Award-Winning 40,000 Sq. Ft. SkyPalace OasisTM Recreation Deck

SHOWCASE SALES CENTERON MILLIONAIRE’S ROW800 BRICKELL AVE. SUITE 201MIAMI FL. 33131

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901 S. MIAMI AVE. SUITE 211MIAMI FL. 33130

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Artist’s conceptual rendering.

Award-Winning 40,000 Sq. Ft. SkyPalace OasisTM Recreation Deck

On the CoverPH O T O G R A P H Y: K I KO R I CO T E

HA I R & M A K E U P TO U C H - U P S: TR I N I , A S S I S T E D BY

CH R I S T I A N VA R A S US I N G CO U L EU R C A R A M E L F O R

TR I N I I N PR I VAT E BR I C K E L L & DA N I E L A VI E I R A W I T H

EN D L E S S G L A M O U R

L O C AT I O N: K I KO R ST U D I O; FO R BO O K I N G S, V I S I T

K I KO R .CO M

DEPARTMENTS

18 Editor’s Memo

20 President’s Brief

22 Success

34 Entrepreneur

FEATURES

49 Top 20 Under 40Meet the men and women we believe are poised to become the future of business in Brickell.

Top

Professionals Under Forty

76 Goal GettersFind out what it takes to set yourself apart from the competition today, tomorrow and forever.

42 Need For SpeedTake a spin in an exotic ride with Miami Drive Club and find out why you need to sign up stat.

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“People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” — Earl Nightingale

BRICKELL MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2010

36 Downtown TurnaroundDiscover how Downtown Miami and Brickell have transformed into a 24/7 metropolis for all ages.

Contents

82 Spaces

90 Diversions

100 Encounters

66 Legalwise

60 Fair FlairGet ready to indulge in hearty and healthy cuisine at Canyon Ranch Grill in Miami Beach.

98 Successory

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DOWNTOWN TURNAROUNDUrbanites, rejoice! After decades of dark, desolate nights, Downtown Miami is finally turning into the 24/7 business, residential and entertainment hub locals who work, live and play in the heart of The Magic City have been awaiting.

TEXT BY LUISIANA SUEGART

Cityscape

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W hen the City of Miami unveiled its new logo sans the “O’s” for Dowtown, editors, proofreaders and English teachers around the nation were up in arms. Blogs had a field

day and the headlines practically wrote themselves. In a city often criticized for putting brawn and beauty over brains, it was an ironic choice, to say the least. But a few short years later, something seems to have worked.

Today, “DWNTWN” and Brickell have transformed into a safe, pedestrian-friendly epicenter for residences, shops, restaurants and nightlife establishments. Under the direction of Executive Director Alyce Robertson, the Miami Downtown Development Authority is making sure that the environment meets the needs of the residents of the newly occupied condos, and of the professionals commuting to the area on a daily basis, especially as both crowds increasingly come together.

Earlier this year, a study by Goodkin Consulting/Focus Real Estate Advisors found that Downtown Miami’s residential occupancy rate swelled to 74%, reflecting a 20% increase over the rate reported in Summer 2009. The news comes after the economic downpour created a skyline of seemingly abandoned hi-rises that are now boasting lit windows and bustling interiors. That’s because the recession’s aftermath has resulted in affordable living spaces, therefore creating a “newfound sense of community” in Downtown Miami, according to Robertson. “That vibrancy is paying huge

dividends for our residential and retail markets,” she says, particularly as more young professionals are drawn to the area. The numbers speak for themselves: To date, 68% of the 22,079 condo units completed since 2003 have been sold.

“It was natural that with the lowering of prices, youngsters would be the ones to bring vibrancy and life to Downtown in an unforeseen manner, and it’s exciting to have people ages 25-45 revitalize the city,” says City Commissioner and Chair of the Miami DDA, Marc Sarnoff. “They are the pioneers behind this.”

With these rates on the rise, the Miami DDA is working alongside the city’s public and private sectors to fill in the much-needed missing pieces. For example, the Brickell Biscayne Trolley System is scheduled to start running in August of this year. To create a more efficient and convenient transportation system, the trolley will head north and south along Biscayne Boulevard every 15 minutes, so one could park their car at the south end and reach the northern sector in minutes.

