Interview With Drew Aaron: Founder of Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED

Interview With Drew Aaron: Founder of Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED

· by Eric Ebbing · 8 min. read

Since relocating to Mallorca, American entrepreneur Drew Aaron has redefined the intersection of art, finance, and lifestyle in Spain’s most exclusive markets. As the founder of Lionsgate Capital—a leading mortgage brokerage for prime real estate - and the creator of Gallery RED - Spain’s most dynamic contemporary art gallery - Drew brings a rare combination of business acumen and creative vision. Together, these ventures cater to a sophisticated international clientele seeking more than just properties or paintings - they seek meaning, value, and distinction.

In this exclusive interview with Homerun Brokers, Drew Aaron reflects on his journey, shares insights into the evolving luxury landscape, and reveals what’s next for Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED.

Drew Aaron, founder of Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED, speaking to Eric outside of his finca in Mallorca

You began your career in the paper industry. What inspired your transition into art and high-end real estate financing?

"Since the advent of the digital age, the paper industry began to decline. We sold our company to Konica Minolta, and I embraced an early retirement in Mallorca. Once settled here, we identified a niche market in need of a luxury financing firm for the Balearic Islands and Spain. The gallery followed naturally, as art has always been a passion of mine, and I have been an avid collector for years."

What drew you to Mallorca, and how has it shaped your lifestyle and business outlook?

"My primary motivation for moving to Mallorca was to create a balanced and enriching environment for my family—one where my children could grow up surrounded by nature, yet still experience the vibrant, cosmopolitan culture that Europe offers. The Mediterranean lifestyle, with its focus on quality of life, was a significant factor in our decision. While I initially intended to semi-retire here, the dynamic opportunities that Mallorca offered quickly captured my attention."

How does life in Spain compare to the United States?

"The US, at the moment, feels very unstable, especially when raising young children, given issues like gun violence, drug epidemics, and political tensions. Mallorca, on the other hand, offers much greater stability and serves as an excellent gateway to Europe. The pace of life here is slower compared to what we experienced in New York, allowing us to better enjoy the small but meaningful joys of everyday life."

Why should international buyers finance their property purchases in Spain through Lionsgate Capital?

"Financing property purchases in Mallorca, Marbella, Ibiza, etc., offers significant benefits, particularly for high-value properties. Buyers can enjoy tax advantages, such as deductions that offset Wealth Tax, which applies annually to properties over €3 million—even for non-residents. Financing also maintains liquidity, enabling investors to diversify their portfolios and allocate funds toward other high-return opportunities. With Spain's interest rates remaining extremely competitive compared to the U.S. and other European countries, financing at around 2% becomes an attractive long-term strategy for optimizing the value of your investment. Most of our clients are cash buyers! Lionsgate Capital specializes in helping buyers navigate this process, tailoring solutions to ensure the best terms and maximizing these financial advantages."

Lionsgate Capital is the leading mortgage experts in Spain

What advice would you offer to buyers entering the Spanish real estate market?

"The first and most important advice is to surround yourself with the right professionals who understand the market where you’re purchasing a property. The world has a spotlight on Spain's top-quality lifestyle. Having experienced advisors, such as Lionsgate Capital, ensures that your unique needs and goals are taken into account. We are one contact for the top 35 banks in Spain and another 30 throughout Europe; we also include private financing. Instead of approaching individual banks—which may not fully understand the nuances of financing in Spain—working with a team of financing experts like Lionsgate Capital gives you access to optimize your real estate investment."

Let’s talk art. What can you tell us about your personal collection?

"Every piece in my collection tells a unique story and holds personal meaning. Art is highly subjective, and I’ve always focused on acquiring works that resonate with me. My collection is primarily centered around contemporary art, with works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, George Condo, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter, Picasso, and many others. Since moving to Spain, I’ve also been drawn to Spanish and emerging local artists, which has added a rich and diverse dimension to my collection. I am constantly rotating my collection and enjoy spending time with different works that I love."

Do you believe integrating art into real estate enhances the property's value or appeal?

"Well-curated artwork will always beautify and increase the value of any luxury property. From beautiful villas to rustic fincas, different art is required, but all need a phenomenal selection. Besides, the art world is always a fantastic alternative investment and surely not only decorative. The synergies between art and luxury real estate are a statement by themselves. Same with architecture and design—every single detail counts."

Gallery RED has become known for showcasing both iconic and emerging artists. How do you curate such a compelling collection?

"At Gallery RED, we are constantly on the lookout for new talent, with daily submissions coming in from artists all over the globe. We also attend many of the world’s top art fairs, where we have the chance to discover emerging artists whose work resonates with our gallery’s vision. Our approach to curation is deeply rooted in authenticity and innovation, focusing on artists who push boundaries and offer something unique. When we bring an artist into the Gallery RED fold, they become more than just a feature—they join the Gallery RED family, contributing to the ever-evolving dialogue of contemporary art. We are very lucky to have an amazing team at the gallery, which will continue to lead to our expansion and free time for me and our director to discover new artists."

Gallery RED is located in the Old Town of Palma de Mallorca, a neighbour to the Homerun Brokers office

What challenges did you face in launching Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED, and where are they headed next?

"Doing business in Spain can certainly present its challenges, but we’ve overcome them year after year, learning from our mistakes and staying true to our vision in both Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED.
Lionsgate Capital has a very promising future ahead, under the leadership of our great team and President Juanita Casanas. Our expansion plans include further growth into Madrid and Marbella, while maintaining our headquarters in the Balearics. The goal is for Lionsgate Capital to definitely be more present across mainland Spain."


"As for Gallery RED, I’m thrilled to announce that by January 2025, we will open our first showroom outside Spain, in the center of the vibrant city of Paris. With the global art market currently focusing on Paris, it feels like the perfect location. It will be followed by a second exhibition space in Paris later in 2025, and our ultimate vision is to open the first Gallery RED flagship gallery in Paris by the end of 2026."

What personal advice would you give to aspiring professionals entering the luxury real estate or art industries?

"As I always say, if you are not yet an expert in the field you want to pursue, surround yourself with the best professionals and trust your instincts. Always buy the “best” in your price range. It’s better to have one amazing and timeless “trophy piece” in your portfolio than several nice homes or pieces of art. When the market shifts or corrects, the best will always hold the most value. Passion is also essential—it’s a key ingredient for success in any market. When you truly love what you do, it becomes easier to navigate challenges and make meaningful connections."

Gallery RED focuses on contemporary art, and will be expanding to Paris this year

A Legacy of Excellence: The Homerun Brokers x Drew Aaron Collaboration

TThrough Lionsgate Capital and Gallery RED, Drew Aaron has not only shaped two thriving enterprises but also reimagined what it means to live well. At Homerun Brokers, we are proud to collaborate with a visionary whose standards match our own. Together, we deliver a blend of innovation, expertise, and elegance to our clients, transforming property investments into lifestyle-defining experiences.

Whether you are looking to finance your next dream home or bring world-class art into your space, we invite you to begin your journey with us.

Contact us today and we will help you with your next property investment in Mallorca!

[email protected]

Eric Ebbing
Eric Ebbing Founder & CEO