GMF Group (Led by Matthew Forssman and Gabriel Monfried) Acquires Moonrise Resort, Floral City, Florida
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Situated within 9,000 acres of Lake Tsala Apopka shoreline, Moonrise Resort invites visitors on a journey back to ‘Old Florida’, taking in this tranquil location’s stunning scenery and breathtaking views.
Incorporating 124 lots and units, Moonrise Resort is owned by GMF Group, a company founded by Matthew Forssman and Gabriel Monfried. GMF Group acquired the property on March 26, 2024, for a recorded $3.36 million.
Situated in Floral City, the manufactured housing community features five cabins within 50 feet of the water’s edge, with a sixth just 200 feet from the lake. Each cabin is like a small house, incorporating a bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen and screened-in porch. Cabins also feature outdoor spaces, including a BBQ grill and picnic table.
Moonrise Resort started life in 1950 as ‘Old Florida Fish Camp’. Enjoying a secluded location surrounded by old oak trees, the camp’s modern cabins offer all the creature comforts of home and are pet friendly for an additional fee. There are fishing docks and a boat launch within easy reach, with complementary row boats and canoes available for guests, as well as pontoon boats for hire. Residents also have access to plenty of firewood for campfires at the resort’s community firepit. Just opposite the resort entrance lies the gateway to the outstanding 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail. Moonrise Resort is a preferred getaway for couples, families and groups, with many great restaurants situated nearby.
In addition to free parking and free high-speed internet, property amenities include self-serve laundry facilities and air conditioning, each cabin including a fully-equipped kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave. All accommodation is non-smoking.
Forming part of 19,000-acre long chain of lakes, islands and wetlands, Lake Tsala Apopka incorporates three large pools: the Inverness Pool, the Hernando Pool and Floral City Pool. Part of the Withlacoochee River system, in ancient times, Lake Tsala Apopka was once joined to the river via water draining from the wetlands. Today, canals now connect these waterways.
Lake Tsala Apopka supports a myriad of wildlife species, including catfish, crappies, blue gill, sunfish, and large-mouth bass, making the area very popular with anglers. Otters are sometimes seen swimming in the lake’s waters, which are also frequented by American alligators. Kingfishers, cormorants and osprey are often observed locally as they hunt for fish.
About GMF Group
Gabe Monfried co-founded GMF Group in 2021 and serves as the firm’s Managing Partner. During his time with the organization, Mr. Monfried has raised approximately $250 million in equity for GMF Group-affiliated real estate investment vehicles. Gabriel Monfried graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he majored in Finance, Investment, and Banking and served as the President of the Investment Banking Club and President of the Capital Management Club. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Mr. Monfried served as a Private Wealth Management Summer Analyst at UBS, Semester Analyst at Rotunda Capital Partners, Hedge Fund and Proprietary Trading Summer Analyst at Guggenheim Partners, and Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Credit Suisse.
Matt Forssman co-founded GMF Group in 2021 and also serves as the firm’s Managing Partner, having raised capital and expanded the company’s real estate investment portfolios. Mr. Forssman is an alumnus of Harvard College, where he served as President of the Harvard Investment Association, and graduated with a degree in economics. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Mr. Forssman served as a Summer Analyst for Credit Suisse as well as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.