Few names are as closely tied to South Florida real estate development as Masoud Shojaee. Over the past several decades, he has helped shape major residential and commercial projects across Miami-Dade County through his company, Shoma Group.
Known for his long-term vision and aggressive investment strategy, Shojaee built a business that expanded from home construction into large mixed-use communities, luxury residences, retail developments, and office properties. His work has played a visible role in the growth of areas such as Doral and other parts of South Florida.
Beyond business, public interest in Shojaee has grown because of his family’s visibility in luxury real estate circles and recent media attention connected to his wife, Stephanie Shojaee. This article explores his background, career journey, business success, family life, and influence on the Florida property market.
Who Is Masoud Shojaee? A Short Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Masoud Shojaee |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Birthplace | Tehran, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian-American |
| Profession | Real Estate Developer, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1980s–present |
| Education | University of Miami |
| Famous For | Founder and CEO of Shoma Group |
| Spouse | Stephanie Shojaee |
| Children | Anelise Shojaee, Lilibet Shojaee |
| Source of Income | Real Estate Development, Investments |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mrmasoudshojaee |
| Official Website | ShomaGroup.com |
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Iran
Masoud Shojaee was born in Tehran, Iran, before eventually moving to the United States as a young man. Several reports about his background note that his father worked in the construction industry, which exposed him early to large-scale building projects and development concepts.
His relocation to the United States became a defining turning point in his career. Like many immigrant entrepreneurs, Shojaee arrived with academic ambitions but eventually transitioned into business ownership through a combination of technical education and market opportunity.
Studying at the University of Miami
Shojaee attended the University of Miami, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
Although engineering was his formal field of study, the rapidly growing South Florida property market soon attracted his attention. By the late 1980s, he had shifted away from engineering and moved fully into construction and real estate development.
Early Professional Experience
Before becoming a developer, Shojaee worked in technical and contracting-related roles. He later secured a general contractor’s license and eventually became a licensed real estate broker.
That combination of engineering knowledge, construction expertise, and brokerage experience gave him a strong operational advantage when launching his own development company. Rather than relying entirely on outside consultants, he developed a hands-on approach to projects from planning through execution.
The Rise of Shoma Group
Founding the Company
Shojaee founded Shoma Group in 1988. Initially focused on residential housing developments, the company gradually expanded into larger mixed-use and commercial projects throughout South Florida.
The timing proved important. South Florida was experiencing population growth and increasing demand for suburban communities. Shojaee recognized opportunities in emerging areas before they became highly competitive, particularly in Doral. Read about gavin adcock age
Over time, Shoma evolved into one of the region’s better-known development firms, completing projects that ranged from condominiums and townhomes to office space and retail centers.
Growth Across South Florida
According to company information, Shoma Group has developed more than 10,000 homes and condominiums along with over one million square feet of retail and office space. The company also reports billions of dollars in completed real estate transactions.
Shojaee became especially associated with the transformation of Doral from a quieter suburban area into a major residential and business hub. Industry observers frequently credit him as one of the developers who recognized the city’s long-term potential before its explosive growth.
Projects connected to Shoma Group have included luxury residential communities, apartment developments, commercial buildings, and large mixed-use spaces aimed at both local buyers and international investors.
Leadership Style and Business Strategy
One of the characteristics often associated with Shojaee’s business approach is long-term positioning. Instead of focusing only on immediate market demand, he has frequently invested in locations expected to appreciate significantly over time.
His engineering background also influenced the company’s operational structure. Reports and interviews describe him as heavily involved in project planning, construction standards, and market analysis.
That detailed approach helped Shoma remain active through multiple real estate cycles, including periods when the broader property market slowed after economic downturns.
Family, Marriage, and Public Attention
Marriage to Stephanie Shojaee
Masoud Shojaee is married to Stephanie Shojaee, who currently serves as president of Shoma Group. She joined the company years after its founding and later rose through executive leadership positions including chief marketing officer and vice president.
Their relationship has attracted growing public attention because of Stephanie’s media appearances and association with luxury lifestyle television programming. In interviews, she has credited her husband with building the company while also discussing her role in modernizing its branding and marketing.
Together, they are often described as one of South Florida’s most visible real estate power couples.
Previous Marriage and Children
Before marrying Stephanie, Shojaee was married to Maria Lamas. The former couple helped build the business during its earlier years before eventually divorcing after decades of marriage.
Shojaee has two daughters, Anelise and Lilibet Shojaee, who have also reportedly worked within the family real estate business.
Family involvement has remained a recurring theme throughout the company’s growth, particularly as Shoma expanded into larger and more high-profile developments.
Social Media and Public Image
In recent years, Shojaee’s public profile has expanded beyond real estate industry circles. His social media presence showcases luxury properties, travel, business events, and aspects of his personal lifestyle.
This visibility reflects a broader trend among modern developers who increasingly use personal branding alongside corporate branding to attract investors, buyers, and media attention.
Real Estate Influence and Industry Reputation
Impact on Miami Development
Shojaee’s influence on South Florida development extends beyond individual projects. His company participated in the broader transformation of Miami-area suburban communities into highly valuable residential and commercial zones.
Developers who entered markets like Doral early often benefited from substantial appreciation as international migration and business growth accelerated demand in the region. Shojaee’s long-term investment approach aligned closely with these demographic shifts.
As a result, Shoma became associated with large-scale growth across several South Florida communities.
Challenges and Criticism
Like many major developers operating at scale, Shoma Group has also faced legal disputes and construction-related criticism over the years. Public reports from earlier periods mention lawsuits tied to building concerns in some residential developments.
Such disputes are not uncommon in large-volume construction and real estate development industries, especially during periods of rapid market expansion. Despite these challenges, the company continued growing and remained active in major projects throughout Florida.
Current Business Expansion
Recent reports suggest Shoma Group continues pursuing luxury and mixed-use developments, including projects connected to waterfront and high-end residential markets.
The company has also discussed broader expansion opportunities and international ambitions through executive interviews and media appearances. As Miami continues attracting domestic and international wealth migration, firms like Shoma remain positioned within one of the country’s most active luxury real estate markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Masoud Shojaee?
A: Masoud Shojaee is an Iranian-American real estate developer and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of Shoma Group, a major South Florida real estate development company.
Q: What is Shoma Group?
A: Shoma Group is a real estate development firm founded in 1988. The company develops residential communities, luxury condominiums, commercial spaces, and mixed-use properties across South Florida.
Q: Where is Masoud Shojaee from?
A: Masoud Shojaee was born in Tehran, Iran. He later moved to the United States and studied at the University of Miami before building his real estate business in Florida.
Q: Is Masoud Shojaee married?
A: Yes. He is married to Stephanie Shojaee, who serves as president of Shoma Group and has gained public attention through media appearances and business leadership.
Q: What is Masoud Shojaee known for?
A: He is primarily known for building Shoma Group into one of South Florida’s prominent real estate development companies and for helping shape the growth of communities such as Doral.
Conclusion
Masoud Shojaee represents a classic immigrant entrepreneur success story shaped by technical education, business ambition, and long-term investment vision. From studying electrical engineering at the University of Miami to building a multibillion-dollar real estate enterprise, his career reflects decades of involvement in South Florida’s evolving property market.
Through Shoma Group, Shojaee helped develop thousands of homes and major commercial projects while establishing a strong presence in Miami-area real estate. His growing public visibility, combined with the company’s continued expansion, keeps him relevant not only in development circles but also in broader business and media conversations.
