April 2024 Egret

The Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce is always excited to welcome new businesses to our community, offering new, delicious, and innovative products and services to our residents and the surrounding communities. We aspire to provide a welcoming environment for our new and long-time members and their businesses, helping to build our communities.

The Chamber is a business advocacy organization representing its member companies and helping to increase their business through referrals, education, and other marketing activities. Monthly member events feature speakers with business and community-building themed programs. Events are a mix of breakfast, luncheon, dinner, or evening mixer formats, fostering networking time and opportunities for Business-to -Business participation.

CARLA PETERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VICE PRESIDENTS

Kate Baumwell, Kate Baumwell Photography

Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group

Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group

Angela Young, St. Rose of Lima Church School

2024 MUNICIPAL BOARD MEMBERS

Angela Dorney, Miami Shores Village

Jonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park

Omarr C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal

2024 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Bellinson, Esq., Bellinson Law Firm

Roni Bennett, South Florida People of Color

Sherrell Hobbs, Ph.D., Doctors Charter School

Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.

The Chamber offers a proprietary selection of opportunities to build business, increase referrals, and maximize exposure. The Egret Magazine is an effective way to let our local communities know about your business. It‘s produced and printed locally and is handdelivered to every home in Miami Shores, El Portal, and Biscayne Park. That‘s over 7,200 homes! It‘s also delivered to parts of Little River and to businesses throughout these communities. Every advertising dollar spent in the Egret Magazine helps the Chamber put on community events like Green Day, and to promote our local businesses and members, which puts money right back into our community.

Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate

Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce

Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member

Julie Isha, Barry University

Kim Flower, Flight Wine Lounge and Shop

Cory Gittner, Mediatech

Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A

Robin Hechler, Horace Mann Middle School

SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group

Vanessa Maggi, Maggi Realty Group

Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group

Mark Piper, Northwestern

Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University

Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications

For advertising opportunities, call Carla Peters, Executive Director of the Chamber (305) 754-5466 or email her at ChamberInfo@MiamiShores.com.

The Egret Magazine is a product of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and has been bringing you local business news for over 70 years.

DeAnthony Williams, Athletics Miami

Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Barry University

2024 EGRET MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

Apri 2024 Cover Photo, Left to RIght

Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Mary Benton, Cecilia Ise, Mike Skofstad

2024 CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS

A CONCIERGE, LUXURY BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE AGENCY, COMMITTED TO PERSONALIZATION AND EXCELLENCE FOR OUR CLIENTS.

1245 NE 94TH ST, MIAMI SHORES, FL

5 BED | 5 BATH | + GYM/DEN | 4,406 SQ FT

Newly-Built Extraordinary Miami Shores Listing East of Biscayne Blvd! Showcasing a Tesla roof with 72 hours of electrical energy, surround sound system, outdoor kitchen, heated salt system pool with a marble deck, outdoor shower, 2-car garage, carport, basketball court, alarm system with cameras. The chef's kitchen boasts Sub-zero and Wolf appliances, complemented by a luxurious Koehler bathroom.

203 NE 90TH ST, EL PORTAL, FL

5 BED | 3 BATH | 2,295 SQ FT

Trendy El Portal Home + Guesthouse! Discover the allure of this Mediterranean home in El Portal. With elegant design, natural light, and a modern kitchen, it offers comfort and style. The guest house ensures privacy for guests. Plus, there's room for a pool. Newer roof, and impact windows. Don't miss out on this opportunity for luxury living in a picturesque setting. NEW LISTING! GUEST HOUSE

305.582.7917

www.MaggiRealty.com

MODERN MASTERPIECE ON 18K SF TRIPLE LOT

With solid expertise in all facets of marketing and advertising and an extensive network of pre-approved buyers, our top-performing all-woman team has achieved over $200 million in sales! Each of our properties is targeted to the ideal buyers in the right demographic through the appropriate channel. We monitor the market and consumer trend reports daily to ensure your home will sell quickly and at the right price!

With solid expertise in all facets of marketing and advertising and an extensive network of pre-approved buyers, our top-performing all-woman team has achieved over $200 million in sales! Each of our properties is targeted to the ideal buyers in the right demographic through the appropriate channel. We monitor the market and consumer trend reports daily to ensure your home will sell quickly and at the right price!

