WINTER-SPRING 2019
Cover Story:
Inside:
DOWNRITE Engineering
LBA Awards 2018
2018 LBA Engineering Contractor of the Year
Update on Florida’s Future
LBA selects South Florida’s Premier Companies of 2018 Governor Ron DeSantis
22 Annual nd
LATIN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
TOURNAMENT BENEFITING THE LBA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Friday, May 17th, 2019
The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33145
www.lbaorg.com For RSVP or more information, please contact LBA staff at 305.446.5989 or events@lbaorg.com
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MADE OF PRECISION PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Imported Cognac Hennessy®, 40% Alc./Vol. (80˚). ©2018 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY. HENNESSY is a registered trademark.
Contents
winterspring 2019
07...............President’s Letter - Eric Montes de Oca
29...............NextGen Cocktail
08............... Director’s Letter - Ilean Polverine
33-34..........Holiday Luncheon
10-11..........In Memoriam - Lorenzo Luaces
36-37..........January Luncheon
12-13..........August Luncheon
39-40..........February Luncheon
15-18..........38 Annual LBA Awards
42...............LBA Director’s Spotlight - Tony Gomez
19...............Marketing Corner
43...............LBA Director’s Spotlight - Maria Mendez
20...............Opinion - Bernie Navarro
50...............In the News
21-22..........October Luncheon
51...............Qué Pasa LBA?
24-27..........Cover Story - Downrite Engineering
15-18
12-13
21-22
33
39-40
6 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
11093 NW 138 Street #212 Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018 305.446.5989 www.lbaorg.com
Publisher Ralph Jimenez – ExclaMarketing Advisory Board Alex Lastra, Ralph Jimenez, and Gus Cabrera Editorial Contributors Communications Committee Graphic Design ExclaMarketing Production ExclaMarketing Photography Gort Productions- Alex Gort Jr. Advertising Sales Latin Builders Association® Ilean Polverine 305.446.5989 ipolverine@lbaorg.com Advertising Agency Latin Builders Association®
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.
President Eric Montes de Oca
Legal Counsel Alexis Gonzalez – Law Offices of Alexis Gonzalez
President-Elect Erick Valderrama
Board of Directors Fernando Gomez – TD Bank Ralph Jimenez – ExclaMarketing Javier Avino – Bilzin, Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP Mercimarie Baumstark – Better Waste Management Hector Aguililla – Berkowitz, Pollack & Brant CPA Iris Escarra – Greenberg Traurig Nelson Lopez – Newport Properties Pedro Portela – Lennar Hugo Alvarez - Becker Poliak Off Manny Fernandez - Milner Monica Lopez - Barlop Frank Fernandez - Center State Bank Luis Mata - MATA Consult Inc. David Ramos - Hotwire Communications Neal Sklar - Peckar & Abramson Anthony R. Gomez - Unitech Builders Corp Ulises Senaris - Mr. Glass Doors and Windows Inc. Emil Rosado - American Impact Windows & Doors Norge Piñeda - Asinet Gilbert Ouaknine - Italian Kitchen & Bath
Immediate Past President Alex Lastra Past Presidents *Mike Ortega Julio Viyella Camilo Padreda *Lorenzo Luaces *Julio Jo Erelio Peña Jesus Portela Sergio Pino Alberto Perez Carlos Herrera Willy Bermello Charlie Martinez Angel Medina, Jr. Augusto J. Gil Osvaldo Vento, Jr. Anthony Seijas Noelia Moreno Bernie Navarro Guillermo Fernandez Alex Lastra
1972-1973 1974-1976 1977-1979 1980-1981-1989-1990 1982-1983 1984-1987 1988-1989 1990-1992 1993-1994 1995-1996 1998-2000 2001-2002 2003-2004 2005-2006 2007-2008 2009 2010-2011 2012-2013 2014–2015 2016–2017
Executive Board of Directors Guillermo Fernandez - Link Construction Group Melissa Tapanes Llahues - Bercow Radell Fernandez & Larkin Gus Cabrera - Evergreen Group Bernie Navarro - Benworth Capital Partners Alexis Gonzalez - Law Offices of Alexis Gonzalez PA Michelle Pradere Noriega - Pradere Office Products Ralph Cabrera, Jr. - Ticket Hungry Marisol Torres-Gomez - Cherry Bekaert Joe Avetrani - Gil Garden Avetrani Insurance Group Juan Carlos Vila - Visualscape
*Deceased
Honorary Directors Manny Rodriguez - Rodtech Jorge L. Guerra - Real Estate Sales Force Andres Correa - Solution Construction Inc Guillermo Alvarez - Diageo/Coastal Wine & Spirits Junior Directors Nicholas Siegfried - Siegfried Rivera Hyman Lerner De La Torre Mars & Sobel Rolando Ruiz - Florida City Gas Jesse Rodriguez - Hancock Askew & Co Karla Damas - Cherry Bekaert Maria B. Mendez - Cornerstone Group Alec Milton - United Property Management Karla Damas – Cherry Bekaert CPA Anthony Hernandez - Maison Kitchen & Bath
Letter from the
President
Latin Builders Association
G
OUR TIME IS NOW!
reetings again and welcome to our Winter 2018/Spring 2019 Proyecto issue. Proyecto’s contemporary approach on bringing the LBA experience into businesses and homes. It gives me great pleasure to reflect back on several past events such as our Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheons that were well attended and continue to build our community of associates and partners bringing us closer together as a diverse, driven and actively engaged group. This past year’s LBA Awards Ceremony was the largest to date with almost 1,000 attendees held at the beautiful Downtown Miami Omni Hilton. Member companies, elected officials, family and friends all came together to honor and recognize the members and companies who went above and beyond the call of duty this past year. The event was emceed by Calvin Hughes, a news anchor on WPLG Local 10. He did an excellent job setting the pace of the event, announcing our award winners (see page 18) and controlling a large LBA crowd, which is no small feat. I would like to extend a special thanks to our keynote speaker Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez. Jeannette took time out of her busy schedule to spend an afternoon with the LBA. Back in September of 2018, then Representative Nunez, was on the Gubernatorial campaign trail with then Congressman Ron DeSantis. Last but certainly not least, I would like to congratulate the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, THE MAS FAMILY. Their commitment to the community and education is second to none. They’ve also partnered with the LBA Academy by providing scholarships and by sponsoring the future Mas-tech. lab. THANK YOU! The LBA Construction & Business Management Charter Academy continues to thrive. We are now in our seventh year and will be graduating our fourth class this June. This past August on the first day of school then Congressman DeSantis visited the LBA Charter Academy and gave a very motivating speech to all the students and faculty, all this while campaigning for the Republican Primary nomination. His
speech will never be forgotten and will always be cherished by those present. Lastly, we are so proud of all the hard work and effort put forth by our principal, faculty and staff. Let’s continue this journey towards the betterment of our children and community. The LBA matters because we are an association with a passion for knowledge and service. You have heard me say “Our Time is Now”. I believe we have the power to collectively make a change and fortify our strengths which is why we continue to be the nation’s best association. We are looking forward to our upcoming annual events, the 22nd annual golf tournament at the Biltmore Hotel should once again prove to be the best tournament in South Florida. Secondly, we have the LBA fishing tournament weekend in July. We look forward to returning to the beautiful Playa Largo. The weekend will be filled with fun and events for the entire family to enjoy. Thank you to all past President for your continued mentoring. I look to provide the same support to our incoming President, Erick Valderrama. Lastly, join me in welcoming the new LBA Director of Operation Ms. Ilean Abiega Polverine. Ilean started with us in November of 2018 and has made an immediate, positive impact. Please introduce yourselves to her at our upcoming events. Our future looks bright! It’s a great time to be part of our LBA! NUESTRO TIEMPO ES AHORA!
