A Legacy of Success
Our family’s roots in Miami real estate run deep, beginning in the 1970s when Jo-Ann Forster launched her career in Pinecrest and Coconut Grove. A trailblazer and one of the top-selling agents of all time, Jo-Ann set the standard for excellence that continues to inspire us today. Her legacy lives on through her children, Lauren and Brian, who have led the family business for the past decade, providing the same trusted service Miami families have counted on for generations.
Lauren Goodkind Allan
Principal & Team Leader
Born and raised in Pinecrest, Lauren attended local public schools, including Miami Palmetto Senior High, before earning her degree from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University. Her love for Pinecrest brought her back to the community to raise her family, where her son attends a local school and participates in community sports.
As team leader of the Jo-Ann Forster Team, Lauren builds on her mother’s dedication to excellence, offering clients personalized guidance and unmatched expertise. With strong ties to the industry through her father, a prominent local real estate attorney, Lauren brings unique insight and a collaborative approach to her role.
An enthusiastic networker and community advocate, Lauren has founded a local moms’ book club, actively participates in Miami Moms in Business, and is a member of Beaux Arts. She is passionate about continuing her mom’s spirit of female empowerment and fostering relationships that strengthen the community.
Brian Shapiro
Managing Partner
Born and raised in Coconut Grove, Brian grew up in real estate from a young age, first helping his mom stamp postcards and later designing advertisements, brochures, and mailings using the first personal computers that revolutionized the way Jo-Ann marketed her listings and herself.
After graduating from Emory University, Brian founded one of the nation’s leading real estate marketing and technology companies, which he sold to become part of what is now Homes.com. Building on that success, he served as President and Chief Technology Officer of Expert Realty, a South Florida real estate, mortgage, and title startup backed by $35 million in venture capital.
Brian chose Pinecrest as the ideal community to raise his family. His three children attended local schools, including Beth Am, Pinecrest Elementary, Palmetto Middle, and Miami Palmetto Senior High, excelling academically and participating in school and club soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, and cheerleading.
In addition to serving as Managing Partner of the Jo-Ann Forster Team, Brian is the Managing Partner and Operating Principal of Keller Williams Miami Portfolio Collection office in Pinecrest.
Jorge Blanchard
Director of Client Services
Jorge has been the foundation of our team’s success for over 15 years. As Director of Client Services, he plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the real estate process, ensuring smooth and seamless transactions for our clients. From listing onboarding to managing deals, Jorge’s expertise keeps everything running flawlessly.
With a background in architecture, Jorge brings extensive knowledge of construction, design, and home systems, offering invaluable insights to clients and the team. His extensive experience with listing and sale contracts, combined with meticulous attention to detail, ensures every transaction is handled with precision.
Jorge’s professionalism and warmth have earned him the respect of clients and the admiration of other agents, fostering the collaborative relationships essential to getting deals done.
Jo-Ann Forster
Founder & “Mama Bird”
In every profession, there are leaders who set the standards for others to follow. Jo-Ann Forster was one of those exceptional individuals, a trailblazer who redefined Miami real estate over her extraordinary 50-year career.
Jo-Ann’s career began in the early 1970s, and she quickly rose to prominence locally and nationally as a top producer, marketing and technology pioneer, and community leader.
Jo-Ann sold nearly $3 billion in Miami real estate, mentored many of today's top agents, and touched countless lives through her generosity and selflessness. Her contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including “Realtor of the Year”, “Humanitarian of the Year”, and “Leader of the Profession” by the Miami Association of Realtors®, and received the prestigious "Legacy Award" by the Master Brokers Forum for her lifetime achievements.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jo-Ann’s heart was always in the community. She cared deeply for her clients, colleagues, and family, exemplifying kindness, resilience, and integrity. Jo-Ann’s love for Miami, especially Coconut Grove, inspired her to make it her lifelong home after coming to the University of Miami to study Theater and English.
Jo-Ann passed away in March 2024, leaving a legacy of excellence, compassion, and innovation that continues to guide the Jo-Ann Forster Team. She remains our inspiration and the cornerstone of everything we do.