Introducing The Official 2024 Haute 100 Miami List

OUR ANNUAL HAUTE 100 LIST FOR 2024 IS OFFICIALLY HERE, CELEBRATING THE MOST INFLUENTIAL NAMES IN MIAMI, INCLUDING PHILANTHROPISTS, ENTREPRENEURS, POWER COUPLES, DEVELOPERS, CREATIVES, ATHLETES, HOSPITALITY POWER PLAYERS, AND MORE.

ATHLETES

Bam Adebayo

INDUSTRIES: Sports, Philanthropy

Edrice Femi “Bam” Adebayo, also known as “Bam,” is an American professional NBA basketball player for the Miami Heat as well as a former Haute Living cover star in 2020. Known for his versatility and defensive prowess, Adebayo is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a three-time NBA All-Star. Adebayo was one of six South Florida Olympians to receive a key to Miami-Dade County for his display of athletic excellence during the 2024 Olympics.  Named the Miami Heat team captain during the 2023-24 season, Adebayo is celebrated for his strong rebounding, playmaking, and leadership on the court. Off the court, he is involved in philanthropic efforts through The BBB Foundation which aims to change the lives of single mothers while developing future chances, choices and challenges for children within the greater Miami and Florida area.

David Beckham

INDUSTRIES: Sports, Philanthropy

David Beckham OBE is a football phenomenon, with a career spanning over two decades. Since retirement, Beckham has established himself as a businessman, entrepreneur, and real Miami local. In 2019, Beckham founded Studio 99, a global production and content studio focusing on unscripted films, series, and format development across platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, among others. He fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become the owner of a football club when his group was awarded the MLS Franchise for the City of Miami;thus, Inter Miami CF was born in 2020. Beckham is also a Goodwill Ambassador with UNICEF, where he launched the groundbreaking David Beckham UNICEF Fund to protect millions of children worldwide from danger. This July, Beckham also received a 2024 Emmy nomination for his Netflix docuseries, BECKHAM.

Jimmy Butler

COMPANY: Miami Heat, BIGFACE
INDUSTRY: Sports

Basketball legend Jimmy Butler joined the Miami Heat in 2019 and quickly put the magic back into the Magic City. Butler has garnered an impressive list of career achievements thus far, including being a six-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a five-time All-NBA Team honoree. Butler led Miami to the NBA Finals in two of his four years as a member of the Heat. Regarded as one of the most hardworking, interesting, self-made players in the entire NBA, Butler has amassed more than nine million loyal followers on Instagram. Off the court, he launched a new culture-shifting coffee and lifestyle brand, BIGFACE, which aims to connect and inspire through specialty coffee.

Udonis Haslem

COMPANY: Udonis Haslem’s Children’s Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Sports, Philanthropy

Born and raised in Miami, Udonis Haslem (UD) is a professional basketball player, father, husband, businessman, and philanthropist. At 44 years old, the three-time NBA champion and former co-team captain of the Miami Heat is now the oldest active player in the league. UD’s entire 19-year NBA run to date was with the Miami Heat, making him a beacon in the city of Miami. UD also founded the Udonis Haslem’s Children’s Foundation with the mission to promote youth development and self-confidence through a variety of different programs and services. He officially retired in 2023;at that time the Heat also retired his No. 40 jersey, forever honoring his legacy.

Tyreek Hill

COMPANIES: Miami Dolphins, Tyreek Hill Family Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Sports, Philanthropy

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill — also known as “Cheetah” due to his incredible speed — has grown to become one of the best wide receivers in the National Football League. In 2022, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he has immediately taken on a leadership role within the team. In the early stages of his NFL career, Hill established the Tyreek Hill Family Foundation to empower kids through education and wellness, and as a proud father, he mentors his children just the same. Through the Cheetah Scholarship Fund, free football camps, fundraising events, and more, the Tyreek Hill Family Foundation helps at-risk youth reach their goals.

Derek Jeter

COMPANIES: New York Yankees, Turn 2 Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Sports, Philanthropy

Considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Derek Jeter had an epic 20-year career playing for the New York Yankees, winning five World Series championships. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2020, honoring a career that included 14 All-Star selections and the 1996 AL Rookie of the Year Award, among others. He also served as co-owner and CEO of MLB’s Miami Marlins from 2017 to 2022. He founded the Turn 2 Foundation, which supports programs that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol. His documentary, The Captain (ESPN), was released in 2022, and recently, Jeter joined FOX’s broadcast team as a MLB analyst.

Jamal Mashburn

COMPANIES: MashburnSackett, Mashburn Family Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Sports, Philanthropy

Most notably known for his success as a basketball player — with a career spanning over 20 years — NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn has evolved beyond the court. Since retiring from the game, Mashburn has worked for ESPN as an analyst and launched several successful business ventures. To date, he has ownership interest in numerous restaurant franchises, car dealerships, real estate ventures, and even the thoroughbred horse racing industry. Extremely civic-minded, Mashburn is committed to helping others and giving back to the community. He is a founding member, officer, and director of the MAP Foundation and Mashburn Family Foundation, both of which are non-profit 501(c)(3) corporations.

ART & DESIGN

Romero Britto

COMPANY: Britto Group
INDUSTRIES: Art, Retail, Consumer Goods

Romero Britto, the most collected and licensed artist in history, is the founder of the Happy Art Movement, effectively creating the universal visual language of happiness and love through his art. His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums in more than 120 countries, and he has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Absolut Vodka, Bentley, Hasbro, Mattel, LG, Samsung, Hublot, and many others. Britto was an opening performer for Super Bowl XLI with Cirque du Soleil and was the official artist for World Cup games in South Africa and Brazil, as well as for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Britto’s companies donate to more than 250 charitable organizations worldwide.

Gary Nader

COMPANY: Gary Nader Art Centre and Nader Museum
INDUSTRY: Art

For more than 40 years, Gary Nader has played an integral role in Miami’s presence in the art industry. As a leading Latin-American art expert and founder of the Nader Museum, he has successfully disseminated information about Latin-American art, expanding the horizons for artists and collectors. Nader is at the helm of the Gary Nader Art Centre, home to works and exhibitions by renowned artists like Basquiat, Lichtenstein, Matisse, and Picasso;he also owns the largest private collection of Fernando Botero’s works, which inspired the creation of “Botero Immersed,” a venue dedicated to the Colombian artist. For his latest endeavor, Nader is developing the Nader Sculpture Park in the Miami Design District, featuring 60 monumental sculptures;it is set to open in late 2024.

Rubell Family

COMPANY: Rubell Museums
INDUSTRY: Art

The Rubell family, pioneers in contemporary art collecting, established the renowned Rubell Museums in Miami and Washington, D.C. Mera and Don began their art collecting journey in 1964 and were joined by their son Jason in 1982; today, the collection holds over 7,700 works by more than 1,000 artists. In 2023, the Rubell Museum D.C. presented Singular Artist: 25 Views and Alexandre Diop: Jooba Jubba, l’Art du Defi, the Art of Challenge, following its Miami debut in 2022. That winter, the Rubell Museum Miami premiered artist-in-residence presentations Basil Kincaid: Spirit in the Gift and Alejandro Piñeiro Bello. Continuing their touring exhibitions comprised solely of works from their collection, the couple is debuting the new group show She Said, She Said: Contemporary Artists from the Rubell Museum at the Arlington Museum of Art in Texas in August 2024.

Kobi Karp

COMPANY: Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design
INDUSTRIES: Architecture, Design

Kobi Karp, the designer paving the way for the present and future of Miami, is a recognized American Institute of Architects member and the founder and principal of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc., a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing an array of services from large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects to small-scale, low-rise residential projects. Karp began his career working on major hospitality and all-inclusive resort projects, his most acclaimed accomplishments including the likes of Fisher Island, Four Seasons Surf Club, Shore Club, The Raleigh, and The Ritz. His design techniques have revitalized Miami’s iconic areas, from Surfside and South Beach to the Art Deco District and Billionaires Beach.

ENTERTAINMENT

Luis Fonsi

INDUSTRY: Entertainment

Luis Fonsi is an award-winning global artist and leading Latin music figure. Fonsi has topped charts with songs like “Aquí Estoy Yo,” which won Song of the Year at the Latin Grammy Awards as well as three Billboard Latin Music Awards. The song “Despacito” is Fonsi’s biggest success to date, winning four Latin Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Latin Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and three Grammy Award nominations. Fonsi continues to make waves in the industry; he has broken seven Guinness World Records and has sold more than 11 million records worldwide. Since the success of “Despacito,” he has continued to thrive, achieving multiple No. 1 hits such as “Échame La Culpa,” “Imposible,” and “Calypso.” He is currently touring Europe with his “25 Años Tour” while promoting his latest album, El Viaje.

