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Junior Achievement of South Florida Recipe for Success

Junior Achievement of South Florida Recipe for Success

By Laurie Sallarulo

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe for Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share the ingredients that make them successful. The show is hosted by Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida.
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Recipe for Success with Guest Tom Loffredo, GrayRobinson

Junior Achievement of South Florida Recipe for SuccessApr 28, 2020

00:00
22:53
Recipe for Success with Guest Greg Martin, Avison Young

Recipe for Success with Guest Greg Martin, Avison Young

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! During his 25-year career in the commercial real estate brokerage industry, Greg Martin has specialized in the leasing of office buildings in Broward and Palm Beach counties on behalf of institutional clients, public and private companies, and individual investors. Over the past four years, Greg and his team have represented over 3.5 million square feet of class A & B office product in the area.


Before joining Avison Young, Greg served as Senior Vice-President with Flagler Real Estate Services for two years, and he spent a total of 16 years with Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE. With experience in building sales and tenant representation, Greg has a diverse background that includes marketing and promotions, enabling him to serve clients with a variety of requirements. Current and past clients include: TIAA-CREF, SunTrust Bank, Clarion Partners, TA Associates, Mainstreet Capital Partners, DRA Advisors, Banyan Street Capital, Raith Capital Partners, Vanderbilt Properties, Starwood, True North, LFC Development, PGIM, Stiles Corporation, and The Alter Group.


During his career, Greg has earned several industry awards and recognition, including NAIOP Broker of the Year (2005 & 2013). In 2017, Greg served as the president of NAIOP’s South Florida chapter and was honored with the National Chapter President of the Year award at their national meeting. Greg also served as chairman of the board for a local charity named Taylor's Closet, where he helped facilitate a recent move into a new facility. Most recently, Greg has been appointed to the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.


Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he was also a four-year letterman on the varsity men’s basketball team. 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Oct 01, 202134:57
Recipe for Success with Sheri Brown, Community Foundation of Broward

Recipe for Success with Sheri Brown, Community Foundation of Broward

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Sheri Brown is a long-time executive in the philanthropic field, who has been speaking, training, and leading initiatives in the community for over 20 years. Sheri taught middle school with Broward County Public Schools and is currently Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Broward. She oversees $13+million in annual grantmaking to nonprofits, develops and implements community initiatives in areas such as education, workforce, the arts, and aging. Ms. Brown also oversees donor services ensuring that Foundation donors are delighted with the impact of their philanthropy. 


She serves on a variety of boards, committees, and advisory groups and memberships in professional organizations that include the Florida Philanthropic Network, Children’s Services Council Strategic Plan Chairs, Funders Forum, Asset Funders Network and others. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the North Broward County Chapter of the Links, Inc.  


Sheri is graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXXVI and (2016) and a 2008 graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXVI. Sheri graduated summa cum laude graduate of Florida A&M University with a major in English, and her son  is a thriving junior in the FAMU-FSU School of Engineering .  


Among the numerous honors she has received, serving as the 1999/2000 Ms. Black Florida was the highlight of her life. She hung out with celebrities and was able to travel around the state of Florida inspiring youth and providing leadership training to corporations on setting and achieving goals.  


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Sep 16, 202142:13
Recipe for Success with Guest David Kunik, Comerica Bank

Recipe for Success with Guest David Kunik, Comerica Bank

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Comerica Incorporated announced today that David Kunik has been selected to lead its Florida Market, replacing Patty Nobles who will retire at the end of February after a 33-year tenure at Comerica.  


As Retail District Manager and Florida Market President, Kunik will continue to oversee all Florida retail banking centers, while expanding his role to include business and community development efforts for all lines of business within the region.


“We are fortunate to have a proven leader already in market to succeed Patty,” said Texas Market President Brian Foley. “David’s diverse background in the financial services industry will be an asset in directing continued growth in Florida for Comerica.”


Kunik joined Comerica Bank in 2013 as the Florida Retail District Manager. Prior to Comerica, David’s extensive career in banking included roles in wealth management, commercial banking, human resources, and training and development. 


An active member of the community, Kunik, has volunteered with several South Florida nonprofits including Junior Achievement, Boys and Girls Clubs, and SCORE. He also has served as the United Way campaign chair for the bank’s Florida footprint for the past several years. 


Kunik earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Iowa.


Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88 billion at December 31, 2020.


Learn more about Comerica Bank at https://www.comerica.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Aug 12, 202141:07
Recipe for Success with Guest Monica Cepero, Broward County

Recipe for Success with Guest Monica Cepero, Broward County

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! With nearly 30 years of state and local government management experience, Monica Cepero serves as Deputy County Administrator. She joined the executive team of County Administration at Broward County in November 2008. 


Prior to joining Broward County, Cepero served as the Environmental Policy Advisor to Florida Governor Jeb Bush and was responsible for the policy and budget recommendations of $6.5 billion for the environmental and agricultural agencies. She served as advisor to the Governor on local government issues, prepared revenue and economic impact analyses on a variety of proposed legislation, and environmental and agricultural matters of the state, as well as other major statewide reform initiatives. 


Following her tenure in the Governor’s office, she worked in the Miami office of PBS&J (now Atkins North America), as Manager of Strategic Positioning and Public Affairs. Her career in public service began during her post-graduate studies, when she worked for the City of Tallahassee serving in a variety of positions during an eight-year period from the City Manager’s Office to the Office of Management and Budget, in which she oversaw various municipal functions including public safety agencies, park services and utility operations. 


In July 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Cepero to the Florida Commission on Human Relations, for a four-year term. The Commission was created by the Florida Legislature in 1969 to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and address discrimination issues across the state.​​


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Aug 05, 202149:18
Recipe for Success with Guest Chris Miller, Emerson

Recipe for Success with Guest Chris Miller, Emerson

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Chris Miller is the Vice President of Sales, Latin America at Emerson. He filled in for Rafael Jaramillo on this episode of Recipe for Success and had an incredible discussion with plenty of amazing ingredients to success that are perfect for all ages.


He has been with Emerson for more than 21 years. Learn more about Emerson at https://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation-solutions.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Jul 29, 202145:00
Recipe for Success with Guest Joe Cox, Museum of Discovery and Science

Recipe for Success with Guest Joe Cox, Museum of Discovery and Science

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! oe Cox has served as the President and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida since February 2018. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum connects 450,000 visitors to inspiring science annually. Prior to his current position, he has worked in the museum field for over 20 years having previously served as the President of the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature in Worcester, Massachusetts (2012 – 2018) and as Founding Executive Director of the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (2004 – 2012) where led a campaign to raise over $25million to build the Museum. 


He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from St. Mary’s University in London with a focus on environmental law and paleoquaternary biogeography and completed his Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester. Joe was the recipient of a Smithsonian Fellowship in Museum Practice based at the National Zoo and National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. He completed the Getty Museum Leadership Institute at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. He is past Chair of the Florida Association of Museums Foundation and currently serves on the national board of the Association of Children’s Museums.


Learn more about the Museum of Discovery and Science at: https://mods.org/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Jul 15, 202138:17
Recipe for Success with Guest Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue

Recipe for Success with Guest Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Rhoda Mae Kerr was sworn in as the City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief on July 2, 2018. With the appointment, Kerr became the City’s first female Fire Chief in the 106-year history of the department. Chief Kerr brings almost 40 years of experience to her position where she oversees a staff of almost 500 professional firefighters, ocean-rescue lifeguards, and administrative personnel and directs day-to-day operations for a department with multiple accreditations that responds to more than 46,000 calls annually.


Prior to joining the City of Fort Lauderdale, Kerr spent almost 10 years as Fire Chief of the City of Austin, Texas, managing one of the nation’s 20 largest fire departments, with nearly 1,200 sworn personnel, 113 civilian personnel, and 47 fire stations. From 2004-2009, she served as Fire Chief of Little Rock, Arkansas where she was instrumental in the implementation of a bond program to renovate the City’s fire stations, upgrade communication equipment, and complete a Fire Training Academy.


Chief Kerr was appointed as Interim Assistant City Manager during an important transition period for the City of Fort Lauderdale. As of January 2019, she oversaw Public Works, Sustainable Development, Transportation and Mobility, and Parks and Recreation departments until October 2019. Chief Kerr has been a pioneer and trailblazer in the fire profession for decades. 


Learn more about Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue at https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/fire-rescue.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Jul 01, 202136:32
Recipe for Success with Guest Jenni Morejon, Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority

Recipe for Success with Guest Jenni Morejon, Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Jenni Morejon is the President & CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA is a public-private partnership created in 1965 by the Florida State Legislature to promote growth and investment in Downtown Fort Lauderdale—a growing urban center in the Southeast Florida region of 6 million people. 


The core purpose of the DDA is to build Downtown Fort Lauderdale into a vibrant metropolitan city that continuously evolves as a global destination while inspiring all to live like locals. Jenni oversees projects that require close collaboration with federal, state and local governments and a diverse group of public and private stakeholders. The DDA’s broad scope of work spans from major capital projects and public space improvements, to business attraction and advocacy for continued growth and livability. 


Prior to joining the DDA, Jenni was the director of the sustainable development department for the City of Fort Lauderdale. She led the consolidation of five operating departments into one and was then responsible for city planning, economic development, housing programs, code compliance and building permits. Under her leadership, the department processed a then- record number of development applications and building permits while adopting major updates to the Florida Building Code and city zoning code.


Jenni serves on the national Public-Private Partnerships Product Council for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the management committee for the ULI’s Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council. She’s served on the board of directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce since 2015 and is the past chair of the Chamber’s Downtown Council and current chair of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Coalition. Jenni graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and is a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Lauderdale program and Leadership Broward’s Women Leading Broward.


https://www.ddaftl.org/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Jun 17, 202141:50
Recipe for Success with Guest Wayne Gill, Sharon Gill International, Inc.

