Florist to the stars Roberto Gonzalez rose to fame by creating floral arrangements for Oprah Winfrey. He was at Harpo Studios for four years before branching out on his own with Robert James Events, designing flowers for Jennifer Hudson, Barbara Walters, Shania Twain and President Obama. “Since I was little kid in Venezuela, I knew I wanted to do something creative,” Roberto explains from his Chicago-based headquarters. “We lived behind a flower shop, and I would go there to play and help.” He remembers loving the smell of the fresh blooms as he walked through the shop’s back door. At 14, he got a job at an event firm that specialized in kids’ birthday parties. “I worked there for free until I got really good and they hired me.” Then at 18, with help from his mother, he opened his own event firm that also specialized in kids’ events. “Owning a business was a lot harder than I realized,” he reflects. “So much goes into running and maintaining a successful company and it’s important to love every facet of it. I enjoyed creating events but not for children. I wanted to do more sophisticated, elaborate parties.”

When Roberto left Venezuela for the USA, he landed first in Orlando, then Manhattan, then finally, in Chicago. He realized the path to grander events meant strengthening a skill he had developed at the shop behind his house. He obtained his accreditation in floral design at American Institute of Floral Design. Upon graduation, he opened his first company, Roberto G Chicago. Within the first year, his lush and luxuriant designs for social events and weddings caught the eye of Ms. Winfrey. She invited him to work at Harpo Studios. Oprah’s stamp of approval led to more celebrity clients. Soon, Roberto was accruing an incredibly influential clientele including the most powerful man in the world. “Designing the floral pieces for President Obama’s birthday was probably the highlight of my career,” he says. “On a personal level, working with Julia Roberts was also special. I’m a huge fan of the Pretty Woman.” His most recent project was creating all the floral for the movie Joyful Noise with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifa. Whether designing florals for a movie or event, it all begins with the initial client consultation, Roberto’s favorite part of the process. He has his clients close their eyes, pick a location and dream up their wildest ideas. Then he works with them to brainstorm the most efficient and effective path to bringing their ideas to fruition. It’s important client’s set a budget, draft a guest list and figure out their highest priorities.

“The biggest mistake people make in their floral design is underestimating the cost of flowers, using off season blossoms and getting hung up on Pinterest,” he says. After the consultation, Roberto builds a mockup, mapping out the tables, linens, flatware, stemware, lighting and flowers that will work best. Then it’s his job to bring it all to life, collaborating with all the vendors on the day of the event. “The best moment for me is when guests walk into the event with a ‘Wow! I have never seen this before!’ expression on their face. It’s an extraordinary feeling of accomplishment to know your creation can whisk guests to new heights, with sights and scents they will not soon forget.” In addition to his design work, Roberto is a body builder and regularly competes in fitness shows. As he laughingly says, "I think I’m giving new definition to the idea of flower power!"

ROBERTO GONZALEZ 

P: 773-454-4080

www.robertogonzalezflowers.com 

IG@robertogonzalezflowrs

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Faye Friedman has dedicated more than 20 years to the health and wellness field, helping clients of all ages feel stronger, healthier, and more at home in their bodies. After having four children, Faye began searching for ways to lose weight, gain strength, and reshape her body. She turned to running, weightlifting, and cleaning up her diet, becoming the fittest she had ever been. That personal transformation has led her to consistently look for ways to help her clients—through movement (including flexibility, balance, and strength), nutrition, lifestyle coaching, and guiding clients through seasonal detoxes and cleanses in both group and private settings.  

Over the years, Faye has earned certifications in more than a dozen modalities of fitness, including becoming a 500-hour yoga instructor, Health & Wellness Coach, Senior Fitness Specialist, and personal trainer. It was during her yoga teacher training that she discovered the deeper mind–body connection—a realization that reshaped her approach and continues to influence the individualized programs she designs for her clients.  

After turning 50 and going through her own changes, Faye quickly realized that her routine needed to evolve—including the way she moves, eats, and lives her life. This personal shift inspired her passion for guiding women over 40 who are navigating similar transitions. Drawing on her wide range of certifications and experience, she creates individualized programs that meet each client where they are—whether it’s a woman over 40 adapting to new changes, a senior building balance and strength, or anyone looking to feel healthier and more energized in their daily life.  

Email: perelisfaye@gmail.com  

Phone: 305-528-7866  

Website: www.fayesway.com  

Instagram: @fayesway_ 

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BroadMAX Networks is a comprehensive technology provider based in South Florida, specifically serving the areas of West Palm Beach, Broward County, and Dade County (Doral/Miami). Established in 2007, the company has built a reputation for its commitment to "Connecting the Unconnected" across the region. The services offered by BroadMAX include managed IT, internet service provision (ISP), cybersecurity, telecommunications, cloud solutions, data center services, and specialized services for homeowners’ associations (HOAs). They emphasize customer satisfaction with a "no small print" guarantee and 24/7 monitoring to ensure that clients receive prompt and reliable support.

A key aspect of BroadMAX's operations is its focus on managed IT services, particularly for businesses in Miami. The company promises an impressive average response time of just 3.5 minutes for support requests, with a commitment to respond within 15 minutes or less. This dedication to quick response times is paired with continuous network monitoring throughout the year, which underscores their proactive approach to IT management. Their support is designed to be accessible, providing explanations in plain English to ensure that clients at all technical levels can understand and benefit from the services.

BroadMAX Networks also highlights its recent merger, which has expanded the company's resources and capabilities. This strategic partnership allows BroadMAX to enhance its service offerings, ensuring that customers have access to cutting-edge technology solutions and support. Their history of growth and adaptation in the technology field reflects their commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and customer needs.

Ramon L. Garcia is the Chief Executive Officer and President of BroadMAX Networks, a position he has held since December 2021. In this role, he is responsible for shaping the company's strategic vision and overseeing its operations across various sectors, including managed IT services, Internet solutions, cybersecurity, and security offerings, particularly in the South Florida region. Under his leadership, BroadMAX is focused on driving growth and enhancing service delivery to meet the evolving needs of business clients.

With extensive experience in the technology and telecommunications industries, Ramon has cultivated a strong background in developing strategic technology initiatives and optimizing operational efficiency. His expertise allows him to effectively scale service delivery, ensuring that BroadMAX remains competitive and responsive in a rapidly changing market. He is known for his ability to align technological solutions with business goals, ultimately enhancing client satisfaction and engagement.

 

Before his tenure at BroadMAX, Ramon held significant positions that contributed to his broad skill set. He served as on several consulting and leadership/advisory roles with organizations such as the United Nations, Lennar, VA Hospitals in both South Florida and New Orleans, various municipalities in Florida, Original Impressions, Chanel, Univisión, GiftCertificates.com, Frederic Fekkai where he was instrumental in managing infrastructure projects and developing the delivery of technical services. His previous roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the technical landscape from the perspective of several industries and verticals, making him a valuable leader in his current position.  Ramon's leadership at BroadMAX Networks reflects his commitment to innovation and excellence in service delivery, positioning the company for continued success in the competitive technology sector.

Ramon Garcia

P: 786- 458-8600

E: ramon@broadmax.us