This year’s Power Leaders 250 reveals how executives from South Florida’s top public and private companies continue to drive growth in their organizations and the region. In a word, their efforts are timeless.
Some have careers stretching back decades; some are relative newcomers to the area. Collectively, they’ve weathered recessions and a pandemic, along with the boom times that have made the Sunshine State in general – and South Florida in particular – the darling for investment, relocation, business development and a thriving economy – even in sagging economic times.
This year’s Power Leaders 250 includes executives from across the region, including 84 who are new to the list this year. This special section explores both their organizations’ successes – what earned each executive the title of “power leader” – and asks what excites and engages them outside the office. Part professional, part personal, this glimpse into such details as their birthplace, education and personalities lend an insightful lens into what forms their style and drives their decisions.
With each iteration of Power Leaders, we introduce new questions designed to tease out fresh and fun details. Some have traveled the world. Several play musical instruments. Quite a few – especially those in real estate, construction and design – admit to enjoying Legos as a child. Many gave praise to their teams and families for their support.
With every iteration of the Power Leaders franchise, familiarity rises high. You see the names of people, the organizations and institutions they lead, and developments that dot our landscape – and make a connection with the impact these individuals have made on Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Power Leaders 250 is just one resource that South Florida Business Journal readers have come to rely on. Between Power Leaders and our annual Book of Lists, our subscribers have access to the companies and executives shaping the South Florida economy and landscape.
As always, we don’t do this alone. I’d like to extend special thanks to Baptist Health and Zimmerman Advertising for sponsoring this year’s publication. And thank you, our readers, for your continued support now and all year long. We wish you continued success.
Melanie Dickinson
President and Publisher
South Florida Business Journal
Editor’s Note: We began our online Power Leaders 250 coverage with the Banking & Finance and Technology sectors, followed by Education and Professional Services. Check back in the coming days for leaders in additional industries.
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
Francesco Cardella
President and CEO, Cardella Construction Co. LLC
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Cardella leads the second-generation, family-owned general contracting firm, which provides a full range of services nationwide. In 2022, the firm was named among the region’s fastest-growing companies.
Birthplace: Detroit
Education: B.S., construction science and management, Clemson University
Traits that describe me: Caring, hardworking, adventurous
I could spend an afternoon at: A reef under the sun and in crystal clear water
Favorite movie growing up: “The Goonies”
I knew I had made it when: To make the most of life, I hope I never feel that way
www.cardellaco.com, fcardella@cardellaco.com, 407-456-4547
Enrique “Rick” Crooks
Founder and President, EAC Consulting
Miami
Crooks is actively involved in the community and has served in a leadership capacity for numerous organizations to advance the industry. Founded in 1994, the firm handles planning, design and implementation of infrastructure improvements, working on complex and innovative projects for public and private clients.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, civil engineering, MBA, Florida International University
www.eacconsult.com, 305-265-5400
Nelson Fernandez
Principal and executive VP, ANF Group
Davie
Fernandez heads one of the region’s leading general contracting firms. From its beginnings in health care construction, ANF Group has grown to become one of the region’s leading multifamily builders.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: Business administration, Broward College
Car that matches my personality: Range Rover
Go-to icebreaker: Sports (football)
Favorite local getaway spot: On the water
I could spend an afternoon at: The Sandbar
Favorite TV show growing up: Saturday morning cartoons
Title of my life story: “Blessed”
www.anfgroup.com, nfernandez@anfgroup.com
Bernardo Fort-Brescia
Founding principal, Arquitectonica
Miami
Fort-Brescia’s global design work has won hundreds of design awards, been featured in thousands of publications and has been the subject of numerous museum exhibitions. In 2018, he and his wife/firm co-founder, Laurinda Spear, became the first architects to receive the Urban Land Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.
Birthplace: Lima, Peru
Education: B.A., Princeton University; M.Arch., Harvard University
Car that matches my personality: My minimalist gem golf cart
I could spend an afternoon: At MOMA or fishing. I cannot decide.
Favorite toy growing up: Lego
Title of my life story: “The World in the Eyes of an Architect“
I’m a secret fan of: Those who play instruments
Personal note: I have six children who all moved back to Miami.
www.arquitectonica.com, bfort@arquitectonica.com, 305-372-1812
Daniel Goldburg
President, CSCI
Boynton Beach
Goldburg heads CSCI, a structural shell contractor that provides concrete, masonry and framing services to large production home builders, custom builders, and commercial and industrial general contractors statewide. The firm, founded in 1993, was among the region’s fastest-growing companies in both 2021 and 2022.
