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Born in Montreal, Quebec, to French-Canadian parents, Daniel Matusiak moved to Florida in 1991. Now, with 42 years in real estate, he specializes in high-end luxury properties, particularly on the Suncoast of the state. His expertise extends to working with high-profile clients in sports, entertainment and media as part of Compass’ Sports and Entertainment Division, assisting them with both their residential and investment needs.
Whether focusing on negotiating the best deals, understanding market trends or streamlining the buying experience with tailored, discreet solutions that meet the needs of his elite clients, Matusiak and his team ensure that every client receives top-tier service and results. Find out how they create winning outcomes for some of the world’s most discerning clients in their coastal market.
Name: Daniel Matusiak
Title: Luxury real estate consultant | member, Compass Sports and Entertainment Division
Experience: 42 years
Location: Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Boca Grande
Brokerage name: Compass Florida
Rankings: Top 50
Team: The Action Group | team leader
Transaction sides: 72
Sales volume: $39,000,000 (2024)
What’s one big lesson you’ve learned in real estate?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in real estate is never judge a book by its cover — and I learned it firsthand through experience, but mostly on my very first million-dollar deal in 1991.
Early in my career, I met a client who arrived at a showing in casual clothes, driving an old car. At first glance, they didn’t fit the typical profile of a high-end buyer. But as we talked, I quickly realized they were a highly successful investor looking for a multimillion-dollar waterfront estate. They ended up purchasing one of the most exclusive properties I had listed at the time.
That experience reinforced the importance of treating every client with the same level of respect and professionalism — because in luxury real estate, true wealth often comes with humility, and the most unassuming individuals can turn out to be the most serious buyers.
What’s the best advice you ever got from a mentor or colleague?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was: “Always focus on relationships, not just transactions.”
A seasoned mentor once told me that in luxury real estate, success isn’t just about closing deals — it’s about building long-term trust and connections. Clients in the high-end market value discretion, expertise and a personal touch. If you prioritize their needs, provide value beyond the sale and genuinely care about their goals, they’ll return to you for future investments and refer others.
That advice has shaped my career. Many of my clients have become lifelong connections, and some have even bought and sold multiple properties with me over the years. In this business, relationships are the true foundation of success.
What would you tell a new agent before they start out in the business?
If I were advising a new agent, I’d tell them this: Stay humble, be honest, and keep your focus — whether you’re closing a small deal or a multimillion-dollar transaction. Real estate is a business built on trust, and your reputation is everything. Always act with integrity, and never let success change your core values.
And most importantly, never forget God and family. This business can be demanding, but true success comes from staying grounded in faith and surrounding yourself with the people who matter most. They’ll be your greatest support system through the highs and lows of your career.
What do too few agents know that would make their lives easier?
Success in real estate isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. Too few agents realize that consistency in follow-ups, building strong relationships and focusing on long-term trust will make their careers much easier. Not every deal is worth the stress, and learning when to walk away from unrealistic clients can save time and energy.
Most importantly, maintaining a healthy work-life balance ensures longevity in this business. Prioritizing relationships, patience and personal well-being leads to lasting success.
What is the one thing everyone should be doing to make their life and business better?
Balance is the key to true success, and the Wheel of Life — which includes faith, family, health, career, finances, personal growth and giving back — keeps everything in alignment. Too often, people focus solely on business and neglect the other areas that truly sustain them.
Putting God at the center provides clarity, purpose and guidance, especially in an industry as demanding as real estate. Prioritizing faith, family and well-being creates a strong foundation, allowing success to flow naturally in both life and business. When all aspects of your life are in balance, you don’t just achieve success — you sustain it with peace and fulfillment.