Pharrell Williams

COMPANIES: The Neptunes, YELLOW, Black Ambition, Humanrace™, Louis Vuitton
INDUSTRIES: Entertainment, Music, Fashion

Pharrell Williams, the visionary recording artist, producer, songwriter, philanthropist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur, has been thriving this past year as the creative director of Louis Vuitton’s Menswear, replacing the late Virgil Abloh. In addition to his new role, Williams is also the founder of apparel brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, and partnered with David Grutman to open Swan and Bar Bevy as well as the Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach. Williams holds prestigious awards, such as Billboard’s Producer of the Decade as well as 13 Grammy Awards. He has several philanthropic ventures, including YELLOW, a non-profit supporting youth education, and Black Ambition, a non-profit initiative providing a bridge to success for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. He is also the founder of Humanrace, an award-winning skincare line.

Myles Shear

COMPANY: Palm Tree Crew
INDUSTRY: Entertainment

Myles Shear is the CEO and co-founder of Palm Tree Crew, which encompasses Palm Tree Management, Palm Tree Records, Palm Tree Holdings, and Palm Tree Music Festival. He guides a roster of award-winning multiplatinum talent, including Gryffin, Sam Feldt, Xandra, Thomas Jack, Frank Walker, Forester, influential songwriter Petey Martin, and, most notably, record-breaking international superstar Kygo. Under Shear’s watch as manager and confidant since 2012, Kygo has landed dozens of multiplatinum certifications, gathered 15 billion streams, sold out successive world tours, and smashed records, becoming the first artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify. He and Kygo are now expanding on the hospitality forefront with the recent announcement of Palm Tree Crew’s “Palm Tree Club,” a music-based experiential hotel and restaurant concept opening in Miami this December.

Karolina Kurkova & Archie Drury

COMPANY: Gryph & IvyRose
INDUSTRIES: Creatives, Entertainment, Real Estate, Modeling

Renowned supermodel Karolina Kurkova has been featured on the covers of some of the world’s most illustrious fashion publications as well as in campaigns for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and IWC Watches, to name a few. Kurkova pivoted her successful modeling career into entrepreneurship as co-founder of Gryph & IvyRose, a wellness and lifestyle brand, and is a board member of the prestigious Instituto Marangoni Miami. She has three children with Sound of Freedom and Voices of Iraq film producer, and real estate entrepreneur Archie Drury. He is a former United States Marine and founded the Fisher Island Medical Clinic with the University of Miami in 2018 with Kurkova. The couple reside in Fisher Island and Coral Gables.

Rick Ross

COMPANY: Maybach Music Group
INDUSTRY: Entertainment

William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally as Rick Ross, transcends rap. The Grammy Award-nominated, multiplatinum superstar, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and business mogul defines “rich” as more than material wealth. His voice, wisdom, and business acumen are unmistakable. Ross’s career has gone from strength to strength, from
“Hustlin” to visiting President Obama at the White House to starring in Coming 2 America. With seven Grammy nominations, billions of streams, and five No. 1 Billboard Top 200 debuts, his influence is vast. He owns over 25 Wingstop franchises, the Checkers he frequented as a child, and launched Maybach Music Group, among other business ventures.

Timbaland

COMPANIES: Mosley Music Group, Verzuz, Beatclub
INDUSTRY: Entertainment

Born Timothy Z. Mosley, Timbaland is a multi-platinum Grammy-winning super-producer recently named No. 3 on Billboard’s list of the 50 Greatest Producers of the 21st Century. He is the CEO of Mosley Music Group, a successful independent record label, selling over 25 million albums and 40 million singles. Timbaland is also the co-founder of the worldwide media phenomenon startup Verzuz, with producer Swizz Beatz, where they have achieved multiple honors, including ASCAP’s Voice of the Culture Award. He is also the founder of the music creator platform Beatclub, the premier global marketplace for connecting the music creator community with record labels, music publishers, and independent artists.

David Guetta

INDUSTRIES: Entertainment, Philanthropy 

David Guetta is a DJ, producer, and artist who has become a global music icon — and as of 2023, a new resident on Miami’s “Billionaire Bunker.” He is currently the 12th most streamed artist on Spotify with over 70 million monthly listeners. Guetta boasts two Grammy Awards, 11 nominations, seven UK No. 1 singles, and over 50 million records sold worldwide. He has collaborated with major stars like SIA, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and more. Known for his live shows, he headlines at Ultra Miami Festival and holds residencies at Hï Ibiza, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas. His charity work, notably the United At Home series, raised $2 million. Guetta continues to dominate charts and innovate electronic music.

DEVELOPERS

Gil Dezer

COMPANY: Dezer Development
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

An accomplished businessman and humanitarian, Gil Dezer is a real estate developer and one of the largest oceanfront property owners in Sunny Isles Beach. Dezer launched the Porsche Design Tower, a 60-story luxury tower, which introduced the Dezervator, a revolutionary automobile elevator lift system. He has launched marquee lifestyle brands, Residences by Armani/Casa and Hyde Midtown Suites and Residences, in exclusive partnerships with the Related Group. In 2024, Dezer broke ground on Bentley Residences, the world’s first Bentley Motors-branded luxury tower. He is a proud supporter of local charities, being one of the founders of the Mount Sinai Medical Center Foundation.

Don, Katrina, and Donahue III Peebles

COMPANY: Peebles Corporation
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Don Peebles is the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Peebles Corporation, a national real estate investment and development company with an $8 billion project portfolio and a pipeline spanning key markets in the nation. Katrina is responsible for the creative vision and direction of The Peebles Corporation’s design and marketing. In addition to her corporate role, Katrina currently sits on the board of directors for CARE Elementary School in Miami and is the vice chair of the New York City Mission Society. Their son, Donahue Peebles, III, is the executive vice president of The Peebles Corporation, handling new acquisitions and business development, actively pursuing public and private real estate transactions for the company.

Art Falcone

COMPANIES: Encore Capital Management and Rescore Property Corp, Falcone Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Art Falcone is the co-founding managing principal of Encore Capital Management and Rescore Property Corp., which includes master-planned communities, apartment complexes, retail centers, condominiums, townhomes, and hotels. Falcone is also the founder and managing principal of Miami Worldcenter, a project in the heart of downtown Miami with more than 15 million square feet of mixed-use space. As CEO and chairman of Falcone Group, a vertically integrated real estate and land development organization, Falcone established the company as an internationally recognized real estate corporation. He has been a benefactor to various foundations and charities, including Crohn’s and Colitis National Foundation and SOS Children’s Village, among others. Falcone was also the recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in 2022.

Vlad Doronin

COMPANIES: Aman Group, OKO Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Vlad Doronin is an international investor and real estate developer focused on luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality properties. As founder and CEO of leading real estate development firm OKO Group and owner, chairman, and CEO of the world’s most pre-eminent resort brand Aman, Doronin’s global business portfolio spans the globe. OKO Group is currently developing several residential and commercial sites in Miami, including an Aman hotel and a limited number of Aman-branded residences on Miami Beach. In November 2023, Aman Residences Tokyo, the first standalone Aman Branded Residences, opened to great success.

Russell W. Galbut

COMPANIES: Crescent Heights, Norwegian Cruise Lines, GFO Investments
INDUSTRIES: Real Estate, Hospitality

Russell W. Galbut serves as chairman of GFO Investments, a private wealth management firm specializing in real estate and hospitality-focused investments; and managing principal of Crescent Heights, one of America’s largest developers of quality residential apartments and condos;he has also been at the helm of the urban mixed-use real estate sector for over three decades. His commitment to the community shines as he actively participates on various charitable boards, notably the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Cornell University School of Hotel Administration’s advisory board. This year, Galbut is bringing three impressive buildings to Miami: Forma, Five Park, and Gale Miami Hotel & Residences.

Joey Goldman & Jessica Goldman Srebnick

COMPANY: Goldman Properties
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Power siblings Joey Goldman and Jessica Goldman Srebnick both sit on the board as co-chairs of Goldman Properties, a company that has revitalized neighborhoods throughout the country, including SoHo, Deep Ellum, Miami Beach, and Wynwood. Joey knew his career passion would follow his father Tony’s footsteps in real estate. Today, he continues to oversee acquisitions and the development of real estate for the company. Aside from Goldman Properties, Jessica also serves as the founder and CEO of Goldman Global Arts, an organization that brings artists and clients together, is the lead curator for the internationally acclaimed street art museum Wynwood Walls, and co-founder of the philanthropic arm of the organization, The Wynwood Walls Foundation.

Daniel Kodsi

COMPANIES: Royal Palm Companies (RPC), Paramount, and Legacy Hotel and Residences
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Throughout his career, Daniel Kodsi has been credited for changing skylines with his award-winning projects. Kodsi is at the helm of Royal Palm Companies (RPC), and under his leadership, RPC has developed over $3.5 billion in completed projects with over $2 billion in the pipeline. Kodsi founded Participant Capital as the capital arm of RPC as a vehicle to empower individual investors to participate in ground-up construction projects. Kodsi has created several branded residences, including his own brands, the Paramount and Legacy Hotel and Residence. He is best known for the internationally renowned Paramount Miami Worldcenter, which is the signature tower of the second largest master-planned urban project in the US.

