“If there was a definition in the dictionary of the American Dream, it would be us,” says Max de Melo. He and his best friend, Patrick Niederdrenk, came to the United States with hopes and dreams. “We had no money, no contacts, no experience, two suitcases, and two golf bags. That was it,” says Max. Seven years later, they’ve built a thriving real estate empire, embodying what they believe to be America’s unparalleled promise of opportunity for entrepreneurs. Max and Patrick’s relocation to the U.S. began as a simple vacation. Patrick, a former golf professional, suggested Arizona—the “golf mecca”— as their destination. Neither of them had business experience in the U.S. nor any background in real estate. However, they had the character qualities that mattered most—grit, guts, determination, and drive. Those traits were priceless when moving halfway across the world to redefine and reinvent themselves here in the United States. Originally from Germany, the two friends share a connection that spans over two decades. “We’re as close as family, even if we’re not blood-related,” says Max. Growing up together in Germany, they transitioned from friends to best friends and, eventually, to inseparable business partners. “There’s no M without the P, and vice versa,” Max says of their unique bond. The U.S. has proven to be the perfect environment for their dreams. Patrick became a citizen in November, solidifying his commitment to his new home. Max, who holds a strong investor visa, hopes to gain citizenship in a few years. “I believe this is the best country in the world. Hands down,” he says with conviction. With experience living and working across Europe and Brazil, Max insists, “The quality of life here, the encouragement for entrepreneurs—no other country offers anything like this.” Their business story started humbly with a townhouse purchased for $80,000, a property they flipped and rented out on Airbnb. It was only after seeing the success of this initial investment that friends and acquaintances from Germany and the U.S. began asking to invest. This marked the beginning of their investment firm and the genesis of America One Luxury Real Estate, a luxury boutique brokerage and development company. Over the years, their portfolio has expanded to include a team of more than 20 agents, with $750 million in real estate deals under their belt. “Our first property cost less than what we now spend on appliances,” Max says, marveling at how far they’ve come. One of their latest developments, valued at $16.4 million, demonstrates the magnitude of their growth. “It all happened organically,” he explains. “People wanted to work with us because of our energy and our willingness to share knowledge. Collaboration has always been our approach— ‘collaboration over competition,’ as we like to say.” Max and Patrick initially didn’t plan on obtaining their real estate licenses but quickly realized that having direct control would help them do things better. Patrick got his license in 2018, and Max followed in 2019. Max and Patrick’s brokerage, America One Luxury Real Estate, was originally known as America One Realty Services, a property management company founded in 1988. When Max and Patrick bought into the business in 2017, it managed 60 single-family homes and closed only a handful of sales each year. They’ve since transformed it into a powerhouse. Expanding his horizons, Max earned his Florida real estate license in 2023. Now, Max is affiliated with a top team at Douglas Elliman, which sells over $4 billion in properties annually and is the most successful team in the United States. Their secret to success? “Consistent hard work and dedication, building and nurturing sustainable relationships,” Max shares. Nearly all of their business comes from referrals, which speaks volumes about the relationships they’ve cultivated. “It’s about doing the right thing, always,” Patrick adds. They are also no stranger to putting in long days, averaging 80-90 hours a week each. When they’re not working, Max and Patrick enjoy golf, tennis, and traveling. Patrick, who now has a family with his wife, Valerie, and four-year-old son, Leo, cherishes time spent with them. Meanwhile, Max balances friendships in the U.S. with visits to Germany, where he and Patrick still travel twice a year for both business and family. Max de Melo and Patrick Niederdrenk’s story is more than an entrepreneurial success; it’s a powerful reminder of the possibilities open to those willing to dream big, work hard, and lean on those closest to them. From two suitcases and two golf bags to a thriving real estate empire, Max and Patrick are living proof of what the American Dream can look like. What’s next for these entrepreneurs? The options are endless!
