Patrick Zalupski is a prominent Florida-based real estate developer and the founder, president, and CEO of Dream Finders Homes, a rapidly growing homebuilding company headquartered in Jacksonville. Under his leadership, Dream Finders Homes has expanded from closing 27 homes in its inaugural year (2009) to over 35,100 homes across 23 markets in 10 states by September 2024. The company went public in January 2021 and is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol DFH.
In addition to his role at Dream Finders Homes, Zalupski serves on the University of Florida Board of Trustees, having been appointed in February 2023.
As of July 2025, Zalupski is leading a group of investors in a $1.7 billion acquisition of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. The deal, which is expected to close by September 2025, aims to keep the franchise in the Tampa Bay area, with a preference for Tampa over St. Petersburg for a future stadium. The ownership group includes Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage, and Ken Babby, owner of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Akron RubberDucks.
Zalupski’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.7 billion, according to Forbes. He also holds a significant stake in Dream Finders Homes, with around 1.99 million shares valued at approximately $56.5 million. His annual salary as CEO is reported to be $6.75 million.
Born in a Detroit suburb, Zalupski spent part of his childhood in Belgium due to his father’s business assignments. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Stetson University before beginning his career as a financial auditor at FedEx. He later worked in real estate sales and construction as the managing partner of Bay Street Condominiums, LLC from 2006 to 2008.
Early Life and Education
Patrick Zalupski was born in a Detroit suburb but spent part of his childhood in Belgium due to his father’s business assignments. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Stetson University before beginning his career as a financial auditor at FedEx. He later worked in real estate sales and construction as the managing partner of Bay Street Condominiums, LLC from 2006 to 2008.
Career Journey
Founding Dream Finders Homes
In 2008, Zalupski co-founded Dream Finders Homes with construction partner Mark McGuigan and his wife, Tobi, financing the venture with a $200,000 loan from the Clay County Housing Finance Authority. In its first full year of operation in 2009, Dream Finders built 27 homes. By 2013, the company had sold over 1,000 homes, leading Zalupski to buy out his construction partners and turn his eye toward expansion.
Expansion and Public Offering
Dream Finders Homes has expanded from Florida into Georgia, Colorado, and Texas. In 2021, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange and is currently trading at $22 a share. In its most recent year, Dream Finders closed on 38,000 homes and earned $335 million in net income on revenue of $4.4 billion, leading to Zalupski being named 2025’s Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine.
Net Worth and Salary
As of July 2025, Zalupski’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.7 billion, according to Forbes. He also holds a significant stake in Dream Finders Homes, with around 1.99 million shares valued at approximately $56.5 million. His annual salary as CEO is reported to be $6.75 million.
Personal Life
Zalupski is married to Tobi Zalupski, who is also involved in the real estate industry. Together, they have three children. The family resides in Jacksonville, Florida, where Zalupski is actively involved in community and philanthropic efforts.
Tampa Bay Rays Acquisition
In July 2025, Zalupski’s group agreed in principle to purchase the Tampa Bay Rays for $1.7 billion. The deal is expected to close by September 2025 and aims to keep the franchise in the Tampa Bay area, with a preference for Tampa over St. Petersburg for a future stadium. The ownership group includes Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage, and Ken Babby, owner of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Akron RubberDucks.
Conclusion
Patrick Zalupski’s journey from a financial auditor to a prominent real estate developer and sports team owner showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to growth and community. Through Dream Finders Homes, he has significantly impacted the homebuilding industry, and his involvement in the acquisition of the Tampa Bay Rays marks a new chapter in his diverse business endeavors.
FAQs
What is Patrick Zalupski’s net worth?
As of July 2025, Zalupski’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.7 billion.
What company did Patrick Zalupski found?
Zalupski founded Dream Finders Homes, a homebuilding company based in Jacksonville, Florida.
When did Dream Finders Homes go public?
Dream Finders Homes went public in January 2021 and is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol DFH.
What is Patrick Zalupski’s role at Dream Finders Homes?
Zalupski serves as the founder, president, and CEO of Dream Finders Homes.
What is Patrick Zalupski’s educational background?
Zalupski earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Stetson University.
Where was Patrick Zalupski born?
Zalupski was born in a Detroit suburb.
What is Patrick Zalupski’s involvement in sports ownership?
Zalupski is leading a group of investors in a $1.7 billion acquisition of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, expected to close by September 2025.
Who are the other members of the ownership group for the Tampa Bay Rays?
The ownership group includes Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage, and Ken Babby, owner of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Akron RubberDucks.
What is Patrick Zalupski’s annual salary?
Zalupski’s annual salary as CEO of Dream Finders Homes is reported to be $6.75 million.
Where does Patrick Zalupski live?
Zalupski resides in Jacksonville, Florida, with his family.