In addition, the Miami DDA has worked with the police department to bring in more services, while a downtown enhancement team recruits the formerly homeless to pick up litter and take care of graffiti.

A surge of young professionals has transformed Downtown Miami and Brickell into one of the most vibrant and entertaining city centres in South Florida complete with daytime and nighttime activities.

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stores, Churchill’s Barber Shop, and co-owner of Tre Italian Bistro, Goyanes says he liked the vibe in Downtown even way back when it ran on a 9 to 5 schedule. “The area has completely evolved. There are restaurants and businesses catering to the U.S. consumer, not so much to the tourist,” he says, using his own businesses as an example. “Over the last 8 months, our advertisements are directed toward locals who come in on weekends. As for the restaurant, we really can’t complain. During the rough economy, we’ve been able to not only survive, but also move forward and grow our business.”

While the Miami DDA offers support to business owners wanting to set up shop in the area, Goyanes’ success and that of the other booming businesses in the area is due largely in part to the residents taking full advantage of the diverse amenities the area has to offer, such as the Concert Series and Film Festival, both of which were created to celebrate the urban lifestyle preferred by its residents.

Perhaps resident Andres del Corral sums it up best. As a successful young real estate professional, he was the first tenant ever to move into the Met 1 two years ago. Since then, he’s witnessed the livelihood that has permeated the area, welcoming new neighbors and kicking back in the city. “It’s the only area I recommend to my clients,” he says. “Safety isn’t even a concern anymore, as there’s a lot of activity out on the street. North or south, once I step out of my building, I’m happy walking either way.”

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So far, so good. Once lined with old, tired shrubbery, Brickell and South Miami Avenues now feature more trees and vibrant landscaping, and as a result, improved walkability. Simultaneously, a dog park is in the works, with the Miami DDA looking into the Loft Downtown condos to bring it to fruition. “All of downtown is very much alive and you see it when you’re out on the street in the early evening,” says Neisen Kasdin, Vice Chair of Miami DDA and former mayor of Miami Beach in the ‘90s. He is recognized as a driving force behind South Beach and Lincoln Road’s renaissance. “People are jogging and walking their dogs,” he says. “It’s a very vibrant urban scene.”

Kasdin has gone as far as dubbing Flagler the “new Lincoln Road” for the promising revival of its economic activity. “We will see hip, independent boutiques open their doors here, along with a growing nightlife scene,” he says. “As they succeed, Flagler will redefine itself.”

The population boom is unquestionably contributing to the growth of businesses in the area. In fact, a recent Integra Realty Resources survey of the 50-largest central business districts in the U.S. showed that Downtown Miami’s retail vacancy rate is among the five lowest in the nation at 5.06%. “Traditionally, retail follows rooftops. We have more balconies than rooftops, but we also had 42 net businesses open and stay open in 2009,” says Robertson. “There are a lot of new and interesting places that people are exploring as they work toward a true 24/7 city.”

Business owner and Board Member of the Miami DDA Jose Goyanes is among the pioneers bringing new dimensions to Downtown Miami. As the founder of Metro Beauty Center

No longer a strictly 9 to 5 area, Downtown Miami and Brickell have become one of the preferred destinations for locals and tourists alike everyday of the week, morning, noon and night.

Isos Stamelos-Monroe, 30VP of Sales, SkyPalace at Mary Brickell Village &Managing Broker, Skyline Realty International, LLC; SkyPalace.com; SkylineRealtyInternational.comIsos Stamelos-Monroe has a passion for sales, communications, networking and learning. “Knowledge is power,” he says. “I’m constantly studying the market and analyzing our industry so I can properly equip my sales agents and clients with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions. This is one of the main elements that drives our success in sales in our current luxury residential development: SkyPalace at Mary Brickell Village.”

Shareese Logan, 31Licensed Esthetician

The Miami Institute for Age Management & InterventionMiami-Institute.com

At age 13, while most other girls were worried about school and boys, Shareese Logan was giving herself facials. “When I was a teenager I struggled with acne

and became determined to learn about skincare,” she says “Eventually, my passion turned into a gift that I feel blessed to be able to share with the world.” Today, she is the reigning “Best Facial” titleholder for Allure. She’s held the title for two consecutive years. “I also have a large following in the Brickell area for

eyebrow shaping and make-application,” she says.