Recipe for Success with Guest Wayne Gill, Sharon Gill International, Inc.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Wayne Gill is an entrepreneur, business attorney, strategist, and minister. He started his law firm around his kitchen table with a $250.00 retainer which he turned into more than a million dollars in annual revenue in roughly 30 months. He then joined forces with several partners to create the largest minority-owned law firm in the country, which at its apex, had annual revenues of 80 million dollars and 20 branches. 


He is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut where he majored in English and was a Teaching Assistant to distinguished Professor of English, James Miller. He later graduated from The George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C., where he obtained Honors in Trial Advocacy and was a law clerk to the Honorable Arthur L. Burnett, Sr., Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Trial Court. He’s also a graduate of the NMSDC executive education program at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University.


He and his wife, Sharon founded the Oasis Compassion Agency, a community ministry which assisted hundreds of families to restore their dignity by providing them with food, clothing, biblical counseling, job training and resources required to triumph over adversity. They are co-founders of Sharon Gill International, a business coaching and training consultancy for entrepreneurs and developing leaders.


He’s won numerous professional awards, such as Northwood University’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award and Macy’s Crystal Award for Outstanding Minority Business Advocacy. 


He’s a speaker on topics of personal and organizational leadership, entrepreneurship, and spiritual growth. He’s published several books, including “Tales My Grandma Told Me—A Business Diversity Fable, “This Business of Supplier Diversity,” “The Runner,” and the recently released, “God Help Me: I’m Stressed!”  


He’s been featured in several publications, including Fortune Magazine Online, and maintains a robust social media following across several platforms. 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Jun 10, 202139:24
Recipe for Success with Guest Germaine Smith-Baugh, Urban League of Broward County

Recipe for Success with Guest Germaine Smith-Baugh, Urban League of Broward County

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Broward County. Founded in 1975, the Urban League of Broward County is an affiliate of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities.


Serving as President and CEO since 2006, Dr. Smith-Baugh is credited with several achievements within the community including one of the most significant accomplishments in the agency’s history; the launching of a $9 million dollar Community Empowerment Center. The center expanded the programs and services offered by the Urban League and further advanced its mission of assisting African Americans to achieve social and economic equality. Dr. Baugh is active on many boards and provides insight in a myriad of issues across the state and nation..


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Jun 03, 202128:49
Recipe for Success with Guest Michael Fitchel, Kelley Kronenberg

Recipe for Success with Guest Michael Fitchel, Kelley Kronenberg

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! CEO and Principal Partner, Michael Fichtel, joined the law firm of Kelley Kronenberg and quickly rose to partnership within only four years of his admission to the Florida Bar, in 1987.  Michael’s continued focus on creating value for clients and on maximizing the firm’s growth through the development of innovative business-relationship models led to an upward trajectory of growth for the firm and to Michael’s selection as the firm’s first CEO in 2010. 


Over the last ten years, Michael has changed the face of the firm and the industry.  By making client-value and client-relationships as important as the legal services he was providing, Michael proved that outstanding attorneys can also be exceptional business leaders with the right mindset and environment.  Michael now uses that philosophy to inspire the firm’s attorneys to place the power of their success in their own hands and his leadership has ensured that Kelley Kronenberg will always provide our attorneys with the optimal environment for professional and business growth.


With this goal in mind, Michael transformed his client-first philosophy into what became the foundation for the firm’s primary core value of “We are a Team,” the unwavering commitment to putting our people first.   With an understanding that the firm’s success would be wholly dependent on the success and satisfaction of its attorneys and staff, Michael’s driving vision was to develop a business model that would attract the industry’s finest and then retain this superior talent by furnishing leading business and technological resources, providing dynamic professional development programs and mentorship opportunities, creating work environments that allow for collaboration, and establishing a firm culture that insists on personal and professional ethics and places an equally-high value on community service and civic involvement, diversity and inclusion, personal goals and growth, and work-life balance.


More about Kelley Kronenberg, visit https://www.kelleykronenberg.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

May 13, 202137:54
Recipe for Success with Guest Jeremy Torisk, Torisk Pro Advisors

Recipe for Success with Guest Jeremy Torisk, Torisk Pro Advisors

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! When he started his career in 1991, Jeremy Torisk was near homeless and digging pits for the local cable company, but through persistence, a positive mindset, and a lot of failing, he rose through the company ranks to build a $40 million business. 


Jeremy also assists in two family-owned small businesses and mentors others in Goal setting, ‘solopreneurship’ & Leadership Coaching. 


He recently wrote and published his first book available now on Amazon. In Labor To Leadership, Jeremy shares many personal struggles through life and business from lessons learned the hard way, the impact of the power of perspective, and he explains how to build disciplined habits that will allow you and your team to evolve from acceptable to exceptional.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

May 06, 202140:03
Recipe for Success with Guest Seth Wise, BBX Capital

Recipe for Success with Guest Seth Wise, BBX Capital

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Seth Wise is Executive Vice President of BBX Capital and serves on its Board of Directors.  He is also President of BBX Capital Real Estate, and is Co-CEO of The Altman Companies which since 1968 has built over 26,000 rental apartments.  The Altman Companies is 50% owned by BBX Capital Real Estate.  He is also on the board of Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE: BXG). 


Seth has more than 25 years of experience in many facets of real estate finance, management, investment, restructuring and development.  Throughout his career, Seth has been responsible for managing approximately $3 billion of real estate assets in various classes including industrial, retail, and a focus in housing that includes single family, master-planned communities and multifamily. He has managed an acquired portfolio of nearly $600 million of performing and non-performing loans and real estate.  This portfolio has successfully monetized since 2012 thru development, sale, restructuring, and loan payoffs well over $750 million.  Seth’s real estate development experience includes in excess of 1.5 million-square-feet of industrial space. He has also been involved in the development, ownership, and asset management of nearly 12,000 rental apartment units and single-family homes. Seth also has expertise in equity investment, lending, and debt restructuring, including the management of a commercial real estate workout portfolio of over $1 billion.


Seth is an active member of organizations in his field and community. He is a member of the Ambassadors Board of Nova Southeastern University. Seth has served as an Executive Board Member of the Real Estate Advisory Board of the Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Florida, and the Southeast Florida/Caribbean Council of Urban Land Institute (ULI). He is a member of the prestigious Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and serves is Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jewish Family Services of Broward County, a non-profit human services organization and Jewish Family Home Care, a nonprofit home health agency primarily serving Holocaust survivors.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the David Posnack Jewish Day School, a member of the National Council of AIPAC, and a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council.


Seth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Florida.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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May 02, 202142:28
Recipe for Success with Guest Laurie Rich Levinson, Broward County Public Schools

Recipe for Success with Guest Laurie Rich Levinson, Broward County Public Schools

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Laurie Rich Levinson was elected in 2010, and re-elected in 2014 and 2018, as the District 6 Broward County School Board Member.


Born and raised in South Florida, she has three children, all of whom attended Broward County Public Schools.


Laurie Rich Levinson graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Brandeis University. She has been in the business world for over 35 years, and was a parent activist for over 20 years at the school, area, and district levels.


Mrs. Levinson presently represents the School Board on the Board of Directors of the Council of the Great City Schools, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, and the Early Childhood Learning Coalition. Additionally, she sits on the State Board of Take Stock in Children, and is a Jafco Children’s Ability Center Board Member.


Broward County Public Schools is at: https://www.browardschools.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Apr 22, 202136:14
Recipe for Success with Guest Jennifer Starkey, TD Bank

Recipe for Success with Guest Jennifer Starkey, TD Bank

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Jennifer Starkey is a Senior Vice President/Regional Vice President at TD Bank serving Broward, Southern Palm Beach and Collier Counties in South Florida. She has over 25 years of banking experience, in the north and southeast geographies, in multiple areas of banking, 18 of which are with TD. Jennifer has managed teams in deposit operations, credit, and bank merger and acquisitions. 


In her current role, Jennifer and her team of experienced Relationship Managers provide financing solutions, including working capital, start-up/acquisition, equipment leasing, mortgages, and lines of credit; whether conventional or SBA. They have multiple solutions for companies to improve cash flow and profit margins with credit and noncredit solutions. Along with their partners, including retail, treasury management, leasing, healthcare, restaurant, real estate, and merchant services, her dedicated Relationship Managers serve as valued partners to companies to achieve their strategic goals.  Jennifer and her team are also passionate about enhancing the lives of their colleagues, customers and community through financial education, volunteerism, and supporting diversity and inclusion.


Jennifer is Co-Leader of TD Bank's Business/Employee Resource Group for Women in Leadership for the State of Florida. She is a member of L.E.A.D. community, an initiative aligned with TD’s goal 

of supporting select emerging talent women leaders in the Commercial Bank.  She is a mentor to participants of TD's Career Relaunch program which offers additional support and guidance to new colleagues that may have been out of the workforce for a couple of years.  


Jennifer is an active leader in her community. She is currently a member of the United Way of Broward County Tocqueville Society. She served as President and founding member of the local MOMS Club offering activities and support to new mothers and their children. She has served on the boards of the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, and NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). With her husband Bill, and daughter Samantha, Jennifer actively supports the arts, and particularly Mainstage Center for the Arts. Jennifer received her Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, and completed two formal management training programs in bank operations and commercial credit including graduate level work in business, finance and accounting. Jennifer and her family live in South Florida.


