David knows the exquisite beauty of the Santa Rosa Island is unmatched. And when given the rare opportunity to develop the last remaining piece of waterfront property on Pensacola Beach, he knew he needed to create a truly unique resort that honored this serene landscape. Thus, the idea of The Island Empress was born.

After spending many years in the fast-paced city of Atlanta, David and his wife Reta moved to Pensacola to enjoy a more relaxed way of life. It didn’t take long for them to realize the true beauty of the area, mainly that of the beaches. David’s love of water sports, the laid-back style of life and the opportunities for growth in the area are what have driven him to develop extraordinary properties, such as The Island Empress, on our beautiful Gulf Coast.

David has a lifetime’s experience in real estate and contracting. His developments include world-class projects such as the Trump Tower in New Orleans, Louisiana (pictured here with Donald Trump, himself). Closer to home, he has built numerous single and multi-family residences, rental properties, subdivisions, condominiums, hotels and shopping centers throughout the Pensacola area.

Beyond the extensive list of developments are David’s strong ties to the people and needs of Pensacola and the beaches themselves. He is involved in fund-raising efforts for several nonprofit groups, and is an active member of many local, professional and volunteer organizations, all of which keep him attuned to what is happening in the area. His desire to meet the growing needs of Northwest Florida and the tourism industry are what truly set him apart.

His vision for the future of The Island Empress extends beyond just a single edifice – to him, this is a lifelong vision that will continue to grow as more and more people come to love the lifestyle of The Island Empress.

Wide open, isolated beaches and lazy days spent by the water – these are the memories of Joe Endry’s childhood spent on Santa Rosa Island. For him, The Island Empress is not only a way to capture the essence of those peaceful years; it is also a way to ensure this quiet oasis continues to thrive in the future.

Joe’s vast experience and proven expertise in the real estate industry is what makes him a valued asset to the team in the development of The Island Empress. Joe began his career as a listing agent in 1970 after a four-year stint in the U.S. Navy. In 1984 he opened JME Realty on Pensacola Beach and moved on to acquire a Coldwell Banker franchise, building it into the 7th largest franchise in the country before selling it to CB United. With 40 years of experience under his belt, Joe has been a part of more than 30 condominium projects, as well as numerous beach hotels and commercial buildings in the Pensacola and surrounding areas.

Joe is a visionary in his own right and sees The Island Empress as a place where families don’t just come for the beautiful beaches; they come for the lifestyle of the resort itself and the area that surrounds it. Looking forward, his goal is to create a place where the staff is memorable, the services are world-class and guests refer to it as “home.”

To Lucian, Pensacola Beach represents family. Born in Romania, Lucian built a career as an engineer for Boeing and Xerox in the Pacific Northwest. He then spent more than a decade as an entrepreneur in Alaska, before he found his true home on the shores of the Gulf Coast. He moved to the area in 1989, escaping a hectic career to spend more time with his wife and three young children.

A passionate world traveler who has experienced the finest resorts in the world, Lucian has a true appreciation for the multi-faceted vacation – one that encompasses culinary delights, educational opportunities, luxurious accommodations, natural beauty and adventure. This is his dream for The Island Empress, a dream inspired by a vacation with his own family. Now he has come out of retirement to turn his vision of the ultimate family retreat into reality. He is building the Island Empress so that generations of friends and relatives can discover this amazing place – one his own family fell in love with so many years ago.

Lucian currently manages daily operations for The Island Empress project. He earned his undergraduate degree in engineering and later earned an MBA and PhD.

Olga moved to the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast as a little girl and never looked back. Having spent much of her time here since childhood, her love of the area led her to join her father, Lucian, and dedicate her career to this incredible project. As the youngest person on the development team, Olga represents the future of The Island Empress.

Currently serving as project coordinator, Olga’s experience as a residential and commercial realtor in the Pensacola area is invaluable. She received her BA in geography, with a specialty in geographic information systems (GIS) and business location analysis from the University of Florida. Currently, Olga is working toward Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Accreditation, the highest level of accreditation for a commercial agent. She recently earned an Associate Resort Professional (ARP) designation from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and was honored with ARDA's highest award for an individual through being named the ACE Employee of the Year for 2009.

Together, David Brannen, Joe Endry, Lucian Dancaescu and Olga Dancaescu make up the team Gulfwind Management. To turn their dreams of the Island Empress into reality, they have engaged the best names in the world of design, architecture, strategic planning and branding.