Birthplace: Summit, New Jersey
Education: B.S., operations research and industrial engineering, Cornell University
Car that matches my personality: Rivian R1T
Go-to icebreaker: What’s your passion outside of work?
Favorite local getaway spot: My backyard
Traits that describe me: Driven, adventurous, pragmatic
My most unusual talent: I play the harmonica.
Personal note: I’m a professional race car driver.
www.csci.build, dgoldburg@csci.build, 561-767-8268
Michael I. Kaufman
Founder and CEO, Kaufman Lynn Construction
Delray Beach
Established in 1989, Kaufman Lynn serves a wide variety of public, private and not-for-profit market sectors. The firm is consistently ranked among the state’s top general contractors and among the 400 largest contractors nationwide. It was named the 2020 Contractor of the Year by Engineering News Record.
Birthplace: Bethpage, New York
Education: Bachelor’s degree, construction management, University of Florida
Car that matches my personality: Porsche 911 GT3. It’s super quick, agile and fun.
Go-to icebreaker: The latest antics of my 150-pound Great Dane, Henry
Favorite local getaway spot: Offshore fishing with my wife, Lisa, and friends
Most unusual talent: Uncanny memory of numbers and financial reporting
Personal note: I make a world-class Cajun seafood gumbo.
I knew I had made it when: All Kaufman Lynn associates became associate/owners of our construction company
www.kaufmanlynn.com, 561-361-6700
Rex Kirby
Founder and president, Verdex Construction
West Palm Beach
In its eighth year in business, Kirby has helped grow Verdex into one of the region’s largest general contractors. It has expanded throughout Florida, with five new projects and a new office in Ybor City.
Birthplace: Tallahassee
Education: B.S., civil engineering, University of Florida
Car that matches my personality: Range Rover. It’s sleek and fast, but rugged.
Go-to icebreaker: What do you see happening in the market?
Favorite local getaway spot: Sunset Key
Favorite vacation spots: North Carolina and Naples
Traits that describe me: Honest, hardworking and direct
Favorite movie growing up: “Jeremiah Johnson”
Personal note: Being from Tallahassee, I grew up a ‘Nole fan, but became a total Gator after attending UF.
www.verdex.com, 561-440-1600
Peggy Marker
President, Marker Construction
Fort Lauderdale
Marker leads the majority woman-owned general contracting firm specializing in high-end commercial and residential construction. The company has received construction awards in both the residential and commercial sectors, and recently added an estate management division.
Birthplace: New York
Education: B.A., University of Vermont
Favorite local getaway spot: The Keys
Favorite podcast: “Jesus Calling”
Traits that describe me: Persistent, hardworking, driven
Title of my life story: “Blessed”
I knew I had made it when: I’ll let you know when that happens.
www.markerfl.com, 954-767-9767
Jorge Mas
Co-founder and chairman, MasTec;
Coral Gables
Mas oversees one of the region’s largest public companies, which provides engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of energy, utility and communications infrastructure. He also heads a private equity group and has served on over a dozen corporate boards assisting in strategic growth strategies and corporate governance. Mas heads Inter Miami CF, the region’s Major League Soccer franchise.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.B.A., MBA, University of Miami
www.mastec.com, 305-599-1800
José R. Mas
CEO, MasTec
Coral Gables
Since Mas assumed his position in 2007, the company has grown revenue more than 800%. It is one the region’s largest public companies, with some 25,000 employees in more than 500 locations nationwide. He is a director of the Mas Family Foundation and serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises. Mas has been an Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year award winner and was featured on the CBS show “Undercover Boss.”
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.B.A., MBA, University of Miami
www.mastec.com, 305-599-1800
Scott Moss
CEO, Moss Construction
Fort Lauderdale
Moss heads the award-winning firm involved in construction management; solar engineering, procurement and construction; design-build; and public-private partnerships. Moss Construction is ranked by Engineering News-Record as one of the nation’s top 65 general contractors, and the third-ranked solar EPC company nationwide.
Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina
Education: B.S., Rinker School of Building Construction, University of Florida
Favorite local getaway spot: Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club
I could spend an afternoon at: Wine Watch in Fort Lauderdale
Title of my life story: “Own Your Own Journey”
Most unusual talent: I can wiggle my ears.
I’m a secret fan of: Britney Spears
I knew I had made it when: My wife could buy anything at Publix
mosscm.com, smoss@mosscm.com, 954-524-5678
Thomas P. Murphy Jr.
Founder, chairman and CEO, Coastal Construction Group
Miami
Murphy started his construction company at 19 with virtually no money while living in a fraternity house at University of Miami. Today, Coastal is one of the largest contractors in the entire state of Florida.