For more information about TD Bank, visit https://www.td.com/us/en/personal-banking/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Apr 15, 202136:56
Recipe for Success with Guest Debra Vasilopoulos, First Horizon Bank

Recipe for Success with Guest Debra Vasilopoulos, First Horizon Bank

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Ms. Debra Vasilopoulos is the Market President of IBERIABANK, a Division of First Horizon Bank. She is responsible for directing the Private Client, Commercial Banking, Retail/Small Business Banking segments within the South Florida region. A recognized leader with over 30 years of experience in Private Wealth management; Debra is known for her exceptional business acumen and passion for building high performing teams that deliver profitable results.


Prior to joining IBERIABANK, she was the Regional President of Sabadell Bank & Trust where she led Private and Commercial Banking services for South Florida. Prior to Sabadell Bank & Trust, she was a founding member of Lydian Bank & Trust, a boutique wealth management firm located on the Island of Palm Beach. In her leadership role at Lydian, Debra led the performance and strategic delivery of the bank’s unique services, achieving market-leading business growth in Palm Beach County.


Prior to Lydian, Ms. Vasilopoulos served as the Regional Lending Director and Senior Vice President of OffitBank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wachovia Bank.


A strong advocate for supporting organizations that bring meaningful change, Debra maintains active involvement in community service organizations. Currently, she serves as an officer on the Board of Trustees for the Town of Palm Beach United Way, and a Trustee/Board Member for the Town of Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce


Ms. Vasilopoulos attended Lowell University, College of Financial Planning, and received formal credit training through OMEGA.


Originally from Massachusetts, Debra resides in Tequesta, and is located in IBERIABANK’s Palm Beach office.


For more information about First Horizon Bank, visit https://www.firsthorizon.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Apr 08, 202129:06
Recipe for Success with Guest Don Silvestri, Debt.com

Recipe for Success with Guest Don Silvestri, Debt.com

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Don Silvestri played nine seasons of professional football including the NFL’s New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks before retiring to South Florida – not to retire but to work. Now president of Debt.com, Silvestri brings over a decade of management experience in the financial industry. He is active in the community serving as treasurer of the NFL Players Association South Florida chapter as well as a founding director of Parkland Cares, which funds mental health counseling in the aftermath of the tragic shootings last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In each of his roles, he’s had an abiding interest in helping children, whether it’s teaching them sound financial principles they’ll take with them throughout life or ensuring they have the therapy they need to overcome the trauma in their lives. 


Along with his wife Alissa, the Silvestri’s devote additional time and resources to several local charities as much as they can, especially if related to serving children and raising awareness to many programs including becoming foster parents and adopting one of their foster children in 2017. Silvestri holds dual degrees in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a varsity letterman and an Academic All-American. 


New Award: VARSITY LETTER CLUB ANNOUNCES 2021 AWARDEES OF DISTINCTION 


Since 1961, the Pitt Varsity Letter Club has honored letter winners who have distinguished themselves in their profession or community, and who, by their accomplishments, have enhanced the value of the intercollegiate athletics programs at the University of Pittsburgh. 

https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2021/1/25/general-varsity-letter-club-announces-2021-awardees-of-distinction.aspx 

Some previous award recipients: 

Mike Ditka 

Tony Dorsett 

Dave Wannstedt 

Marty Schottenheimer 

Joe Walton 

I was also recently re-elected as an officer of the NFL Players Association of South Florida 


For more information about Debt.com, visit https://www.debt.com.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Apr 01, 202129:20
Recipe for Success with Guest Rocki Rockingham

Recipe for Success with Guest Rocki Rockingham

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Rocki Rockingham is an accomplished C-suite human resources, communications, community relations, public affairs, and marketing communications professional with over 30 years of domestic and international business experience. She is versatile with an excellent record of achievement as a strategic partner supporting business objectives in many successful companies. Rocki has proven expertise in managing through corporate acquisitions and turnarounds while leading through transformational change. 

'

She is a proactive provocative leader, innovative problem solver and global creative thinker known for providing influence and mentorship with individuals that cross both corporate, community and entrepreneurial worlds:


• Specializes as a C-suite business partner and consultant in organizational design, human resources, crisis and corporate communications, marketing, and community affairs;

• Creates strategies for helping individuals, leaders and companies advance their goals and objectives;

• Influences change and growth and image building in business and life;

• Creates community relations platforms and outreach opportunities with various organizations;

• Builds strategic customer awareness and connectivity to influence direction and outcomes;

• Specializes in, established and oversees a successful company 501 (c)(3) foundation; and

• Coaches executives on strategic communications that relates to corporate issues, employee and media relations, marketing communications, diversity and Inclusion and community initiatives.


Most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Newell Brands, Appliances and Cookware Division, in Boca Raton, Florida, Rocki has focused on Human Resources, corporate communications and public and community affairs. For more than a decade, she has been responsible for the highest level of strategic HR and communications at several Fortune 500 companies including, General Motors and Chrysler Corporations.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Mar 25, 202136:17
Recipe for Success with Guest Rachel Sapoznik, Sapoznik Insurance

Recipe for Success with Guest Rachel Sapoznik, Sapoznik Insurance

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Rachel A. Sapoznik is the Founder and President of Sapoznik Insurance, a World Insurance Company, and is an industry leader in employee benefits solutions. In a male-dominated industry, Rachel relentlessly pursued her entrepreneurial vision to revolutionize traditional employee benefits through education. In doing so, she rapidly expanded the company from her home office into one of the largest independently owned agencies in South Florida. Now, 34 years later, Sapoznik Insurance has been acquired by World Insurance Associates (WIA), which has been named one of The Most Successful Companies in America by Inc. 5000, a Top 100 P/C Agency by Insurance Journal and Business Insurance, and a five-time honoree of NJBIZ Fast 50.


Rachel is recognized as one of South Florida’s leading healthcare experts. She has been featured in several national networks, including CNBC.com, Yahoo! Finance, MarketWatch, Reuters, MorningStar, Employee Benefits Advisor, Automotive News, and TheStreet.com. Locally, she has been interviewed by Invest Miami, The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, The South Florida Business Journal, Crain’s Miami, South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine, Miami Today, and the virtual talk show On Point with Rachel Tourgeman. 


Rachel has constructed a roadmap to navigate today’s healthcare challenges and provide expert solutions for tomorrow. A true visionary, Rachel has always emphasized the value of education, wellness, and building strong programs for her clients. Driven by these guiding principles, Rachel has helped hundreds of companies across the country improve their employees’ health while positively impacting her clients’ bottom line. Her book, A Passion for Wellness: Healthy Employees, Healthy Bottom Line, was featured on Amazon’s bestseller list for new releases upon its publication. 


In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rachel has made it her mission to help the communities around her. As a devoted philanthropist, she is deeply involved in many charities, especially those dedicated to improving children’s lives. Whether spearheading a fundraiser for developmentally challenged adults or children, mentoring future business leaders, or educating children about the importance of healthy eating, Rachel derives the greatest pleasure from supporting her community. 


Rachel has been awarded several accolades, speaking to both her professional and philanthropic accomplishments. She is also actively involved in the community.


Learn more about Sapoznik Insurance at https://www.sapoznik.com.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Mar 18, 202132:25
Recipe for Success with Guest Robyn Raphael-Dynan, RCC Associates

Recipe for Success with Guest Robyn Raphael-Dynan, RCC Associates

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Robyn Raphael-Dynan is the President of RCC Associates. 


Following in her mother’s footsteps, Robyn Raphael-Dynan has achieved incredible success and become a well-respected executive in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry, significantly contributing to RCC Associates attaining its status as South Florida Business Journal’s #1 Woman Owned Business ranked by revenue in 2016. She began her construction career in an entry-level position and has worked her way up the ranks to President. She is admired by clients, industry associates and employees alike for her professionalism, expertise, and diplomacy while managing complex situations and relationships.


Learn more at https://www.rccassociates.com.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Mar 11, 202137:42
Recipe for Success with Guest Hector J. Ponte, Wells Fargo

Recipe for Success with Guest Hector J. Ponte, Wells Fargo

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Hector J. Ponte is the Region Bank President for Wells Fargo’s Southeast

Florida region. He is responsible for 60 Wells Fargo branches and more than 650 employees in Broward County.


A 30-year veteran in financial services, Ponte previously served as Area President in Wells Fargo’s Dade/Broward Countyline market. He began his career as a part-time teller with Florida National Bank in 1986, and has been promoted throughout his career to teller supervisor, service manager, branch manager, district leader, region service director, and Florida At Work director.


A South Florida native, Ponte is very active in the community. He serves on the executive committee of the Miami-Dade Public Education Fund, where he has been a board member for 20 years and is Immediate Past Chair. He also sits on the boards of directors of the United Way of Broward, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance CEO Council, Broward Workshop, Autism Speaks/So. Florida and March of Dimes/Miami-Dade, previously serving as Chair of the Board of the latter.


Additionally, Ponte chairs Wells Fargo’s Volunteer Chapter in South Florida, which leads community and volunteer projects for Wells Fargo team members across Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe.


In 2012, Ponte was inducted into the Miami-Dade College Hall of Fame. In 2016, he was awarded the Distinguished Citizens Award by the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and selected by the National Diversity Council as a 2016 Top Latino Leader Award Winner. He was also selected to be part of the South Florida Business Journal’s Power Leaders list in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and Power Leaders in Banking list in 2020. He was also named as one of the South Florida Business Journal’s Business of Pride Outstanding Voices in 2018 and received the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance’s 2018 CEO Council Economic Development Leadership Award.


He is a graduate of Miami-Dade College and is fluent in Spanish.