Jorge Pérez, Jon Paul “JP” Pérez, and Nicholas Pérez

COMPANY: Related Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Jorge Pérez, Chairman and CEO of Related Group, has transformed South Florida’s urban landscape for over 40 years. His sons, Jon Paul “JP” Pérez, President of Related Group, and Nicholas “Nick” Pérez, President of the Condominium Division, are pivotal in continuing his legacy. JP has driven the company’s expansion into Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, while Nick oversees a $15 billion condominium portfolio. Under their leadership, Related Group has flourished with over 100 projects in markets like Pompano Beach, Hillsboro Beach, West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville. Notable achievements include launching residential ventures for iconic hotel brands, including Waldorf Astoria Pompano Beach, Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach, The St. Regis Residences Miami, Viceroy Brickell and completing The Ritz-Carlton Residences Tampa. These efforts underscore their commitment to enhancing urban living.

David & Christy Martin

COMPANY: Terra
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Christy and David Martin are passionate about making a difference in their native South Florida as active members and supporters of the region’s business and philanthropic communities. As CEO of Terra, one of South Florida’s leading real estate development companies, David and his firm are known for transforming neighborhoods through strategic design. The firm’s portfolio of developments is valued at more than $8 billion, innovating the urban and suburban landscape with a keen eye toward resiliency and sustainability. The Martins’ commitment to the community is underscored by their integral historic role in various charitable, civic, environmental, arts, and cultural organizations, including Miami Children’s Health Foundation benefitting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the Freedom Tower, Vizcaya Museums and Gardens, The Bass Museum, Teach for America, and Miami (ICA Miami).

Robert Rivani

COMPANY: Black Lion Investment Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Robert Rivani is an entrepreneur, retail entertainment innovator, and real estate visionary. As president of Black Lion, he has executed over $750 million in real estate deals independently. Rivani’s leadership spans from Malibu to Miami, where he has transformed hospitality spaces by attracting top brands like Catch, Delilah, Gaia, Amara at Paraiso, and Rosa Negra. His dynamic and bold approach redefines excellence and creativity. Inspired by global travels and a taste for luxury, Rivani curates vibrant destinations with top-tier tenants. His latest project, the Rivani, is a historic milestone, introducing the innovative ‘Class X’ office concept in Miami Beach, thus setting a new standard for luxury offices. His commitment to reimagining real estate drives Black Lion forward to set industry standards.

Jeffrey Soffer

COMPANY: Fontainebleau Development
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Jeffrey Soffer is the chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development, one of the country’s premier real estate development groups, specializing in large-scale lifestyle developments within the hospitality, retail, residential, and commercial sectors. He has been dedicated to Fontainebleau Development’s growth for more than 25 years. Soffer led the $1 billion expansion and renovation of the company’s landmark Fontainebleau Miami Beach, as well as the hotel’s all-new Coastal Convention Center, which is slated to open later this year. His company’s portfolio includes JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Hilton Nashville Downtown, and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which opened in December of 2023. Soffer has also created numerous South Florida residential landmarks, including Turnberry Ocean Colony, Porto Vita, Fontainebleau II, Fontainebleau III, Turnberry Village, and more.

Michael Stern

COMPANY: JDS Development Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Michael Stern, JDS Development Group’s founder and CEO, pioneers innovative real estate development, construction, and acquisitions. Notable in New York City and Miami, JDS crafts award-winning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use landmarks. Stern’s philosophy drives design and construction boundaries for dynamic market projects. Expertise spans project management, sales, marketing, and real estate financing. Founded in 2002, JDS excels in complex endeavors, revitalizing architect Ralph Walker’s legacy with Walker Tower and Stella Tower conversions. The iconic 111 West 57th St skyscraper and Brooklyn Tower projects redefine pioneering design. Notable works include the Fitzroy and American Copper Buildings. In South Florida, Monad Terrace is complete, and projects under construction include 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana Miami and Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami.

Alirio Torrealba

COMPANY: MG Developer
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Alirio Torrealba is the visionary CEO of MG Developer, a Coral Gables-based firm renowned for its innovative approach and comprehensive services in residential property development. Under his leadership, MG Developer has significantly transformed the landscapes of Coral Gables and Hialeah with sophisticated home concepts and philanthropic endeavors.

Pioneering luxury townhome living in Coral Gables, Torrealba placed a strategic bet on this unique product, setting new standards in the area. In the past year alone, he has spearheaded projects worth more than one billion dollars, solidifying MG Developer’s commitment to South Florida’s real estate market. Key milestones include breaking ground on The Village at Coral Gables, assembling The George, and the topping off of Metro Parc in Hialeah.

Beyond development, Torrealba founded the MG Foundation to champion community initiatives and has made substantial contributions to Baptist Hospital for medical innovations. His dynamic leadership continues to drive forward-thinking housing developments while fostering community support and enhancing the quality of life in key South Florida markets.

Michael Shvo

COMPANY: SHVO Industry
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Michael Shvo, founder, chairman, and CEO of SHVO, leads a premier real estate firm specializing in luxury and landmark properties. He manages a portfolio worth over $8 billion in residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces. As Miami Beach’s largest developer, Shvo is investing nearly $2 billion to transform the historic Art Deco District into a hub for business innovators, bringing together the world’s best brands, architects, and visionaries — like Peter Marino and Lord Norman Foster. His most anticipated project is his $1 billion restoration of Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco hotel, The Raleigh, into a Rosewood Hotel and Residences with penthouses projected to sell for $150 million. Nearby, he is also developing three Class A office towers totaling 400,000 square feet on Lincoln Road.

Barry Sternlicht

COMPANY: Starwood Capital Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

A pioneer of the real estate industry, Barry Sternlicht is a true trailblazer. He is the chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, the private alternative investment firm focused on global real estate, hotel management, oil and gas, and energy infrastructure. Sternlicht is also the chairman of Starwood Property Trust, a leading diversified finance company. For the past three decades, Sternlicht has structured investments with an asset value of over $235 billion. In 2008, Sternlicht founded SH Group, a hotel management company that owns and manages the Baccarat Hotels & Resorts and 1 Hotel brands. Sternlicht also serves on the board of directors of The Estée Lauder Companies and the Real Estate Roundtable.

Manny Angelo Varas

COMPANY: MV Group USA
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Manny Angelo Varas is the visionary builder and CEO of MV Group USA, known for creating stunning homes for billionaires, entertainers, and business leaders worldwide. Highly sought after, the firm only accepts about 10 percent of project inquiries, with a wait list of at least a year and a backlog exceeding $100 million. With more than 15 years of experience and a focus on future value, MV Group enhances Miami’s profile with remarkable residences and multi-family projects like Giorgio Armani’s Residences by Armani / Casa, the Bezos family’s Journey’s End estate, a Star Island mansion for Rick Ross, and more.

Camilo Miguel Jr.

COMPANY: Mast Capital
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Camilo Miguel Jr. is the founder and CEO of Mast Capital, a real estate investment and development firm established in 2006. Known for his innovative approach, Miguel enhances communities through high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality properties in regions with significant barriers to entry. With extensive experience, he excels in investment strategies, financial instruments, and project execution. In fact, in February 2024, Mast Capital secured the largest construction loan (at the time) in Florida’s history — $600 million — for Cipriani Residences Miami. Both the Cipriani Residences Miami and The Perigon Miami Beach began construction earlier this year. Miguel is also a community advocate, serving on boards such as Friends of the Underline and the Pérez Art Museum, among others.

ENTREPRENEUR

Michael Bay

COMPANY: Platinum Dunes
INDUSTRY: Entertainment 

Michael Bay is a trailblazing director and producer. Renowned for his exceptional commercial work, he won the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Best Commercial with the “Got Milk?/Aaron Burr” spot, now considered a definitive classic. Transitioning to feature films, he kickstarted Will Smith’s action-hero status with Bad Boys I and II and delivered high-octane blockbusters like The Rock, Armageddon, and the Transformers franchise, making him one of the world’s highest-grossing directors. In 2019, Bay ventured into streaming with Netflix’s hit 6 Underground. Bay’s two production companies, Bay Films and Platinum Dunes, have achieved success across genres, earning him several accolades and tributes in the industry. In 2023, he ventured into true crime docuseries with Born Evil currently streaming on Investigation Discovery, adding another facet to his career.

Camila Coelho

COMPANIES: Camila Coelho Collection, Elaluz
INDUSTRIES: Fashion, Beauty

Camila Coelho, a Brazilian-American fashion and beauty entrepreneur with 15 million followers across social platforms, is the founder of the Camila Coelho Collection, which rapidly sold out on Revolve.com and continues to thrive. As a first-generation immigrant, Coelho’s YouTube beauty tutorials propelled her to become a top digital influencer. Her impact extends from New York Fashion Week to global red carpets. Her brand partnerships include La Mer, Michael Kors, and more. Coelho’s beauty line, Elaluz, reflects inclusivity and sustainability. She’s a committed advocate, serving on the Epilepsy Foundation board. Fluent in three languages, she resides in Miami with her husband and son.

