Who We Are

We are an International Executive Search firm specializing in real estate development and related financial services. Established in 1975, we have earned a reputation for professionalism and results. As consultants to management, we assist our clients in determining their needs and goals. We then identify and attract top candidates around the world who have the requisite skills to perform in each client company’s unique environment.

Mission

The fundamentals of real estate and finance are the same throughout the world. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality executive recruiting in those fields worldwide. In doing so, we provide our clients with the tools to enhance the quality and success of their endeavors. As specialists, we understand your business and strive to maintain our reputation for timely delivery of a quality service with the utmost integrity.

Philosophy

At Ropes Associates, our philosophy is that executive search is an individual service business. We believe that each client has a unique environment, style of operation, and business philosophy. Please read Mr. Ropes’ article in Urban Land magazine, “People, The New Competitive Edge.”

Ethics

We are committed to acting in an ethical manner toward clients and candidates. Our actions are characterized by our values, and we endorse and adhere to the “Code of Ethics”, “Professional Practice Guidelines” and “Client Bill of Rights” of The Association of Executive Search Consultants.

Our Professional Team

We are a team of dedicated professionals, ready to do what ever it takes to make your business grow.

John Ropes is the founder and president of Ropes Associates, Inc., a leading executive search and advisory firm.  He is recognized as America’s foremost expert in the recruitment and selection of senior management for developers of resort communities and large scale, master planned communities, as well as other developers and land owners in the field of real estate.  Established in 1975, the firm is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and his clients are located worldwide.  Clients have included companies such as Arvida, DMB, Kapalua, Disney Development, Kiawah, Hualalai, Peninsula Papagayo, Crescent Resources, Dolphin Capital Partners, and Virgin Limited Edition.

 

John Ropes is a Governor of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and served as Council Counselor for the Recreational Development Councils, as well as a former Chairman of the Recreational Development Council (Gold).  He was a member of ULI’s Executive Committee for Membership, and served on the Membership Committee, the Program Committee, International Committee and District Council Committee.  In addition, he was Chairman of the ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council and served as chairman of three conferences on Caribbean Real Estate Opportunities held in Miami in 1993 and in Puerto Rico in 1994 and 1995.  He served as co-Chairman of the Local Arrangements Committee for ULI Spring 2000 meeting in Miami.  John has been a member of the University of Florida Real Estate Advisory Board since 2004, and is also an advisory board member for the Master of Science in Real Estate Development Program for Nova Southeastern University. John is a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants, where he has served on the Board of Directors.

 

“John is someone we trust when we need organizational insight. He specializes in the real estate industry and knows exactly where to look to find the right people to meet the leadership challenges of our organization. We rely on him.”

As an owner / developer of an office building in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, John has been active in area organizations.  He is former Chairman and now currently serves on the board of the Downtown Development Authority for Fort Lauderdale, and the Riverwalk Trust Board. He previously served as a member of the City of Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk GOB subcommittee.

 

 

John Ropes earned his MBA at the University of Miami and his BA at the University of Florida. He is a licensed single-engine pilot with an IFR rating. John has two daughters, Chelsea and Katie.

What others say about us

John starts with a knowledge of our business and the skill set required to be successful. He takes the time to study and understand our organization and challenges our thinking about the requirements of a position. This is critical to finding an individual with the proper fit, and provides a high level of confidence that the person hired will succeed in our organization.
Richard AlbrechtPresident of Kukui'ula Development Company
John is someone we trust when we need organizational insight. He specializes in the real estate industry and knows exactly where to look to find the right people to
meet the leadership challenges of our organization. We rely on him.
Harry Posin President of Minto Communities, Inc. Coconut Creek, Florida