THE MALIBU PODCAST - Key Persons
Debbie brings a combination of skills unlikely to be found in any other real estate agent. A highly analytical and thoughtful approach honed by her unique career path gives her an unmatched approach to luxury real estate transactions.
Her myriad of previous successes include trading international equities while living in London, Tokyo, and New York during her Wall Street career, owning a gallery specializing in vintage Disney art, and first-hand experience in the permitting process in both Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Her ability to strike quickly and take advantage of stock market inefficiencies saw her quickly climb the ranks and earned her the nickname the "Cobra." This combined with her multi-decade experience curating art collections for her clients through her gallery has given her the ability to listen closely to clients and deliver desired results. She consistently demonstrates a high level of analysis and attention to detail and as a trained editor, she often notices things others miss.
Debbie lived in Beverly Hills for 20 years and is currently building her architectural dream home in Serra Retreat, Malibu. A mother of four, she loves to travel internationally and collect animation art. Her collection has been displayed in London and Tokyo, and she has been interviewed by CNN, BBC radio, and Forbes.
An active community member and philanthropist, Debbie has served on several election campaign steering committees for Beverly Hills City Council members. She is also the Vice President of Protect, a children's charity that helps at-risk kids.
Job Titles:
- Associate Partner & Director of Operations
As Director of Operations for the Mark & Grether Group, Jessica handles contracts, conducts quality control, and manages business operations. She counts herself lucky to work with a diverse and fascinating group of clients, vendors, and colleagues. If you choose to buy, sell, or lease with the Mark & Grether Group, Jessica will be there every step of the way: checking in, following up, answering questions, and making sure you are feeling comfortable and confident with your transaction.
Prior to entering the real estate industry, Jessica spent nearly a decade working for conservation-based non-profits, including the San Diego Zoo. With a BA in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Biology from Miami University, she is as apt to tell you what birds can be found in Malibu Lagoon as she is to share recent market data. She loves conservation, biology, and teaching, and has found that many of the tenets that make a good biologist and educator also make a good real estate agent: strong communication skills, an eternally optimistic, solutions-oriented attitude, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Yes, ‘communication skills' was written twice. Because it's just that important.
The Mark & Grether Group is based in Malibu, but as a proud product of the San Fernando Valley, Jessica works in many neighborhoods of LA and Ventura counties, from North Hollywood to Camarillo. She also keeps a beautifully curated list of agents from around the country that she is happy to recommend for those looking outside of the greater LA area.
In times of calm and times of turmoil, you can count on Jessica to keep a clear head, a messy desk, and a genuinely positive attitude. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Partner
- Associate Partners Jessica Mark
Jessica Mark brings a stellar track record and wealth of local knowledge to her real estate practice.
Jessica grew up in New Zealand where her father was a custom home builder. After graduating from University in New Zealand, Jessica followed the snow to Mammoth Lakes in California and it was there that she began her real estate career in 1999. She operated as a real estate salesperson in the Lake Tahoe area and was later recruited by multiple ski development companies. In this role, Jessica sold ski-in ski-out condos, townhomes, and custom homesites adjacent to ski-resorts and private golf courses.
In 2012, Jessica married her husband and Malibu realtor, Tony Mark, and relocated to Malibu where she now resides on Point Dume. Jessica truly embodies the Malibu lifestyle; when not working, you can find her surfing, cycling, mountain biking, running, riding horses, snowboarding, and spending time with her family.
As a realtor serving current and future residents, Jessica is excited to share her way of life with clientele and help them find their place in Malibu.
Job Titles:
- Associate Partner & Marketing Director
Justin brings a wealth of local knowledge, enthusiasm, and a creative approach to every real estate transaction and client relationship.
After studying Marketing and Communications at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Justin spent several years at innovative tech start-ups before joining The Mark & Grether Group at Compass in Malibu as both an Associate Partner and Marketing Director.
In addition to coordinating the team's marketing efforts and generating the maximum amount of exposure for their exclusive listings, Justin also specializes in working with tenants and buyers. From navigating the intricacies of land to finding a dream home, Justin's trustworthiness and dedication to his clients are unmatched.
In his free time, you can find Justin surfing, enjoying Malibu's beaches and trails, and spending time with his fiancé.
Lauren has been serving Malibu, San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills and surrounding areas for 8 years. In that time, she has earned a stellar reputation representing buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
With her warm smile and personable nature, Lauren connects quickly with clients and colleagues, which enables her to seamlessly assist them through their real estate transaction. Having lived in many different places in both the USA and Europe, Lauren is able to understand a wide array of people. Through her background in healthcare, Lauren brings nurturing care, attention to detail, and ultimate discretion to her clients. Having raised four boys, she has developed an athletic patience and dogged negotiation skills. Ultimately, Lauren loves what she does- bringing people to their homes.
