What first got you into the auto retail business?
I always had a passion for automobiles; they are fluent in their beauty, style, progression and are exhilarating. Because automobiles are a necessity in virtually everyone’s life, I saw so much potential in this industry and I firmly believed I could create excitement and bring back pleasure into the buying experience. I started working at a dealership in December of 1981 while attending college and in pursuit of a business degree. I worked at that same dealership group for almost 20 years, approaching everyday with excitement and energy, and working in every facet of management positions -- Vice President, President, CEO and COO, working with Honda, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Rolls Royce. In 2001, I left and acquired my own GMC, Pontiac, and Honda franchises.

When did you buy your first dealership?
I purchased my first dealership in May of 2001. I started with three employees and grew it to its present number of 107; it went from $18 million in revenue to a jump in excess of $80 million in just over five years. Brickell Motors became the number one Pontiac dealership in Miami and won the prestigious GM Mark of Excellence award four years in a row. Our Honda division showed rapid growth and gains in the south Florida Honda market share, and it continues to experience double digit increases putting it in the running for Honda’s Presidential Award.

Who was the biggest influence in your career?
The biggest influence in my career is my parents who taught me to work hard and work smart in furtherance of whatever goal I set. My father, particularly, was a diligent man that sacrificed a great deal to provide for my family when we came to this country from the communism of Cuba. He gave me the chance to grow up in a nation where dreams are a reality and where effort and hard work are rewarded. There are also several influential businessmen that have helped guide me. Two that have played an important role are Mr. Norman Braman, who gave me the great opportunity to work for his organization and to later become his partner, and the other is Mr. Richard Colliver, Executive Vice-President of American Honda. They helped me recognize that people who put 100% effort into their career and maintain a positive attitude can have the world in their hands. Most importantly, they helped me formulate my mantra -- that persistence can remove resistance!

How are you active in your local community?
I believe we all can contribute to the betterment of our community and country. As a business owner, I consider it my civic duty to be even more involved in my community. Whether at the local, state or federal government level, it is imperative to be involved and that is a responsibility I take very seriously. In addition, I am active in several different organizations, including the Miami Children Hospital, Legatus, Touching Miami With Love, Saint Thomas University and the Make A Wish Foundation. Still, I am most fond and proud of my involvement and commitment to the Camillus House, an organization that offers the homeless in Miami a chance to get back on their feet by providing them with accommodations for food and shelter, as well as other essential resources.

When did you first get involved with AIADA and why?
I fist got involved in the AIADA in the early 1990’s. I felt it was the only true organization that represented the international (foreign) dealer’s interest as it helped shape and improve the perception and understanding between the value the dealer’s bring to our community, to our state, and to our government. I recognized that AIADA served as a great conduit to government officials for purposes of informing and educating them of the concerns and needs of dealers.