Fareed Adib

INDUSTRIES: Technology, Finance

Fareed Adib, a seasoned technology leader with 25-plus years of experience, boasts an impressive career managing billion-dollar businesses for global tech giants like Google and Softbank. Currently a managing director at Vista Equity Partners, a leading investment firm with more than $100 billion AUM, Adib also serves on multiple technology company boards. Actively engaged in Miami’s entrepreneurial community, he mentors aspiring business leaders and promotes the local tech ecosystem. Adib also contributes to Code.org’s mission, serving on its board to expand computer science education in schools and encourage participation from underrepresented groups.

Wayne Boich

COMPANIES: Reserve Padel, Boich Investment Group
INDUSTRY: Private Equity

Wayne Boich, chairman and CEO of Boich Investment Group, leads diverse global investment strategies and manages a robust real estate portfolio encompassing hotels, commercial office spaces, and single and multi-family residential projects. In 2022, his company hosted the largest US padel tournament, the Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open, donating over $2 million. Boich later launched Reserve, a premier padel brand, and in April 2024, Reserve introduced its first members-only club in Miami’s Design District, joining padel club locations at Seaplane Base in Miami and Hudson Yards in New York; he plans to launch a second New York padel club within the 184-acre master-planned North Miami community developed by LeFrak and Turnberry, SoLé Mia, this year. Boich and his wife Cynthia are committed philanthropists, supporting various charities like The Make-A-Wish Foundation, among others.

Wayne & Arlene Chaplin

COMPANIES: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
INDUSTRY: Liquor & Wine Distribution

Wayne Chaplin serves as the CEO of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol — a multi-generational, family-owned company. Chaplin is involved in various philanthropic activities, including a long-time support of the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University. Arlene is a passionate community leader known for her support of many organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Miami City Ballet, Mount Sinai Hospital, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program, and many others. She is also involved in developing community-bettering initiatives, such as YogArt, a unique outdoor yoga experience with live music, healthy food, and drinks.

William Dean

COMPANY: M.C. Dean, Inc.
INDUSTRY: Technology

William Dean is the CEO of M.C. Dean, Inc., a global engineering and systems integration firm specializing in cyber-physical solutions for mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. Integral to the South Florida community, his signature projects include the Miami Convention Center and Port Miami tunnel, among others. He is also behind the renovation of the S.S. Kresge estate, Terra Veritatis, on the Indian Creek waterfront, which has hosted some of Miami’s highest-profile happenings. His philanthropic endeavors include the Global Empowerment Mission in Ukraine, Girls Institute for Technology, and the Innocence Project, among others.

Rodrigo Garduño

COMPANY: 54D
INDUSTRIES: Sports, Health, Wellness

Rodrigo Garduño is a former professional soccer player-turned-founder of the high-intensity, multidisciplinary human transformation program 54D. Throughout the pandemic, Garduño hosted daily live-streaming workouts, reaching an average of more than 30,000 devices connected to his IG Live sessions every day, as well as an estimated 150,000 additional users streaming the daily class videos. In July 2020, 54D launched a revolutionary online program, 54D ON, officially bringing the comprehensive training program to a global audience. Today, 54D has expanded with centers in Mexico, Colombia, Miami, Coral Gables, and later this year, New York City and Broward County.

Tom Garfinkel

COMPANIES: Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
INDUSTRIES: Sports, Entertainment

Tom Garfinkel is the vice chairman, president, and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, as well as the managing partner of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Garfinkel has led the Dolphins’ business revitalization and the renovation of Hard Rock Stadium, transforming it into a global destination. The stadium has hosted the highest-grossing soccer match in US history and secured long-term commitments for the Miami Open tennis tournament and the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix;it will also host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Under Garfinkel’s leadership, the organization introduced the largest annual fundraiser in the NFL, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, which raised $75 million for cancer research.

Kenneth C. Griffin

COMPANY: Citadel
INDUSTRY: Finance

Kenneth C. Griffin is the founder and CEO of Citadel, one of the world’s leading alternative investment firms, and the founder and non-executive chairman of Citadel Securities, one of the world’s preeminent market makers. A passionate philanthropist, Ken donated more than $2 billion during his decades of philanthropic involvement. Now advanced through Griffin Catalyst, Ken’s contributions have expanded access to education at all levels for millions of Americans, transformed research and medical institutions with historic gifts, and strengthened our cultural institutions. Ken’s insights were instrumental in the launch of Operation Warp Speed’s accelerated Covid-19 vaccine development and deployment strategies.

Thomas Kato

COMPANIES: Merchant Hub, Rock 13 Tequila
INDUSTRIES: Finance, Technology

Thomas Kato’s entrepreneurial skills have paved the way for a remarkable career. With a portfolio encompassing commercial development properties, and a worldwide trading company called Rock 13 Trading, Kato is at the forefront of fintech innovation. Rock 13 Trading specializes in optimizing power plant efficiency, saving dissipated electricity, and supplying raw materials. Additionally, Kato has made strides in the financial sector with Merchant Hub, a cutting-edge payment processing business. The Harvard Business School alum believes the transformative role of blockchain in our financial landscape has shifted his focus to the launch of Comet Cash, a multinational protocol dedicated to global remittances and payments. This innovative platform facilitates the seamless conversion of fiat to crypto and vice versa, with minimal costs for consumers and merchants alike utilizing his new payment rails.

Marc Leder

COMPANY: Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
INDUSTRY: Private Equity

Marc Leder is an investment professional who co-founded global private equity firm Sun Capital Partners, Inc. in 1995. Under his guidance, Sun Capital has invested in more than 540 companies worldwide with revenues of over $50 billion across a broad range of industries and transaction structures. A generous donor who has given millions of dollars to a range of nonprofits and causes, he has a special enthusiasm for advancing the arts, education, and healthcare. He serves on the board of the Institute of Contemporary Arts at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the International Counsel for the Museum Berggruen in Berlin.

Kevin O’Leary

COMPANIES: O’Leary Ventures, O’Leary Fine Wines, WonderTrust
INDUSTRIES: Technology, Entertainment, Venture Capital

Kevin O’Leary is a venture capitalist, investor, television personality, and best-selling author. He gained widespread recognition as a “Shark” on the reality ABC show Shark Tank. O’Leary is known for his sharp business acumen and direct and often candid communication style, as well as his role in evaluating and investing in various entrepreneurial ventures on the show. Prior to his television career, he co-founded O’Leary Funds, O’share Investments, and O’Leary Ventures, which focus on investment opportunities in various industries. He has also authored books on finance and entrepreneurship, contributing to his reputation as a prominent figure in the business world.

Jeff Ransdell

COMPANY: Fuel Venture Capital
INDUSTRIES: Technology, Venture Capital

Jeff Ransdell is a founding partner and the managing director of Fuel Venture Capital. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Miami, Fuel VC boasts a portfolio of 33 technology start-ups across the globe, with over $500 million AUM, over $100 million of which is deployed to South Florida alone. Ransdell is a frequent guest on CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg Television, TD Ameritrade, and Benzinga, and has been featured in notable publications for his “founder-focused, investor-driven” mindset.

Naeem Khan

COMPANY: Naeem Khan 
INDUSTRIES: Fashion

Naeem Khan is a world-renowned fashion designer who is celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to the fashion industry. Khan’s passion for fashion was ingrained by the intricate craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of his homeland. With a unique blend of Indian artistry and Western glamour, Khan launched his first collection in 2003 and began selling at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Since then, his collections have adorned glamorous women around the world, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Rachel McAdams, First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Noor of Jordan, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, among others. His eponymous label, Naeem Khan, has become synonymous with opulence, intricate embellishments, and timeless elegance, making him a true luminary in the world of fashion.

Marc Roberts

COMPANY: Worldwide Entertainment and Sports Corporation
INDUSTRIES: Real Estate, Sports

Marc Roberts, a trailblazing figure in sports, entertainment, and real estate, ignited his career at 19-years-old by becoming the youngest person to promote a professional boxing match. Guided by the legendary Emanuel Steward, Roberts managed world champions, including Donald “the Cobra” Curry, Ray Mercer, and Shannon Briggs. Pioneering feats continued with his sports management company, Triple Threat Enterprises, and Worldwide Entertainment and Sports Corporation — both taken public on NASDAQ — raising over $100 million combined. Transitioning to real estate, he amassed $2 billion in condominium conversions and co-founded Miami Worldcenter, the largest mixed-use project currently in development in the US. He is also the co-founder and owner of Club E11EVEN, which launched E11EVEN Hotel and Residences and E11EVEN Beyond, garnering over $1 billion in sales. Roberts’ endeavors have made him a revered entrepreneur known for his charitable contributions in Miami and beyond.

