Born in Traverse City, Michigan, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy in 2000, advancing to the rank of E6 before earning his commission through the Officer Candidate School program in 2010. Throughout his career, he has deployed multiple times, including missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom and two back-to-back Western Pacific deployments with the USS Carl Vinson Strike Group. He continues to serve on active duty as a Lieutenant Commander at Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego.

In addition to his military career, Michael is deeply involved in real estate, specializing in helping military families and veterans navigate homeownership and investment opportunities. He co-founded Compass Military Division with Todd Armstrong, a real estate initiative dedicated to serving military personnel by providing expert guidance on buying, selling, and investing in real estate, particularly in cities with major U.S. military bases. He is also the Founder of Fortitude (a wealth-buying strategy program for veterans and active military) and the Director of Business Development with the Zinkil Group at Cornerstone First Mortgage.

His education includes a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Management major from Columbia College of Missouri. He is also a Military Relocation Professional certified by the National Association of Realtors.

Michael is married to Shelley Nyland, who serves as the Marketing Director for Compass Military Division, and together they have three amazing children.

Born and bred in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts, Aaron Peña brings over 20 years of distinguished service as a NAVY SEAL to the world of real estate. His military career instilled in him the discipline, focus, and adaptability that now fuel his success in the real estate industry.

After enlisting in the U.S. Navy right out of high school, Aaron embarked on an extraordinary journey, leading elite special warfare operators through five deployments to the Middle East and Asia. His experiences in high-threat environments shaped his leadership skills and sharpened his ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.

Transitioning into real estate, Aaron quickly established himself by investing in residential properties—focusing on acquisitions, renovations, and leasing. His hands-on, meticulous approach, combined with a commitment to excellence, ensures that every client’s real estate goals are met with precision and care.

Today, Aaron serves as the Regional Director for the Compass Military Division in Northeast Florida, where he proudly supports active duty service members, veterans, and military families. As a member of Team Boz within the Sports & Entertainment Division, he provides elite-level representation to high-profile clients, valuing discretion, security, and consistent communication. Armed with an MBA from UCLA Anderson, Aaron combines strategic expertise with dedication to deliver exceptional results for his clients, helping make Jacksonville one of the nation's premier places to live.

Aaron resides in Saint Augustine, FL, with his wife Vivian and their three children. A proud family man and seasoned real estate professional, Aaron is not your regular agent—he's your trusted ally in turning your real estate dreams into reality.