Learn more about Wells Fargo at https://www.wellsfargo.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Mar 02, 202131:32
Recipe for Success with Guest Ann Marie Sorrell, The Mosiac Group

Recipe for Success with Guest Ann Marie Sorrell, The Mosiac Group

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Ann Marie Sorrell is an award-winning business leader and the President & CEO of The Mosaic Group, an award-winning public relations, marketing, and government relations firm serving clients throughout the United States and Caribbean. Ann Marie oversees the day-to-day operations, serves as Project Manager for most of the firm’s projects, and has managed more than 500 campaigns and projects ranging from $10,000 to $3 billion. Clients include AECOM, Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation, City of West Palm Beach, Broward Health, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Broward College, and the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale to name a few.  Ann Marie is the author of Chronicles of a Serial Dater, a journey through the good, bad, funny – and steamy – of dating and relationships told through short stories.   

 

She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management from Florida A&M University.  She is a Charter Member of the South Florida Business Journal Leadership Trust, and a member of Leadership Palm Beach County, Leadership Florida, Economic Forum, the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Florida Advisory Committee, National Association of Black Women in Construction, Urban League Young Professionals of Palm Beach County and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Ann Marie is a subject matter expert and guru in the field of Marketing and has developed The Marketing MashUp which includes trainings, seminars, webinars, and a book series (will be released in Winter 2020). 


Learn more about The Mosaic Group: https://mosaicgroup.co/.



For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Feb 25, 202137:06
Recipe for Success with Guest Mark Hickson, NextEra Energy

Recipe for Success with Guest Mark Hickson, NextEra Energy

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Mark Hickson is executive vice president of corporate development, strategy, quality and integration for NextEra Energy, Inc. In this role, he works to identify and prioritize top quality and process improvement initiatives across the company, as well as corporate strategy, mergers, acquisitions and integration activities. 


Mr. Hickson is also executive vice president, strategy and corporate development of NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP), a growth-oriented limited partnership formed by NextEra Energy, Inc. NextEra Energy Partners acquires, manages and owns contracted clean energy projects with stable, long-term cash flows. He also serves on the board of directors of NextEra Energy Partners. 


Mr. Hickson joined NextEra Energy in 2012 as vice president, corporate development and operational excellence. In 2015, he was named senior vice president, corporate development, strategy, quality and integration. In 2017, he was promoted to his current position. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Mr. Hickson worked at Merrill Lynch & Co, where he was given increasing levels of responsibility from 1997-2012 and served as managing director in Global Mergers and Acquisitions until 2012. 


Mr. Hickson holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University, where he graduated with honors. 


NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns two electric companies in Florida: Florida Power & Light Company, which serves more than five million customer accounts in Florida and is the largest rate-regulated electric utility in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold; and Gulf Power Company, which serves more than 460,000 customers in eight counties throughout northwest Florida. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from eight commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company and included in the S&P 100 index, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry on Fortune's 2019 list of “World's Most Admired Companies” and ranked among the top 25 on Fortune's 2018 list of companies that “Change the World.” For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.GulfPower.com, 

www.NextEraEnergyResources.com. 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Feb 11, 202139:55
Recipe for Success with Guest Marta Batmasian, Investments Limited

Recipe for Success with Guest Marta Batmasian, Investments Limited

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Since her arrival to the United States, Marta Batmasian has demonstrated a true immigrant spirit, by getting involved and excelling in the fields of education, business, politics and community service. 


Having been born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey as a Christian Armenian, Marta’s dream was to immigrate to the U.S. where minority groups were given the opportunity to integrate easily and pursue their dreams. 


After graduating from Esayan Lycée, in Istanbul, as a Valedictorian of her class, she was admitted to the prestigious Robert College, founded as a branch of Columbia University in Istanbul. 


In her junior year, the family had relocated to Netherlands where Marta attended Leiden University prior to her departure to the United States to complete her education. 


She attended Emerson College in Boston where she received a B.A. degree in English with honors. She continued her graduate studies by enrolling in Brandeis University joint Masters and Ph.D. program in Near Eastern Studies. Upon completion of her studies, she became the superintendent of a small school, then adjunct professor at University of Massachusetts for eight years until her departure to Boca Raton, Florida. She subsequently received a M.B.A. from Barry University in Miami.  


Her Board Directorships and community charitable involvements are extensive. She has founded and funded many community endeavors, including Children’s Science Explorium, Tri-County Rescue Shelter, League of Education Awareness of Holocaust (LEAH), People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership (PROPEL), Garden of Humanity, and several others.


Her board memberships include South Florida PBS, Florida Atlantic University, Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), Nova Southeastern University School of Business to name a few. She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including, College Club Achievement Award for Excellence in Business and Education (1983), Junior League of Boca Raton, Volunteer of the Year (1997), One Community (Formerly known as National Conference of Christians and Jews) (2009), Outstanding Person and Leader – OPAL award by Rotary Club for community service (2011), and several others. 


She owns Investments Limited, with her husband of 45 years, a real estate investment company owning and managing shopping centers, apartment communities and office buildings. She resides in Boca Raton, Florida and has two sons and three grandchildren.


Learn more about Investments Limited: https://investmentslimited.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Feb 05, 202142:01
Recipe for Success with Guest Violet Nikolici Lowrey, Keiser University

Recipe for Success with Guest Violet Nikolici Lowrey, Keiser University

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Violet N. Lowrey is the Director of Student Services and Career Services for the Keiser University Fort Lauderdale campus. 


In her role, Violet heads a department and team that provides quality support services which enhances the overall development of students and eliminates barriers to student learning. The department provides community resources and resources to assist you with resume preparation, interviewing skills coaching, mock interviewing, professional development workshops, and job placement assistance. They partner with employers in the community to provide job/career opportunities for students, graduates, and alumni. 


Additionally, Violet oversees the production and manages a variety of special events and meetings throughout the year, from soup to nuts, that include program development, creative and scenic design, event strategy, thematic development, event planning and production, general session production, run of event/meeting/fundraiser, entertainment, general meeting planning, site selection & venue management, event survey and evaluation, food and beverage management, complete staging technical design / production, budget management, and all event operational logistics. Working with several civic, nonprofit, professional and industry specific organizations, Violet collaborates with professionals in healthcare, business, human resources, legal, criminal justice, law enforcement, IT, all fields... interacts with chambers of commerce, professional organizations, nonprofits, and employers. 


Violet is committed to Educational Excellence. The learning environment, professional image of students, and development of excellent work ethic. 


As a member of the Keiser University Team, Violet embraces a student-centered approach which helps the student develop the skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.


The secret to Violet’s success is giving back… Violet has been and is involved with many organizations in the community. A Leadership Broward and Leadership Hollywood Graduate, Violet has been active with Junior Achievement, Rotary, Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), The American Lung Association, local chambers, Cystic Fibrosis, LifeNet4Families, and many others. 


Prior to joining Keiser University, Violet owned A Plus Professional Resumes, Inc. Violet is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Workshop Presenter, Certified Empowerment & Motivational Coach (CEMC), and M.B.A. graduate from the Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. 


Violet is dedicated to making a difference in her community and with her rock solid, supportive family, she will conquer many things to come.  Violet is married to Kenneth M. Lowrey, and they have two children, Jimmy and Emma.  


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Jan 15, 202131:24
Recipe for Success with Guest Michael Goodman, Goodman Public Relations

Recipe for Success with Guest Michael Goodman, Goodman Public Relations

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Michael Goodman, Founder of Goodman Public Relations, brings an integrated marketing approach to every project.  Securing domestic and international publicity, creating consumer promotional campaigns, implementing special events and developing cooperative advertising and partnership marketing opportunities, Goodman strategically launches award winning public relations/marketing campaigns.


Over the years, he has been credited with representing many notable projects, including but not limited to South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, Broward MPO, Sawgrass Mills, Simon, Design Center of the Americas, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Cross Hospital, Florida Department of Transportation, South Florida Commuter Services, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Hard Rock Cafe, National Hockey League and Pfizer. He has successfully created cross-promotional programs on behalf of clients with Norwegian Air, McDonald’s, Subway, Wendy’s, Pollo Tropical, Publix and several Broadway shows. 


Goodman has been recognized for his professional and philanthropic work.  He received the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood’s Arts Leader of the Year Award in 2014, Leadership Broward Foundation’s Profiles in Leadership Award in 2013, the 2006 and 2007 ArtServe Encore Award for Individual Leadership and Special Recognition and the 1997 South Florida Business Journal’s Up & Comers Award in the field of public relations. He also received the Golden Pen Award of Excellence from the Gold Coast Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. 


With a strong commitment to the community, Goodman serves in leadership roles in support of vital not-for-profit organizations. He is Board Chair of the Florida Theatrical Association, immediate past Board Chair of Neighbors 4 Neighbors and an honorary Board member of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood. He is a past Chair of ArtServe, Poverello, Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board and the School Advisory Board for the City of Oakland Park. Also, he is a former board member of Arc Broward,  Junior Achievement, Family Central and Gilda’s Club. He is a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XV.


Goodman has served on numerous committees in support of the Community Foundation of Broward, United Way of Broward County and Children’s Home Society. He is credited as the founder of noted fundraisers such as Sawgrass Mills’ Role Models, The Galleria’s Men of Style, Tri-Rail’s Senior Idol and South Florida Kids Got Talent.


His prior work experience includes serving as a Special Events Manager for Macy’s and the Community Relations Manager for Broward House.  


Goodman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla.  He resides in Oakland Park.


Learn more about Goodman PR at https://goodmanpr.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Jan 08, 202136:59
Recipe for Success with Guest Kelly Alvarez Vitale, Strategic Philanthropy

Recipe for Success with Guest Kelly Alvarez Vitale, Strategic Philanthropy

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Kelly Alvarez Vitale is the President and Founder of Strategic Philanthropy. She saw a need for a new philanthropic approach and founded Strategic Philanthropy in 2012 on the belief that effective corporate giving is one that fits an organization’s business goals, values and objectives. Kelly understands how targeted philanthropy can help organizations indirectly market products and services to clearly defined market segments and has witnessed how effective philanthropy opens business opportunities. Strategic Philanthropy was one of the first corporate philanthropy consulting firms to launch in Florida. Clients include: Broward College, Trividia Health, City of Pompano Beach, City of Sunrise, Sun Sentinel, JM Family, Turnberry, Stiles, Templeton & Company, Community Foundation of Broward and Broward Performing Arts Foundation.


Strategic Philanthropy has helped clients serve 205 nonprofits and awarded $2 million in sponsorships. Kelly has shown companies that it is not solely about the dollars, but that companies can impact their communities through in-kind donations and volunteer programs. Through programs she has put in place, her clients have donated $800,000 + of in-kind donations and logged over 10,000 volunteer hours, which has had an additional estimated value of $250,000 to directly benefit the community. Moreover, she has been instrumental in growing the MLK Day of Service in Broward County – tripling the projects funded, the number of registered volunteer and total hours logged countywide. 


She has been published 10 times and twice in PRNews Guidebook on corporate philanthropy as an expert in her field. 


In the community, Kelly is involved with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Ghost Light Society where she was a founding member, past co-chair for the organization and board member for the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. Her past community involvement includes serving as the Emerge Broward Program Co-Chair as well as serving on the Leadership Broward Foundation Board of Directors. Kelly has co-chaired the Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot & Paddle and was a founding member of ARC Broward’s The Traveling Plate. Kelly is also a community representative for the Broward Cultural Division’s funding and review panel and is volunteer for United Way’s Reading Pals, Jack & Jill Children’s Center and her alma mater, Florida State University.


Kelly is a graduate of Florida State University where she received a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication as well as a double major in Communication and Spanish. Despite being a native Floridian, Kelly is an avid snow skier, having skied for over 20+ years. Her other passion is cooking (and eating what she cooks!). Kelly and her husband, Randall, live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and spend their free time traveling and chasing their son Grayson.


Learn more about Strategic Philanthropy at: www.strategicphilanthropyinc.com.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida


Dec 18, 202037:60
Recipe for Success with Guest Howard Wander, Kelley Kronenberg

Recipe for Success with Guest Howard Wander, Kelley Kronenberg

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Howard L. Wander serves as both a Principal Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Kelley Kronenberg. Howard is the Chair of the firm’s Property and Casualty Practice Group, Personal Injury Practice (PIP), and Regulated Substances Practice Group (RSPG).


Howard primarily focuses on generating new business for the firm while expanding upon current business relationships and partnerships. He is actively and directly involved in the firm’s development and growth and has been instrumental in the firm’s expansion and evolution from a local to statewide to national platform. Howard joined the firm as an associate attorney in 1988, and worked his way up to partner in 1994. Howard’s entrepreneurial vision has led to the formation of several successful practice areas within the firm. 


Kelley Kronenberg is now a multi-practice business law firm with nearly 200 attorneys and almost 400 employees throughout Florida and the United States. The firm is now one of the fastest-growing law firms in Florida, serving all types of public and private companies, as well as small and mid-sized businesses and individuals nationwide. 


Prior to taking on a business development and firm-wide executive management role, Howard concentrated his practice on Insurance Defense Litigation and Property and Casualty Defense. He focused on the representation of employers, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers. He regularly consulted with entrepreneurs, growth-oriented companies, and executives to build and strengthen their businesses. He leveraged his trial and entrepreneurial experience to help companies and entrepreneurs anticipate legal risk and plan around any potential issues. 


Learn more about Kelley Kronenberg at: https://www.kelleykronenberg.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida


Dec 11, 202031:50
Recipe for Success with Guest Mandee Heller Adler, International College Counselors

Recipe for Success with Guest Mandee Heller Adler, International College Counselors

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Mandee Heller Adler is the Founder and Managing Partner of International College Counselors. International College Counselors is one of the world’s largest education counseling companies, specializing in exceptionally personalized support for students and their families worldwide who seek acceptance to colleges, graduate schools, and boarding schools in the United States. 


Since 2004, Adler and her team of expert college advisors have worked one-on-one with thousands of families to create individualized plans and to get students accepted into dream schools. Mandee is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, with honors and two degrees – one from the Wharton School and one from the College of Arts and Sciences. She also earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. 


Mandee is known through her fast-selling books, “From Public School to the Ivy League: How to get into a top school without top dollar resources” and “International Admissions: How to get accepted to U.S. Colleges.” Mandee is a Certified Educational Planner, a board certification awarded only to individuals who demonstrate the highest level of professional standards in educational planning, and has been regularly featured in dozens of television, newspaper, radio, and magazine publications including the New York Times, US News and World Report, NBC News, Fox Business News and the Wall Street Journal. 


Mandee resides in South Florida with her husband and two daughters. 


Learn more about International College Counselors at: https://internationalcollegecounselors.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Dec 04, 202033:41
Recipe for Success | Women Entrepreneurs - Part 2

Recipe for Success | Women Entrepreneurs - Part 2

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! It's Entrepreneurship Month! We welcome three women entrepreneurs.


Lyn Clark is the President & CEO of Tinytown Cookies - unique, delicious, gourmet cookies made using Lyn’s exclusive heirloom recipe and fresh, high quality ingredients. Tinytown Cookies are baked to order, made with love and can be designed to complement any special event or gift giving need. 


There is a Tinytown Cookie for every occasion and everyone. Lyn has been baking these sweet little cookies by popular request for friends, family and cookie lovers for more than 25 years. 


Vicky Garcia is COO & Co-Owner of Cruise Planners She always knew she was meant for the travel industry, and her fierce drive and philanthropic spirit help keep Cruise Planners at the top.


Vicky has spent more than 25 years in the cruise industry and is now one of the most respected women in travel. Vicky learned the travel industry from the ground up, starting in high school as a cruise line reservation sales agent before moving on to leadership positions at Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Cruise Planners.


Vicky’s leadership as well as her role as an advocate and volunteer for many causes including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have secured her the recognition of being one of South Florida’s Top 25 Influential Business Women, The Boys & Girls Clubs 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County, and the godmother of Viking Cruises’ Viking Magni. Vicky also sits on the board for Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, American Express Travel, Special Needs Group, DEPARTURES Magazine Advisory Board, Regent Seven Seas Council and The Travel Corporation.


Christine Madsen is founder and president of Mad 4 Marketing, a highly creative integrated marketing, advertising and interactive agency celebrating 28 successful years in South Florida.


Mad 4 Marketing manages clients ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to big businesses, and specializes in effectively marketing products, services and organizations from a variety of industries including: Retail, Education, Healthcare, Financial and Marine. 


The agency’s award-winning work, and Chris’s leadership role in the community have not gone unnoticed, being recognized with many prestigious awards, including the South Florida Business Journal’s Ultimate CEO Award, the Jim Moran Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, the South Florida Good to Great Award, Symphony Style and Substance Award and March of Dimes Women of Distinction, among others.


Chris has served as the Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Fort Lauderdale Executives’ Association; the Historic Stranahan House; The Tower Forum and many other leadership roles in South Florida.


https://tinytowncookies.com/

https://www.cruiseplanners.com/ 

https://mad4marketing.com/ 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida


Nov 24, 202028:20
Recipe for Success | Women Entrepreneurs - Part 1

Recipe for Success | Women Entrepreneurs - Part 1

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! It's Entrepreneurship Month! We welcome three women entrepreneurs.


Lyn Clark is the President & CEO of Tinytown Cookies - unique, delicious, gourmet cookies made using Lyn’s exclusive heirloom recipe and fresh, high quality ingredients. Tinytown Cookies are baked to order, made with love and can be designed to complement any special event or gift giving need. 

There is a Tinytown Cookie for every occasion and everyone. Lyn has been baking these sweet little cookies by popular request for friends, family and cookie lovers for more than 25 years. 


Vicky Garcia is COO & Co-Owner of Cruise Planners She always knew she was meant for the travel industry, and her fierce drive and philanthropic spirit help keep Cruise Planners at the top.


Vicky has spent more than 25 years in the cruise industry and is now one of the most respected women in travel. Vicky learned the travel industry from the ground up, starting in high school as a cruise line reservation sales agent before moving on to leadership positions at Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Cruise Planners.


Vicky’s leadership as well as her role as an advocate and volunteer for many causes including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have secured her the recognition of being one of South Florida’s Top 25 Influential Business Women, The Boys & Girls Clubs 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County, and the godmother of Viking Cruises’ Viking Magni. Vicky also sits on the board for Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, American Express Travel, Special Needs Group, DEPARTURES Magazine Advisory Board, Regent Seven Seas Council and The Travel Corporation.


Christine Madsen is founder and president of Mad 4 Marketing, a highly creative integrated marketing, advertising and interactive agency celebrating 28 successful years in South Florida.


Mad 4 Marketing manages clients ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to big businesses, and specializes in effectively marketing products, services and organizations from a variety of industries including: Retail, Education, Healthcare, Financial and Marine. 


The agency’s award-winning work, and Chris’s leadership role in the community have not gone unnoticed, being recognized with many prestigious awards, including the South Florida Business Journal’s Ultimate CEO Award, the Jim Moran Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, the South Florida Good to Great Award, Symphony Style and Substance Award and March of Dimes Women of Distinction, among others.


Chris has served as the Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Fort Lauderdale Executives’ Association; the Historic Stranahan House; The Tower Forum and many other leadership roles in South Florida.


Learn more about these amazing companies:

https://tinytowncookies.com/

https://www.cruiseplanners.com/ 

https://mad4marketing.com/ 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida


Nov 20, 202024:43
Recipe for Success | Entrepreneurship Month Panel - Part 2

Recipe for Success | Entrepreneurship Month Panel - Part 2

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! It's Entrepreneurship Month! We welcome these four young entrepreneurs, all who graduated from the JA Fellows Entrepreneurship Program.


