Coast Instructor, Chris has helped thousands of students prepare for and pass their certification exams for state licensure. Chris works as a Consultant with The University of Miami – Master of Construction Management Program mentoring future Contractors and Construction Professionals and sits as a Consensus Committee Member for the IECC helping shape the energy codes of the future. As Program and Curriculum Innovation Director, Chris is committed to providing the best learning experience for all Gold Coast students and developing best-in-class industry training programs for lifelong professional development.

Daniel “Dan” Villa, AIA is a registered architect. He has been drafting since 1994 and he loves helping people find better ways to do what they do. He is a sole-practitioner currently focusing on single family residential, but he has also been involved in commercial design and construction during his 20+ years in the field. Dan currently teaches Plan Reading.

David joined Gold Coast in 2005 and is an Air Conditioning and Mechanical instructor with over 17 years of classroom experience preparing students for the State of Florida trade exam. He has developed curriculums and questions for in class and online simulators. He passed the A, B, and Mechanical trade exams multiple times. Prior to joining Gold Coast, David worked for Ford Motor Company for 23 years where he handled various service related issues and gained extensive experience in HVAC. He holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and is an ASE Master Automotive and Truck Technician. In his free time, David enjoys fixing and restoring cars.

David Sawyer has over 10 years of experience as an Instructor and Trainer in the field of Construction Management and Real Estate. He has a master’s degree in construction management from Florida International University. David also holds both a Home Inspection and Real Estate license in Florida.

Dawn is an Instructor for Gold Coast and teaches the General Contractor cram classes to aid students in their preparation for their state licensing tests. She teaches out of the Tamarac, Lantana, and Doral campuses.

Dawn has an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Broward Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Barry University, Graduate Work in Psychology from Nova University, and a General Contractor license from Gold Coast Schools. She has been working in various phases of the construction industry since 1985. She has been teaching both individuals and small groups in private tutoring here at Gold Coast, and also teaches in a classroom setting. Dawn is passionate about seeing students have that “AH-HA moment” when problem solving.

When not working, Dawn enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and active adventure traveling. Dawn has completed several bicycle trips across the United States and Canada.

Dominick Scarfo is a licensed Florida Architect and Licensed Florida General Contractor. He has been in the Architectural Profession since 1958 and studied at the Boston Architectural Center, where he won the top student award in his fifth year of studies. He taught for four years at the Boston Architectural Center and opened his own firm in Boston in 1973. He converted old estate buildings into condominiums in the late 70s and early 80s and semi retired until he received a call stating that a former client was having problems getting his building finished in Florida. He came to Florida and got the building completed ahead of time and decided to relocate to Florida. He received his Certified General Contractors License in 1987. He enjoys teaching and helping students and started with Gold Coast Schools in 1998.

Gilberto Fernandez is a Certified Building Contractor since 1976, a Certified Roofing Contractor since 2005, and a Certified Home Inspector since 2010.

He received his Business Administration and Accounting Degree at The Havana & Oriente University – Cuba. Once residing in the US, he attended the following higher learning institutions to improve knowledge in business: Jones College – Orlando, Fla – Administrative Accounting. Rollins College – Winter Park, Fla – Business Administration and Commercial Law Courses.

Gilberto was once the President of the Florida Prestressed Concrete Assn. and held chairmanship of different committees with the association including the FDOT Liaison and Plant Certification, Safety. He conducted presentations and seminars with Trade Associations, Engineers, and Architects about the benefits of utilizing Prestressed Concrete in their design and construction. Gilberto has been married for 46 years with 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

Hans Pinto, originally from Santiago de Chile, has been in construction since 2005, working until 2016 with electrical companies doing things such as replacing old electrical panels in residential buildings, installing complete electrical systems for brand new homes and rewiring lighting systems for each of the inmates’ cells in one of the towers at a jail in Coconut Creek, just to name a few.

Currently he is the President/Owner of “An American Dream Home Inspection”, his own licensed and certified Home Inspection company, as well as the vice president of a maintenance company servicing restaurants across South Florida. Hans became a part of the Gold Coast roster during the beginning of 2022 and is now an instructor for Home Inspection; he also teaches the cram course the day before the State test and the Home Inspection Continuing Education class as well.