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Education: Attended University of Miami
Car that best matches my personality: Mercedes-Benz
Favorite local getaway spot: Fisher Island
Traits that describe me: Driven, impatient, sense of humor
I could spend an afternoon at: Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove
Personal note: I won the National Offshore Powerboat Championship in 1977.
I knew I had made it when: If I ever had that feeling, it was last year, when the Urban Land Institute honored my family and me with their Lifetime Achievement Award, the first time a general contractor received this honor.
www.coastalconstruction.com, 305-559-4900
Michael Neal
CEO, Kast Construction Co.
West Palm Beach
After retiring from the CEO role, Neal returned months later to head Kast Construction as Florida’s leading construction firm. Kast builds projects statewide, and won a 2022 Structures award for the Strata Wynwood residential development.
Birthplace: Hollywood
Education: Bachelor’s degree, building construction, University of Florida
Car that matches my personality: Ford F-150
Favorite local getaway spot: Islamorada
Favorite podcast: “The Daily Stoic”
Traits that describe me: Friendly, intense, sense of urgency
I could spend an afternoon at: Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
www.kastbuild.com, mneal@kastbuild.com, 561-402-8633
Beverly Raphael Altman
Chairwoman and CEO, RCC Associates
Deerfield Beach
Raphael Altman heads the over 50-year-old national general contractor. Since the 1998 death of her husband, founder Richard Raphael, she has led and grown the business from $20 million in annual revenue to over $100 million.
Birthplace: Chicago
Education: Attended Southern Illinois University
Car that matches my personality: 1958 Corvette, red or yellow
Favorite local getaway spot: Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo
Traits that describe me: Dedicated, determined, glass-half-full kind of woman
I’m a secret fan of: Bravo’s “Real Housewives”
I knew I had made it when: I was awarded a doctorate in business administration from NSU’s Wayne Huizenga School of Business and inducted into their Business Hall of Fame.
www.rccassociates.com, rccinfo@rccassociates.com, 954-429-3700
Scott Skidelsky
President, Balfour Beatty
Plantation
With Skidelsky at the helm, the Southeast division has over 600 professionals and completed over $1.2 billion in construction in 2022. South Florida projects include the Broward County Convention Center and Hotel, RD Las Olas, 2000 Biscayne and several Warren Henry Automotive dealerships.
Birthplace: Chicago
Education: B.S., general engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Civil Engineer Corps, U.S. Navy
Go-to icebreaker: College football or NBA basketball
Favorite local getaway spot: Las Olas Boulevard
Traits that describe me: Motivated, disciplined, strategic
I could spend an afternoon: At any golf course
Favorite movies growing up: “Hoosiers” and “Vision Quest”
www.balfourbeattyus.com, sskidelsky@balfourbeattyus.com, 954-581-4435
Michael Taylor
President and CEO, Current Builders
Pompano Beach
Under Taylor’s leadership, the company delivered the 322-unit Aura Boca for Trinsic Residential and the Uptown Boca project. It recently announced Miami’s mixed-use Platform 3750 and Alloro at University Groves, a 183-unit senior community in Sarasota.
Birthplace: Chicago
Education: Bachelor’s degree, building construction, University of Florida
I could spend an afternoon: At the beach with a glass of wine
Go-to icebreaker: What region or country is your favorite wine from?
Traits that describe me: Hardworking, approachable, knowledgeable
Favorite local getaway spot: Little Palm Island with my wife
My favorite podcast: Should I be embarrassed to say I have never listened to one?
Favorite TV show growing up: “Gilligan’s Island”
www.currentbuilders.com, mtaylor@currentbuilders.com, 954-977-4211
GENERAL BUSINESS
Orly Alexander
Co-founder and CFO, Kent Security
North Miami
Alexander and husband, Shlomy, founded Kent Security in 1982 around their kitchen table. Today it’s among the region’s largest women-owned businesses. Causes she supports include cancer research, the Israeli Film Festival, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach and Friends of the Israel Defense.
Birthplace: Tel Aviv, Israel
Education: B.A., University of Miami
Car that matches my personality: Bicycle
Go-to icebreaker: The weather
Favorite local getaway spot: The beach
Favorite podcasters, bloggers or vloggers: Israeli authors
I could spend an afternoon: With a friend
Title of my life story: “Balance”
I’m a secret fan of: My kids
www.kentsecurity.com, 305-919-9400
Luis Alvarez
Owner and president, Alco Windows and Doors
Doral
Alvarez’s family worked in the glass and glazing industry for 15 years before he founded the company in 2017. Since that time, the retired Marine sergeant and his team have serviced over 2,000 homes. Last year, Alco was named one of the region’s fastest-growing companies with revenue under $25 million.