Stefano Selorio, founder of Carevocacy: https://carevocacy.com/

Romy Peretz with Germ Genie: https://germgenie.com/

Isaac Hetzroni, founder of Imprint Genius: https://www.imprintgenius.com/

Shatasia Daniels, who runs her own hairdressing business


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Nov 13, 202024:08
Recipe for Success | Entrepreneurship Month Panel - Part 1

Recipe for Success | Entrepreneurship Month Panel - Part 1

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! It's Entrepreneurship Month! We welcome these four young entrepreneurs, all who graduated from the JA Fellows Entrepreneurship Program.


Stefano Selorio, founder of Carevocacy: https://carevocacy.com/

Romy Peretz with Germ Genie: https://germgenie.com/

Isaac Hetzroni, founder of Imprint Genius: https://www.imprintgenius.com/

Shatasia Daniels, who runs her own hairdressing business


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Nov 10, 202016:22
Recipe for Success with Guest Luke Freeman, Wizard Creations

Recipe for Success with Guest Luke Freeman, Wizard Creations

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Luke Freeman a.k.a. “The Wizard, aka "The SwagFather," describes himself as a Marketer, Hustler, Philanthropist, and Serial Entrepreneur.  

 

He is the Founder & President of Fort Lauderdale-based Wizard Creations, a brand-merchandising solutions company that has been named by ASI's Counselor Magazine as one of Top 25 fastest growing Promotional Products distributors and "Best Places to Work" for many years.  

 

Wizard Creations likes to push the boundaries as it relates to traditional marketing in the promotional products industry.  From wrapped vehicles to billboard campaigns and reality TV, the “SwagFather” always makes sure his brands are front-and-center. 

 

For a millennial-run company, their client lists read like a "who's who of blue-chip brands," creating products for well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, and Carnival Cruise Lines, just to name a few.  Luke attributes his company’s success to "Living by the Golden Rule" and a willingness to take risks.


In addition to Wizard Creations, Luke is also the Co-Founder of Wizard Digital Marketing with his partner Seth Rand.  Wizard Digitial specializes in web development, SEO, Ad Content and delivering an amazing ROI on their clients digital marketing. 


Mr. Freeman also serves as an investor/partner in four other companies outside of the marketing industry, all of which are profitable endeavors.

 

Luke was honored by the South Florida Business Journal as a 40 under 40 honoree.  He is also a member of the Entrepreneur Organization, Leadership Broward Class 34 graduate, serves on six non-profit Boards, and supports dozens of other organizations throughout the South Florida region.  

 

He and his wife Mara currently reside in Parkland, FL with their two children and two rescue dogs.  


Check out Wizard Creations at https://www.wizardcreations.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Nov 06, 202027:54
Recipe for Success with Guest Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

Recipe for Success with Guest Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Bob Swindell was named President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in November 2009, having joined in 2003. A lifelong Broward resident, he has served in several business and community leadership roles. Florida Governors Martinez, Chiles, Bush and Scott have appointed Bob to lead statewide boards. He has served as a Board of Pilot Commissioner, on the Boards of Enterprise Florida, and NAIOP.  He currently serves on the Boards of CareerSource Broward, JA of South Florida, United Way of Broward County, FARDA, Winterfest and is Past Chairman of FEDC. 


Bob is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXXI, a 1986 alumnus of Leadership Broward–Class V and was recognized as a 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Leadership Broward Foundation. In June of 2013, Governor Rick Scott presented Bob with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award at the Annual meeting of Leadership Florida. 


In October of 2018, Bob was inducted into the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame and was recognized as an Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal.  He was recognized by the Seafarers’ House as the Business Leader of the Year in 2017.  In 2016, Bob was honored by the Florida Economic Development Council as Florida’s economic development professional of the year.  


The American Red Cross honored Bob with their 2015 Humanitarian Award. He was recognized by the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Community Service in February 2014 and was also named a 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Leadership Broward Foundation.


Learn more about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance: https://www.gflalliance.org/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Oct 30, 202038:59
Recipe for Success with Guest Heiko Dobrikow, Las Olas Company & Riverside Hotel

Recipe for Success with Guest Heiko Dobrikow, Las Olas Company & Riverside Hotel

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Heiko Dobrikow is a seasoned hotelier of over 30 years and a business professional with extensive experience in all areas of the property & asset management.  He is an expert in providing advisory support and solutions, such as developing successful management teams, ensuring revenue optimization, implementing service excellence and employee satisfaction. Assets may range from a boutique hotel to a major convention resort, from commercial buildings to residential communities.  Further Heiko is known for taking companies with vertical cultures and flatten them by implementing a Servant Leadership Ideology. 


Currently Heiko is the Executive Vice President at the Las Olas Company and the General Manager of the Riverside Hotel, which both are owned and operated by the Wells Family of Fort Lauderdale.  Heiko has worked at beautiful resorts such as the Fisher Island Hotel & Resort in Miami, the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove and the Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort.  Heiko believes in community involvement and is the Past Board Chair / current board director of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Past President / current board director of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Broward Chapter, current Board Member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Board Member of the Winterfest Boat Parade, Board Member of the Broward Workforce Development Board, Member of the Broward County Tourism Coalition, Founder & Past Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale General Manager’s Council, Founding Member of the South Florida Business Council and past Executive Committee Member of the Greater Miami & Beaches Hotel Association. 


Heiko has also been recognized as Top 500 most influential leaders in Florida (Florida Trend), South Florida Business Leader of the Year (Florida Atlantic University) and as a South Florida Power Leader (South Florida Business Journal). Heiko has received numerous awards such as South Florida General Manager of the Year (HSMAI), Chairman’s Award (Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce), Broward’s Best Leaders Award (South Florida Executive magazine), Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange Ally of the Year (GLBX), South Florida’s Tourism Legend of the Year (HSMAI), Tourism Icon of the Year (TravelHost), Homeless Champion of the Year (Broward Partnership of the Homeless), Rotary Cheerleader of the Year (Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale), Top 3 Florida Hotel General Manager of the Year (FRLA), Men of Style Award (Galleria Fort Lauderdale) and most recently Downtowner of the Year (GFLCC).


Heiko grew up in Germany and came to the U.S. at the age of 17 years old.  He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor in Arts with the desire to becoming Sports Psychologist. However, while studying at KU, he fell in love with the hospitality industry and never looked back. 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Oct 23, 202039:01
Recipe for Success with Guest Jack Kosakowski, Junior Achievement USA

Recipe for Success with Guest Jack Kosakowski, Junior Achievement USA

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Jack Kosakowski is the President & CEO of Junior Achievement USA. He has more than 45 years of leadership experience in a federated organizational structure. Jack's specialties include nonprofit management, board development, fundraising, event management, financial literacy education, workforce readiness education, entrepreneurship education and public speaking.


For JA USA, he oversees the operation of a federated organization with 106 offices located across the United States reaching over 4.8 million K-12 students through over 220,000 volunteers. Total funds raised exceed $165 million.


Junior Achievement USA is at https://jausa.ja.org/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Oct 16, 202030:27
Recipe for Success with Guest Commissioner Ben Sorensen, City of Fort Lauderdale

Recipe for Success with Guest Commissioner Ben Sorensen, City of Fort Lauderdale

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Ben Sorensen was sworn in as the Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner of District 4 on March 20, 2018. Ben was then named Vice Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale and served as Vice Mayor from April 3, 2018 to April 2, 2019. Ben was unopposed at the end of qualifying on June 12, 2020 and is automatically elected Commissioner District on November 3, 2020 for a 4 years term.  


A third-generation Presbyterian minister, Ben is a former volunteer Chaplain for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and a current volunteer Chaplain for the Hollywood Police Department. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Leadership Broward Foundation and is a former member of the Broward County Human Rights Board, a former Guardian Ad Litem First Responder and served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Council Board of Governors. Ben is a founding member of Mission United, a program of the United Way of Broward County that focuses on ending veteran homelessness. 


Ben is the third generation in his family to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Ben’s grandfather served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army during World War II from 1941 to 1945. Ben’s father served in the Army as a Chaplain from 1960 to 1969, rising to the rank of Captain. Ben proudly serves in the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander specializing in intelligence where his responsibilities include identifying, analyzing, and disseminating real-time intelligence in support of operational warfare. 


In 2007, Ben co-founded and currently serves as Vice President of Optimum Associates, LLC, which provides leadership, sales and management training to large corporations, small businesses and non-profit organizations. Ben has earned six degrees: a Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, a Doctor of Ministry from Amridge University, a Master of Divinity from Amridge University, a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, a Master of Arts of Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University. While at Georgetown Law, Ben studied International Trade Law under current United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. 


Ben is married to Anna Sorensen, who works at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and they are proud parents of Alexandra and Louise. 


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Oct 09, 202035:05
Recipe for Success with Guest Marcell Haywood, Encompass

Recipe for Success with Guest Marcell Haywood, Encompass

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Marcell D. Haywood is an entrepreneur and business executive.  He is currently the CEO of Thesis Holdings, a diversified holding company with equity interests in a range of SaaS and traditional service businesses.


He studied at Florida State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Masters degree in Information Technology in addition to receiving continuing executive education at London Business School.


Marcell’s core business and investment strategy centers on scalable ventures that specifically target the intersection of technology and age-old service industries.


Through his role as CEO of Thesis Holdings, Marcell is a Board Member and investor in a number of its portfolio companies including:  Kodo (Boulder, CO), Combine Athletics (Miami, FL) and BuyChain (Austin, TX), all US based software technology companies.


Marcell is also the Founder & CEO of Encompass, a leading provider of facility maintenance software and services founded while earning his graduate degree in college.  In his role as Founder & CEO, Marcell has made it a point to provide better opportunities to service professionals in the South Florida community.


Marcell’s community involvement reaches beyond the entrepreneurship arena.  A graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXVIII, Marcell volunteers his time to mentor young entrepreneurs as a former board member of Entrepreneurs Organization and FAU Tech Runway.  Marcell is currently a board member of Holy Cross Hospital, Broward Workshop, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and the Community Foundation of Broward in addition to participating regularly as a guest speaker in local and national business conferences.


In his free time, Marcell loves travelling with his son, Lincoln, and wife, Natalie.  He also thoroughly enjoys team sports and is an avid scuba diver.


Marcell believes that the key to living a meaningful life is to aim high in purpose, doing something that you truly love, with incredible people who share your same values.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Follow us on social media: 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Oct 06, 202032:48
Recipe for Success with Guest Georgia Lehoczky, Walgreens

Recipe for Success with Guest Georgia Lehoczky, Walgreens

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Georgia Lehoczky is a Region Healthcare Pharmacy Director for Walgreen Co., the nationwide drugstore chain headquartered in Deerfield, IL. She is responsible for leading Walgreens pharmacy operations for 550 locations representing over 6000 team members in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South West Florida, Tampa, Palm Beach, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico markets.


Georgia joined Walgreens as a Pharmacy Intern in 1987. During her tenure, she has held various leadership positions, starting as a Pharmacy Manager in Deerfield Beach, FL., to Pharmacy Supervisor in Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, FL. 


She transitioned to her current position as Regional Healthcare Director from 2009 to 2013 overseeing the South Florida and Puerto Rico markets. From 2013 to present Georgia is leading specialty and retail pharmacies in South Florida, South West Florida and Puerto Rico in pharmacy operations. In this role she works closely with government entities, healthcare systems and is involved with various projects that potentially impact the community and the company.


She has mentored many pharmacy interns since 1999 and in February 2017 was recognized as National Preceptor of the Month in Drug Store News. Georgia has also been recognized as one of The Most Influential Business Women in South Florida in 2016. She serves on the boards of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Diabetes Association, Extraordinary Women Leading Change, the Ronald McDonald House, Muscular Sclerosis Society, the Larkin Pharmacy School Advisory Committee and NSU Palm Beach Advisory Committee. She is actively involved with such charities as the Diabetes Research Institute, Cystic Fibrosis, Gilda’s Club, Dolphins Cancer Challenge and various HIV/AIDS organizations among many others. Georgia is a staunch advocate for patient care, giving back to the community and is the Corporate Social Responsibility Champion for Walgreens in her Region. 


Georgia was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She attended Albany College of Pharmacy- Union University in New York where she received her Bachelor Degree in science.  She is certified and has active licenses with the Florida Board of Pharmacy, New York Board of Pharmacy, and Illinois Board of Pharmacy. In addition, she serves as an adjunct faculty preceptor for various schools such as Larkin University, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, College of Pharmacy, the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, College of Pharmacy. 


Personally, Georgia enjoys spending time with her family, supporting sports, dance and academic events with her three children. Professionally, her mission is to advance the role of the community pharmacy.  


Walgreens is at https://www.walgreens.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Oct 02, 202030:12
Recipe for Success with Guest Patrick Daoud, Daoud's Fine Jewelry

Recipe for Success with Guest Patrick Daoud, Daoud's Fine Jewelry

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Patrick Daoud is the 4th Generation owner of Daoud’s Fine Jewelry established in 1895 and located in Fort Lauderdale. Patrick was born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida. Originally went to school to become a dentist and also worked full time at the family store. The more he worked in the family store, he loved it and wanted to fully be in the jewelry business. 


In addition to his passion for the Jewelry business, Patrick is a dedicated philanthropist. Believing in giving back to his community, Patrick sits on the board of A Prom to Remember and Friends of Birch State Park. Patrick donates to dozens of local charities such as Children’s Home Society, Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation, Pace Center for Girls, Charity Guild, Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Junior Achievement, The Royal Dames, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Jack and Jill and many more.


Learn more about Daoud's Fine Jewelry at https://www.daouds.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 29, 202033:35
Recipe for Success with Guest Joe Russo, South Florida Tech

Recipe for Success with Guest Joe Russo, South Florida Tech

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Joe Russo is the founding CEO of the South Florida Tech Association (formerly known as Palm Beach Tech), a nonprofit committed to Building South Florida into a Tech Hub.


Since its founding as the Palm Beach Tech Association in July 2015, Joe led the organization to attract over 165 corporate members and over 8,000 professionals to their community, with an annual budget over $250,000 and 3 full time staff.


In 2016, Joe spearheaded and effort to bring Downtown West Palm Beach its first coworking space, raising over $150,000 with the Knight Foundation, City of West Palm Beach, and private donors.


In 2018, Palm Beach Tech launched 1909, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs throughout the Palm Beaches by partnering with the FAU Adams Center for Entrepreneurship and with $350,000 in support from the Knight Foundation and four (4) local Cities.


Since 2013, Joe has also served on the Palm Beach County STEM Council, Business Development Board Taskforces, Chamber of Commerce Councils, SunFest Committees, and on the Boards of Kayla Cares 4 Kids and the Big Heart Brigade.


A Native Floridian, he attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach and Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. 


Learn more about South Florida Tech at https://southfloridatech.com/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 25, 202030:52
Recipe for Success with Guest Tony Carvajal, The Able Trust

Recipe for Success with Guest Tony Carvajal, The Able Trust

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Tony Carvajal is President/CEO of The Able Trust, a foundation committed to helping persons with disabilities and Florida employers achieve their shared goal…meaningful and sustainable work that produces results.  Established in 1990, the organization directs state, private, and corporate funds to targeted grants, programs, and initiatives focused on realizing the power of work and the potential of vocational rehab.  The Able Trust works with partners to focus on abilities- not disabilities- and remove barriers to employment across the entire spectrum of needs, including developmental and learning disabilities, physical and mental health challenges, and injury and age-related developments.  The organization works with companies, communities, grantees, and individuals to make work possible for the 1 in 6 Floridians dealing with some sort of visible or invisible disability.


Tony brings more than 30 years of nonprofit management and consulting experience to the role, having helped organizations across the country design and implement plans to address all types of opportunities and disruptions.  He recently completed a decade of service as the Executive Vice President (and futurist in residence) at the Florida Chamber Foundation where he developed research, programs, and policies designed to ensure competitiveness, prosperity, vibrancy, and resiliency across the state.  Since 2000, he has also served as the “Primemover, Problem-Solver & Calmer of Chaos” at Carvajal Consulting and Management.  


Tony earned a Masters in Public Administration from Florida International University and holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and communications from Florida State University.  He has earned the designation of certified association executive (CAE) and is a graduate of the US Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) where he received a specialty certification in non-profit management and administration and also served as an instructor for 10 years.


Learn more about The Able Trust at http://www.abletrust.org/.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 22, 202036:02
Recipe for Success with Guest Karla Nelson-Thatcher, Hotwire Communications

Recipe for Success with Guest Karla Nelson-Thatcher, Hotwire Communications

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Twelve-time Emmy Award winner, Karla Nelson-Thatcher, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Government and Public Affairs for Hotwire Communications is an accomplished Public and Government Relations strategist, bringing over twenty years of creative and negotiating experience to her work.


After getting her start as a television writer and producer, Ms. Nelson-Thatcher migrated to broadcasting where she held several positions as a Creative Services Director analyzing Market Research and applying it to the development of talent teams, show formatting, and station branding to achieve market position in the wildly competitive world of television overnight ratings, including a stint as the Vice president of Creative Services and Programming for WTVJ NBC 6 in Miami.


Following her creative career in television, Karla co-founded the consulting firm of K&L Consulting, managing critical market entry campaigns and business development PR strategies for international clients including an airline, an Island Government, an internationally televised annual event and several not-for-profits in her hometown of South Florida.


The success of these campaigns eventually led Karla to Comcast Cable in the Florida region, where over the course of thirteen years her role evolved from ensuring compliance with municipal franchise agreements to overseeing ad campaigns and the execution of Public, Education and Government programming. Reporting in a dotted line to the Philadelphia based corporate offices, Ms. Nelson-Thatcher developed news conferences for product launches, internal electronic based learning and a heavily viewed local on Demand portal that featured an array of programming, some of which won Emmy awards for educational programs about how local governments are run.


During this time, she acted as executive producer to public affairs opportunities that resulted in news segments carried on Headlined News, and produced and hosted Community Vision, a 30-minute magazine-style show spotlighting local non-profit and community-based organizations. The show ran for 4 consecutive years and offered an unprecedented platform to promote community goals and the efforts of P3 partnerships.


Karla is thrilled to apply her years of experience to her latest role at Hotwire Communications, where she became their first Director of Public Relations. In Building the foundation of Hotwire’s community profile and aligning with local CBOs, School Boards, Not for Profits, and Elected Officials, Ms. Nelson-Thatcher was able to bring several departments together to offer connectivity and technology solutions to partners in the areas of Government, Education, Medical and Media. She continues to support the GEMs department in her current role as VP of Corporate Communications, Government and Public Affairs.


Learn more about Hotwire Communications at http://hotwirecommunications.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 18, 202034:59
Recipe for Success with Guest Caitlin Stella, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Recipe for Success with Guest Caitlin Stella, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Caitlin Stella, MPH is Chief Executive Officer of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.  She began her professional career as the start-up administrator of the multi-million dollar Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA Health. Caitlin also co-managed a state-wide pilot study looking at the epidemiology of Autism in California, which was published in 2002. After completing her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at UCLA, she joined PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) national healthcare consulting practice working with payer, provider and life science clients throughout the country including several children’s hospitals.  