Jeff Shanley, a South Florida native, began his career at Miami-Dade College following the curriculum toward becoming a mechanical contractor in 1980. Jeff’s primary background as a Mechanical Contractor has been in Design/Build of commercial projects throughout Florida, then specializing in international work where his specialty in design-build brought him to the General Service Administration (GSA) assigned to the U.S. State Department. During his time with the GSA, Jeff specialized in hospitals, U.S. Embassies, U.S. Interest Sections, and power plants. He was instrumental in identifying and overcoming the challenges of design and installation of mechanical systems in these entities within the unique environments of Cuba, Western Europe, and South America. After nearly two decades, Jeff retired in 2018 from his work with the GSA, and from active contracting endeavors in 2019. During his tenure as a mechanical contractor, Jeff has served as a mentor to dozens of up-and-comers in the industry as they worked their way through Trade and Union School and into their careers. Jeff remains dedicated to enhancing the profession of mechanical contracting and presently serves as an Inspector for the International Building Code Inspector for the GSA and has been an instructor at Gold Coast Schools since 2019. Jeff is happy to answer any questions or provide guidance regarding obtaining one’s license in mechanical contracting, air conditioning, or plumbing. Please contact Jeff at JShanley@goldcoastschools.com.

Mr. Joseph C. Rebuck is a state Certified General Contractor since 2003, Joe first joined the Gold Coast team as a part time instructor in 2004. Over his career Mr. Rebuck has owned his own General Contracting Company, served as director of Property Management for Lennar Homes Dade Division, was an area Facility Manager for Washington Mutual Bank/CB Richard Ellis as well as an area manager for Kings Point Condominium Association in Tamarac, Florida.

In addition to holding his General Contracting & Roofing Licenses Mr. Rebuck is credentialed as a License Real Estate Broker, Licensed CAM, Licensed Home Inspector, License Mold Assessor & Remediator, LEED AP and a Certified Pool Operator (CPO)

Jorge Urrutia has been an instructor at Gold Coast Schools since 1995. He is an instructor for Home Inspection, Wind Mitigation and Continuing Education. He started his career as a Building Inspector and has since become a Project Manager. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from the University of Florida and Professional Certifications in General Contracting, Plans Examination, Building Inspection, Home Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Assessment and Roofing. He authored our current Wind Mitigation and Home Inspection CE courses.

Luis Bentancor joined Gold Coast in 2016 and teaches the General Contractor exam prep courses that help students who are preparing for the state contractor exam. He is an Architect and a General Contractor with years of industry experience that he brings into the classroom to help students succeed. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Universidad de la República from Montevideo, Uruguay; he studied Engineering at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He previously worked as a Project Manager for a construction company and as an Associate Architect in an Architectural Studio. He owns and manages his own construction company.

Miguel graduated from Dade County Junior College with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology in 1969. He started in roadway and bridge construction from 1967 until 1969. He then went on to start in building construction in 1970. He has held his General Contractor license since 1981. In addition, he holds a Roofing Contractor and Home Inspector licenses. Miguel owned a construction business and retired in 2018. He teaches General, Building, Residential and Roofing Contractor courses.

Miguel is an experienced Building Code Professional, General, and Roofing Contractor with a demonstrated history of working in the construction and public administration industries. He has a Master of Construction Management and Public Administration (MPA).

Orlando Cuello is a Construction professional with over 30 years of experience managing private and public construction projects. He graduated from Universidad Piloto in Bogota, Colombia in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He continued onto his M.B.A. at Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia and graduated in 1997. In addition, he obtained his ESAP (Escuela Superior de Adm. Publica) in Barranquilla, Colombia in 2000 in Public Management. He holds a General Contractor license since 2006.

• Senior Home Inspection Instructor
• IFREC Home Inspection Series Author
• Florida Home Inspector License HI 1354
• Redesign Architectural Services, Owner
• WHS Home Inspections,Owner
• IRIS Certified Residential Inspector