Education: Degree, mathematics, Florida International University
www.alcoimpact.com, 305-376-7205
Nick Arison
CEO, Miami Heat
Miami
Arison is in his 20th year as a full-time member of the Heat organization and his 12th as CEO. He has been part of championships with the Heat, Duke University and USA Basketball. A limited partner in the team, he has served as the alternate governor since the 2005-06 season, and has previously been on the NBA’s competition committee.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: Degree, public policy, Duke University
www.heat.com
Christine Barney
CEO, RBB Communications
Coral Gables
Barney’s firm is a five-time U.S. agency of the year. This year, she was elected secretary of the Beacon Council board, and continues to serve on the boards of the Orange Bowl Committee and other groups.
Birthplace: Yonkers, New York
Education: B.S., communications, Ithaca College
Car that matches my personality: Someone else’s car. I hate to drive.
Favorite local getaway spot: My tropical backyard
Favorite podcast: “SmartLess” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett
I could spend an afternoon at : The Christmas Palace
Title of my life story: “Done is Better than Perfect”
I’m a secret fan of: The “Doctor Who” TV series
I knew I had made it when: I was the first small-business owner to chair the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
www.rbbcommunications.com, christine.barney@rbbcommunications.com, 305-448-7456
William L. Berry Sr.
President, Able Business Services
Miami
In 2000, Berry founded the company to provide multifaceted commercial cleaning and janitorial equipment and supplies. Today, among the region’s largest Black-owned businesses by employees, it provides vocational rehabilitation, and trains and hires those with special needs and disabled U.S. veterans.
Education: B.S., social services, Florida Memorial University
Go-to icebreakers: Politics, business ideas, and how we need to work together to improve our community
Favorite getaway: Spending time with family in South Carolina
Favorite podcasts: “The Daily” by The New York Times and “Journal” from The Wall Street Journal
Title of my life story: “Let the Work I Have Done Speak for Me”
Most unusual talents: I’m good at painting, plumbing and am mechanically inclined
www.ablebusinessservices.com, ablmaint1@bellsouth.net, 305-636-5099
Norman Braman
President and CEO, Braman Enterprises
Miami
Brands under the Braman Enterprises’ automotive portfolio include such lines as BMW, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Honda and Hyundai. Braman and his wife funded the Miami Institute for Contemporary Art and helped lure Art Basel to Miami in 2002. Born in Philadelphia, Braman was a waterboy for the Philadelphia Eagles; he bought the franchise in 1985 and sold it nine years later.
Birthplace: Westchester, Pennsylvania
Education: Bachelor’s degree, marketing, Temple University
www.bramanmotorcars.com, normanb@bramanmanagement.com, 305-576-1889
Brent Burns
President and CEO, JM Family Enterprises
Deerfield Beach
Under Burns’ leadership, JM Family has upheld its purpose-driven and results-orientated legacy. During his tenure, the organization – one of the region’s largest private companies and largest employers – started a diversification and growth strategy focused on helping other companies succeed. Burns has also driven JM Family’s mission to give back to its communities.
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: B.B.A., Florida Atlantic University
Car that matches my personality: Of course, it would be a Toyota, but the model would vary.
Go-to icebreaker: I like to ask people what makes people tick, how their families are doing, and what they enjoy when they aren’t working.
Favorite local getaway spot: At my home, cooking and relaxing with my family.
I’m a secret fan of: Our JM Family associates
www.jmfamily.com
Matthew Caldwell
President and CEO, Florida Panthers
Sunrise
Caldwell’s servant leadership has driven the organization’s commitment to the community, and the advancement of diversity, inclusion and access within the sport and the community. He serves on the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council, Broward Workshop Executive Committee, Orange Bowl Committee and the Broward College District Board.
Birthplace: Staten Island, New York
Education: B.S., U.S. Military Academy at West Point; J.D. and MBA, Northwestern University
Car that matches my personality: Tesla
Go-to icebreaker: Stories about my family, specifically my father
Favorite podcast: “Blinkist”
Favorite movie growing up: “Rocky”
Title of my life story: “Fired Up: A Kid From Staten Island”
I’m a secret fan of: “Sex and the City”
www.floridapanthers.com
Luis E. Capo
President, El Dorado Furniture
Miami
Capo heads the Top 50 furniture retailer and one of the region’s largest Hispanic-owned businesses. The business was opened in 1967 by Capo, his father and brothers.
