Meet The Team

FOUNDER

Matthew Blesso is a real estate developer, entrepreneur, and community builder dedicated to creating regenerative living environments that foster wellness, connection, and harmony with nature. He founded Blesso Properties in New York in 1996, leading transformative projects that combine innovation, sustainability, and social impact. To date, the firm has completed 17 developments across New York, Panama, and Costa Rica, earning eight design awards, breaking multiple pricing records, and being featured in leading publications worldwide. Matthew also founded Tántalo Hospitality Group in Panama in 2010, which owns and operates two of the country’s most iconic cultural destinations that unite art, design, and entertainment. In Brooklyn, he co-founded 3rd Ward, a creative hub that became a catalyst for entrepreneurship and artistic collaboration. Through all his ventures, Matthew champions a vision of development that elevates both people and planet, shaping communities where social impact and profits thrive side by side.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Raymond Brealey is Partner and Director of Development at Shift Living. He brings more than 24 years of experience leading complex real estate projects across Costa Rica. His background blends civil engineering, construction management, and disciplined risk control to deliver on time and on budget. Raymond has completed more than 100 projects spanning residential communities, hospitality, mixed-use, and infrastructure. Before Shift, he held senior development roles in Costa Rica where he oversaw pre-construction, permitting, procurement, and field execution for large-scale programs. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering, an MS in Project Management from the University of Texas, and an MBA. At Shift Living he directs the full development lifecycle, from master planning and contractor selection to cost optimization and delivery, aligning technical execution with the company’s regenerative mission.

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & INNOVATION

Matthew’s wife, Ginger, harnesses her expertise from Pratt, Parsons, and the Art Students League to lead interior design, art curation, and furniture design, ensuring all design projects align with Shift's vision. Ginger is currently exploring Bio-Design, using living organisms for sustainable, innovative materials.

SALES MANAGER

Andrew Mercer has lived in Costa Rica for 18 years, bringing a deep understanding of the local lifestyle and market. With a background in concierge services, property management, and hospitality, he brings a high level of service and attention to detail to real estate.

Based in Playa Langosta for over a decade, he has hands-on experience managing rental properties and identifying strong investment opportunities. After 10 years working alongside Brian and the Christie’s team, he now serves as a seasoned real estate leader in Guanacaste.

SALES AGENT & COMMUNITY BUILDER

Dustin has over 20 years of experience in management, destination real estate, and sales, combining a strong work ethic with a relationship-driven approach to business. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors. For him, life is about maintaining balance, staying active, and appreciating the simple moments.

COMMUNITY & EVENTS MANAGER

Stephanie brings over 15 years of global experience in marketing, sales, events, and entrepreneurship, having founded and managed several successful businesses while collaborating across multiple countries. Her career reflects a consistent drive to blend business growth with impact, and her expertise spans from building brands to leading teams and scaling projects. Driven by her passion for regeneration and innovation, she joined Shift to pioneer a new model of responsible development.

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Jessica serves as a Marketing Associate at Shift Esperanza, supporting the execution of marketing initiatives and ensuring consistency across all platforms. She coordinates content, manages digital channels, and collaborates with the team to maintain brand integrity, while helping align marketing efforts with sales objectives and guiding potential clients through the funnel.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Valeria has a degree in Marketing and joined Shift as a Sales Associate. She provides support in database management, documentation and materials, and is motivated daily by Shift's strong vision and the project process. Outside of work, Vale is a latin dancer, loves doing Pilates, and enjoys traveling to discover new places.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Jennifer is a CPA holds a Master's degrees in Project Management and Tax Advisory. She has experience working with companies across the Caribbean, the U.S., and India, with a strong focus on Transfer Pricing in the tech sector. She joined Shift inspired by its values and unique mission in Costa Rica. Outside of work, she's a proud mom who enjoys reading, podcasts, good food, and volunteer work.

ACCOUNTANT ASSOCIATE

Micaela holds a degree in Accounting and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Business Intelligence, where she integrates accounting, data analysis, and AI to transform financial information into high-impact strategic decisions. She has experience working with companies in Latin America, particularly in the real estate and industrial sectors, which has fostered a practical and contextualized approach to financial analysis. She joined Shift attracted by its collaborative and multicultural environment, as well as its commitment to building purposeful communities.

FARM MANAGER

Holding a degree in Biosystems Engineering, Emanuel joined Shift in 2023 as the Farm Manager, leveraging his deep agricultural roots from Costa Rica and extensive experience in both agriculture and the electric industry. Working at Shift gives Emanuel a chance to apply this knowledge by helping the project restore healthy ecosystems, conscious food production, protection of water resources, residue management, and positive social impact.

NURSERY AND SOIL FERTILITY MANAGER

Originally from Heredia, Daniela is an agronomic engineer passionate about permaculture and sustainable agriculture. At Shift Esperanza, she manages the nursery and soil fertility at Finca La Esperanza, combining her love for nature with holistic living. Outside work, Daniela enjoys hiking, birdwatching, yoga, and exploring Latin American literature, philosophy, and culture.