Foundation is everything for one of Florida's most successful builders

For Joel Altman, foundation is everything.

For Joel Altman, foundation is everything. And that’s not just because he’s one of southern Florida’s most successful builders.

Building a foundation for the future is exactly what he and his wife, Beverly Raphael, have done through their work and their civic involvement. Altman was recognized this fall by the MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction when he received the Construction Management Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.

Altman, the fourth generation of his family to work in the development industry, has served as the backbone of the industry’s success for nearly 45 years. Since 1968, the Altman Companies have acquired and managed more than 21,000 multifamily units in seven states.

Altman also participates in local organizations in Florida such as World President’s Organization (WPO), Young President’s Organization (YPO), Junior Achievement and Broward Workshop, and he was on the board of directors for the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. 

Raphael is a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. After her late husband’s death in 1992, she took over RCC Associates, which is now one of the nation’s premier restaurant, retail and commercial construction firms.

Married in late 2004, the couple share four children and five grandchildren. Both are passionate about bettering the community and dedicate their time to numerous charitable organizations.

In 2000, Altman founded Kids@Home, an organization that aims to tackle the complex problems facing transitioning foster teens. He also has plans to fund several scholarships for MSU construction management students.

Altman also founded the Altman Foundation for Children, which supports and provides grants to children’s service organizations that focus on bettering the lives of abused and neglected children.

In his free time, Altman is a private pilot who loves to fly his Conquest II. He also enjoys skiing with his grandchildren in the winter.

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