Eric Montes de Oca
8 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
Ilean
Polverine
Natalia Pierantoni Events Manager
Ana Maria Rubiano Sponsorship/Social Media Specialist
Natalia Pierantoni is the Events Manager of the Latin Builders Association. Born in Manhattan, New York; her parents are from Colombia and Puerto Rico. Natalia moved to Tampa, FL in 2004 and currently moved to Miami to pursue her dream in Events. She graduated over the summer, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management with a focus in Events Management from Florida International University.
Ana Maria Rubiano is the Sponsorship and Social Media Marketing Specialist of the Latin Builders Association. Ana Maria was born in Cali, Colombia, but raised in Tampa, FL. In August 2017, she moved to Miami, FL as a transfer student to pursue her bachelors in Florida International University. She is currently a senior majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Event Coordinating. Ana will be graduating May 2019.
Neyda Rivera Giancarlos Cortada Administrative Coordinator Bookkeeper Giancarlos Cortada is currently the Administrative Coordinator for the Latin Builders Association. Giancarlos was born in Hialeah FL and is of Cuban descent he is also an alumni of the LBA academy and is currently attending Miami Dade College majoring in marketing in hopes to someday own multiple businesses and experience the world of marketing.
Neyda Rivera is currently the bookkeeper for the Latin Builders Association. She was born in Miami, FL and is of Puerto Rican descent. Neyda has 3 daughters Vanessa, 26, Viviana, 18, Vivika, 14, and has a 14 month old granddaughter. She has over 15 years of experience in bookkeeping.
Letter from the
director
L
et me introduce myself: I am the LBA’s new Director, Ilean Polverine.
When I came on board a little over 3 months ago, I wasn’t sure what I was embarking on. However, I am delighted to say that with the support of President Eric Montes De Oca, President-Elect Erick Valderrama, the Board of Directors and most importantly, our office team we are off to a stellar beginning. First and foremost, we are a team working for a discerning audience, bringing forth events that are meaningful and pertinent to our industry and membership. One of the aspects I love most about my work is the unified goal of our team and Board to create impactful change and opportunity for our membership. Collectively, we will continue to focus on bringing forth leaders in our community such as Governor Ron DeSantis who served as keynote speaker at our February luncheon. We enjoyed record attendance and exceptional feedback from all that were present. This month, we celebrate the distinguished career of former State of Florida Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen where we have the distinct honor of presenting her with a Lifetime of Public Service Award for her achievements and advocacy. In addition, in April 2019, we will be joined by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho who will no doubt engage students and members alike. Preparations are well underway for the annual Golf and Fishing Tournament. We have a great sense of excitement from prior tournament attendees and members who have yet to attend; most of whom are already eager to sponsor, compete and make this year’s event one for the books! In 2019, we will host a myriad of events in addition to those mentioned above: membership cocktails, Women of the LBA and Next Gen Events and legislative seminars to name a few. In closing, we urge our members to attend as many events as schedules permit and while each individual experience varies, you will certainly maximize your membership by immersing yourself with others who are there for the same purpose, networking and growing their businesses. We will continue to learn from one another and focus on tradition while also considering what we aspire to be. Stay with us—and expect more.
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 9
In Memoriam
Lorenzo LUACES (10.15.1940 - 02.26.2019)
On February 26th 2019, the LBA Family suffered the painful loss of one of our most important and beloved leaders. Lorenzo Luaces, LBA Past President, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away when he suffered a heart attack at his home. The passing of our dear friend Lorenzo comes as a shock to all. To say Lorenzo was one of the LBA’s most active lifetime members would be an understatement. A man who was never too busy to share an encouraging and kind word to those around him. Lorenzo lived life to the fullest and could always be counted on to lift spirits of those that had the pleasure of knowing him. He was the only person that served the LBA for two separate terms as President from 1980-1981 and again from 1989-1990. He continued to faithfully support the organization by attending every event with his lovely wife Noris. We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague. Lorenzo Jr. shared these words regarding his Father “He lived his life the way he wanted to, and died painlessly with his boots on. We should all be that lucky. May he rest in peace.” Our dear friend will be missed, but only for a short period of time, as we will be laughing again together in God’s Kingdom. May God keep him in His Holy Glory. With a heavy heart I send my deepest condolences to Noris, Enrique and his entire family.
Eric Montes de Oca
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 11
Lorenzo Luaces will forever be remembered as the heartbeat of the Latin Builders Association.
Charlie Martinez Lorenzo Luaces was like a second father- -every time I called upon him for support he unconditionally said PRESENTE! Rest easy, Lore.
Bernie Navarro Lorenzo is and was a very good friend who loved life and loved the LBA - the best ambassador our industry has had - I / we will truly miss his tenacity and goodwill. My dear friend may you rest in eternal life...
Gus Gil
Lorenzo was a true friend of the LBA. He exemplified our true spirit and always made himself available to counsel, guide or support our members. Lorenzo will be missed.
Noelia Moreno
Lorenzo, you were a pioneer, a mentor, and most important of all, my dear friend. I always looked forward in sharing time with you. You will be missed but I know you’re watching over us.
Erick Valderrama
Lorenzo, Thank you for your passion, dedication and guidance. You path the way, secured a succession plan, and the LBA will continue to grow because of you. We will always miss you.
