As President of Kolter Urban’s Florida West Coast division, Long Island native Brian Van Slyke oversees the firm’s regional strategy. His responsibilities span site acquisition, entitlements, design, construction, delivery, and financial performance. With extensive experience in commercial, hospitality, and single-family projects, Van Slyke has developed thousands of condo units in Florida and across the U.S.
A graduate of the Wentworth Institute of Technology, he studied Construction Management and Architectural Engineering. Van Slyke is a licensed Florida sales associate, a LEED Accredited Professional (AP), and has held multiple General Contractor licenses.
At the age of 14, I worked as an ironworker, walking steel on construction sites for office buildings and warehouses on Long Island. That early exposure taught me the value of hard work and how I discovered my love of construction. I was operating cranes before I could even drive! I stayed involved in the construction industry throughout college, earning degrees in Construction Management and Architectural Engineering. I have been in the construction and development business my entire career.
At Kolter Urban, we specialize in the development of luxury condominiums. As the President of Kolter Urban Florida’s West Coast, I lead the business unit from site selection to project delivery, ensuring each project aligns with our strategic goals and achieves financial success.
One aspect many don’t realize about our industry is just how capital-intensive and competitive it is. Our success stems from our resources, partnerships, and risk tolerance.
The last few years taught me resilience and perseverance. The challenges of the last few years have truly tested our ability to adapt and stay the course, and I’ve come out of it with a stronger sense of determination.
My business philosophy is to operate with integrity and honesty. Be true to your word.
We moved to Naples in the early 2000s, and then I joined Kolter Urban over 10 years ago, moving to the Tampa Bay area. What I love most about this region is the combination of its vibrant, walkable lifestyle and access to the waterfront. It offers great boating, entertainment, dining, and a growing arts scene. Tampa Bay has experienced remarkable growth, with more businesses, cultural events, and urban living options making it a dynamic place to live, work, and play. It has truly transformed into a thriving, diverse urban center.
When I’m not working, I love spending time on the water and supporting my daughter in her equestrian pursuits. It’s a great way to unwind and be with family.
My wife, Amanda, has been my biggest supporter. She’s a superstar real estate agent, and her support has been invaluable. Without a doubt, the greatest honor of my life is being a dad.
A surprising skill I have, staying within my industry, is that I am a skilled carpenter.
A song I love is “Master of Puppets” by Metallica. It’s my jam! I’ve always connected with this song, and I share that love for Metallica with my sister. It’s our way of bonding.
While I feel fortunate to live in Florida, my favorite travel destinations are the Caribbean and Europe. Both places offer unique cultural experiences and natural beauty that I love to explore.
What we develop and build leaves a lasting legacy and impact, shaping vibrant, thriving downtowns. Our work endures, creating meaningful impacts on the cities we touch and the lives of the people who call them home.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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