5) Allocate your marketing budget wisely, cus-

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Considering selling your property or buying another? Now is a great opportunity to do so! Trends in real estate show that the market is steadily improving. Homes that are priced right and prepared properly for sale have been receiving multiple offers, leading to higher sales amounts.

The Harmony in Green Day

The Harmony in Green Day

By Liangy Calli

During April, as Spring breathes new life into nature, we fittingly pay tribute to Mother Earth. For us Miamishorians, it signals the Village’s most anticipated event of the year, next to the Marshmallow Drop of course: Green Day! Now in its 14th year, we persist in refining this event, forging partnerships to enhance our event’s sustainability. Our aim is to unite the community, showcase local businesses, and promote more eco-conscious practices.

The evolution of Green Day has led to a more focused event, including our Green Street exposition area, inaugurated last year with the endorsement of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a dedicated environmental advocate. Green Street is sponsored by our beloved local “Butterfly Lady,” Mary Benton, founder of Bound by Beauty. Following her example, we broaden our scope and include the participation of the Miami-Dade County Water & Sewer Department which will be providing a water tank to adhere to our Village’s ordinance banning single use plastic at events. We are also featuring the Mobile Community Resilience Pod, an immersive container that incorporates visual arts stemmed from scientific data to address climate resilience. Also in attendance, Pelican Harbor, Renuable Composting, UF/Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, Surfrider Miami and many others.

As Green Day approaches, we’re eager to highlight the ongoing efforts within our Village. Various community initiatives are converging to tackle environmental challenges in diverse ways, underscoring the collective commitment to our surroundings.

Mike Skofstadt, Parks and Street Supervisor, Certified Arborist

The Miami Shores Village Government

My main focus is our tree canopy, ensuring their protection, proper pruning, and overall health. Not only are they part of our charm, they are crucial to life. Trees purify our air, they provide shelter to many species, including our many birds. They provide shade, protect against floods, reduce erosion and pollution in our waterways. We take the life of our trees very seriously. When planting, we look to prioritize Florida-friendly options when available and when it comes to roadway medians and their ground coverage, we rely on more resilient plants that do not use fertilizer and require minimal water usage. Village swales, any modifications or plantings must be approved by our department. In the meantime, our newsletter now includes tree care information and tips, but when in doubt, don’t go rogue, please call us at Public Works with any questions (305-795-2210). We look forward to seeing everyone at Green Day where we will be giving away trees along with information about their care and details, while supplies last.

In attendance at the 2023 Green Day Festival: Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor George Burch, Village Manager Esmond Scott, Green Day Committee, Catherine McLaney, Carla Peters, Liangy Calli, Miami Shores Village Community Alliance and the Green Day Festival’s presenting sponsor, Graber Realty Group.

Mary Benton Founder of Bound by Beauty

Green Day is a celebration and a reminder of the natural world that binds us all together, that gives us the air we breathe, the water that restores and refreshes, the beautiful trees that cool and protect us, the beauty that surrounds us. Green Street is a reminder that we are all stewards of our beautiful natural world and we must do better. It is an opportunity to be educated in the many ways in which we can protect and preserve it.

When my husband Doug and I founded Bound by Beauty, our mission was and remains to inspire others through the transformative power of butterflies and metamorphosis, to create biodiverse sanctuaries for native flora and fauna, connecting gardeners and gardens, store carbon, conserve and protect our drinking water, and preserve the important biodiversity our lives depend on. We have created programming around that mission, to inspire our community to give back to nature.

Most recently, we have donated a native wildlife demonstration garden to our beloved Brockway Memorial Library.This garden will cover the south side and continue around back with an ADA-accessible path to the hidden courtyard garden most people don’t know exists. It will provide lots of opportunities for educating

people about creating beautiful and resilient gardens using drought-tolerant native plants to conserve our drinking water and biodiversity, as well as seeds, seedlings and cuttings for people to plant at home.

We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference.

