Business
Jeff Cefalia: Disrupting Real Estate Development with Passion and Precision

Jeff Cefalia, a Newport Beach, California native, embodies the perfect fusion of grit, perseverance, and enthusiasm. From his early victories as a national rowing champion to his present-day triumph as the founder and visionary behind Cefalia Development, Jeff consistently showcases his steadfast commitment to excellence. In this feature, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Jeff Cefalia, a man who has not only achieved outstanding success in real estate development but has also disrupted the industry’s standards for quality and design.
The Emergence of a Disruptive Builder
Jeff’s story originates in Newport Beach, where he honed the skills of mental resilience and tenacity by winning a rowing national championship. These priceless life lessons would later form the cornerstone of his future pursuits.
Jeff pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of San Diego. It was during this period that he uncovered his passion for building, which ultimately led him to the world of real estate development. After obtaining both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree, Jeff wasted no time in acquiring his contractor’s license and real estate broker’s license, setting the stage for a game-changing career.
Cefalia Development: Disrupting the Industry with Excellence
Jeff’s venture into real estate development resulted in the birth of Cefalia Development, a company that has experienced exponential growth under his leadership. His innate talent for identifying lucrative opportunities was evident from his first subdivision deal and a 4-unit development in Westside Costa Mesa. Remarkably, this development still holds the record for the highest price per unit in the area.
Jeff’s knack for breaking price records has become a signature aspect of his career, with each of his completed projects setting new benchmarks for price per square foot. By combining his technical expertise in mechanical engineering with his innovative spirit, Jeff has forged a career that allows him to excel in every facet of real estate development.
Cefalia Development’s Bold Portfolio
Under Jeff’s guidance, Cefalia Development has achieved over $100 million in real estate transactions, partnering with multiple investors on an array of diverse projects. From subdivisions, condos, and apartments to high-end single-family residences, the company has built a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and disruptive design.
Jeff’s philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “It is just as much work to build a $500k house as it is a $5mil house, you will spend more money on the finishes, but the profit should be ten times that of the $500k house. It’s all relative.” This approach empowers him to maintain control over every aspect of a project, from site acquisition to architectural design, construction, and ultimately, sales and marketing.
A Synergistic Vision for Design and Quality
Jeff’s keen eye for design is beautifully complemented by his wife, Natasha Cefalia, who serves as the interior designer for all their projects. This collaboration enables them to create truly unique homes that distinguish them from other speculative builders. Jeff explains, “With design in-house, we can control the project cost while still delivering a one-of-a-kind product.”
Cefalia Development’s commitment to quality extends beyond the initial construction process. As the acting contractor on all projects, Jeff ensures that each development is a work of art. Furthermore, the company’s dedication to post-sale customer service guarantees that clients are completely satisfied with their new homes. “I take extreme pride in my developments,” Jeff says, “and we make sure the end user enjoys the home as much as we intended. Post-sale customer service is a huge part of the process when you are building these kinds of homes.”
A Disruptive Force in the Industry
Jeff Cefalia’s meteoric rise as one of the fastest-growing developers in the area is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. His ability to merge his technical knowledge with his passion for design has resulted in a thriving real estate development company that consistently delivers groundbreaking products.
Under Jeff’s leadership, Cefalia Development is poised for even greater success in the future. With an ever-expanding portfolio of high-quality projects, a keen eye for design, and a commitment to customer service, Jeff Cefalia has truly established himself as a disruptive force in the industry.
Conclusion
Jeff Cefalia’s journey from national rowing champion to the founder of Cefalia Development showcases the power of determination, resilience, and passion in achieving extraordinary success. As a disruptive builder, Jeff has not only built a flourishing real estate development company but has also redefined the standards of quality and design in the industry. With an unyielding commitment to excellence and innovation, Jeff Cefalia is set to continue disrupting the world of real estate development for years to come.
Instagram: @jeffcefalia