Birthplace: Cuba
Education: Elementary school
Car that matches my personality: Audi 8I
Go-to icebreaker: A joke or short story
Traits that describe me: Friendly, motivator, positive attitude
Favorite movie growing up: “The Godfather”
Most unusual talent: Storytelling
I’m a secret fan of: Mother Teresa
www.eldoradofurniture.com, rita@eldoradofurniture.com, 305-624-9700
Rita Case
President and CEO, Rick Case Automotive Group
Sunrise
The dealership group Case leads produces over $1 billion in annual sales. With 14 dealerships in South Florida and Atlanta, it ranks among the largest volume dealer groups nationwide and is the largest U.S. retail auto group owned and operated by a woman.
Birthplace: Pasadena, California
Education: B.S., economics, University of California
Car that matches my personality: Genesis G90 – full of great features and powerful
Favorite podcast: “Daily Drive” from Automotive News
I could spend an afternoon at: The Boys & Girls Club
Title of my life story: “Persistence Removes Resistance”
Most unusual talent: Glassblowing
Personal note: I pilot my own jet.
I knew I had made it when: I didn’t have to study the business cash balance every night
www.rickcase.com, 954-377-7420
Wayne E. Chaplin
CEO, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Miami
Chaplin was named to his role in 2016 with the merger of Southern Wine & Spirits of America and Glazer’s Inc. Today, the company is the region’s largest private company with over $25 billion in 2021 revenue. In 2022, it was listed as one of Forbes‘ Best Employers for Diversity. The year before, it was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace.
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Education: B.B.A., J.D., University of Miami
www.southernglazers.com, 305-625-4171
Anna Church
Founder and president, Genesis Global Recruiting/Genesis Global Workforce Solutions
Miramar
Church has over 20 years’ experience in executive search and workforce solutions. She founded Genesis Global in 1999 after gaining experience recruiting for both large and small companies.
Birthplace: Geneva, New York
Education: Immediately went to work out of high school to support family
Car that matches my personality: Bentley – luxury, fast and classy
I could spend an afternoon at: Rock Spa & Salon at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood
Most unusual talent: I’m an excellent snow skier.
I’m a secret fan of: Bravo’s “Real Housewives”
Personal note: I’m a brown belt in martial arts.
I knew I had made it when: I started hearing names of new hires that I didn’t know of and that we are in other countries I wasn’t aware of.
www.genesis-global.com, achurch@genesis-global.com, 954-433-5397
José E. Cil
CEO, Restaurant Brands International
Miami
Cil was appointed CEO in 2019, after previously serving as president of Burger King since 2014. Other posts had included executive VP and president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Burger King Worldwide and its predecessor. He previously served executive and leadership roles with Wal-Mart Stores.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.A., Tulane University; J.D., University of Pennsylvania
www.rbi.com, media@rbi.com, 305-378-3476
James Donnelly
Founder and chairman, Castle Group
Plantation
The residential property management firm Donnelly founded today employs over 2,200 management professionals and has over 200,000 homes under management. It is among the region’s largest employers.
Birthplace: Ottawa, Canada
Education: Bachelor’s degree, commerce, Carleton University
Car that matches my personality: Mercedes-Benz EQS – elegant, powerful, electric
Favorite local getaway spot: The Breakers Palm Beach
Favorite podcast: Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association. I have learned so much from my fellow pilots.
Favorite movie growing up: James Bond movies
I’m a secret fan of: ’70s music
I knew I had made it when: I was inducted into the NSU Huizenga Business School Hall of Fame – with many of my idols.
www.castlegroup.com, jdonnelly@castlegroup.com, 954-660-1866
Jon Ferrando
Founder, president and CEO, Blue Compass RV
Fort Lauderdale
Since its founding in 2018, Blue Compass RV has grown to over 100 full-service dealerships in 33 states and billions of dollars in annual revenue. Prior to founding Blue Compass – formerly RV Retailer – Ferrando was an executive with AutoNation.
Birthplace: Michigan
Education: Bachelor’s degree, economics, University of Michigan; J.D., Harvard Law School
Car that matches my personality: Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Go-to icebreaker: Sports
Favorite local getaway spot: My home
Favorite podcast: “The Joe Rogan Experience”
Traits that describe me: Driven, intense, positive
I could spend an afternoon: At a University of Michigan football game
Personal note: I grew up in the RV lifestyle
I knew I had made it when: I’m not there yet.
www.bluecompassrv.com
Juan Gaitan
President and CEO, TalentoHCM
Coral Gables
Before founding Talento Human Capital Management in 2017, Gaitan worked in talent management across South Florida, including at such organizations as Spirit Airlines and Restaurant Brands International.