Ceci Ise, Girl Scout Troop #1305 11th Grade Student

I have created the Pollinator Patch Program as my Girl Scout Gold Award Project to address one of the root causes of the loss of biodiversity and pollinators in my community. It is common practice for a homeowner or the municipal grounds crew to spray pesticides/herbicides and over-cut the grass, hoping to create that well-manicured look. The price of that pretty yard, however, is the loss of naturally growing native plants which provide the proper habitat for pollinators.

The Pollinator Patch Program was introduced at last year’s Green Day and has been implemented at various locations including Barry University, Biscayne Park, Girl Scouts’ Headquarters at Camp Mahachee, and soon at Village Hall. The program encourages dedicating a portion of yards or public spaces to natural growth without pesticides or herbicides, fostering biodiversity and supporting native plant and pollinator populations. It serves as an educational tool to understand the impact of pesticides on biodiversity, the significance of native plants and pollinators for human survival, and provides guidance on identifying, creating, and sustaining Pollinator Patches while documenting biodiversity. I hold workshops throughout the year that focus on these key aspects.

4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms

3,400 Sq. Ft. | 17,125 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listed at: $3,849,000

4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms

2,756 Sq. Ft. | 15,316 Sq. Ft. Lot

Sold for: $1,100,000

4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms

4,300 Sq. Ft. | 14,300 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listed at: $2,995,000

Main unit: 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Other units: 1/1, 1/1,& 0/1(studio)

Listed at: $1,495,000

1071 NE 95th St.

Photos can’t convey how spectacular this 3,400 sq. ft. 4BD/4BA split plan modern masterpiece is. This “Architectural Digest” DESIGNER HOME has been COMPLETELY REMODELED with a professional designer, and no expense was spared. The many HIGH END FINISHES include a huge master suite with spacious walk-in closet + master bath, immaculate chef’s kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry, custom skylights, Wolf + Sub-Zero appliances, 4 custom bathrooms, and porcelain tile floors throughout. Located East of the blvd. on a huge oversized 17,125 sq. ft. lot, this masterpiece has a gorgeous new pool & basketball court, NEW impact windows & doors, NEW electric & plumbing, NEW AC & newer roof. Everything is new with impeccable taste & all of the highest quality finishes.

8227 SW 188th Terrace

Rare opportunity to live in a custom BUILT Cutler Bay home, just completed in 2016! Only 10 years old. This large 2,756 sq. ft., 4BD/3.5BA + 2 car garage home has all the bells and whistles. Features include a spacious floor plan, beautiful open kitchen with SS appliances, private tropical views of the yard, a fabulous master suite with walk-in closet, a huge bathroom with two sinks + separate shower & bath, formal living & dining areas, and tile floors throughout. Located on a cul-de-sac and situated on a huge 15,316 sq. ft. lot with a private backyard with a large tropical pool & lush landscaping, this is the perfect place to CALL HOME! Additional features include all impact windows & doors, volume ceilings and solar panels. A must see! NO FLOOD INSURANCE required.

124 NE 96th St.

CLASS & SOPHISTICATION meet the sprawling Beverly Hills Estate! Located on a huge 14,300 sf lot, this rare to market art deco gem features 4 huge bedrooms each with its own in-suite bathroom, a fabulous master suite with 2 walk-in closets & a rich marble bathroom, remodeled gourmet kitchen with brand new appliances, formal dining/living areas & a gigantic sunken family room. Unusual floor to ceiling glass enclosed hallways offer expansive views of your private tropical resort style pool & lush landscaping. Live the ultimate Miami lifestyle! Additional features include all impact windows, volume ceilings, designer terrazzo & tile floors throughout + a working fireplace. Enter your double front doors & be transported to the elegant lifestyle found in the French Riviera. A MUST SEE! NO FLOOD INSURANCE required.

573 Palmetto Dr.

New Listing Welcome to your own slice of paradise in Miami Springs! Rare to this market, this fabulous triplex (per seller double lot 100’x125’) offers the perfect investment opportunity but also a luxurious lifestyle. Each unit features private living areas, kitchens + impact windows and doors throughout. Main unit is a 2/2 with updated kitchen, SS appliances, quartz countertops and dark wood thermofoil cabinets. Other units are 1/1, 1/1,& 0/1(studio). Seller has it as a triplex but can easily be a fourplex. Step outside to enjoy the lush backyard & ambiance by the sparkling pool, perfect for entertaining or relaxing under the Miami sun. Located in the desirable Miami Springs neighborhood, this property is close to vibrant downtown Miami, beautiful beaches, the airport and world-class dining & entertainment.