Design with a Purpose

The design of The Island Empress honors the indelible architecture of visionary George Fletcher, President and CEO of Adache Group, who believes that every building should serve as a reflection of its purpose. At the Island Empress, visitors will come to re-energize – to relax in the sun and take in the beauty of the Emerald Coast. To reflect this purpose, the nature of the architecture of the Island Empress pays homage to outdoor space, a fitting style for Pensacola’s inclination towards outdoor relaxation and entertainment.

An abundant use of glass amplifies the connection to the land and offers each residence a sweeping panoramic view of the majestic waters of the Gulf of Mexico. And the resort’s elaborate interiors echo the unique cultural heritage of Pensacola with a contemporary take on the charming balconies, columns and arches characteristic of Spanish and English colonial style.

Adache Group Architects, Inc. brings almost four decades of experience to the Island Empress development. Adache Group is known for creating architecture that reflects and enhances the natural beauty of the landscape – a key consideration here on this extraordinary stretch of Pensacola Beach.

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Adache Group has designed more than 300 resorts, hotels and condominiums, in addition to more than 300 condominium units in 45 countries spread over five continents. The company’s portfolio includes:

• ‘W’ Resort and Residences in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Trump Tower in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Sandyport Resort in Nassau, Bahamas
• Surfcomber Resort in Miami Beach, Florida
• Mortons Hotel Group
• InterContinental Resort & Residence in Orlando, Florida

Elegant. Fresh. Contemporary.

Mix that together with a blend of European culture and service, combined with elements of the area’s unique ecology, and you have the stunningly empressive design of The Island Empress.

Owners and guests can experience the island lifestyle, complemented by sophisticated Southern hospitality, thanks to the creative designs of Principal & Creative Director Margit Whitlock of Architectural Concepts, Inc., interior architect for The Island Empress . By showcasing one of the world’s whitest sand beaches and drawing inspiration from the patterns, textures and colors of the area’s incredible ecosystem, The Island Empress will become a truly magical retreat for all who enter her doors.

Architectural Concepts, Inc. (ACI) creates stunning properties designed to enhance the guest experience in world-class resorts, hotels, restaurants, spas and mixed-use developments. And the Island Empress will be no exception. With its reputation for integrating high-style design with uncompromising attention to detail, ACI’s involvement ensures the Island Empress will epitomize the highest standards of creative interior design.

Based in San Diego, California, and led by Margit Whitlock, ACI has won numerous ARDY awards for interior design, architecture and community service.

The Island Empress is being set apart as one of the most luxurious resorts on the Emerald Coast, thanks in part to the branding efforts underway by Ideaworks, a full-service marketing communications firm located in historical downtown Pensacola.

Ideaworks’ founder, Caron Sjoberg, is a Pensacola “transplant” who has lived in the area for the past 30 years. Since opening in 1995, the firm’s work has netted more than 300 local, regional and national awards for marketing and public relations; more importantly, the team at Ideaworks has helped to market and sell millions of dollars in luxury residential property across the southern U.S.

Now, the team is looking forward to the challenge of marketing a fractional destination closer to home. Committed to excellence, Ideaworks is paving the way for The Island Empress to become known as the pinnacle of hotels and fractional-ownership resorts.

Caron’s background of more than 28 years in marketing strategy, advertising, graphic design and public relations will be instrumental in positioning The Island Empress among the best fractional properties in the world. She founded Ideaworks in 1995 after spending 10 years as creative director for a regional hospital network, and as vice president of corporate communications and operations for a privately-held paging company that was twice named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Caron was recently named “Outstanding Woman in Business” by the Pensacola Business Journal.

Consulting & Sales Management Services

Luxury real estate, like The Island Empress, demands an elite level of customized consulting and sales management services, and no one understands this better than Shenandoah Advisors. Accustomed to working with clients of the highest caliber, Shenandoah Advisors has introduced more than one billion dollars in luxury real estate around the world. They understand that every property – and every project – has a unique audience and a distinct character which sets it apart from the rest. It is their involvement with The Island Empress that will ensure the long-term success of this unsurpassed resort.

With decades of international development and resort experience in properties from the Caribbean to New Zealand, Jeff Raymond, principal at Shenandoah Advisors, sees The Island Empress as we do…an unspoiled paradise. He, too, remembers exploring the sugar-white beaches and warm waters of the Gulf Coast as a child. These cherished memories are what have inspired his commitment to The Island Empress and its promise to preserve this timeless lifestyle for future generations.

Sean Zimmerman, managing director for Shenandoah Advisors, also believes this in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Impressed by the dedication and accomplishments of The Island Empress management team, he and his team are committed to providing the highest level of consulting and sales management services to ensure the success of this rare and inspiring vision – The Island Empress.