Loren Ridinger

COMPANIES: Market America Worldwide, Shop.com.
INDUSTRIES: E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Internet Shopping

Loren Ridinger, co-founder & CEO of Market America Worldwide and Shop. com, is an industry-leading business titan who has been at the forefront of e-commerce and digital marketing for over 30 years. She and her late husband, JR Ridinger, founded Market America in 1992, introducing the UnFranchise Business System to empower individuals to own their own businesses and earn supplemental income while being a part of a supportive global network of like-minded entrepreneurs. An ever-expanding enterprise, Market America is now in nine countries. Loren has been on tour continuing to grow the company in JR’s honor, dedicated to helping others become the best versions of themselves.

Byron Roth

COMPANY: Roth Capital Partners
INDUSTRY: Finance

Byron Roth serves as the executive chairman and CEO of Roth Capital Partners, a leading financial services firm specializing in investment banking services. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Roth has played an integral role in shaping the success of the firm. His leadership extends across various facets of finance, including overseeing numerous merger and acquisition transactions. Roth’s visionary approach and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving the firm’s growth and influence within the industry. His dedication to facilitating strategic financial solutions for clients underscores his status as a prominent figure in the world of investment banking. Roth’s contributions continue to leave a lasting impact on the financial landscape.

Drew Rosenhaus

COMPANY: Rosenhaus Sports
INDUSTRY: Sports

Drew Rosenhaus is the sports industry’s highest-grossing agent. As the owner of the Miami-based sports agency, Rosenhaus Sports, he has negotiated over $7 billion in NFL contracts from the start of his career at just 22 years old to present day. He was the first sports agent to grace the cover of the iconic Sports Illustrated magazine and became the youngest registered agent in the industry. He was recently featured on HBO’s Real Sports and Inside the NFL. Currently, Rosenhaus resides in Miami Beach with his wife and four children. He spearheads multiple philanthropic endeavors throughout South Florida, including his Drew Rosenhaus Youth Football and Fitness Camp.

David A. Steinberg

COMPANY: Zeta Global
INDUSTRIES: Technology, Marketing

David Steinberg is the CEO of Zeta Global, a company he co-founded with former Apple CEO John Sculley. Zeta’s AI-powered platform and proprietary data cloud help major consumer brands manage their marketing more effectively, earning recognition from Forrester as the No. 1 marketing cloud. A lifelong entrepreneur, Steinberg has sold four companies, taken two public, and spent over 30 years shaping technology ecosystems. He also serves as executive chairman of On Demand Pharmaceuticals, a company he co-founded to develop a 3D printer for manufacturing affordable drugs on demand. Steinberg leads the investment fund Caivis in support of entrepreneurs, and heads the David A. Steinberg Foundation, which focuses on issues like deforestation, criminal justice reform, and childhood hunger.

Sean & Ana Wolfington

COMPANY: The Wolfington Companies
INDUSTRIES: Technology, Real Estate, Mobility, Film

Sean & Ana Wolfington are serial entrepreneurs who built and sold 15 tech companies and produced ten films, including 4 major motion pictures this year; “Sound of Freedom,” “Cabrini”, “City of Dreams,” and “The Prince.” Wolfington was recognized as “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young, and received the Legacy Award from the National Council for Adoption, the Tony Bennett Exploring the Arts Award and the U.S. President’s Service Award. Wolfington is Chairman of the board for Data Driven Holdings and CarSaver, and currently serves on the board of the Playing for Change Foundation. Sean and Ana founded the Wolfington Charitable Foundation, which enables bright futures for at-risk children through education,  sports, mindfulness, the arts and wellness programs.

Bob Zangrillo

COMPANY: Dragon Global
INDUSTRIES: Technology, Real Estate, Finance

Robert Zarco

COMPANY: Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
INDUSTRY: Law

Robert Zarco has made an indelible mark on the community, clients, and the practices of franchise law and commercial litigation on a national and international scale. For over 35 years, as the founding partner of the law firm Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., Zarco has been at the forefront of protecting legal rights, representing more than 500 different brands in more than 40 states and 20 countries, as well as thousands of franchisees. Zarco was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America National Trial Lawyers Honor Society, and Lawyer of the Year in Franchise by Best Lawyers of America, among others. Zarco is also an avid yachtsman, amateur chef, and philanthropist.

Alex Shack

COMPANY: Braman Automotive
INDUSTRY: Auto

Alex Shack, COO and partner at Braman Automotive, plays a crucial role in the prestigious dealership founded by his grandfather, Norman Braman. Overseeing operations of more than 20 dealerships, Shack drives forward a legacy of quality and service. Raised in Miami, Shack has a passion for cars that began early, nurtured by hands-on experience in various dealership roles. A University of Florida Finan graduate, Shack quickly ascended through Braman Automotive, excelling in sales, service, and management at several different Braman dealerships. Shack, who was appointed COO in 2018, fosters a culture of integrity, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Dedicated to growth and community impact, Shack balances his professional life with treasured moments with his wife and two daughters.

Steve Stoute

COMPANY: UnitedMasters Inc.
INDUSTRIES: Entertainment, Technology

Steve Stoute is a multifaceted entrepreneur, advertising innovator, and music industry pioneer. He is the founder and CEO of UnitedMasters Inc., which includes UnitedMasters and Translation. Supported by major players like Alphabet, Apple, Andreessen Horowitz, and Disney, UnitedMasters Inc. is transforming the way brands and artists collaborate, pushing cultural boundaries forward. Known for his work at the intersection of culture, technology, and branding, Stoute continues to drive innovation in these fields.

HOSPITALITY

David & Isabela Grutman

COMPANIES: Groot Hospitality, ISA, Rangel
INDUSTRY: Hospitality, Fashion

David Grutman is the founder of Groot Hospitality, a company known for creating immersive experiential venues across a unique portfolio of restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, and hotels. Its portfolio includes popular restaurants like Casadonna, Gekkō, Komodo (in Miami, Dallas, and Las Vegas), Papi Steak (Miami and Las Vegas), nightlife venues such as LIV at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Las Vegas, as well as its first hotel, The Goodtime Hotel. With a planned international expansion and two Miami concepts set to open in the coming year, Groot Hospitality’s portfolio is truly ever-expanding. Isabela Rangel Grutman is a philanthropist, clothing and jewelry designer, model, and full-time mother. In 2022, Isabela launched her eponymous clothing line, Rangel, and jewelry line, ISA, with a brick-and-mortar store in Miami’s Design District.

Philip Goldfarb

COMPANY: Fontainebleau Development
INDUSTRY: Hospitality

With more than three decades of hospitality leadership under his belt, Fontainebleau Development COO Philip Goldfarb oversees operations at the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach, including the recently announced Coastal Convention Center, the largest expansion in the property’s 70-year history. Goldfarb has been instrumental in the resort’s success and growth, including multi-million-dollar renovations and the introduction of new restaurant concepts and entertainment experiences. Goldfarb has been recognized as one of South Florida Business Journal’s “Power Leaders in Hospitality,” and is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Tourism Award, and HSMAI South Florida’s Legend of the Year in 2024.

Keith & Evelyn Menin

COMPANY: Menin Hospitality
INDUSTRY: Hospitality

Keith Menin is a hospitality entrepreneur who is creatively innovating the industry. Menin’s rapidly expanding portfolio of acclaimed hotels, restaurants, and custom-designed luxury homes throughout the country has defined his career over the last 15 years in South Florida.. He joined forces with his cousin, Jared Galbut, to form Menin Hospitality, a Miami-based hospitality and design firm behind successful restaurant and lounge brands like Bodega. Menin’s passion for luxury home design, combined with his dedicated Menin Homes design and development team, has led him to grow the business with more than $200 million in properties in the last five years. Evelyn is the director of interior design for the firm, creating incredible custom designs and furnishing layouts for interior design clients.

Diego & Gisela Lowenstein

COMPANY: Lionstone Development
INDUSTRIES: Hospitality, Real Estate

Diego Lowenstein has been part of his family’s international business interests for over 30 years. As the CEO of Lionstone, which is best known for The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, as well as developments including the EPIC Hotel and Residence, Diego has led the family entrepreneurial firm to new heights. Lionstone has entitled, converted, and developed more than 3.5 million square feet of real estate projects. Gisela is an executive coach and trusted advisor specializing in family businesses, focusing on organizational discipline, succession principles, legal and financial frameworks, and management. She is also certified by the International Coaching Federation.  The Lowensteins are involved with several charitable, philanthropic, and professional organizations.

Lee Brian Schrager

COMPANY: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
INDUSTRY: Hospitality

LLee Brian Schrager is the CCO and senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. He is recognized for creating the Food Network South Beach and New York City Wine and Food Festivals presented by Capital One, which have raised nearly $50 million for charity to date. As a true food and beverage connoisseur, Schrager is also the author of three esteemed cookbooks. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees for the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Board of Directors for Food Bank for New York City, and serves as a judge for Forbes’ annual 30 Under 30 list and Celebrated Living’s annual Platinum List awards.