The Magic of Our Village Gardens

By Liangi Calli

The notion of a magical garden often evokes images of pristine landscapes meticulously maintained. However, the definition of “well-kept” varies widely. While some prefer a meticulously groomed space, others embrace the natural growth of plants. There’s no right or wrong aesthetic, but integrating native plants, even in a small patch, can make a significant difference. Personally, I appreciate a blend of native and non-native species. However, it’s crucial to

avoid invasive species and acquire background knowledge about the plants you introduce. Our village is home to a diverse array of birds, butterflies, and wildlife, adding to its charm. Creating small or large waystations for them is a worthwhile endeavor to preserve such beauty. Under the tutelage of Mary Benton of Bound by Beauty, many of us have been able to create magical gardens that suit us.

The Joys of Nature in Your Own Backyard

Susan Howell

In April 2018, I transformed my grass yard into a native plant and Florida friendly pollinator garden, and it is one of the best choices I have ever made. My garden continues to grow and expand, and I am in love with its magic. I am helping nature thrive and nature is helping me thrive. It is a reciprocal relationship. Every day when I walk through my garden, joy permeates my being. I see life, creation, and infinite intelligence in action right outside my doorstep. As I work

Miami Summer Camps

There are always exciting events happening right in our own community. For more information on upcoming events, visit MiamiShores. com. These events are a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends.

Celebrating all things Irish, the St. Patrick’s Pickleball Tournament, put on by the Miami Shores Parks & Recreation Department on March 16th, was filled with a ton of fun along with some serious competition.

All levels are welcome, so stay tuned for upcoming pickleball events.

Navigating the Marketing Maze: A Small Business Guide to Maximizing A Small Marketing Budget

Article sponsored by: Core Design Group

Small business owners face marketing challenges with limited resources. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to play the game, and it starts with making the most of your budget. When you focus on knowing your numbers, strengths, and connecting with customers, you can make smarter decisions with your marketing dollars. Start by:

1) Set clear marketing goals based on what you aim to achieve, such as boosting website traffic, sales, or social media presence.

2) Capitalize on what makes your small business unique, like being family-owned or sourcing locally, to stand out without a big budget.

3) Use online tools to track important metrics like sales/conversion rates and click-through rates to gauge marketing impact in real time.

4) Consider hiring an agency to monitor metrics if analyzing data isn’t your strength, ensuring you focus on growing your business.

5) Allocate your marketing budget wisely, customizing your strategy to your business’s stage and competitive landscape, with startups advised to use 10-12% of revenue for marketing.

6) Stay adaptable and learn from analytics, competitors, and customer feedback

to refine your marketing efforts and

maximize budget efficiency.

All Uniform Wear Ribbon-cutting Ceremony, March, 2024.

Congratulating and celebrating our Egret Cover Girls at No Reservations.

Shores Young Professionals “SYP” networking event at Flight Wine Lounge.

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024 | Miami Shores Country Club

Enjoy top-tier sports giveaways and prizes, as well as on-course refreshments.

12:00 PM - Registration/Lunch

1:00 PM - Shotgun Start

6:00 PM - Cocktail Reception, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony

Tournament Sponsor

GET MORE INFO | REGISTER TO PLAY | BECOME A SPONSOR

barry.edu/golf

305.899.7881

GUIDING YOUR CLAIM!

305.363.2400

CompassClaim.com

John Hornbuckle President

Lic #W031954 9822 NE 2nd Ave. #10, Miami Shores

in 1937, not too far from where it is located today, exchanging ownership and ultimately remaining a family-owned venture since 1967. John and Iris Cir- pharmacies, clothing stores, a hardware store, a grocery store, a bakery - it was all right here.” A visit to Village Shoe Repair feels like a journey back in time, where craftsmanship is celebrated. Celebrating 56 years of marriage in July, the Cirineses work side by side, taking immense pride in their work. Beyond shoe repairs, their services extend to belt and purse repairs, key making, and even baseball glove relacing. As John puts it, “We’ll repair any goods that fit in our machines.”

goal is to foster community within our Village, to support our local businesses, and to also deliver a true environmentally sound event tackling climate change. We have chosen to walk the walk.