Ovi Vento
When I think of Lorenzo, I envision what true leadership and commitment is. Lorenzo first became involved with the LBA in the 70’s and twice during the 80’s Lorenzo was called upon to be LBA President. One time in a moment of growth and another during a period of turmoil, and both times Lorenzo took the mantle of President and took the LBA to new heights. Seeing Lorenzo at our LBA events after 40 years of LBA involvement (including LBA Fishing last year and most LBA monthly luncheons) always reminded me of how important our organization is and its great impact on our community. Lorenzo will be sorely missed, May he Rest In Peace.
Alex Lastra
Lorenzo - you will truly be missed in the LBA Family and we thank you for your love and dedication to the association and our industry throughout the years. Rest in peace my friend.
Guillermo “Willy” Fernandez
12 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
August Luncheon
Goodbye Governor,
Hello Senator! The Biltmore Hotel • Coral Gables, Florida August 24th, 2018
Governor Rick Scott with LBA President Eric Montes de Oca and LBA President-Elect Erick Valderrama
The Latin Builders Association welcomed Governor Rick Scott as guest speaker to our August 2018 luncheon, held at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Governor Scott spoke to our directors, members and guests about his accomplishments during his tenure as Governor of the State of Florida, as well as his U.S. Senatorial campaign. Shortly after the August Luncheon, Governor Scott was elected U.S. Senator in the November 2018 election.
(From left to right) – Judge Monica Gordo, Mayor of West Miami Eduardo Muhiña, Judge Vivianne DelRio and Judge Bronwyn Miller
Governor Rick Scott meeting with Executive Directors prior to August’s Luncheon
Governor Rick Scott addressing LBA members and guests at the August luncheon
LBA Executive Directors Gus Cabrera and Joe Avetrani, City of Miami Commissioner Willy Gort and LBA President Eric Montes de Oca
MEMBER OF THE MONTH Dobbs Equipment
GianCarlos Cortada, Jose Lopez of Dobbs Equipment, Executive Directors Joe Avetrani and Ralph Cabrera
Alfredo Reynoso, Guest, Patricia Siles and LBA Jr. Director Jesse Rodríguez of Hancock Askew & Co
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Miami Dade School Board Member Mari Tere Rojas with Governor Rick Scott
LBA Executive Director Joe Avetrani, LBA Director Hugo Alvarez and LBA Past President Alex Lastra
LBA Past President Alex Lastra with Downrite President Sam LoBue (middle) and Raul Gonzalez (left)
Maritza Gomez and LBA Guest of Kelley Kronenberg with LBA Executive Director Ralph Cabrera
Governor Rick Scott with elected officials, LBA Directors and Executive Directors
Governor Rick Scott with Jennifer and Eric Montes de Oca
LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama and Jose Miranda
Come with us into the future. Come with us into the future. Tu Visión. Tu Visión. Nuestra Tecnología. Nuestra Tecnología.
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Miami Hilton Downtown • Miami, Florida September 28th, 2018
The Latin Builders Association celebrated its 2018 Awards Banquet before nearly 1,000 attendees. Calvin Hughes of Channel 10 emceed the event in which Jorge Mas accepted the LBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Mas Family for their community service legacy in Miami and throughout South Florida. Awards were given to many of our member companies and distinguished civil leaders, including Downrite Engineering awarded the 2018 Engineering Contractor of the Year and Commissioner Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz as 2018 Elected Official of the Year. The event was held at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel.
LBA President Eric Montes de Oca with Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nunez
MasTec Chairman and Inter Miami FC Owner Jorge Mas speaks to LBA members and guests
Corporate Partner of the Year Cherry Bekaert Residential Contractor of the Year NewPort Property Construction
Calvin Hughes of Channel 10 emcees the LBA Awards Banquet
Utility Provider of the Year Hotwire Communications
Landscape Company of the Year Visualscape
Print / Media Personality of the Year Ron Magill of Metrozoo
Junior Director of the Year Maria Barbara Mendez with LBA President Eric Montes de Oca and LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama
LBA Past President Guillermo Fernandez with LBA Executive Director Melissa Tapanes-Llahues and LBA Director Manny Fernandez
Ernie Sardo of Diageo with LBA Executive Director Gus Cabrera, Ron Magill of MetroZoo and Guillermo Alvarez of Diageo
LBA Elected Official of the Year, Miami Dade County Commissioner Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz with LBA President Eric Montes de Oca and LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama
Public Relations Firm of the Year Miami Empresarial
Government Relations Firm of the Year Marin & Sons
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 17
Honorary Director Manny Rodriguez with Alex Villoch and Ana Milton
Past LBA President Bernie Navarro with Ricky Lopez of Rock & Dirt
Vanessa Acosta, Elisabeth Espinosa, LBA Executive Director Melissa Tapanes-Llahues
Ana Milton with Monica Veiga
Ana Teresa Rodriguez, Jenny Montes de Oca and Marisol Diaz
Jackson Health System’s CEO Carlos Migoya with Miami Dade County Clerk Harvey Ruvin
LBA Director and Principal of Unitech Builders, Anthony Gomez with Joseph Rodriguez, Michael Peruyera and Gregory Gomez
Lifetime Achievement Award Mas Family – Jorge and Juan Carlos Mas with LBA Directors
LBA Director Pedro Portela with Engineering Firm of the Year Downrite Engineering
The Latin Builders Association would like to congratulate all of the 2018 LBA Awards Winners for making a positive difference in our lives and our community Lifetime Achievement Award The Mas Family
Equipment Rental Firm of the Year Rock & Dirt
LBA Director of the Year Fernando Gomez, TD BANK
Bank of the Year BB&T
LBA Rookie Director of the Year Maria Barbara Mendez, Cornerstone Group
LBA Law Firm of the Year Bercow, Radel, Fernandez & Larkin
Commercial Contractor of the Year Unitech Builders Corp
Insurance Surety Firm of the Year Gil Garden Avetrani
Member of the Year Adonel Concrete
Accounting Firm of the Year Berkowitz Pollack Brant, CPA
Elected Official of the Year Commissioner Jose “Pepe� Diaz
Mortgage Broker of the Year Daisy Gomez
Administrator of the Year Alice Bravo, Director of Public Transit, MDC
Mortgage Lender of the Year 1st Financial, Inc
Government Agency of the Year The City of Doral
Public Relations, Marketing Firm of the Year Miami Empresarial
Engineering Contractor of the Year Downrite Engineering
Financial Services Firm of the Year Professional Bank
Government Relations Firm of the Year Marin & Sons
Automotive Firm of the Year Mercedes Benz of Cutler Bay
Media Personality of the Year Ron Magill
Entertainment, Hospitality Services Firm of the Year The Biltmore
Real Estate Sales Firm of the Year Real Estate Sales Force
Utility Provider of the Year Hotwire Communications
Architectural Design Firm of the Year Arquitectonica
Corporate Partner of the Year Cherry Bekeart
Engineering Design/Consulting Firm of the Year M2E
CEO, Entrepreneur of the Year Jorge Mas
Developer of the Year Lennar Homes
LBA Annual Events MVP Edward Portas, Grycon
Specialty Subcontractor of the Year Synthetic Lawns of Miami
LBA Leadership of the Year Guillermo Alvarez
Landscaping Contractor of the Year Visualscape
Residential Contractor of the Year Newport Property Construction
Concrete Subcontractor of the Year KD Construction
Material Supplier of the Year Rosen Materials
Debris Removal/Hauling Firm of the Year Greatwaste and Recycling Services, LLC
Roofing Contractor of the Year Z Roofing & Water Proofing
Ralph
Jimenez
Becoming
Customer Centric Ooh I Feel Love I feel Love I Feel Love I Feel Love I Feel Love Donna Summer
the store and getting a follow-up post purchase thank you note, that is the customer experience.