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Florencia Rotemberg, 39General Manager JW Marriott Hotel MiamiMarriott.comWhen she’d travel with her parents as a little girl, Florencia Rotemberg dreamed of one day working in a hotel. Today, she’s one of the most recognized GMs in The Magic City. “My favorite part of the job is surpassing each guest’s expectations,” she says. “In Miami you get so many visitors from all over the world that it’s always a welcomed challenge to make sure their every wish is met,” she says. “I love interacting with all different types of people throughout the day and making sure their stay is unforgettable!”

Hernan E. Quintero D.D.S., 32Doctor in Dental SurgeryHQ Dontics Dental CentreHQdontics.comIf you need to put a smile on your face, you may want to visit Dr. Hernan E. Quintero.

“My practice focuses in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of severely worn

or damaged dentition — from the simplest cases to the most complex

ones,” he says. “We specialize in dental implants, esthetic, reconstructive dentistry. Hygiene and maintenance are

also a part of our daily practice.” As a child, he always wanted to

be a plastic surgeon. “I ended up being a prosthodontist, a plastic surgeon of teeth and smiles.”

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Tony Vu, 37University TreasurerFlorida International UniversityFIU.eduWhen he was in 7th Grade, Tony Vu wrote a paper on the stock market. He’s

been hooked ever since! Today, he manages all of FIU’s banking and investment relationships. “The premise of making money with money is a fundamentally non-intuitive concept,” he says. “Add to this the overarching lesson of fi nance — that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow — and how could I not want to know and understand the world of fi nance? Or maybe I’m just a geek!”

Jennifer Taylor, 28Account Manager Esprit Miami, Inc.EspritMiami.comRoses are red, violets are blue. Right? Not quite. At least not when Jennifer Taylor is concerned. She sells fl owers for a living to giant companies. “Most people don’t realize how many different types of fl owers and rose varieties that actually exist” she says. “Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment in the fl oral industry!” Today, she applies her experience to help spaces in Brickell and beyond come to life — and smell fl ower-fresh all year long!

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Marcelo Borrelli, 35Financial Advisor, 2nd VP of

Investments & Financial Planning Specialist

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLCMorganStanleySmithBarney.com

Dedication is something that Marcelo Borrelli takes very seriously, and

with clients like his, it’s a prerequisite. “Throughout my career, I’ve met a lot

of very smart individuals with really interesting stories of success,” he says. “I

thrive on advising them on ways to put their fi nancial assets to good use.” When

he’s not crunching numbers, he’s munching at Segafredo, Novecento, Perricone’s or

anywhere else that lures him in when he’s off the clock. “I like to try different

places to keep it interesting,” he says.

Karine Melissa, 31CEO Fashion Designers Expo & Kimaje’ Kreations, Inc. FashionDesignersExpo.comKimajeKreationsInc.comAs a child, Karine Melissa used to blast her father’s Pointer Sisters albums while jumping up and down to “I’m So Excited” and singing at the top of her lungs. “I wanted to be the best singer in the world so that I could make people feel good,” she says. “Today, I take all that energy and put it into another passion of mine: fashion!” And she welcomes any obstacles that come her way. “My secret to success is to always remain determined and dedicated while dreaming big, no matter what the challenges,” she says.

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Amy E. Adorno, 36Partner & Attorney at Adorno, Damas & AssociatesAdornoDamasLaw.comWhether she’s working on a professional athlete’s divorce case or handling a traffi c citation, Amy E. Adorno gives the same amount of attention to each case she takes on. “I always try to put myself in the shoes of my clients,” she says.

“Every client expects their case to be top priority.” But her favorite role is as peacemaker. “I started out majoring in psychology in college before obtaining my law degree,” she says. “Today, I rely on my experience with psychology to help mediate problems that may arise.”

Mike Butler, 35Architectural PhotographerMike-Butler.comWhen it comes to capturing the essence of a space, Mike Butler does it like no one else. “My career sort of lifted up around me like a mirage,” he says. “I thrive on continually evolving my craft and techniques so I can keep on effectively showcasing spaces and selling ideas — no matter where in the world my clients require me to go!”

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Lissette Gonzalez, 33Weather AnchorCBS4.comJust like the weather she predicts every morning in South Florida, Lissette Gonzalez is full of surprises. She’s been Miss Miami, Miss Florida and was 2nd runner-up to Miss America. She can also sing, dance, act, host and improvise at a moment’s notice. “Not much has changed about my drive and determination since I was a kid,” she says.

