Who we are

At Lion Development Group, we create vibrant communities that define elevated living in the heart of Miami. Our projects are designed to transform city blocks into dynamic spaces where people can connect, thrive, and enjoy a modern lifestyle. With a focus on quality and innovation, we build more than just properties—we craft environments that inspire a sense of belonging and community.

Every development reflects our commitment to enhancing Miami’s urban landscape, blending thoughtful design with an elevated standard of living. At Lion Development Group, we’re proud to shape the future of Miami through projects that offer a unique blend of luxury, lifestyle, and lasting value.

Meet the Team

  • Michael Simkins

    President and Chief Executive Officer

  • Jason Shein

    Director of Acquisitions & Asset Management

Michael Simkins

Michael Simkins, President and CEO of Lion Development Group, is at the forefront of one of Miami’s most transformative real estate ventures. Through District 11, featuring the iconic E11EVEN Hotel & Residences and E11EVEN Beyond, Simkins is reimagining a once-overlooked 10-acre site in Park West into a vibrant 24-hour destination. This global, connected “live-work-play” environment is set to be a hub for entertainment, culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

Lion Development Group specializes in premier developments that intersect technology, entertainment, culture, and the arts. Under Mr. Simkins’ leadership, the company’s world-class projects are reshaping communities and elevating the Miami lifestyle. Lion Development is also collaborating with Terra Group on Miami Tropic, a new residential development in Midtown Miami. This world-class project will deliver refined living in one of the city’s most established and connected neighborhoods, linking residents to Miami’s key economic and cultural centers. 

As a lifelong Miamian, Mr. Simkins is passionately committed to Miami’s dynamic growth. “The world is paying attention to Miami,” he says. “I see our city continuing its evolution with world-class architecture and cultural spaces. By attracting top corporations and higher-paying jobs, Miami will gain greater global recognition and influence.” 

Beyond his role at Lion Development Group, Mr. Simkins is a key player at E11EVEN Partners, the visionary team behind the renowned E11EVEN Miami brand, which includes a nightclub, hotel, residences, vodka line, and audio equipment. His strategic insight has propelled the brand beyond hospitality, cementing its status as a premier lifestyle brand. 

The Simkins family, with deep roots in South Florida, is celebrated for its contributions to community-focused projects that foster sustainable economic growth and bring international visibility to the region. Mr. Simkins himself is active in various philanthropic efforts, including those dedicated to juvenile diabetes research—a cause especially meaningful to his family. He also serves on the boards of the Miami Jewish Federation, Miami Beach JCC, Endeavor Miami, and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). 

Raised in Miami Beach, Mr. Simkins is the youngest of five siblings. He attended Ransom Everglades and later earned a degree in finance from the University of Miami. He holds a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and initially practiced real estate law at Akerman Senterfitt before fully dedicating himself to his true passion: real estate development. 

He has been married for 20 years to his high school sweetheart, Nicole Simkins, and has three children, son Eli (16), daughter Jaden (18), and Harper (9).

Jason Shein

Jason Shein is a seasoned real estate executive with over a decade of experience in acquisitions, asset management, and capital markets. As Director of Acquisitions & Asset Management at Lion Development Group, he oversees a diverse portfolio of retail and industrial assets throughout South Florida, while also managing Lion’s ground-up development projects in collaboration with key partners.

Before joining Lion, Jason served as an Asset Manager at Thor Equities, where he directed operations for a global portfolio of retail, office, and industrial properties throughout the US and European markets. He led Thor’s Florida portfolio, comprising more than 500,000 square feet of retail and industrial space. He later joined Tricera Capital as Director of Acquisitions and Asset Management, focusing on value-add retail and office acquisitions throughout South Florida.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Law from the University of Miami and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance and Investment from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate.

 Combining institutional experience with entrepreneurial execution, Jason brings a strategic, data-driven, and hands-on approach to maximizing the performance and value of complex real estate assets.