Jeff Zalaznick & Mario Carbone

COMPANY: Major Food Group
INDUSTRIES: Hospitality, Culinary, Entrepreneur

Visionary restaurateurs Jeff Zalaznick and Mario Carbone have relentlessly forged a path in the hospitality industry, establishing the impenetrable powerhouse hospitality company Major Food Group alongside co-founder Rich Torrisi. For the past decade, Zalaznick and Carbone have cemented their reputation as innovative restaurateurs, with Carbone recognized as one of the world’s most accomplished chefs. They have created a range of concepts like Carbone, Sadelle’s, The Grill, ZZ’s Club, and Dirty French. The company has established a global empire that exceeds 40 restaurants, private clubs, bars, and hotels, spanning seven countries, redefining industry standards along the way. Both native New Yorkers currently reside in Miami;Zalaznick is a graduate of Cornell University, while Carbone hails from the Culinary Institute of America.

Alex Pirez

COMPANY: Mocca Group
INDUSTRIES: Hospitality, Design, Development, Real Estate

Alex Pirez is a serial entrepreneur with interests across diverse industries. Pirez, who was born and raised in South Florida, is the founder of Miami design and development firm Mocca Group, which is behind some of the most impressive luxury homes and hospitality institutions in the city. As an avid investor, Pirez serves as the Miami partner for Major Food Group’s acclaimed restaurants, such as Carbone Miami, ZZ’s Club, Dirty French, Chateau ZZ’s, Sadelle’s Coconut Grove, HaSalon, and Contessa. He is also a partner in other brands and establishments, including Billionaire Boys Club, Red Farm Miami, Komodo, Gekkō, The Goodtime Hotel, and Swan.

Omer & Jennifer Horev

COMPANIES: Horev Hospitality, Pura Vida Miami, and Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
INDUSTRY: Hospitality

Omer Horev founded Pura Vida, of which he is also CEO, in 2012. Pura Vida’s success transformed the business from a side venture to a full-scale wellness lifestyle brand, led by Israel-born Horev and his wife, Jennifer. With a decade of experience in South Florida real estate, Omer’s strategic eye aids in identifying ideal brand locations and growth opportunities. In 2021, Horev Hospitality launched Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen in Aventura alongside chef Samuel Gorenstein as a culinary homage to Omer’s Tel Aviv roots. Under Omer and Jennifer’s leadership, Pura Vida flourished as a global lifestyle brand, epitomizing South Florida’s wellness culture. In 2024, Pura Vida introduced the much-anticipated expansion of its enterprise into New York, with the ambition to operate more than 10 outposts by 2026.

Greg Galy & Marine Giron-Galy

COMPANY: Riviera Dining Group
INDUSTRY: Hospitality

Greg Galy and Marine Giron-Galy co-founded MILA in 2020, which has since grown to become one of Miami’s busiest restaurants and one of the top five highest-grossing independent restaurants in the country. Greg, CEO of RDG, leverages his extensive hospitality experience as Fig & Olive’s former president, and masters the perfect balance between genuine hospitality, fine dining, and innovative nightlife, which has led RDG to establish itself quickly in the upscale social scene of Miami. Marine, CBO of RDG, utilizes her background in global luxury marketing and brand strategy, working with prestigious fragrance houses and beauty brands to create new luxury guest experiences in the hospitality realm.

Brady Wood

COMPANY: WoodHouse
INDUSTRY: Hospitality

Brady Wood is the founder and CEO of WoodHouse, a hospitality concept development company and operator. Wood has decades of expertise in hospitality concept development, events, and entertainment and has worked in collaboration and partnership with brands ranging from the Dallas Cowboys to LVMH. He is a founder and partner in multiple social clubs, including The Moore in Miami, Park House Dallas, Park House Houston, Citizen House in Oklahoma City, and Banner House at T Bar M Racquet Club in Dallas. Wood also owns and operates a number of public-facing brands, including the James Beard-recognized restaurant José, with locations in Dallas and Crested Butte; Elevation Hotel & Spa in Crested Butte, Colorado; the Stable Hall music venue in San Antonio, Texas; and the Pilgrimage Music Festival in Tennesee.

PHILANTHROPISTS

Michael Capponi

COMPANY: Global Empowerment Mission
INDUSTRIES: Philanthropy, Hospitality, Real Estate, and Entertainment

Michael Capponi is known as one of the key pioneers in shaping the growth of Miami Beach. Over the past 30 years, Capponi was a leading force in the hospitality and entertainment industries and is one of the most accomplished residential real estate developers in South Florida. Now retired from the private sector, Capponi brings the skills of his prior endeavors to his philanthropic work for the organization he founded, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which was created to disrupt the disaster sector through efficient and modernized systems. Capponi has guided GEM to yield effective results, reaching millions of beneficiaries worldwide by distributing large-scale humanitarian aid to the most tragic disasters.

DJ Irie

COMPANIES: Irie Music, Corp., Irie Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Entertainment, Philanthropy

As Miami’s most beloved DJ, DJ Irie serves as the official DJ to Jamie Foxx and three-time NBA World Champions, the Miami Heat;he has also performed at esteemed events like VH1’s Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam and the FIFA World Cup. DJ Irie is a philanthropic entrepreneur who has created the annual Irie Weekend, which benefits the Irie Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami. Irie has also profoundly impacted other charities close to his heart, like The Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Special Olympics, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few. In 2022, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce recognized Irie’s charitable contributions with the Jan Pfeiffer Distinguished Service Award.

Whitney Kroenke Silverstein

COMPANIES: Playing for Change Movement, Playing for Change Foundation
INDUSTRY: Philanthropy

Whitney Kroenke Silverstein is an impactful leader, producer, and philanthropist. As co-founder of the Playing For Change Movement and president of the Playing For Change Foundation, she uses music and culture to build a better future. Since 2001, she has expanded PFC from documentaries to a foundation with 68 locations in over 20 countries, numerous global initiatives, and a YouTube channel with over two billion views. Whitney produced the documentaries Playing for Change: A Cinematic Discovery of Street Musicians and Playing for Change: Peace Through Music. Recently, she was an executive producer of the film The Sound of Freedom. Whitney lives in Miami Beach with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Al & Nancy Malnik

COMPANY: The Forge
INDUSTRIES: Philanthropy, Hospitality

Throughout his career, Alvin Malnik has been called a “visionary” and a “Renaissance man,” and for good reason. From humble beginnings, he started his road to success as an attorney and turned into a creative entrepreneur with success as a developer, financier, investor, restaurateur (founder of The Forge restaurant), and hotelier, to name just a few. As Lifetime Benefactors, Alvin and Nancy Malnik have been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for 28 years, making an indelible mark on the foundation. In addition, their contributions to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston through the Al and Nancy Malnik Family AML Research Fund have made significant breakthroughs possible in reducing acute myelogenous leukemia in children.

Shareef Malnik & Gabrielle Anwar

COMPANIES: Sonrisa Rum, Greyhawk Capital, Forge Legacy Investments, Make-A-Wish®
INDUSTRIES: Spirits, Hospitality, Finance, Law, Philanthropy

Shareef Malnik and Gabrielle Anwar are true pillars of the Miami community. Malnik is an attorney and has been chairman of the Board Emeritus of Make-A-Wish and chairman of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball for 19 years running. Under his leadership, the foundation has raised more than $90 million. Malnik is co-CEO and founder of Sonrisa Rum, “From Puerto Rico For Puerto Rico” (a dollar from the sale of every bottle of which is donated to small businesses in Puerto Rico), which launched in January of 2024. His wife, Gabrielle Anwar, serves as co-chair of the Ball, and has raised millions of dollars for wishes in her own right, helping to propel the Ball to another level. Anwar has garnered over 45 film and television performances, and is now writing for film and television;she is currently completing her first novel and memoir as well as presently launching Rethink Baby, a nonprofit Malnik Family & United Way Child Development Project.

Alonzo Mourning

COMPANIES: Mourning Family Foundation and Overtown Youth Center
INDUSTRIES: Philanthropy, Sports

Alonzo Mourning, a former Miami Heat player and NBA champion, is renowned for his presence on and off the basketball court. Now vice president of Player Programs and Development for the Miami Heat, he is a motivational speaker, affordable housing developer, and business mogul. Mourning founded the Mourning Family Foundation and the Overtown Youth Center, raising over $60 million for social and educational programs. He also spearheaded a $22 million capital campaign for a state-of-the-art facility at OYC Miami. Honored with numerous awards, including the NBA’s Community Assist Award, Mourning is dedicated to serving underserved communities while also being a loving father to kids Trey, Myka, and Alijah.

Barry & Missy Skolnick

COMPANY: BLS Asset Management
INDUSTRIES: Philanthropy, Real Estate

Barry Skolnick has built a career in real estate while supporting his philanthropic endeavors. He is the president and CEO of BLS Asset Management and a managing member of BLS Realty. After assuming the presidency of the Skolnick Family Charitable Trust, he followed his parents’ philanthropic interest in supporting scientific research. He is also a chairman of the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami and a co-chairman and president of the Police Relations Foundation. He serves on multiple boards, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation in Southern Florida, the Holocaust Memorial, and more. He is also the owner of Grind Hard Ammo in Stuart, Florida. Skolnick is married to Missy, who is also involved in the community.

