ENRG Spotlight: Donnie Pingaro

Donnie Pingaro, Managing Director of Brokerage Services for ENRG

Builder, Broker, Trailblazer: Donnie Pingaro Joins ENRG with a Mission to Elevate the Industry

If you've spent any time in luxury real estate over the past three decades, you've likely heard of Donnie Pingaro. From founding then guiding the top boutique brokerage on Fisher Island, FL, to leading East Coast expansion efforts for tech-powered brokerages, Donnie has shaped real estate with a blend of drive, integrity, and vision. Now, he's bringing that same energy to ENRG Realty.

From Bartender to Boutique Broker

Donnie's path to real estate wasn’t planned—it was providence. After earning an MBA from the University of Miami and weathering an economic downturn, he took a job as a pool bartender on Fisher Island. One ferry ride later, he met his future business partner, and within a year, he was licensed and launching his own brokerage. By year two, Donnie’s firm became the top-producing team on the island, a position it held for over 20 years. His edge? Concierge-level service—offering seamless, proactive support that made clients feel looked after at every step, from anticipating needs before they were voiced to creating effortless experiences in high-stakes, high-touch environments—and an unwavering commitment to community.

A Voice for Agents, A Champion for Change

More than accolades and sales, Donnie takes pride in mentoring agents and building platforms for others to succeed. He was pivotal to Side's east coast expansion and spent years supporting top agents as they built their own brands. For Donnie, building a brokerage is about prioritizing the quality of relationships, mentorship, and personalized support over simply growing agent count for its own sake.

He also serves on the national advisory board of the American Real Estate Association fighting for consumer rights and agent protections, and was the first non-Asian elected to the board of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), breaking barriers and bringing diverse perspectives to the table. 

What Boutique Really Means

Donnie defines a boutique brokerage not by size, but by impact. On Fisher Island, he became synonymous with deeply personalized service—hand-delivering forgotten tuxedos for gala events, checking clients’ homes immediately after hurricanes, and even storing spare keys to help with last-minute needs. He didn’t just know the residents—he anticipated their needs, earning a reputation as the island’s most trusted insider. To him, boutique means owning your neighborhood through care, consistency, and community-rooted service.

"People don’t hire you because of the logo," Donnie explains. "They hire you because of how you show up. That’s what boutique means—they call you because you earned it."

Why ENRG? It’s About Building the Right Way

Donnie didn’t join ENRG to chase flashy numbers or fall for surface-level tech hype. He joined to help build something meaningful from the ground up. "Peter and Erinn's vision is about people. It’s about creating a brokerage that reflects the best of what real estate should be—ethical, agent-focused, and built to last."

His experience, national network, and mission-driven mindset are now central to ENRG's expansion. He sees ENRG as the perfect place to give back, guide agents, and continue evolving the industry.

Life Beyond the Deal Sheet

Outside the office, Donnie is a former triathlete who still lives life on the move. He enjoys golfing, snowboarding, kayaking, and long walks that often double as business meetings. A recent transplant to Amelia Island, he balances his work with time spent raising his teenage daughter.

His heart rate might rest in the 40s, but Donnie’s drive is anything but laid back—his calm energy motivates those around him, and his purpose rings loud and clear: "I’m here to help agents do their best work, serve their clients, and build careers they’re proud of."

Legacy in Motion

Donnie has already shaped the course of real estate for thousands of agents and clients. But as Managing Director of Brokerage Services for ENRG, he sees an opportunity not just to build another chapter, but to influence an entirely new model for what a brokerage can be. His mission? To empower agents to take ownership of their careers, tap into their unique strengths, and redefine success on their own terms.

"This is your business. Let’s build it your way—with heart, with hustle, and with the kind of brokerage support that makes all the difference."