The leaders behind Equity Estates.

Philip Mekelburg

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Philip has over 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, management, and operations. A graduate of Cornell University, he co-founded Equity Estates in 2006.

Sarah Cochran

EVP, Investor Relations

Since 2004, Sarah has been in the Luxury Travel world.  She joined Equity Estates in 2009, oversees all of Investor Relations, is the Investor Council Chairman and is a Managing Member since Fund III.

Natalia Napoleon De Bens

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Natalia shapes our strategy and oversees our core operations, channeling her passion for luxury residential real estate, travel and bringing people together. She drives operational excellence at an enterprise level, with a focus on marketing, real estate asset management, investor services, legal, risk management, digital transformation, and strategic initiatives. Over the past 15 years, Natalia has served in executive leadership roles in the alternative investments, commercial real estate, and wealth management sectors. In her early career as a legal & financial services professional, Natalia earned a Juris Doctor degree at Georgetown, qualified and practiced as a Solicitor in England & Wales and held FINRA Series 7 and 24 registrations.

Jonathan Zufi

Chief Technology Officer

Jonathan Zufi serves as Chief Technology Officer of Equity Estates, leading the company’s strategic AI and digital roadmap, security infrastructure, and customer-facing digital experiences across its portfolio of homes. With more than 30 years of experience, he has built a career bridging business vision and technical execution across software engineering, hardware development, mobile and connected devices, UX, architecture, and AI-driven transformation. He is passionate about turning complexity into intuitive, high-impact products that people genuinely enjoy using. Jonathan holds an Honors degree in Robotics & Digital Technology from Monash University and is an inventor, published author, parent, husband, and lifelong learner.

Marie Raymond

EVP, Investor Services

Marie has been with Equity Estates since November 2007 and has worn many hats across the organization. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Member Services & Expeditions, where she leads the Equity Estates Expeditions and Experience Program and supports acquisitions and design. Marie is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America.

Felipe Sanchez

Senior Vice President, Operations & Strategy

As a seasoned international hospitality executive, Felipe brings over two decades of experience leading luxury operations across high-end resorts, branded residences, private travel clubs, and premier vacation rentals. He has served in various leadership roles within globally distinguished brands such as Aspen Hospitality, Auberge Resorts, Inspirato, and The Quintess Collection.

Built by people who choose it for themselves.

Many of our leaders and advisors have invested in Equity Estates themselves—because they believe in the model, and choose it for their own families.

investors since 2007

Philip Mekelburg

“In 2007, within a year after we launched with the help of friends, family and acquaintances stepping up as investors, eyes were on me to invest. Luxury Residence Funds didn’t exist, and prospects regularly asked, “Did you invest? Do you get to use the homes?” It was a stretch at the time while still in my 30’s, but how could I not buy my own membership interest. Equity Estates has been the absolute best investment in my life. Every time I think of buying my own home at a destination I love, I reflect on it and decide to invest in another fund. I couldn’t be happier or feel more secure in my decision. My family (and friends) are happy about it too.”

59

Trips Taken

311

Nights Stayed

Too many to choose from!

favorite home

investors since 2025

Napoleon De Bens Family

“Our first year as Equity Estates investors has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve already enjoyed three incredible vacations and truly feel at home at each residence. Everything is seamlessly arranged, allowing us to simply show up and jump right into our holiday without a worry. The fact that these epic vacations are wrapped in a real estate investment makes this opportunity unique. We’re not just creating memories; we’re enhancing our investment portfolio and that feels great.”

4

Trips Taken

13

Nights Stayed

St. John II, U.S. Virgin Islands

favorite home

investors since 2018

Sarah Cochran

“We all get those reminders of how short life is, and it’s important to enjoy it. After one brutal reminder, I thought, ‘Why am I delaying precious time with others?’ From that moment, I made a commitment to myself that every year I would bring together people I loved to experience the best time off. Equity Estates is my vehicle to do that. For the last eight years, I’ve explored new destinations, deepened relationships with friends and family, and built incredible memories.”

25

Trips Taken

113

Nights Stayed

Puerto Los Cabos, Casa Puertas, Mexico

favorite home