H
ow can you not feel great listening to Donna Summer sing her iconic song, I Feel Love. Now try to imagine a client singing it as he or she is walking out the door of your business. Do you think you could make all your customers feel that way? That would be a pretty amazing place to do business with, right? More and more companies are having to adjust their marketing strategy in an attempt to make this happen. Some people think the Customer Journey and the Customer Experience are one in the same, but this is not the case. The customer journey is what a customer does or how they interact with a brand during every step in the customer lifecycle. It’s the complete experience a customer has with your company and it includes all the interactions they have whether it be in person or virtually across all channels, touchpoints or devices. The customer experience is how a brand or organization makes you feel at every step in the customer lifecycle or customer journey. As an example, when you an ad for a product, research the product online, go to the store, interact with a salesperson, purchase the product and take it home, that is the customer journey. Connecting with the commercial, finding the company website informative and easy to navigate, being treated like a VIP in
We’ve all heard the expression the customer is always right. Well research shows that companies that follow this rule in their company culture and make it the focus of their customer experience are 60% more profitable even when the customer might actually be wrong! The marketing term used to describe this is Customer Centric. Simply stated it’s when you put the customer experience at the core of your business. It’s making the customer experience even more important than your product. It’s doing business where the priority is placed on providing a positive customer experience throughout the customer journey. Implementing this process requires that you create a roadmap of your customers journey. You have to see things from your customers perspective. Creating this map can be divided into 3 parts. Identifying each customer touchpoint, identifying the customer journey lifecycle and most importantly, analyzing any shortcoming between your company’s strategy and customer expectations. This is no easy task to accomplish now that customers have so many more ways to interact with your brand both in person and electronically. The only way to really make it happen is to go straight to your customer and get the right information for your organization to make the decisions needed to adjust and align the strategy the customer journey. Questions such as what initiated the decision to search for a new product, how did they find your company, how important is touching
and feeling a product before making the decision to buy, what other types of research did they do before deciding to look further into yours are great questions to help you develop your customer journey and customer experience strategy. Only one in three companies have a program in place to create a customer journey roadmap making this an incredible opportunity to have a competitive advantage for your business. Even though customer centric strategy is relatively a new method of conducting business, it won’t take long before it becomes essential to the growth and survival of your business. The consumer has the power over the brand and putting the customer first is now a requirement to achieving success in todays business environment. Companies that have a customer journey strategy in place have been able to increase sales, lower costs and retain customers making them a lot more profitable. Let your customer feel love, feel love, feel love and watch your business soar. Ralph Jimenez is a marketing professional with more than 25 years experience helping companies build their brand and help take businesses to the next level. As the head of Exclamarketing he has helped both local and multinational companies develop their brands.
Tel 305.722.7241 Ralph@exclamarketing.com
Bernie
Opinion
Navarro
Money launderers
A
use real estate, mortgage loans to do their dirty business in South Florida
little over 37 years ago, TIME magazine published its “Paradise Lost” issue, depicting South Florida as home to drugs dealers and narco-traffickers that, aside from their heinous crimes, flushed our part of the world with their dirty money and tarnished Miami’s reputation for decades. Accomplices to their nefarious endeavors were those banks who aided these criminal enterprises in hiding and legitimizing their ill-gained profits, perpetuating a fraud that destabilized our local economy and led to an inflationary environment that took Miami many years to recover from. In recent years, South Florida has been slowly and stealthy falling under the shadow of a new set of moneychangers who bring with them the same villainous intentions, this time with real estate and mortgage loans replacing what went through the banks in the 1980s. Cartels of offshore shell companies disguising themselves as legitimate entities participate in real estate transactions to circumvent U.S. Treasury and the state of Florida’s rules with an aim to launder and import dollars into the U.S. without disclosing their origination. These shadowy schemes began as a trickle but have steadily increased, promising to turn into a torrent of wrongdoing unless our elected leaders at the state and federal level commit to strengthening the legal parameters that govern the mortgage industry and oblige to enforce the laws, taking significant action against those bad actors who participate in shadow lending schemes. I applaud Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida’s senior senator, who has been a vocal leader at the federal level in bringing light to this matter. He sponsored legislation that directed the Treasury Department to strengthen the GTO that forces these shell companies to disclose their ownership structure and provide the principals’ names in an effort to curb money laundering.
The legislation would aim to expand the transaction review nationwide, not just to the more active real estate markets and while it is a step in the right direction, we simply need more. The threat posed by these schemers goes beyond the economic destabilization of an industry or a market area. The dark monies that flow through these illicit transactions could have ties to terrorism, foreign powers that seek to undermine our democracy and other bad elements will ill intents. In Florida, as our state legislators convene this month for the 2019 session, I call on our elected leaders to lead the charge in strengthening Chapter 494 of the Florida statutes, which oversee the mortgage loan industry, in order to curtail unlicensed lending. One of the side effects of this activity is money laundering. Last year some progress was made in the legislature to reduce unlicensed lending and close the “business purpose” loophole that exists in Chapter 494 of the Florida statutes, which allows these bad actors to operate. But more needs to be done! Money laundering is like a cancer that metathesizes. One of the symptoms has been runaway property values that have worsened our affordable housing crisis. We must call upon our state elected leaders to act as our voice and create the safeguards in the mortgage industry to protect our local economy. Let’s stop this shadow lending criminal element once and for all and strengthen Chapter 494 of the Florida statutes.
Published in Sun Sentinel on March 8, 2019
Bernie Navarro is founder and President of Benworth Capital Partners, a privately held real estate investment company located in Florida. He is also a Past President of the Latin Builders Association.