Birthplace: Valencia, Venezuela
Education: Attended Florida Atlantic University
Car that matches my personality: Range Rover
Go-to icebreaker: Restaurants and music
Favorite local getaway spots: 1 Hotel and Zuma
Favorite TV show growing up: “Friends”
My most unusual talent: Planning intricate travel itineraries
I’m a secret fan of: Britney Spears
www.talentohcm.com, jgaitan@talentohcm.com, 424-305-6969
Tom Garfinkel
Vice chairman and CEO, Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium; managing partner, F1 Miami Grand Prix
Miami Gardens
Since joining the Miami Dolphins in 2013, Garfinkel has strategically led the business development of the organization through his leadership with the team, Hard Rock Stadium and its properties, including the Miami Open and Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
Birthplace: Pittsburgh
Education: B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder; MBA, University of Michigan
Car that matches my personality: A fast pick-up truck
Favorite TV show growing up: “The Six Million Dollar Man”
I’m a secret fan of: Classical philosophy and stoicism
Personal note: I love music and know a lot of different music. My sweet spot is old-school hip-hop.
I know I’ve made it when: I sit around the dinner table, laughing with my wife and sons
www.miamidolphins.com, www.hardrockstadium.com, 305-943-8000
David Gitlin
President and CEO, Carrier Global Corp.
Palm Beach Gardens
Named president and CEO in 2019 and chairman in 2021, Gitlin was previously president and COO of Collins Aerospace. Before that, he held executive positions with UTC Aerospace Systems, Hamilton Sundstrand and Pratt & Whitney, and was general manager of Rolls-Royce/General Electric programs.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cornell University; J.D., University of Connecticut; MBA, MIT Sloan School of Management
www.corporate.carrier.com, 561-365-2000
Marcell Haywood
CEO, Thesis Holdings and Encompass
Fort Lauderdale
Haywood is an entrepreneur and business executive. Thesis Holdings and Encompass are diversified companies innovating at the intersection of emerging technology and age-old service industries.
Birthplace: Dover, Delaware
Education: M.S., information technology/information systems, Florida State University
Car that matches my personality: Tesla
Favorite podcasts: “How I Built This” with Guy Raz and “Masters of Scale” with Reid Hoffman
I could spend an afternoon at: Frost Science Museum
Title of my life story: “The Next Chapter’s Still Being Written”
I’m a secret fan of: Formula One
Personal note: I was born on Dover Air Force Base.
www.encompassonsite.com, m@encompassonsite.com, 877-750-7767
Michael J. Kasbar
Chairman and CEO, World Fuel Services Corp.
Miami
Kasbar joined World Fuel Services Americas as CEO in 1995 and was named CEO of World Fuel Services Corp. in 2012 and chairman in 2014. Today, the organization is among the region’s top public companies, with revenue over $30 million in 2021. Kasbar previously co-founded Trans-Tec Services, a global marine fuel services company acquired by World Fuel Services. In 1983, he started marine fuel and lubricants company, Gray Bunkering Services.
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Education: Bachelor’s degree, environmental science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh
www.wfscorp.com, 305-428-8000
Andrew Koenig
CEO, City Furniture
Tamarac
Koenig began his full-time career with City Furniture in January 2006 in the receiving department and was named CEO last year. In the intervening years, he implemented the Lean Philosophy, helping reduce turnover and improve operational process, customer experience, safety, associate satisfaction and financial success.
Birthplace: Plantation
Education: Degree, finance and accounting, Elon University; MBA, Nova Southeastern University
Car that matches my personality: Tesla Model S
Go-to icebreaker: Do you like spicy margaritas?
I could spend an afternoon at: The Breakers pool with a spicy margarita
I’m a secret fan of: James Bond
Personal note: I love hot tubs.
I knew I had made it when: I married my wife.
www.cityfurniture.com, andrewk@cityfurniture.com, 954-829-4385
Keith Koenig
Chairman, City Furniture
Tamarac
Koenig started in the business 50 years ago, selling waterbeds with his brother, Kevin, at Waterbed City. Today, the company has over 3,000 associates and recently opened a 1.3 million-square-foot showroom and distribution center in the Tampa area.
Birthplace: Hackensack, New Jersey
Education: B.S.B.A., finance, MBA, accounting, University of Florida
Car that matches my personality: My first car – a 1961 Volkswagen.