Eddie & Kinga Lampert

COMPANY: ESL Investments
INDUSTRIES: Philanthropy, Finance

Edward Lampert is the founder, chairman, and CEO of ESL Investments. Since 1988, ESL Investments has managed funds that have made major, long-term investments in companies such as AutoNation, AutoZone, Lands’ End, Kmart, and Sears Holdings. Kinga has served for over a decade as co-chair of the board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the largest private foundation worldwide supporting breast cancer research, and remains actively involved in the organization. She also sits on the board of governors of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, and recently joined the Board of The Princess Grace Foundation-USA, an organization dedicated to upholding the legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco by elevating extraordinary new artists in theater, dance, and film through career-advancing grants. Together, they founded the Lampert Foundation in 2006, an organization supporting free markets, individual liberty, education, and healthcare. In Miami, they are supporters of the Miami City Ballet, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and more.

Dave Portnoy

COMPANY: Barstool Sports
INDUSTRIES: Philanthropy, Sports, Entertainment

Dave Portnoy, known as “El Presidente,” is the founder of Barstool Sports, a leading digital media brand. Portnoy’s innovative business approach built Barstool into a media powerhouse with content across blogs, apps, podcasts, radio, video, social media, events, and TV, inclusive of the popular podcast “BFFs,” which he co-hosts with Josh Richards and Brianna Chickenfry. He is also famous for his “One Bite” pizza reviews, which have become a pop culture phenomenon, resulting in the One Bite app, the largest pizza database in the US. Most recently, Portnoy has become a major pet rescue advocate with his dog, Miss Peaches, who has transformed the Adopt Don’t Shop movement. Mayor Suarez even announced May 20 as “Miss Peaches Day.”

POWER COUPLES

DJ Khaled & Nicole Tuck

COMPANIES: We The Best Music Group, We The Best Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Entertainment, Philanthropy

DJ Khaled embodies an elevated level of greatness and cultural impact. As a Grammy Award-winning artist who achieved dozens of multi-platinum and gold certifications, DJ Khaled is unstoppable. He has moved 20 million singles and six million albums, garnering over four billion streams. His 13th full-length, self-titled album, Khaled Khaled, marked his third No. 1 Hot 200 album debut. He is also the founder of We The Best Music Group, a record label, management, publishing, and production company and in-demand studio. As a committed philanthropist, he founded the 501(c)3 organization We The Best Foundation, supporting underserved communities. Khaled is married to the incredibly stylish Nicole Tuck. Together, they raise their two sons, Asahd and Aalam.

Craig Robins & Jackie Soffer

COMPANIES: Dacra Development, Design Miami/, Turnberry
INDUSTRIES: Art/Design, Real Estate, Development

Craig Robins and Jackie Soffer have mastered the art of innovation. Robins, President and CEO of Dacra, is the driving force behind Miami Design District (MDD) and co-owner of Design Miami/.  His transformative projects include MDD, which inspired the creation of Design Miami/  and Design Miami/ Basel design fairs – in partnership with Art Basel – and the MCH Swiss Exhibition.  Robins is also an early-stage investor in digital-first brands and leading-edge technologies — many of which have sustainability at the forefront. Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Turnberry Associates, leads projects like the 800-key hotel connected to the Miami Beach Convention Center, Aventura Mall, JW Marriott Nashville, and SoLé Mia alongside LeFrak. Both are avid art collectors who integrate culture into their projects.

Marc & Jennifer Bell

COMPANIES: Terran Orbital, Armour Residential REIT, Bell Beachwear
INDUSTRIES: Finance, Technology, Entertainment, Fashion

Marc and Jennifer Bell are serial entrepreneurs whose success spans over 30 years and five Unicorns. Marc is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of pioneering aerospace and defense satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital. He is also a three-time Tony Award winner, twice for Best Play for August Osage County and Stereophonic (co-produced with Jennifer), and once for Best Musical Jersey Boys. In addition, he co-founded mortgage powerhouse Armour Residential REIT. Jennifer is the founder and CEO of Bell Beachwear, a swimwear and resort brand dedicated to empowering women. Together, Marc and Jennifer are involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives; Marc is a member of many non-profit boards, including SOS Children’s Villages Florida, among others.

Louis & Angela Birdman

COMPANIES: Birdman Real Estate Development, 1000 Group
INDUSTRIES: Real Estate, Philanthropy

Louis and Angela Birdman’s mission is to make a positive impact on their community while transforming Miami’s skyline. As the founder of Birdman Real Estate Group and One Thousand Group, Louis has been the visionary behind numerous real estate development projects. His most recent planned developments include Villa Miami, a Major Food Group-branded residential tower, and Tower36. Past notable developments include one of Miami’s most recognizable residential skyscrapers, One Thousand Museum, designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid. The Birdmans are active community members who have chaired events for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Special Olympics, and Jewish Community Services, among others. Angela founded Walk in Style for the Animals, is on the board at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, and has served for decades as a godparent at Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options.

Braxton Berrios & Alix Earle

INDUSTRIES: Sports, Entertainment

Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios have become Miami’s ‘It’ couple over the last year. Earle is a leading social media personality with an incredibly rapid rise, with an incredibly loyal following. She is also the creator of the popular Hot Mess podcast. Known for the “Alix Earle [sold out] Effect,” she engages a diverse audience with her blend of humor, beauty, and lifestyle content. Berrios, an NFL wide receiver and return specialist for the Miami Dolphins, was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has since made a significant impact in the league.

Ugo & Sara Colombo

COMPANIES: CMC Group, Nest Casa
INDUSTRIES: Real Estate, Fashion

Ugo Colombo has played a pioneering role in the development of Miami’s skyline. He is regarded as one of South Florida’s most respected and successful residential and commercial developers. Ugo and his firm, CMC Group, have developed some of the region’s most iconic luxury properties, including Brickell Flatiron, the firm’s latest condominium tower rising in the Brickell Financial District, and the multi-story expansion of The Collection in Coral Gables, which includes a new 500,000 square-foot Jaguar Land Rover dealership. Colombo’s current residential developments include Onda Residences in Bay Harbor, Four Seasons Private Residences in Coconut Grove, and Vita at Grove Isle, an ultra-luxury condominium in Miami’s Grove Isle. Additionally, Sara’s interior design showroom, Nest Casa, specializes in high-style products with a European flair reflective of her taste.

Edgardo & Ana Cristina Defortuna

COMPANY: Fortune International Group
INDUSTRY: Real Estate

Fortune International Group president and CEO Edgardo Defortuna founded the company in 1983, and in 1998, he and his wife, Ana Cristina, launched their luxury-development division. Today, Fortune is a leading Miami-based, full-service real estate firm recognized throughout South Florida, Latin America, and Europe as an industry trailblazer in high-end luxury real estate. Fortune’s portfolio has evolved to encompass stellar developments, including Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, Jade Beach, Jade Ocean, Auberge Beach Residences and Spa Fort Lauderdale, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Jade Signature, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Pompano Beach, The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Nexo Residences, and Ora by Casa Tua in the heart of Brickell.

Carlos Duart & Tina Vidal-Duart

COMPANIES: CDR Companies, Inc., CDR Health Care, Inc.
INDUSTRIES: Engineering, Healthcare

Carlos Duart and Tina Vidal-Duart are accomplished leaders in the fields of engineering, emergency management, and healthcare. Carlos, owner and president of CDR Companies, Inc., has over 30 years of experience in disaster recovery, managing over $10 billion in damages. He has also grown the company to 1,500 employees and $250 million in annual revenue. Tina, CEO of CDR Health Care, Inc. and executive vice president of CDR Companies, has expertise in healthcare management, having overseen significant projects like Florida’s Covid-19 response. Both are deeply involved in philanthropy and community service, contributing to Florida International University and supporting causes like homelessness and animal rescue.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan

COMPANIES: Estefan Enterprises, Gloria Estefan Foundation
INDUSTRIES: Entertainment, Hospitality, Philanthropy

Gloria and Emilio Estefan are the ultimate entertainment power couple. She’s an international superstar who has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, and together with Emilio, has won 26 Grammy awards. Emilio is a musician and producer behind the success of many famous music artists, as well as an entrepreneur, owning and operating three restaurants, two hotels, and an internationally recognized publishing company. They’ve been inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame and honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the first time in history the honor was bestowed upon a couple. They are also involved in the betterment of their community through the Gloria Estefan Foundation.

