Veteran real estate developer Lawrence Todd Maxwell, President of MX Properties, Inc., is calling on fellow developers and investors to shift their focus from short-term profits to long-term impact, urging a return to steady, community-focused development in a fast-paced, trend-driven industry.
In a newly released Q&A titled “A Quiet Builder: A Conversation with Lawrence Todd Maxwell on Patience, Property, and Purpose,” Maxwell speaks candidly about his career and shares lessons drawn from more than three decades in Florida real estate.
“I didn’t chase every wave,” says Maxwell in the interview. “I didn’t try to impress the room. I just built what I believed in—and I’m still doing it.”
MX Properties was formed in 1986, with Maxwell taking control in 1993. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for thoughtful development that respects both the market and the community.
At a time when the U.S. sees over 40% of homes bought by investors in some urban markets (Redfin, 2024), Maxwell warns that the chase for fast returns can erode neighbourhoods and trust.
“If you're only thinking six months ahead, you're already behind,” Maxwell says. “Real estate is about shaping the world people live in. That deserves more than a quick flip.”
Maxwell also highlights the risks of overextension and speculative development in the current economic climate, especially for early-career entrepreneurs.
“Start where you are. Understand your market. Don’t try to be everywhere at once. You can build something meaningful without chasing headlines.”
Beyond his business, Maxwell promotes hobbies like scale model building as a way for leaders to practise patience and mindfulness.
“You can’t rush a model,” he explains. “That mindset—slow, precise, and intentional—should apply to buildings too.”
The call to action, however, isn’t just for developers. Maxwell hopes individuals, investors, and even policymakers will begin to ask tougher questions about how and why buildings get made.
Why It Matters:
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More than 80% of U.S. construction starts are now controlled by less than 10% of builders (NAHB, 2023), increasing the risk of uniform, profit-first developments.
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Communities with long-term developers see 22% higher home value retention during economic downturns (Urban Institute, 2022).
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Florida's housing market has seen a 35% increase in speculative development since 2020, putting pressure on infrastructure and pricing (Florida Housing Coalition, 2024).
Maxwell’s Message: Build with Intention
Maxwell’s rare public remarks come as a reminder that leadership in real estate doesn’t require bold marketing or speed. It requires focus, ethics, and local roots.
“You don’t have to start with a skyscraper,” he says. “Start with something that makes sense. Do the job well. Earn trust. That’s how you build a legacy.”
Call to Action
Maxwell isn’t selling a course or seeking attention. But he does encourage anyone involved in property—homeowners, small builders, local officials—to ask:
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Is this project helping my community thrive long-term?
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Am I building something I’d be proud to have my name on?
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Have I listened more than I’ve sold?
“Look, I’m just a guy from Lakeland who stuck to what he believed in,” says Maxwell. “That’s all. And sometimes, that’s enough.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
Contact:
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