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 21
October Luncheon
Stronger,
More Resilient
Miami The Biltmore Hotel • Coral Gables, Florida October 26th, 2018
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez speaks to LBA Members and guests
Andy Hernandez of Turner Construction and Vicky Castro of Jackson Health Foundation
LBA Executive Director Gus Cabrera and Director Nelson Lopez
The Latin Builders Association was honored to have City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez serve as our keynote speaker for our October 2018 luncheon, held at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Speaking to over 300 members and guests, Mayor Suarez shared his vision for a stronger and more resilient Miami and his enthusiasm for the many opportunities that City of Miami offers.
LBA Director Ralph Jimenez discussed LBA membership benefits with guest
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez with LBA Directors and Coral Gables Vice Mayor Vince Lago, Miami Dade County Commissioner Xavier Suarez, Judge Bronwyn Miller and School Board Member Susie Castillo
22 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
LBA Members enjoying the cocktail networking hour prior to the October luncheon
LBA Director Guillermo Alvarez of DIAGEO with Steve Davis of Becker Poliakoff, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora and LBA Executive Director Ralph Cabrera
LBA Past President Alex Lastra with Executive Director Juan Carlos Vila and Nelson Lopez
LBA Executive Director Ralph Cabrera with Aymee Zubizarreta and LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama
School Board Member Susie Castillo with Public Health Trust’s Chairman Joe Arriola and Ed O’Dell of Jackson Health
New Member plaque presentation to Building Envelope, with LBA Director Nelson Lopez and LBA President-Elect Erick Valderrama
Rudy Bustamante with LBA Director MercieMarie Baumstark and LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama
New Member plaque presentation to John Gale of Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club, with LBA Director Nelson Lopez and LBA President-Elect Erick Valderrama
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 23
24 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 25
South Florida’s
Driving Force Downrite Engineering Corporation has been a driving force in the South Florida industry since 1982. The principals of Downrite, namely Sam and Joe LoBue, have the experience necessary to tackle any land development project. Their personal involvement and expertise assure the tasks at hand are completed correctly and timely. Downrite is capable of executing all aspects of any site development project including, but not limited to, lake excavation, fill importation, road and landscape grading, installation of pipelines for water, sewer and storm drainage systems, as well as the installation of sewage lift stations. The company also installs asphalt, curbing, sidewalk, guardrail, pavement markings and signage offering the complete package for sitework development.
D
ownrite Engineering was established in 1982 by Joseph, Sam and Joe LoBue with just a handful of employees. The LoBue family have been unwavering in the level of service they provide to their clients. Throughout these 37 years Downrite flourished steadily as it grew to meet its clients’ needs, always striving to deliver the most reliable, efficient and comprehensive service in the tricounty area.
The company has a current work force of over 550 skilled employees divided among 13 divisions, a fleet of over 250 company vehicles and more than 200 pieces of heavy equipment engaged in the day by day operations allowing Downrite to provide their clients with quality work in a minimal amount of time. The vehicles and equipment are maintained at their own Maintenance Facility, located at their center of operations which also houses a corporate office and Sign Production Shop.
Downrite’s experienced Earthwork crews excavate lakes, clear land and build roads and building pads. The Earthwork and Construction Division is managed by owner Sam LoBue and includes Paving, Signage and Striping, Concrete and Guardrail installation. Sam also oversees the Survey Division which is comprised of seven Survey crews working in the field every day. These crews, as well as the in-house survey staff, utilize the latest software and AutoCAD system to certify and produce construction drawings, thus expediting the need of their clients.
Co-owner Joe LoBue manages the Underground Utility and Electrical Divisions which focus on the installation of water, sewer and drainage piping, sewage lift stations and roadway lighting for residential and commercial sites. The foremen, superintendents and crews have been trained in trench safety and diving techniques, enabling them to safely install pipe under water and sewage pumping stations to depths of over 35 feet. Joe also oversees the Precast Division which manufactures all drainage structures used on their sites and the NPDES Division which includes sweeper trucks to keep the sites free of dust and debris and vacuum trucks used to clean the catch basins allowing them to drain properly. Following the principles set forth by the LoBue family, Downrite Engineering continues to serve some of South Florida’s most prominent developers, including Lennar Homes, CC Homes,
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 27
A fleet of over 250 company vehicles and more than 200 pieces of heavy equipment are engaged in the day by day operations Flagler Development, Terra Development, Premier Design & Build, Itasca Construction, Rycon Construction, Hernandez Construction, H&R Paving and Bridge Development. The success of Downrite would not be possible without the loyal support of their clients. The next generation of the LoBue family is now involved in the company and are in the process of learning the daily operations insuring that Downrite Engineering will remain a significant fixture in the South Florida community for years to come.
28 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
BUILDING THE FUTURE!
RETAIL PUBLIC INDUSTRIAL HOSPITALITY MULTIFAMILY HEALTHCARE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL LEED BUILDING
GENERAL CONTRACTORS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
5350 NW 77 COURT | DORAL, FL 33166 W W W. L I N K C O N S T R U C T I O N G R O U P. N E T
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 29
NEXT GEN COCKTAIL
The Wharf • Miami, Florida October 18th, 2018 The Latin Builders Association hosted its NextGen Cocktail Event at The Wharf on the Miami River, within the City of Miami. This event brought many of our Junior Directors and NextGen members together, and proved to be a vibrant networking opportunity in one of Miami’s hottest waterfront locations.
LBA Director Alec Milton and guest
LBA Staff welcomes our LBA NextGen cocktail guests
Juan Carlos Ramirez and Nina Ramirez of MNK Design Group, LBA Jr. Director Karla Damas and guest
Randy Curbelo of JLL with LBA Jr. Director Jesse Rodriguez
LBA Director Fernando Gomez with Giselle Fernandez of TD Bank, Evelyn Gonzalez and Geraldine Dominguez of Bank United
LBA Directors Fernando Gomez, Ralph Cabrera and LBA President-Elect Erick Valdarrama
Vanessa Llerena of VL Interiors and guest
Jonas Shields of Bank of the Ozarks, Jouber Olivares of TD Bank, Randy Curbelo of JLL, Jerry Menendez of TD Bank and Jr. Director Rolando Ruiz.
30 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 31
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
RON ZACAPA Rum. 40% Alc/Vol. ©Imported by The Ron Zacapa Co., Norwalk, CT.
32 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 33
The
City of Doral
is Open for Business!
The Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables, Florida December 7th, 2018
Yoly Hernandez, Xiomara Reyes and others members of the TD Bank Team
The Latin Builders Association’s Holiday Luncheon was held on Friday, December 7th at the Biltmore Hotel in the City Beautiful. Our guest speaker was the Honorable Mayor of Doral, J.C. Bermudez who spoke passionately about the many great opportunities within the City of Doral, declaring Doral open for business.