Last year, in partnership with the Village and the Sustainable Miami Shores Committee, we introduced quarterly programming to amplify Green Day initiatives. These initiatives encompassed topics such as water conservation, recycling, composting, and tree care. This year we look to do the same, bringing new topics.

continued from page 12

Welcome

at my home office, I look upon native “woods” that were intentionally planted to bring nature back.

to the Chamber

The Joys of Nature in Your Own Backyard

We’re thrilled that you have joined our community of businesses.

Melissa Frantz

MEGHAN GRIMBERT DESIGN COMPANY

is a residential interior design studio that creates timeless homes with approachable luxury in mind. From initial design concept to installation and staging, Meghan’s design team is hands-on throughout.

165 NE 96th Street | Miami, Shores, FL 33138 305-381-0422 | MeghanGrimbertDesign.com

in the Egret Magazine helps the Chamber put on community events like Green Day, and to promote our local businesses and members, which puts money right back into our community. For advertising opportunities, call Carla Peters, Executive Director of the Chamber (305) 754-5466 or email her at ChamberInfo@MiamiShores.com.

SCRATCHER GIRLS offers scratch therapy, which is a type of therapeutic touch that uses light scratching and tracing movements with the tips of the nails.

To learn more call or visit: 786-315-9373 | ScratcherGirls.com.com

Green Day is not what it used to be, it’s even better. We take immense pride in our collective efforts to embody its essence. Our primary

education, and other marketing activities.The Egret Magazine is an effective way to let our local communities know about your business. It‘s produced and printed locally and is hand-delivered to every home in Miami Shores, El Portal, and Biscayne Park.That‘s over 7,200 homes! It‘s also delivered to parts of Little River and to businesses throughout these communities. Every advertising dollar spent

In our eyes, Green Day is not only an invitation to reconnect with neighbors, we hope it inspires everyone to participate and get started on their Green journey.

GREEN DAY FESTIVAL

The Egret Magazine is a product of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and has been bringing you local business news for over 70 years.

APRIL 27th ~ 3:00pm - 7:30pm

My endemic garden feeds my soul and brings me so much joy. Every morning I look forward to seeing what birds have come to visit, what flowers have burst forth, and how nature cooperates. There will be a cardinal and warbler on my bird feeder, doves and squirrels on the ground foraging the dropped seeds and a myriad of butterflies fluttering around. I have bees buzzing on my Sky Blue cluster vines and fritillary caterpillars on my Corky stems, Oh what joy. To feel the excitement of birthing butterflies... well you have to experience it. My garden is my refuge, my quiet place, a sanctuary of sorts. As John Muir expressed: “Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” While it isn’t a forest, yet (lol), I find joy knowing that it supports nature.

From Orchids to Natives

Carol Eannace

PHYSIOLOGIX offers physical therapy and wellness services from a physio and certified strength and conditioning specialist inside the Premier Fitness Facility in Downtown Miami and Miami Shores. To make an appointment call or visit: 305-902-6644 | Physiologixpt.com

THE SHORES GOURMET MARKET carries a variey of currated pastas, cheeses, fresh bread, specialty olive oils, balsamic vinegars and much more.

Open 7 days a week.

213 NE 97th Street | Miami Shores, FL 33138 305-528-4287

JVC Property Holding

JVC Property Holdings professionals can assist you as a buyer’s agent or listing agent, with relocation, foreclosure and property management.

211 NE 97th Street | Miami Shores, FL 33138

As a long time orchid grower in the Shores, I have valued the exotic and unique. Most orchids require a lot of care, not just regular watering, but also fertilizer. But these “near” native species of cowhorn orchids, Cyrtopodium macrobulbon have bloomed easily and propagated themselves each year. Which made me wonder about native plants, for their ease of growing and value in the environment for wildlife. This Bahama Senna brings all the yellow butterflies into my garden and requires nothing other than the occasional pruning. The Mexican Torch Flower vine, although not native, provides nectar for all the butterflies and the hummingbirds love it! Beach Verbena, Glandularia Maritima is a native that is carefree and a lovely groundcover. Seeing more wildlife in my garden has propelled me on a journey to provide as much space as I can for birds, butterflies and bees.