“Except that now as an adult I make sure to

double-up on Cuban coffee!”

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Sebastian Acosta, 34Short Sale InvestorNational Housing Help, a subsidiary of Venture Realty NFLNationalHousingHelp.org“The biggest pride I get comes when I help a homeowner avoid a defi ciency judgment from the bank and a foreclosure mark on their credit report,” says Sebastian Acosta. When it comes to short sales, National Housing Help is the best. “We have automated all our processes with very powerful software systems that bring our response times down to 3 weeks instead of the usual 6-9 months”. He’s so good at what he does, in fact, that he authored a best-selling book entitled Make Millions with Foreclosures & Short Sales and is a nationwide speaker on the subject of pre-foreclosure investing and real estate funds.

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Tania Paredes, 33LCSW, DCSWTania Paredes, Inc.TaniaParedes.comTania Paredes is in the business of helping people realize their full potential. And she loves every minute of it! “It doesn’t get better than what I do,” she says. “There’s nothing like being a key part of helping people achieve their goals while they transform into a better, stronger and healthier version of themselves.”

Johnny Bosche, 30Founder & CEOAlfonia & NeverRoamAlfonia.com; NeverRoam.comWhen Johnny Bosche’s partner called him to say Google had made an offer to purchase one of their companies, he couldn’t believe it . “After calling him back with no answer, I texted him asking if it was a post-April Fool’s joke,” he says. “It was, and I’m glad!” But it’s no wonder he took the prank seriously. When it comes to telecommunications,

Alfonia and NeverRoam are breaking bad

international calling habits and saving their clients lots of money. “We aim to make the world smaller one call at a time,” he says.

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Andi Dyal, 27Partner at Anje SoireesAnjeSoirees.comDrama is something that Andi Dyal thrives on. “I used to want to star on All My Children until I realized my true calling was in event planning,” she says. “My favorite part of the job is watching my vision unfold while taking advantage of the incredibly glamorous lifestyle that comes along with being out and about all the time!”

Dallas Foster, 32CEO & President

Metropolitan Lifestyle

TheMetroLifestyle.comDallas Foster’s life is fi lled with

parties, trends, top brands and VIP memories. And he gets paid

to do it. Brickell is a perfect place for him to shine, dine, drink and

network. “If you want the inside scoop, you’re going to have to catch

me,” he says. “Every new experience seems to trump the last, and I guess

that’s what makes me good at what I do!”

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Tiana Kai Madera, 29Realtor-Associate

Fortune International RealtyKariMadera.com

Looking for your dream home? Look no further than Tiana Kai Madera. “I pride myself on fi nding the ideal investment property that will work best for each client,” she says. “I coordinate all aspects of the deal and go above and beyond just showing property and signing contracts. It can be a very personal decision in someone’s life, so I always focus on the client, not the closing.”

Alejandro Brito, 38Franchise AttorneyZarco Einhorn Salkowski & Brito, P.A.ZarcoLaw.comHe stands a tall 6’3”, and grew up wanting to be a professional basketball player. Then he caught the entrepreneur bug and hasn’t looked back since. “I always knew I wanted to run my own business,” he says. “I use that passion for entrepreneurship in my current law practice by attempting to empower my clients to run their franchise businesses in a successful and profi table way.”

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Whitney Ditlow, 23Financial Representative

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

NMFN.comIf you’re looking for ways to align your spending habits with your fi nancial goals, Whitney Ditlow is happy to help. “My

favorite part of the job is building genuine relationships with my clients,” she says. “You eventually get to know them and their families very well; they will send pictures and share

exciting news, so it becomes not only a professional business relationship but a friendship, too!”

Esteban Kadamani, 27President of Infinite Group, Inc.: Infinite Windows, Infinite Green Innovations& Infinite BuildersInfitineWindowsLLC.comEsteban Kadamani never let his age get in his way. “I had to take on the role of a businessman at a very early age,” he says. “I overcame all the challenges by focusing on my goals and paving my own path.” And his drive to be the best stems from a competitive childhood. “I grew up playing tennis, competing in tournaments, training 3 hours a day to be #1,” he says. “I don’t ever settle for 2nd Place!”

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