Alex Gonzalez of Mercedes Benz with Mario Hernandez of Milner
Past LBA President Lorenzo Luaces with his wife Noris Luaces and LBA Executive Director Joe Avetrani
Wendy Read and Neybis Sanchez of Christophe Garbour Real Estate
LBA Director MercieMarie Baumstark with Christine Bustamante of MagicWaste
Doral Mayor, Juan Carlos Bermudez addresses LBA members and guests
34 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
The Florida City Gas Team
Doral Mayor JC Bermudez with Past LBA President Alex Lastra
Member of the month presentation to Professional Bank, with Guillermo Alvarez and Ernie Sardo of Diageo, Maria Puig, Jaime CastaĂąo and Miguel Boscan of Professional Bank and LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama
Wilma Nazario, Rebecca Trujillo with LBA Academy Principal Jennifer Jaynes
LBA Director MercieMarie Baumstark, with Ileana Pradere and LBA Executive Director Michelle Pradere-Noriegua
Miroslav Miadenovic of M2E Consulting with LBA President Eric Montes de Oca
LBA Honorary Director Manny Rodriguez, Ralph Garcia Toledo, Doral Mayor JC Bermudez and Jessica Cabrera of the MDC Youth Fair
Nelson Roach with LBA Director Ralph Jimenez
January Luncheon
The State of your County is STRONG The Bilmore Hotel Coral Gables, Florida January 25th, 2019 The new year got off to a great start for the Latin Builders Association with our January 2019 Luncheon, which welcomed the Mayor of Miami Dade County, Carlos Gimenez as our keynote speaker. Mayor Gimenez spoke about the many accomplishments and highlights of his tenure as Mayor and declared the state of Miami Dade County as Strong.
Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez addresses the LBA members and guests
LBA Academy students networking with members and selling chocolates for their school MEMBER OF THE MONTH Rock & Dirt
Honorary Director Manny Rodriguez with President Elect Erick Valderrama
LBA President Eric Montes de Oca, Ricky Lopez of Rock & Dirt and Executive Director Gus Cabrera
LBA Guest, Wilma Nazario and LBA Director Mercimarie Baumstark
LBA Past President Lorenzo Luaces and his wife Noris
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 37
LBA Director Frank Fernandez networking with guests
Gus Barreiro of The Children’s Trust, LBA Past President Alex Lastra and LBA Director Hugo Alvarez
Steve Williamson, Director of Capital Improvements at the City of Miami and LBA President Elect Erick Valderrama
Joe Garden and Anthony Figueroa of Gil Garden Avetrani, and Stephanie Fortune
Ricky Lopez of Rock & Dirt and former Coral Gables Commissioner Ralph Cabrera
LBA Executive Director Ralph Cabrera, Aymee Zubizarreta and Bernard Zyscovich
LBA Guest, LBA President Eric Montes de Oca and LBA Director Frank Fernandez
LBA Guest and Rick Vega of Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables
38 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 39
February Luncheon The Bilmore Hotel Coral Gables, Florida February 22th, 2019
LBA Welcomes Our New
Governor
The Latin Builders Association welcomed the new Governor of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis as guest of honor for our February Luncheon. Speaking to one of our largest crowds to attend our luncheon, which included many of South Florida’s elected officials and civic leaders. Governor DeSantis thanked our directors and members for the support and endorsement provided during his campaign for Governor and shared his vision for our State. The February Luncheon’s guests were also able to hear from Carlos Migoya, CEO of our presenting sponsor Jackson Health System.
LBA President Eric Montes de Oca with Governor Ron DeSantis
New members Joe Llanes and Ed Portas of Ballast Construction
New member Top Seal Services, Corp
Governor DeSantis addresses LBA members and guests
County Commission Chairwoman Audrey Edmondson with Vice Chairwoman Rebecca Sosa, Jackson CEO Carlos Migoya and the Jackson team
LBA Director Nelson Lopez presents new member plaque to First National Bank of South Florida
New member Mobile Mini
New member Univision Local Media
Jackson Health System CEO Carlos Migoya
40 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
LBA Past President Lorenzo Luaces, with his wife Noris, LBA Past President Alex Lastra and County Commissioner Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz
Jerry Fernandez, Joseph Corey, State Representative Javier Fernandez, LBA Directors Nelson Lopez and Hugo Alvarez and City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Jade Valentini of NPC Financial and Lisa Merret of the Jose Milton Foundation New member Robins & Morton
New member Panther Concrete Pumping and Finishing, Inc.
Governor DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez meet with LBA Directors in private reception
City of Doral Councilman Pete Cabrera with Alina Garcia, Regional Manager, State of Florida Chief Financial Officer’s Office
Governor DeSantis with the Women of the LBA
LBA President Eric Montes de Oca and President Elect Erick Valderrama welcome Governor Ron Desantis
LBA Member of the Month – Unitech Builders
2019 CALENDAR Monthly Events Mar 3/22 Luncheon April 4/11 NextGen Cocktail 4/11 Legislative Breakfast 4/26 Luncheon May 5/17 Golf Classic June 6/11 Member Cocktail
July 18-21 Fishing Tournament WLBA Cocktail Aug 8/8 8/13 Member Cocktail 8/23 Luncheon Sept 9/20 Awards Gala/Proyecto Launch Oct 10/8 Member Cocktail 10/17 NextGen Cocktail 10/25 Luncheon Nov TBA WLBA Cocktail Dec 12/6 Luncheon
Member’s Only • Networking Cocktails and Roundtable Events • Next Gen Membership Networking Events • Women of the LBA Networking Events
Legislative/Industry Seminars-Quarterly
Industry Advocacy Workforce Housing
Opportunity Zones (OZ’s)
Transportation
Small Business Enterprise (SBE’s)
Local, State and Federal Industry Advocacy
State of Miami Dade County Industry Forums
To become a member contact our member services representative: lbambrserv@lbaorg.com 11093 NW 138 Street, Suite 212 Hialeah Gardens, Florida 33018 305.446.5989
42 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
LBA Director’s Spotlight
Anthony
Tony Gomez Birthplace
Miami Beach, FL
Education
Miami Dade College, AS Business Administration
Where do you work and what is your role there?
President and Co-Founder of Unitech Builders Corp.
What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
From most favorite to least favorite, please organize the following teams: Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers, Hurricanes, Heat? • Hurricanes • Heat • Dolphins • Panthers • Marlins
Favorite movie ever? The Godfather Saga
Negotiations. What I enjoy most in my field of work are negotiations because it requires the ability to think clearly and rapidly under pressure and uncertainty. You need to possess the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, while being receptive and having patience; which are some of my best qualities.