786-763-2813

Liangy Calli, Green Day Chair Owner of CONTENT by Lian-G

Green Day con’t

Miami in the Millions.

Miami has become a magnet for luxur y living, drawing high-net-worth individuals to its vibrant paradise. The cit y ' s luxur y real estate market is experiencing a surge, with an increasing number of ultra-luxur y properties hitting the market and fetching staggering prices. Statistics show that a significant percentage of home sales in Miami-Dade Count y are surpassing the $5 million mark

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the sale of luxur y properties in North Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Miami Beach, with a remarkable 12% of home sales exceeding the $5 million threshold Miami's prime waterfront locations, vibrant cultural scene, favorable tax environment, and unparalleled waterfront lifest yle continue to attract affluent buyers seeking an exclusive coastal lifest yle.

The surge in luxur y home sales has been fueled by cash buyers and an influx of relocation buyers from New York, California, Latin America, and beyond. The remarkable growth of the luxur y sector in Miami real estate presents lucrative opportunities for both buyers and sellers, with sellers capitalizing on the significant appreciation of their investments and buyers being presented with an expanding inventor y of luxur y homes.

As the luxur y sector continues to flourish, Miami’s appeal as a destination for affluent living remains undiminished. With the percentage of home sales surpassing the $5 million mark on the rise, the future of Miami’s luxur y real estate market looks promising, signaling the growing confidence of buyers in the luxur y real estate market.

YOUR NEIGHBOR & LOCAL REALTOR

c 786. 247.3335 o 305.7

75.5330

grs@compass.com

MARCH SALES

MIAMI SHORES

5 Key Connections Every Leader Must Have in Their Professional Network

The path to successful leadership often depends on your network. Your connections shape who you are and who you’ll become. Cultivating connections is strategic, like building a chessboard where each piece is vital.

To be an effective leader, surround yourself with those who expand your horizons, challenge you, and support your growth. Each leadership role requires a unique set of people, but there are key professionals every leader should connect with, regardless of industry or career stage.

The industry insider is a living database of your field. They work on the frontline and understand the industry rigor and nuances better than anyone. Engaging with them provides valuable insights, trends, and industry secrets not easily found online or in formal education. By forging connections with these insiders, you gain access to a tapestry of experiences and predictive wisdom that can keep you two steps ahead of the competition.

The mentor is your guiding star, offering

personalized advice and direction based on their own career triumphs and hardwon wisdom. Mentors can provide valuable coaching to develop your leadership style, offer insights into navigating organizational politics, and act as a sounding board for your professional dilemmas.

The innovator stays steps ahead, constantly generating and executing ideas that challenge boundaries. Collaborating with innovative minds can bring new perspectives, modern solutions, and adaptability to your leadership style. Networking with innovators can inspire you to experiment with new strategies, systems, and technologies, ensuring that your leadership is progressive and not pigeonholed in outdated methodologies.

The connectors aren’t defined by industry prowess or innovation, but by their network. They’re social butterflies, with connections to key players in your industry. A strong bond with a connector can unlock doors to new collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities you didn’t realize were possible. Connectors can significantly ex-

pand your reach, facilitate strategic partnerships, and grant you access to the inner circles of influencers and decision-makers.

The Challenger is the contrarian, the devil’s advocate who will test your ideas, plans, and positions. Although they may often seem like a thorn in your side, they provide an invaluable service by preventing groupthink and pushing you to articulate and defend your convictions. Challengers help you to refine your thinking, challenge assumptions, and ensure that your leadership isn’t just about making decisions but making the right decisions through logical analysis and thorough examination.

Building a diverse professional network is like forming a versatile team. Each member adds unique value, boosting the group’s potential. By connecting with the five types of individuals outlined, you’ll create a strong ecosystem for your growth as a leader.

To find out about networking events in the area, visit Business.MiamiShores.com/ Events/Calendar.