Oscar Alci shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Oscar, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of real estate, I spend most of my time with my family. I’m married with two daughters, and honestly, nothing centers me more than being around them. Whether it’s taking my older daughter to school, having a quiet coffee with my wife, or just watching our newborn sleep—it’s those little everyday moments that matter the most. I also love boxing, not just as a sport but as a way to clear my head. And I’m a huge fan of good food and traveling—exploring new cities, meeting people, learning their stories. It all keeps me inspired and balanced, which I think makes me better at what I do professionally too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Oscar, and I’m a real estate broker based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I run Ares Luxury Properties, a boutique firm that focuses on high-end real estate with a personal, relationship-driven approach. We specialize in helping clients find not just properties, but the right lifestyle—whether that’s a waterfront home in South Florida or an investment opportunity abroad.
Before real estate, I was a barber for many years. It taught me how to truly connect with people—how to listen, earn trust, and understand what people really need. That background shaped how I approach real estate today. I’m not in it just to close deals; I’m here to build long-term relationships with my clients and help them make smart, meaningful moves.
What makes Ares Luxury Properties unique is that we offer something very human in a world that’s become overly transactional. We’re selective with the people we work with because we care deeply about doing it right—being transparent, strategic, and fully present. Many of our clients become close friends, and they know they can call us anytime, not just during a sale.
I split my life between Fort Lauderdale and Europe—mostly Istanbul. That international perspective helps me understand and serve clients who are global citizens—people who are looking to live, invest, or move between countries with ease.
Right now, I’m expanding Ares Luxury Properties’ reach both locally in Florida and internationally. There’s a big demand for a more curated, honest, and culturally fluent approach to real estate, and that’s exactly what we bring to the table. More than anything, I’m just a proud husband, a father to two daughters, and someone who truly enjoys helping people build beautiful lives—one property at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people, in my experience, is usually a mix of pride, lack of communication, and assumptions. We stop listening. We stop being vulnerable. Ego steps in, and suddenly it becomes more about being right than being connected. Time and distance play a role too, but it’s usually emotional distance that does the real damage.
What restores those bonds is honesty. Not just speaking it—but hearing it. When both sides are willing to put down their defenses and meet in truth, healing starts. And a lot of times, it takes just one person to go first—to say, “Hey, I miss you,” or “I didn’t handle that well.” That opens a door.
Forgiveness helps, of course, but so does curiosity—wanting to understand the other person, even when it’s uncomfortable. At the end of the day, I think love and loyalty are what hold us together. When those are real, you find your way back, even if it takes time. I’ve seen it in family, in friendships, and even in business relationships. We all mess up. The important part is whether we’re willing to rebuild—and that usually starts with empathy and a little bit of courage.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
There were so many moments where I felt like I had to have it all figured out—or that I was falling behind somehow. But the truth is, every twist in the road, even the ones that felt like failure, were shaping me. I’d remind him that his heart is in the right place, and that’s going to matter more than anything.
I’d also say, “Keep being curious, keep loving hard, and don’t rush through the pain. It’s part of the story.” You’ll be proud of the man you become—husband, father, and someone who leads with real integrity. Just hang in there. It all connects eventually.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yeah, it is—but it’s filtered, like most people’s. I don’t fake who I am, and I don’t play roles. What you see publicly is absolutely me—driven, honest, loyal, passionate about what I do and who I love. But it’s not the whole me. The realest parts of me come out around my wife, my daughters, close friends—those quiet, unguarded moments.
In public, especially in business, I carry a version of myself that’s focused, calm, professional—but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. It’s just a layer. The deeper stuff—my doubts, my past struggles, my softer side—those stay close to my chest. Not because I’m hiding, but because I protect what matters.
I think authenticity isn’t about showing everything—it’s about making sure whatever you do show is honest. And I’ve always stood by that. What you get with me, whether it’s in a real estate deal or a conversation over coffee, is real. Just maybe not all of it at once.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
A lot of what I’ve done—especially in real estate—has been behind the scenes. The extra hours researching a property, the late-night calls, the deals that fall apart and still demand full effort… most of it happens without applause. But I don’t do it for praise. I do it because it’s a reflection of who I am.
Of course, everyone wants to feel appreciated—we’re human. But for me, the real satisfaction comes from knowing I gave it my all, that I showed up with integrity, and that I never took shortcuts. Whether I’m closing a big transaction or guiding a first-time buyer, I approach it with the same mindset: do it right, or don’t do it at all.
And truth is, even when nobody says a word, the people who matter—my wife, my daughters, my clients—they feel it. They feel the trust, the consistency. That’s the kind of praise that doesn’t need to be spoken, and it’s more than enough for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aresluxury.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aresluxuryproperties/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/aresluxury/
Image Credits
Oscar Alci
