The DARIA US Group not only completed its first villas in 2024, but also further strengthened the community. In this interview, the two Managing Directors Frank Rahlf and Patrick Lauber look back on an eventful year and reveal why 2025 will be even bigger.

Frank, when you look back on the year 2024 - what makes you particularly proud?

Frank: The year had several absolute highlights. These include the introduction of "Codes of Empire", which was an important milestone for us. With this comprehensive financial education program, we are paving the way to financial independence for our members. And, of course, the completion of our first villas is also one of this year's highlights. It was an indescribable moment to enter the first completed villa.

In terms of cooperation, I am incredibly pleased with how our community is developing. People come to Florida as interested parties and leave as genuine members who are fully behind our project. This is a development that makes my heart beat faster. People feel very connected to each other and to us.

"We want to create a place where real emotions are allowed and can be lived. This vision is now becoming reality."

Patrick, what were the outstanding events for you in 2024?

Patrick: I can only echo what Frank has said. It was just fantastic to see our vision come to fruition and to see this spirit spread throughout the community.

When the first members came to Florida this year, many were unsure at first, some were even skeptical. I remember one woman who almost didn't want to board the plane at the airport. She had the typical "Wild West" image of America in her head - guns, violence and danger everywhere. But when she left again, she was transformed.

This is a very special place, she said with shining eyes. The warmth of the people, their respectful treatment of each other and the consistently positive atmosphere had captivated her. The best thing is to see how visitors arrive here and gradually discover the true magic of Florida. They are infected by this positive energy and pass it on to others.

Are there any other indications of the positive development of the DARIA community?

Frank: We currently have 370 DARIA members. At our Financial Education, which we organized online, 160 participants were present. We have many couples and families as members, where at least two people are full members. If you do the math, 60 to 70 percent of our members attended this event. Every company dreams of such a turnout.

Our DARIA meetings in Germany are also a complete success. Members meet once a month in three regions - in the north, the south and the west. Last time we had a total of 170 participants. That is outstanding. For me, this is the best development ever. Ten years ago, I had the vision of building a kind of Indian tribe where people really feel connected. To create a place where real emotions are allowed and can be lived. This vision is now becoming a reality.

Patrick: What particularly impresses me is how proactive our members are. Some have already founded their own companies that serve the community. They work with so much dedication that it's a pleasure to watch them. Our motto is: Nothing must, everything can. The fact that so many people have been passionate about the project from the very beginning is a real gift. This deep commitment to the project has been demonstrated time and again in 2024 and has strengthened us as a community.

"The first members who moved in had tears in their eyes."

The DARIA members stick together exceptionally well. What is your recipe for success?

Frank: I think the key is that we don't make decisions based on maximum return, but on what is best for everyone involved. People can sense that.

Patrick: We are about much more than just business. We create a space where people can feel truly connected. At our meetings, members don't just talk about investments - friendships, joint projects and real connections are formed.

You have already mentioned the completion of the first DARIA villas. What does this mean for you personally and what does it mean for the project?

Frank: When you work towards something for three years and then it's suddenly there - it's overwhelming. The first members who moved in had tears in their eyes. What particularly touched me: One of our members was seriously ill with cancer. She said it was a godsend that she could be here now.

Patrick: The completion of the first villas shows that our concept works. People are enthusiastic about the German construction quality and can see the love of craftsmanship in every detail. This confirms our path and motivates us to offer even more people this opportunity.

"We need people who share our vision and pull together with us."

You strengthened your team in 2024. How important is this for DARIA?

Patrick: We are incredibly proud of our team. Both in Florida and in Germany, we have fantastic employees who live the DARIA spirit. With Scott Ryan, we have also gained a real expert as Managing Director for the construction sector, who has been building houses in Florida for over 20 years. These people are not just doing a job, they are passionate about our vision of a community. I would like to thank everyone involved. Frank and I could not do this alone. We need people who share our vision and pull together with us.

Frank: What's special is that our team doesn't see their work as a job, but as a vocation. The time of day doesn't matter - what counts is the shared vision. Our strategy group comes to Florida four times a year, each time for a week. It's exhausting, of course, but the energy is incredible. People travel here to make the best decisions for our members - not to strengthen their own position.

What are DARIA's goals for 2025?

Frank: We want to really step on the gas! The target is 100 new homes. We are starting with 15 villas in the first quarter alone. That sounds like a lot, but we now have our own construction license and, as already mentioned, a fantastic team.

Patrick: At the same time, we are massively expanding our services. This ranges from property management and car rental to pool services and landscaping. We now have 18 sub-companies, all of which will really take off in 2025. What's special: Many services are offered by members for members.

"When I get up in the morning, I don't think about how we can increase the margin."

How do you ensure that quality does not suffer as a result of this growth?

Patrick: This is definitely a huge leap, but we are well prepared. 2024 was our implementation year - we optimized the processes and built up the team. 2025 will be our year of implementation and expansion.

Frank: We get better with every house. We not only have top craftsmen, but have also optimized all approval processes. The city is increasingly supporting us in our projects. We don't focus on rapid growth at any price - every house has to meet DARIA standards. We make no compromises in this respect.

Finally, can you describe what the higher vision behind the DARIA project is?

Patrick: Our focus is on serving the community. When I get up in the morning, I don't think about how we can increase the margin, but how we can offer our members real added value. It's not about making a quick buck, it's about building something truly meaningful - a place where people feel reconnected and are there for each other.

Frank: At a time when many people are in pure survival mode, we are creating a place where other values count. We are taking the economic pressure off through our co-ownership model and enabling people to be who they are at heart again: good, helpful, community-oriented. This is a marathon that should last for generations. Imagine what is possible when 1000 families pull together! This is not a utopia - this is our future. That's what we do our best for every day.