Danelle Hoffer, CynerGreen Development named "15 People to Know" Orlando Business Journal
- Lena Green
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Danelle Hoffer sees big potential for an incoming mixed-use development in Eustis, which now is soliciting restaurants for its retail space.
Huddle, from Mount Dora-based CynerGreen Development, was expected to break ground in May on roughly nine acres in Eustis abutting the Mid Florida Airport.
The development will include 9,000 square feet of retail space, which can be divided in 1,500-square-foot to 4,500-square-foot units. At least one unit will be able to have a drive-thru, and there will be a central park area with a live performance space.
The project also will feature 40 townhomes with two-car garages and three- and four-bedroom plans, as well as pickleball courts and a splash pad.
What attracted you to a career in this industry? I started in events and hospitality, designing experiences that brought people together. That passion evolved into creating entire communities — places where people live, gather and thrive. Real estate development lets me shape environments that not only are beautiful, but also purposeful. I’m drawn to projects that restore downtowns, spark economic growth and tell a story, because when done right, development is a form of legacy.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career so far? Transforming spaces into real places — taking a story, a vision or even a struggling property and turning it into something people are proud to call home or visit. My career has spanned from designing large-scale events to developing boutique communities and hospitality spaces. At every stage, it’s been about creating beauty with purpose and building places that invite connection, belonging and lasting value.
What are a few milestones among your career goals? Completing 30 North Park in Winter Garden was a proud milestone. We bought raw land, designed and built nine custom townhomes in the historic district for record prices. We handled everything from vision to interiors. My goal now is to keep building boutique communities that tell a story, spark economic growth and leave a lasting mark, expanding CynerGreen’s impact across Florida and beyond through thoughtful, design-driven development.
What is your definition of great leadership? Having the courage to see what doesn’t exist yet, and the grit to build it. It’s vision paired with action and the ability to inspire others to believe in the impossible. As an entrepreneur, I believe in leading by example, staying hands-on, solving problems creatively and making space for others to rise. Great leaders don’t just manage, they mobilize, empower and create momentum that lasts.
What is a common misconception about your profession/industry? That real estate development is all numbers and dirt, when in reality, it’s deeply creative. People often think it’s just about construction or spreadsheets, but it’s about vision, storytelling and designing how people will live, gather and connect. Every project starts with a dream, and bringing it to life takes more than deals and drawings. It takes heart, imagination and leadership that sees the bigger picture.
In your specialty areas, what issues are the most pressing? Designing developments that actually serve the people who live there. With Huddle, we’re proving you can create stylish, smart homes and walkable commercial spaces that generate economic value and a sense of place. It’s not just about what fits on a site, it’s about building lifestyle, connection and functionality into every square foot. That’s the future of development.
If you could swap jobs for a day, whose job would you want? A city planner or economic development director in a thriving, design-forward town — someone shaping policy and place at the same time. I’d love to see how they align infrastructure, community needs and long-term growth, then bring that perspective back to my work as a developer. Understanding the public side of the table, even for a day, would sharpen how I build private projects with real public impact.
What is your go-to restaurant or coffee spot to build relationships and/or close deals? I often head to Lake Eustis. I’s where I clear my mind and envision what the future could look like. Some of my best ideas and biggest decisions have started with a quiet moment by the water. When it’s time to connect, I host at home or meet at The Goblin Market in Mount Dora. Both feel personal, intentional and inspiring — ideal for building trust and sharing vision.
What's a little-known fact about you? I founded one of east Tennessee’s largest events and catering companies, creating immersive experiences long before I stepped into development. I still love hosting — there’s nothing better than putting together a beautiful meal for family and friends. My favorite soundtrack is a mix of great jazz and ‘80s classics. That combination of creativity, hospitality and rhythm shows up in everything we build.
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