Prior to finding her passion at Compass, Lauren earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida and had a successful career in sales spanning two continents and many years. She feels very fortunate to be able to live and work and have raised her brood in Malibu. When she's not working, she can be found enjoying the splendors of Malibu: hiking with her dogs, paddle boarding, walking the beach or enjoying the sunset.
Introducing Maura Kaplan. With an impressive legacy spanning over three decades in the design and development industry, Maura is known for her discerning taste and direct, no-nonsense style. Her trailblazing approach to buying, developing, and selling real estate encompasses over 50 custom residences, showcasing a proven record of remarkable success. Beyond her professional achievement, her talent for strategy has allowed her to master the art of cultivating wealth through her personal portfolio of real estate projects.
At the heart of Maura's success lies her core attributes; exquisite taste, honesty, dedication, diligence, the highest ethical standards, and a sense of calm to navigate the complex world of real estate with genuine grace; however, her real superpower is an uncanny ability to instantly judge a property's hidden potential. Known as a House Whisperer, she can walk into any property and give clients an immediate understanding of how to tailor it to their needs. A natural negotiator, she approaches every deal carefully prioritizing her clients' best interests and ensuring their dreams are realized with integrity and excellence.
Raised in a prominent Hollywood family, Maura spent her formative years in Westlake Village where she was exposed to the world of high-net-worth sensibilities, yet she was always driven to become a self-made professional. Growing up in a world where wealth was expressed and expanded by astute real estate decisions, she developed a lifelong passion for land, building, and understanding the inherent value every property holds. This early connection laid the foundation for her undeniable talent and commitment to the real estate industry.
Beyond her accomplishments in real estate and design, Maura is an avid equestrian. By the age of 17, she had earned the distinction of gold medalist for the United States equestrian team, a testament to her tenacity, precision, and unwavering focus. For over 30 years, Maura has consistently shattered industry norms, developing landmark projects that achieved record-setting sales. With her experience and understanding of every detail of custom design and development, no one offers this distinctive advantage like Maura Kaplan.
Accessed via Malibu Canyon, the community of Monte Nido is a hidden gem. Some of it is in Malibu, while the remainder is technically in Calabasas.
Ensconced in old-growth oaks and with several seasonal streams, Monte Nido is a family-friendly neighborhood in a beautiful mountain location. There is something for everyone here, with a fun blend of ranches, historic cabins, and beautiful modern homes. Residents enjoy a rural setting with easy access to the beaches and valley via Malibu Canyon, as well as their local restaurant, the iconic Saddle Peak Lodge.
Monte Nido's popularity has exploded in recent years, however, it still remains a good option for those seeking a home at a lower price point in the Malibu area.
Job Titles:
- Associate Partner & Marketing Director
Born on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, and raised in Manhattan Beach, Nikki has called Los Angeles her home for over 13 years. Her passion for all things home, design, construction, and architecture is deep-rooted, with a familial background in both real estate and interior design.
Nikki holds a B.A. in Communications from The University of California, Santa Barbara. She began her career in journalism and digital advertising before transitioning into her current role as an Associate Partner & Marketing Director for The Mark & Grether Group, Malibu's #1 real estate team with over $1.3 billion in sales volume.
Specializing in Malibu, West Los Angeles, South Bay, and beyond, Nikki prides herself on providing personalized attention to her clients and cultivating long-lasting relationships with each one. Known for her tenacity, trustworthiness, organization, and reliability, Nikki goes above and beyond to assist her clients in achieving their goals. Her keen market knowledge and can-do attitude are evident in each transaction, and always complemented by a warm smile. From first-time homebuyers to sellers, tenants, landlords, and seasoned investors alike, you can ensure Nikki will get the job done.
Currently residing in Marina Del Rey, Nikki loves going to the beach, Trader Joe's, traveling, dogs, and finding the best new restaurants in the city.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Partner
- Associate Partners Patti Palafox
Job Titles:
- Real Estate Agent for the 2019 Malibu Choice Awards
Patti's passion shows in everything she does. As your real estate agent, she will listen to your needs and achieve your goals. She knows each client and property are unique, and her broad business background, and compassion inspire her ability to understand seller and buyer perspectives. ‘Impossible is nothing.'
Combining the talents of Tony Mark and Russell Grether, two top-producing agents, The Mark & Grether Group brings together local expertise, comprehensive experience, and unparalleled results in a singular team.
Culminating over 40 years of combined real estate experience and netting over $1.3 billion worth of real estate sales, their team offers top-tier service and personalized attention to buyers and sellers alike.