Grant & Elena Cardone

COMPANIES: Cardone Capital, 10X Studios, 10X Health System, Cardone Training Technologies
INDUSTRIES: Real Estate Investments, Documentary & Reality TV, Business Education, Wellness

Grant Cardone is a private equity fund manager and real estate investor with over $4.7 billion AUM. He is also the CEO of Cardone Enterprises and Cardone Training Technologies, as well as the co-founder of Cardone Ventures, 10X Studios, and 10X Health System. Grant and his wife of 20 years, Elena Cardone, are authors and a globally recognized power couple, inspiring business leaders and startup entrepreneurs. They have hosted some of the largest live self-improvement events in the world. Elena is a dynamic speaker, author, and mentor dedicated to empowering women, protecting children, and restoring the family unit. She is also the co-founder of the Grant and Elena Cardone Foundation, helping underserved youth understand finance, and has produced her own show, The Elena Cardone Show.

Kate & Kevin Love

INDUSTRIES: Sports, Wellness, Entertainment

Kevin Love, an NBA World Champion and five-time All-Star who is currently playing with the Miami Heat, is a mental health advocate and founder of the Kevin Love Fund. His career highlights include winning an NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers and gold medals at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and 2012 Olympics. His wife, Kate Love, is a model and entrepreneur known for her work with Sports Illustrated and campaigns for major companies like Ralph Lauren. She’s also an advocate for health and wellness, the founder of Love Kate Inc., as well as an investor in plant-based beverage company Koia. Both Kevin and Kate use their loyal social media platforms for positive change, championing mental health and wellness.

Heather & Daymond John

COMPANY: The Shark Group
INDUSTRY: Consulting

Daymond John is a celebrated entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and consultant whose had a significant impact on the business world. His influence extends from Fortune 500 corporations to small businesses and is involved in various aspects of entrepreneurship. A pivotal figure in Daymond’s journey is his wife and advisor, Heather. A transformational expert, Heather plays a crucial role in Daymond’s dedication to his health, fatherhood, and his personal and professional development. Their partnership extends from their home life to the boardroom, where together they craft ideas, strategies, and opportunities for a diverse range of business deals. Heather’s insight and expertise empowers them to expand their range of services and enhance the success of their partners.

Dr. Phillip & Patricia Frost

COMPANIES: OPKO Health, Inc., Frost Museum of Science
INDUSTRIES: Pharmaceuticals, Philanthropy

Dr. Phillip and Patricia Frost are generous supporters of education, science, and the arts, as well as renowned collectors. They endowed the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and were the lead donors for the Frost Art Museum at Florida International University. They also serve as the lead donors of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park. As a result of a transformative $100 million gift, the Frost Institute of Chemistry and Molecular Science (FICMS) is the first within a group of synergistic research institutes to be coordinated under the umbrella of the Frost Institutes for Science and Engineering at the University of Miami.

Brent Saunders & Daniela Botero

COMPANY: Bausch + Lomb
INDUSTRY: Pharmaceuticals

Power couple Brent Saunders and Daniela Botero are no strangers to the health and beauty industries. Saunders, a healthcare veteran with over 25 years of experience, has served as CEO and chairman of the board of directors at Bausch + Lomb since March 2023. Notably, he was chairman and CEO of Allergan plc, maker of Botox. His leadership at Allergen began in 2014, where he continued as chairman until the Abbthe Inc. acquisition in 2020. He is also chairman of Beauty Health Company and Roam. He sits on the Board of Directors of Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach and is a noted investor and philanthropist. Botero is a model and actress, who is currently starting her own high-end skincare line. Saunders and Botero also just welcomed their first baby girl.

Leo Messi & Antonela Roccuzzo

INDUSTRIES: Sports, Entertainment

Lionel Andrés “Leo” Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. A prodigy from a young age, he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, at 13. Over his two-decade career with Barcelona, Messi won numerous titles, including 10 La Liga and four UEFA Champions League trophies, while setting multiple records, including being Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. In 2021, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and later joined Inter Miami. Messi also led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and most recently, the 2024 Copa América. Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, reside in South Florida with their three sons. Roccuzzo has also amassed quite a loyal following and has formed meaningful partnerships with luxury brands like Tiffany & Co.

Vita Sidorkina & Valerio Morabito

INDUSTRIES: Real Estate, Entertainment

As one of Miami’s ‘It’ power couples, Vita Sidorkina and Valerio Morabito are also one of the most stylish. Valerio, a developer with a European eye for detail and an innate Italian style, has carved a unique path in recent years. His portfolio boasts multi-family developments that encompass grand historic transformations and innovative Miami beachfront residences. Vita has achieved international acclaim as a supermodel. She embarked on her fashion journey at a young age, quickly ascending to one of the best in her industry. She has also delved into the worlds of acting and philanthropy, using her influence for positive change.

Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner

COMPANY: Affinity Partners
INDUSTRIES: Politics, Philanthropy

Ivanka Trump is a businesswoman and former senior advisor to the former President of the United States, Donald Trump (her father), focusing on economic initiatives and women’s empowerment. She led real estate projects at the Trump Organization and founded the Ivanka Trump brand. Since leaving government, she has invested in businesses, supported small farmers, and led disaster relief efforts. Her husband, Jared Kushner, the CEO of Affinity Partners, served as the Organization’s senior advisor, co-leading USMCA negotiations and the Abraham Accords. He received several awards, including Mexico’s Aztec Eagle Award, and authored the bestseller Breaking History. Ivanka and Jared, who both graduated with honors from Ivy League schools, live in Florida with their three children.

Michael & Nikki Simkins

COMPANIES: E11EVEN Vodka, E11EVEN, and Lion Development Group
INDUSTRIES: Real Estate, Philanthropy, Spirits, Hospitality

Michael Simkins is an owner of E11EVEN Partners, the company behind the high-profile E11EVEN Miami nightclub (as well as the E11EVEN Hotel, E11EVEN Crypto, and E11EVEN Sound, an audio equipment venture). Simkins has evolved the company beyond a hospitality firm and into a lifestyle brand. He is also the president and CEO of Lion Development Group, developing properties all over South Florida. Nikki Simkins is the CEO of E11EVEN Vodka, where she is the visionary behind the brand. With South Florida roots, the Simkins family is highly respected for supporting community-based projects that drive sustainable economic growth and bring global visibility to the region.

John O. Utendahl & Radmila Lolly

INDUSTRIES: Finance, Entertainment, Fashion

John O. Utendahl and Radmila Lolly continue to shape Miami’s iconic landscape. Utendahl, with over four decades in financial services, is known for his prior role as global corporate and investment bank chairman for Bank of America, as well as being the founder and CEO of the Utendahl Group, once the largest African-American-owned investment banking group in the US. Lolly, a multifaceted talent, excels as a singer, composer, and the visionary behind couture fashion house Eltara Casata. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and major sporting events, earning the title “NBA’s Most Fashionable Courtside Fan” with her viral jersey gowns at Miami Heat games. She launched collections for the Miami Heat and the University of Miami, joined the Florida Grand Opera board, and performed at their 2024 Annual Gala. Her music has topped the Billboard charts four times, solidifying her influence in fashion and entertainment.

TECH

Mayor Francis X. Suarez

INDUSTRIES: Government, Technology

Francis X. Suarez is the 43rd Mayor of Miami and the first Miami-born to hold the office. Elected with overwhelming support, he advocates for a free-market approach, climate adaptive policies, and Web 3.0 technology as part of his ‘Miami Forever’ agenda. Under his leadership, Miami has reduced crime and taxes, spurring economic growth. Suarez’s “Miami-For-Everyone” initiative leverages federal opportunity zones to increase affordable housing. He also champions Miami’s tech economy through Venture Miami and promotes job training in emerging sectors like Fintech, Medtech, and Greentech. Suarez’s efforts to address homelessness have helped over 100 people off the streets. He practices law and is married to Gloria Fonts Suarez, with whom he has two children.

Howard Lerman

COMPANIES: Roam, Yext
INDUSTRY: Technology

Howard Lerman, a trailblazing entrepreneur and tech visionary, is the former CEO and co-founder of Yext, a pioneering technology company specializing in digital knowledge management. Under his leadership, Yext has become a leader in the industry, providing cutting-edge solutions for companies to control their online presence. Lerman’s dedication to technological advancement and his commitment to helping businesses thrive in
the digital age have solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the world of tech entrepreneurship. His latest company, Roam, a groundbreaking virtual office platform headquartered in Miami, powers over 10 million meeting minutes a month for 400 companies with innovative features like “Magic Minutes,” “Stories,” and “Lobby,” making it one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the country.

Brad Garlinghouse

COMPANY: Ripple
INDUSTRIES: Technology, Finance

Brad Garlinghouse, a notable figure in the technology and finance sectors, is the CEO of Ripple, a global blockchain-based payment company. Garlinghouse has held various prominent positions in the tech industry, contributing significantly to its growth. His leadership roles at companies like AOL, Yahoo!, and Hightail showcase his strategic prowess. As the leader of Ripple, Garlinghouse champions blockchain technology to revolutionize cross-border payments. His vision and commitment to innovation have propelled Ripple to the forefront of the fintech industry, making him a prominent figure in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Discover the 2024 Haute 100 List in our August/September 2024 Miami Issues.