Slow dance, salsa, merengue, disco, hustle or whatever it is they dance to today?
What is your most important achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Theodore Roosevelt
My greatest and most rewarding achievement in life has been to raise my daughters to be strong, successful and independent professionals.
What kind of a kid were you?
As a kid I was very driven which in turn made me very competitive. I’ve always possessed a strong sense of leadership.
I have an appreciation for music and I enjoy it all.
Most admired personality in history? What the world needs most today?
I feel that integrity and honor have diminished in today’s society and are very much needed now as they were in the past. What you say should be taken at face value and your handshake should be as good as a contract. I think Theodore Roosevelt said it best; “I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!
Favorite place in the world? The Bahamas
Name the one thing you cannot do without The Ocean
If you could spend one afternoon with someone, who would that be and what would you do, talk about?
The one person I would love to have another afternoon with, if given the chance, would be my grandfather. He was the most important and influential male figure in my life. From a very young age he instilled in me the pride and sense of courage in what it means to be a Cuban and a Cuban-American. He did this by recounting his days fighting against the oppression of the Castro regime and never backing down from what he knew was true and right, nomatter what the obstacle in front of him, whether it be the struggles of moving to a new land not knowing the language or facing the political prisons and firing squads of the Castro regime. He was a man of great character and morals who I draw strength from whenever I face hardship in my life.
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 43
LBA Director’s Spotlight
Maria Barbara
Mendez Birthplace
Pinar del Rio, Cuba
Education
Masters in Business Administration from Florida International University with a Specialization in Marketing. Licensed Realtor with the Miami Association of Realtors.
Where do you work and what is your role there
Cornerstone Group, Vice President, Development and Finance.
What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
First and foremost, I love being able to help others. One example, is being able to provide affordable housing to families with low to extremely low incomes. I am proud of the product we build and keep long term. Besides having the joy of helping others, I also enjoy the entire process of Real Estate Development from Land Acquisition, design, financing, construction, etc., to the moment the residents move-in to their new homes. Each stage has its own beauty and excitement.
What is your most important achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Professionally, it is hard to narrow it down to “one achievement to date.” I believe there has been a multitude of achievements that have helped me grow as a person and professional. In
an effort to answer the question, I would say that persistence and kindness has allowed me to achieve the approval and completion of projects when most people have told me that it would be completely impossible to accomplish a positive outcome. I have been able to analyze those situations and come up with the best plan of action that becomes a successful project. In my personal life, my most important achievement to date has been to earn my MBA. After my father passed away, 11 years ago, I became the HOH and I was going to school while working full time. There were a lot of sacrifices I had to make in order to earn my degree. When I felt I was too tired, I would remember the wise words of my father “la educación es el tesoro mas grande que te puedo dejar porque nadie te lo puede quitar.” I was blessed to have family members, friends and an employer that supported me and helped me through the process of accomplishing my goal.
What kind of a kid were you? The sweetheart.
From most favorite to least favorite, please organize the following teams: Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers, Hurricanes, Heat?
There is a tie between the Marlins and the Heat as number one. Then, Hurricanes, Dolphins, and Panthers.
Favorite movie ever?
There are a lot of movies I like, one of my favorite movies is “Ghost.”
Slow dance, salsa, merengue, disco, hustle or whatever it is they dance to today?
I love to dance! Let them play it and I’ll be on the dance floor.
Most admired personality in history? Mother Teresa.
What the world needs most today? Love.
Favorite place in the world?
Although I enjoy traveling a lot, my favorite place in the world is home.
Name the one thing you cannot do without Family and Friends.
If you could spend one afternoon with someone, who would that be and what would you do, talk about?
My father. I would hug him, kiss him and talk about life in general.
LBAACADEMY BUSINESS, MARKETING CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING GRADES 9th - 12th
L LE EAR AD NI ING NG TO TOD MO AY RR OW
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ACADEMY • Engineering Technology • Civil Engineering Aide
BUSINESS ACADEMY • International Business • Entrepreneurship • Business Supervision and Management
MARKETING ACADEMY • Marketing • Web Design • International Marketing
LBA ACADEMY 11093 NW 138th St., Suite 207 Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018
Jennifer Jaynes Principal
305.822.8455 LBAACADEMY.ORG
` Opportunity Zones Investment Tax Incentives
` Review of repairs and capitalization methods
` Joint venture and operating agreement structuring
` Job profitability, cost control and break-even analysis
` Federal and state tax credits, incentives and deductions ` Cost segregation studies ` Strategic tax planning ` Project cash flow and profitability analysis
` Licensing and insurance requirements ` Bonding and surety relationships
46 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
Fishing Challenge
July 18 - July 21, 2019 PLAYA LARGO RESORT & SPA 97450 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
www.lbaorg.com
For more information, please contact LBA staff at 305.446.5989 or events@lbaorg.com
Providing white glove service and customized insurance options to the rapidly changing construction industry
10689 N Kendall Dr. Suite 208 Miami, FL 33176 305-630-4777 info@ggaig.com
www.ggaig.com
48 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
ADVERTISER INDEX
ADVERTISING SALES Latin Builders Association® Ilean Polverine 305.446.5989 ipolverine@lbaorg.com
B:9” T:8.75” S:8”
We are a cutting-edge company
Come with us into the future. Tu Visión. Nuestra Tecnología.
22ndAnnual
specialized in the design and manufacturing of windows and doors for residential and commercial use.
LATIN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
TOURNAMENT T:12”
S:11.25”
B:12.25”
BENEFITING THE LBA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION We offer our products and services in South Florida and the Caribbean. Single Hung Windows Horizontal Slider Picture Windows
Casement Windows French Doors Sliding Glass Doors
Storefronts Commercial Doors Curtain Walls
Friday, May 17th, 2019 Powering the home, city, and workplace of the future.
10/10 000 From any given harvest, the average number of eaux-de-vie with the potential to one day join this blend are a rare few: only 10 out of 10 000. Selection is not only a science. It is an art.
305.470.8284
8120 NW 84th Street, Miami, FL 33166
sales@mrglasswindows.com www.mrglasswindows.com
2 Mr-Glass
The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33145
• First with 10 Gig residential service in 2016 • First all-fiber network in Florida • Consistently ranked first by Netflix as the fastest Internet Service Provider in the U.S.
hotwirecommunications.com
MADE OF PRECISION
www.lbaorg.com For RSVP or more information, please contact LBA staff at 305.446.5989 or events@lbaorg.com
800-40-WIRED Service not available in all areas, speak to a Representative for details. Hotwire Communication and Fision are registered trademarks of Hotwire Communications, Ltd. All rights reserved. © 2018
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Imported Cognac Hennessy®, 40% Alc./Vol. (80˚). ©2018 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY. HENNESSY is a registered trademark.