She was a senior executive at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles before becoming Chief Administrative Officer for UCLA Health’s Mattel Children’s Hospital and Women’s Health Programs.  She was a Board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles and is Past-President of the alumni association for the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA.  


She is currently a Board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida and has been an executive/community leader for March of Dimes, the American Heart Association and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Public Health Association, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and Women in Health Administration.  


She is the healthcare representative for the Broward Economic Council and also a member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization).


Learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at: https://www.jdch.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 11, 202031:51
Recipe for Success with Guest Danielle Rosse, Oceans 234

Recipe for Success with Guest Danielle Rosse, Oceans 234

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Danielle Rosse is Owner of Oceans 234. This statuesque and charming entrepreneur, is a dedicated working mother and a fiercely keen leader focused in continually seeking to perfect the art of hospitality for her guests.

 

Rosse was just 22 and recently widowed when she first opened Oceans 234 in 2001. Starting as Director of operations she transformed what was once a sleepy oceanfront diner into the alluring waterfront dining escape that Oceans 234 is recognized as today. In 2013 She purchased the restaurant to become the sole owner of the establishment and in 2015 she under went a massive $1.8-million-dollar renovation on the property elevating the guest experience.

 

In addition to Oceans 234 in 2007, Rosse launch The Whale Raw Bar, A neighborhood New England Raw bar in Parkland.  After six years of successful business she sold in 2013.

 

Rosse has a passion for the multi-faceted nature of restaurant ownership.  Rosse believes that Oceans 234 is the total restaurant package, offering a fun experience, fresh food and great service with unparalleled views, reviving the Florida tradition of breezy oceanfront living.


This respected restaurateur also ensures to give back to the industry that she loves so dearly.  Rosse served two years as the Broward chapter President for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and also sits on the State board of directors for the FRLA as well as the Deerfield beach Economic Development council.   


She has been recognized in many organizations for her community work and has received the following recognitions; 2011 Coconut Creek Small Business Person of the Year, 2013 Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction, 2014 International Women’s Leadership honoree by SSL, 2014 was named by the South Florida Business Journal Influential Woman of the Year, 2017 Junior League of Palm beach county Women Volunteer of the year nominee and a 2019 Deerfield Beach Chamber Community Heroes award recipient. 

 

Rosse and the Oceans 234 team utilize their professional resources to support as many nonprofit organizations as they are able each year. 


Learn more about Oceans 234: https://www.oceans234.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 08, 202033:33
Recipe for Success with Guest Jason Jenkins, Miami Dolphins

Recipe for Success with Guest Jason Jenkins, Miami Dolphins

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Jason Jenkins is in his eleventh season with the Miami Dolphins and was named Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs in January 2015. Jenkins oversees the organization's front-facing brands, including media outreach, public relations, digital and social media and community efforts.


Jenkins previously served as the team's Vice President of Communications, being named to that position in May 2013. Prior to joining the Dolphins, Jenkins worked in the media relations department for the San Francisco 49ers, as well as served as the Associate Athletic Director at Texas Southern University from 1999-2002 and as Athletic Sales and Promotion Manager and Sports Communications Assistant at Lehigh University from 1997-99.


A native of Houston, Jenkins earned his bachelor's degree in 1997 in broadcast journalism from Texas Tech University. In 2017, Jenkins was selected by faculty and alumni as an Outstanding Alumni Award winner. He served as commencement speaker for the 2018 Texas Tech graduating class.


He resides in Coral Springs with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, Liya, Aiden and Sloane.


More information about the Miami Dolphins: https://www.miamidolphins.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 04, 202034:30
Recipe for Success with Guest Dev Motwani, Merrimac Ventures

Recipe for Success with Guest Dev Motwani, Merrimac Ventures

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Dev Motwani serves as President and CEO of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale based real estate firm that focuses on value-add investment and development opportunities. Property types owned and operated include hotels, condos, retail, office and rental apartments primarily in South Florida but also throughout the United States.


Dev is also Founder and Managing Partner of Ramesh Properties, a distressed real estate investment fund focused on opportunistic investments in residential and commercial development sites throughout South Florida. He currently oversees nearly $750 million in development projects. Current projects include the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences, as well as Las Olas Riverfront, all in the Fort Lauderdale area.


Dev is Founder and Managing Partner of Chieftain Residential, a yield-oriented distressed residential fund purchasing single-family homes, and residential land, primarily in the Southeast US and Texas. The fund aims to balance current income opportunities through the rental markets for its single-family home inventory, while also targeting capital appreciation in single family homes and land as the US Residential Market continues to rebound.


Prior to his current role, Dev worked at Credit Suisse in New York City, where he first structured OTC Equity Derivative trades for the firm’s largest corporate clients and then for the firm’s largest hedge fund clients. Before that, he worked in the White House and on the 2000 Gore/Lieberman Presidential Campaign.


Dev plays an active role in the South Florida Community, through his involvement with numerous charities and business organizations, currently serving on the board of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, Fort Lauderdale’s Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Downtown Council. He was recently appointed to the Orange Bowl Host Committee.


He previously served on the boards of the Riverwalk Trust, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Broward County’s Small Business Advisory Board. Dev has served as Co-Chair for the Bonnet House’s Annual Impressions Fundraiser, the Ghost Light Society’s Annual Soiree, and the Jeb Bush Classic Beach Bash benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year the Motwani family co-founded the Laughing Out Loud fundraiser benefitting the Scleroderma Foundation, which raised over $170,000 for the charity.


Dev graduated from Duke University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics and Public Policy and from Columbia University’s Masters of Science in Real Estate Development Program. He has also studied at the London School of Economics.


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Sep 01, 202035:30
Recipe for Success with Guest Rob Ceravolo, Tropic Ocean Airways

Recipe for Success with Guest Rob Ceravolo, Tropic Ocean Airways

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Robert Ceravolo is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tropic Ocean Airways, a regional airlift solution based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Operating amphibious seaplane aircraft in five countries, Tropic Ocean Airways has become the largest amphibious airline in the world with additional planned fleet and service growth around the globe.  


Former Navy fighter pilot and winner of the prestigious Ernst & Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year for 2019, Ceravolo founded the airline in 2009. He is responsible for growing the company from one aircraft and one employee to its current size of 15 aircraft and an expanding team of more than 100 employees. Offering passenger and cargo flights with both scheduled and charter routes, Tropic Ocean Airways services domestic and international regions including Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Cuba, Puerto Rico, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The airline received scheduled Commuter authority from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and has a stellar safety record and reputation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).   


Utilizing his extensive military aviation expertise, Ceravolo places a strong emphasis on training and development of pilots and personnel.  The Tropic Ocean Airways training program is modeled after the procedures and training philosophy of US Navy flight training.  Ceravolo believes that proper training and development is the key to growth during the global pilot shortage. 


In addition to solving regional travel problems utilizing amphibious aircraft, Ceravolo has made it his mission to be a positive influence in the communities that Tropic Ocean Airways services - leading Disaster Response Operations since 2015.  Most recently the company led a multi-organization effort, which resulted in 900 evacuations and 200,000 pounds of relief supplies delivered in the first 10 days following Hurricane Dorian's landfall in the Bahamas, in addition to ongoing rebuilding assistance.  Ceravolo also sits on the board of Saving The Blue, a non-profit dedicated to marine conservation. 


Prior to his position at Tropic Ocean Airways, Ceravolo served as an Officer and Aviator in the United States Navy (Active Duty: 2001 - 2011, Reserve: 2011 - Present), where he flew the F-14D, F-18E, and F-5N, deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, attended TOPGUN (2009), and served as his squadron’s Assistant Operations Officer, Training Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Legal Officer, Administration Officer and Maintenance Officer.  Additionally, he served as a Coalition Coordination Officer for United States Central Command, where he served as a Liaison to the Coalition and was responsible for coordinating logistical support for foreign allied countries supporting the International Security Assistance Force.


Learn more about Tropic Ocean Airways: https://flytropic.com/


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


Aug 28, 202036:46
Recipe for Success with Guest Kathleen Cannon, United Way of Broward

Recipe for Success with Guest Kathleen Cannon, United Way of Broward

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.


Let's get cooking! As a social worker by trade, Kathleen Cannon understands firsthand the impact that non-profits have in the community. As President and CEO of United Way of Broward County she utilizes her talents and undeniable ability to recognize a need and then seek out partners to create long-lasting positive solutions. 


Kathleen has been in executive leadership for more than 25 years. Her philosophy is to lead with intention, purpose and to be strategic and goal oriented. She feels motivating and inspiring others to excellence starts with a profound sense of integrity and a positive regard for all stakeholders. Kathleen believes it is important to outline clear expectations which facilitate the accomplishments of desired outcomes. Her experience as a direct service provider and administrator is invaluable in running a well-rounded community organization. These attributes combined with her excellent visionary abilities and sharp business acumen makes her a motivating leader. 


Kathleen has received several accolades for her leadership and dedication to ensuring that she is changing all lives for the better including: Women of Distinction Honoree from March of Dimes, Influential Business Women Honoree from South Florida Business Journal and the Women of Excellence Sapphire Award from Cleveland Clinic. Recently she was awarded the Champion of Children Award from HANDY, the Spirit of Justice Award from Legal Aid, the Difference Maker Leadership Award from Extraordinary Women Leading Change Leadership Conference, the Ultimate CEO Award from South Florida Business Journal, a Healthy Mothers Health Babies Outstanding Mother of the Year and was honored with the 2019 Profiles in Leadership Award by Leadership Broward Foundation.  


For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.


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Aug 25, 202030:54