Favorite local getaway spot: The Breakers with all the family
Traits that describe me: Reliable, hardworking, trustworthy
I could spend an afternoon at: The driving range
Favorite movie growing up: Any Harrison Ford movie
Title of my life story: “Waterbeds, Furniture, Family and Happiness”
I knew I had made it when: I wake up every day knowing we have to work hard or we can be beat. That keeps the edge.
www.cityfurniture.com, 954-597-2200
David Landsberg
President and CEO, Goodwill South Florida
Miami
Goodwill is the 17th-largest employer in South Florida, with 3,100 employees, and has the largest disabled workforce in the state. Landsberg previously served as president and publisher of the Miami Herald Media Co.
Birthplace: Miami
Education: B.S.B.A., finance, University of Florida; MBA, University of Miami; Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School
Favorite local getaway spot: On a boat in the Keys
Favorite podcast: “The Basement Miami Heat Postgame Show,” sometimes including my daughter
I could spend an afternoon: Working my to-do list (but I’d rather not)
Title of my life story: “My Home: The Story of a Y and four X’s”
I’m a secret fan of: Mindless “Bachelor” shows.
www.goodwillmiami.org, dlandsberg@goodwillmiami.org
Michael Manley
CEO, AutoNation
Fort Lauderdale
Manley joined AutoNation as CEO in November 2021. Before being named to his current position, he was head of Americas for Stellantis, one of the largest automotive original equipment manufacturers in the world. He was previously CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., and before that was a director with DaimlerChrysler, having joined the company in 2000.
Birthplace: Edenbridge, England
Education: B.S., engineering, Southbank University; MBA, Ashridge Management College
www.autonation.com
Teddy Morse
Chairman and CEO, Ed Morse Automotive Group
Delray Beach
Born and raised in South Florida, Morse was named chairman and CEO of one of the region’s leading privately held companies in 2016. He worked in every department and level of dealership operation, even helping grow the family business while furthering the company’s impact on the local community.
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale
Education: Attended Northwood University
www.edmorse.com, 561-455-1111
Mario Murgado
Dealer principal, Murgado Automotive Group
Miami
Murgado oversees 18 automotive dealerships with 700 employees in three states. Murgado Automotive Group is among the region’s largest Hispanic-owned businesses, with over $1 billion in revenue in 2021. Murgado serves as chairman of Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
Birthplace: Havana
Education: B.B.A., La Salle University
Car that matches my personality: That’s kind of like asking me to pick a favorite child.
Go-to icebreaker: “What would you do if you had one hour left in your life? Who would you spend time with? Where would you want to be?”
Favorite local getaway spot: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
Favorite TV shows growing up: “My Three Sons” and “Leave it to Beaver”
Most unusual talent: I can play the violin.
I’m a secret fan of: Feel-good movies
www.murgadoautomotivegroup.com, mario@murgado.com, 305-777-2993
Kim Ng
General manager, Miami Marlins
Miami
When named to her post in 2020, at the time was the only woman to serve as a general manager of a team in the “big four” leagues in North America and the first person of East Asian descent to serve as general manager of a Major League Baseball team.
Birthplace: Indianapolis
Education: B.A., public policy, University of Chicago
www.marlins.com
Ramazan Patak
President and CEO, Globaltex Fine Linens
Miami
Since 2015, Globaltex has revolutionized the hospitality industry, specializing in 100% certified sustainable sateen cotton linens for luxury hotels, spas, cruise linens and residences. The company was among the businesses named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and the Financial Times America’s fastest-growing privately owned companies lists in 2022.
Birthplace: Turkey
Education: A.A., hospitality, Miami Dade College
Car that matches my personality: Audi
I could spend an afternoon: Running along the beach in South Beach
Favorite TV show and movie: “Game of Thrones” and “Gladiator”
Most unusual talent: Photographic memory
I’m a secret fan of: Lavender
Personal note: I am a sommelier.
www.globaltexusa.com, executiveassistant@globaltexusa.com, 832-582-7994
Anthony Perera
Founder, Air Pros USA and Inspected.com
Hollywood
A serial entrepreneur, Perera leads Air Pros USA, a rapidly expanding HVAC company now serving seven states. and Inspected.com, a virtual inspection platform helping businesses push projects forward.
Birthplace: Plantation
Education: Studied political science, The Citadel; pre-law studies, Nova Southeastern University
Car that matches my personality: McLaren 765 LT in orange
Favorite Florida getaway spot: With a 3- and 5-year-old, Disney World
Favorite podcast: “How I Built This” with Guy Raz
Title of my life story: “Anthony’s Guide to Building a Brand, Not Just a Business”
Personal note: I am the oldest of six kids.
I knew I had made it when: Air Pros was named the fastest-growing company in Florida.
www.airprosusa.com, www.inspected.com, anthony@airprosusa.com, 954-546-9111
Keith Rabois
CEO, OpenStore; general partner, Founders Fund
Miami
Rabois is a venture capitalist with a long history in digital payment solutions. Considered part of the “PayPal mafia” for his work in the sector, he was executive VP of PayPal, a VP with LinkedIn, executive VP of Slide, COO with Square, managing director of Khosla Ventures, and remains general partner with Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund.
Education: B.A., political science, Stanford University; J.D., Harvard Law School
www.open.store, hello@open.store
Byron Russell
Chairman and CEO, Cheney Brothers
Riviera Beach
A South Florida native, Russell leads one of the region’s largest, privately held companies, with $2.47 billion in 2021 revenue. Founded in 1925, Cheney Brothers today is a fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated company.
Birthplace: West Palm Beach
Education: B.B.A., Stetson University
Favorite local getaway spot: Sunset Key Cottages
I could spend an afternoon: With my family on our boat
Favorite TV show: “Yellowstone”
Most unusual talent: I collect rare tequilas.
Personal note: I am an avid hunter and fisherman.
Proud company memory: When we broke the billion-dollar sales mark
www.cheneybrothers.com, 800-432-1341
Robert E. Sanchez
Chairman and CEO, Ryder System
Miami
Sanchez has been with Ryder System for nearly three decades. Under his leadership as CEO since 2013, the company has achieved record revenue and earnings and remains one of the region’s largest employers. He previously served as COO, CFO and CIO.
Birthplace: Freeport, New York
Education: B.S., electrical engineering, University of Miami; MBA, finance and strategic management, The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania
www.ryder.com, 305-500-3726
Anthony Sierra
CEO, BMI Financial Group
Miami
Anthony Sierra heads the company founded in 1973 by his father, Antonio “Tony” Sierra, who passed away last year. Leading the company in its 50th year, Anthony Sierra continues the company’s client-centric culture and focus on innovation.
Birthplace: Laurel, Mississippi
Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance, University of Miami
Car that matches my personality: Aston Martin – classic and sporty
Favorite local getaway spot: On the boat out on the ocean
Favorite podcast: “The Joe Rogan Experience”
Most unusual talent: Clay sculpting
I’m a secret fan of: The History Channel
Personal note: I love to cook for my family.
www.bmicos.com, 305-443-2898
Sumit Singh
CEO, Chewy
Plantation
Singh heads a Fortune 500 company with a market capitalization of nearly $20 billion. He is one of the youngest CEOs on the Fortune 500, was named to the Bloomberg 50 in 2020, and was recognized as one of the NRF Top Leaders Shaping Retail in 2022.
Birthplace: India
Education: M.S., engineering, University of Texas at Austin; MBA, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
Go-to icebreaker: What is your favorite type of music?
Favorite podcast: “Masters of Scale” by Bob Safian
I could spend an afternoon: At Haulover Dog Beach
Favorite toy growing up: Legos. I was always an engineer at heart.
Title of my life story: “Fail Fast, Fail Forward”
I’m a secret fan of: The Harry Potter series
www.chewy.com, 800-672-4399
Greg Van Horn
CEO, Launch Potato
Delray Beach
Van Horn has built and scaled over a dozen multimillion-dollar digital businesses with primary focuses on profitability, sustainability and creating a thriving team culture. Year over year during the pandemic, Launch Potato doubled both revenue and headcount.
Birthplace: New Jersey
Education: Attended Florida Atlantic University
Car that matches my personality: 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6
Go-to icebreaker: What is a personal win you’ve had in the last 30 days?
Favorite local getaway spot: My backyard in Delray Beach with my wife and dog
I could spend an afternoon: In Snowmass, Colorado, skiing in fresh powder
Title of my life story: “Making the Pennies Add Up”
Personal note: My first job was shoveling feces on a sheep farm during the summers in New Jersey.
www.launchpotato.com, info@launchpotato.com
Jordan Zimmerman
Founder and chairman, Zimmerman Advertising
Fort Lauderdale
The firm Zimmerman founded in 1984 is today one of the nation’s largest advertising agencies. An inductee into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Zimmerman served as board chair at the University of South Florida, where he also founded the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications and the Zimmerman Advertising Program.
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey
Education: University of South Florida
Car that matches my personality: Plymouth Road Runner 446 Pack
Go-to icebreaker: What motivates you?
I could spend an afternoon at: A school or university, talking with future leaders
Title of my life story: “Relentlessly Pursue Your Dreams”
I’m a secret fan of: Fritos
I knew I had made it when: I could help others accomplish their dreams.
www.zadv.com, jordanzimmerman@zadv.com, 954-644-4222
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