3 LBA Golf Tournament
4 Hennessy HENNESSY
Client:
HENN9342_AD1_M01.indd
Fonts: Hennessy Sans (Regular), Gotham (Bold, Book)
Job info:
Ad1
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Images: K_V.tif (CMYK; 932 ppi; 32.18%), HENN_Paradis_Imp_KO_rm.eps (85.73%)
Specs:
9 Marin & Sons
Saved at: 12-19-2017 11:18 AM Printed at None
Desc: HENN9342 - 2018 PXI Proyecto Ad
Next Step: Incorp. Changes PDF (Press Ready, PDFx1a, Client Friendly)
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BUILDING THE FUTURE!
RETAIL PUBLIC INDUSTRIAL HOSPITALITY MULTIFAMILY HEALTHCARE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL LEED BUILDING
GENERAL CONTRACTORS CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
5350 NW 77 COURT | DORAL, FL 33166 W W W. L I N K C O N S T R U C T I O N G R O U P. N E T PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
23 Odyssey
28 Link Construction 2019 - 8.75x12 Ad_FINAL.indd 1
3/14/2019 9:31:33 AM
30 A&A Power
RON ZACAPA Rum. 40% Alc/Vol. ©Imported by The Ron Zacapa Co., Norwalk, CT.
31 Zacapa
Generator
Fishing Challenge
` Opportunity Zones Investment Tax Incentives
` Review of repairs and capitalization methods
` Joint venture and operating agreement structuring
` Job profitability, cost control and break-even analysis
` Federal and state tax credits, incentives and deductions ` Cost segregation studies ` Strategic tax planning
July 18 - July 21, 2019
` Licensing and insurance requirements
PLAYA LARGO RESORT & SPA 97450 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
` Bonding and surety relationships
` Project cash flow and profitability analysis
www.lbaorg.com
35 BetterWaste
38 Gables Cigars
All County Processing
A financial relationship you can trust. Now, more than ever, you need a bank that stands beside you. TD Bank helps you make the most of every opportunity. We are the partner you are looking for, providing you with experience, guidance, and smart solutions that position you and your business for success. • Loans and lines of credit • Cash management services • Commercial checking choices
For a higher level of personal service, contact tdbank.com/commercialbanking or call Pablo Pino, Market President, at 305-441-5633.
TD Bank, N.A. | Loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender
47 Gil Garden Avetrani
52 TD Bank
45 Cherry Bekaert
For more information, please contact LBA staff at 305.446.5989 or events@lbaorg.com
46 LBA Fishing
Tournament
32 KettelOne
NOT AN LBA MEMBER? What are you waiting for? Membership in the LBA has many benefits to help you and your business grow • The #1 networking organization in Miami Dade. • One of the most relevant associations in Florida. • Home of the "MUST BE AT" Monthly networking luncheon for the last 44 years.-featuring the most dynamic speakers in the region. • Quarterly networking cocktails. • Quarterly Legislative breakfast. • Monthly LBA Educational Series breakfast. • Annual Fishing Challenge, Golf Tournament and Awards luncheon. • Founded the first business charter high school started by a business association in the United States. • Opportunity to appear and advertise in Proyecto Magazine
Latin Builders Association lbambrserv@lbaorg.com 305.446.5989 11093 NW 138 Street #212 Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018 www.lbaorg.com
JOIN NOW!
50 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
in the
News
NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, EVENTS AND OTHER COMPANY NEWS? Please send press releases and digital photos with identification to lbambrserv@lbaorg.com Make sure to specify it is for the in the news section
Link Construction Group along with Miami-Dade Schools superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, School Board member Lubby Navarro, elected officials, community partners, district administrators, school staff and students gathered Jan. 31 to unveil officially the new General Obligation Bond (GOB) construction project at Kendall Square K-8 Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Link completed the $14.3 million Phase I, which included $10 million in GOB funds. The new school was based on a prototypical reuse, which resulted in time and cost efficiencies. The project, the K-5 portion of what will eventually grow to a full K-8, includes a 58,765-square-foot, two-story school campus housing 750 student stations, with general classrooms, labs, media production lab, digital iTV, kitchen and dining areas, music lab and performance platform, administration area, parent and bus drop off, PE shelter, primary and Kindergarten play areas, and hardcourts. In other news related with Link Construction Group, the construction for the future home of Costex Tractor Parts (CTP) officially begins. We were honored to have in attendance for this incredible occasion the Lieutenant Governor of Florida Jeanette Nunéz, Miami Dade County Commissioner for District 12, Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz, the Mayor for the city of Doral, Juan Carlos Bermudez, several team members from CTP’s lender, numerous CTP employees, family, friends, and business partners. The new building will have 3 floors of office space totaling 90,000 sq. ft. and 2 floors of warehouse space consisting of approximately 380,000 sq. ft. The development will allow the company to consolidate and improve its existing operations. It is expected to be completed in 18 months.
Congratulations to long time friend and Past President of the LBA Charlie Martinez for being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board.
Congatulations to Ms. Jennifer Jaynes, LBA Academy Principal, she is the winner of the 2019 Leonard Miller
Principal Leadership Award! She attended the Luncheon at MDC North Campus hosted by the Council for Educational Change. Ms. Jaynes is very involved with students and ensures that all graduating seniors have a plan for college. Thank you Ms. Jaynes for all your hard work and dedication to the LBA family. You are a valued leader of our team and community!
2019 winterspring | PROYECTO | 51
Congratulations
to Vanessa Vila for opening her Non Profit Organization Our Grounds Since I can remember, my passion has always been helping others. First as a teacher and now as an occupational therapist, I have worked with special needs children, adolescents and adults for over 12 years. More recently, working in the ďŹ eld with transitioning adults opened my eyes to the enormous need there is in our community for employment and training opportunities for adults with disabilities. This realization inspired my idea for Our Grounds. Our mission is to not only employ and train adults with special needs, but also inspire our community members to do the same. Together we can make a diference. Vanessa Vila, Founder
LBA Throwback...
way back
Noelia Moreno, It’s All About the U
52 | PROYECTO | winterspring 2019
A financial relationship you can trust. Now, more than ever, you need a bank that stands beside you. TD Bank helps you make the most of every opportunity. We are the partner you are looking for, providing you with experience, guidance, and smart solutions that position you and your business for success. • Loans and lines of credit • Cash management services • Commercial checking choices
For a higher level of personal service, contact tdbank.com/commercialbanking or call Pablo Pino, Market President, at 305-441-5633.
TD Bank, N.A. | Loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender