Kurt P. Gruber

Few have influenced the timeshare industry as deeply as Kurt Gruber, whose career blends legal structure, practical insight, and a deep understanding of the industry’s evolution. As Of Counsel at MDK, Kurt brings decades of experience in the shared ownership and resort sectors. He supports the firm’s timeshare practice by building strong industry relationships, expanding inventory management strategies, and developing legal frameworks that help clients move their businesses forward.

Kurt sees MDK as uniquely positioned to bring greater clarity and efficiency to the timeshare industry. “This is a firm that can bring it all together,” he says, referencing MDK’s ability to support key legal and operational aspects of the timeshare process. “Inventory management is one of the greatest challenges in the space. It’s also an area where MDK already plays a role and is well-positioned to continue making an impact.”

Kurt brings a rare combination of legal precision and real-world understanding, helping top developers and lawmakers build the foundation of modern timeshare. He began his legal career at BakerHostetler, where he spent over 20 years across two tenures. Kurt also served as General Counsel for Island One, Inc., where he gained valuable in-house perspective. His experience spans advising multinational resort developers, collaborating with exchange companies, and helping build the regulatory frameworks that govern shared ownership products today.

Throughout his career, Kurt has played a key role in legislative efforts across multiple jurisdictions, including drafting the non-judicial foreclosure amendments enacted in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as rewriting North Carolina’s timeshare law. He remains actively involved with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), having served on several national and state-level committees and previously chairing the General Counsel Council.

Now at MDK, Kurt’s role is focused on strategic development and collaboration.

“My goal is to contribute ideas that help the firm and our clients move forward,” he says. “I’ve always been drawn to creating legal structures that work, not just on paper, but in practice. I’m just as interested in improving the process as I am in achieving the outcome.”

Outside of work, Kurt enjoys what he calls “meaningful travel,” combining a love of history and culture with exploration. He’s also an avid golfer, home chef, and lifelong sports fan who finds joy in the journey, whether it's across the globe or in his own kitchen.