When the pandemic came around, it was the perfect time to pivot for Meredith and David Butler. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, they both had a dream of one day retiring and moving to Florida. When COVID happened, that dream got fast-forwarded a few decades. 

“A lot of things happened that were positive in COVID,” says Dave. Working remotely was one of them. “During the lockdown, we were both working from home. The lightbulb went off. We can be anywhere.” Another bright moment? Realizing his company had an office in Miami! 

“We decided to take the plunge, fast-track the plan, and move to Florida,” he says. They’ve been happy ever since, initially moving to Shore Acres. Even with all the hurricanes and floods, they weren’t fazed. “We loved Florida and wanted to push through.” They were drawn to Snell Isle and eventually moved here in 2025. “This is where we wanted to be,” says Meredith.

The Sunshine State is everything they wanted. “We don’t miss shoveling snow or warming up the car for 10 minutes,” she says. There’s also no bundling the kids up for snow and no salt on their shoes. Flip flops have been warmly welcomed.

“We feel that this is the best country in the world,” raves Dave. “We are living the American Dream. We embrace this country. We came here with nothing but good intentions and put our best foot forward.” 

Now he and Meredith are in the process of launching a business this year.

Dave, who has spent close to 20 years in foreign exchange, is launching Northbridge FX, a cross-border payments and foreign exchange company. The business is structured as a non-bank provider supporting companies that need currencies beyond the U.S. dollar, particularly for international importing and exporting.

“It was time to go out on my own,” Dave says.

Meredith’s role is just as essential. A full-time stay-at-home mom, she also helps keep the business—and the household—running smoothly. “Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job and more,” Dave says. “I have a hard time keeping up with her schedule.” Together, they’re building the company as a team, with Meredith keeping everything organized and on track.

The Butlers are parents to two daughters: Sophia, 10, and Savannah, 7, and family is everything.

“We are a wolf pack. We do everything together,” Dave says. Travel is always a group affair, whether it’s Disney trips to Orlando or summers in Europe. “If you see our passports, we’ve been all over the world,” Dave adds. Their daughters are seasoned travelers, accustomed to hotels and often asking one question at check-in: “How’s the room service?”

Sophia, the oldest, is reserved, thoughtful, and deeply kind. She loves dance, perseveres academically, and dreams of becoming either a doctor or a dance teacher, despite being squeamish around blood. Savannah, by contrast, is bold, fast-learning, and fearless. “She touches one thing the first time and she’s an expert,” Dave says. A go-getter, Savannah is already running lemonade stands and creating makeshift stores at home. “She’s very entrepreneurial,” he adds. “She’s definitely taking over the family business.”

Their personalities may differ, but their bond is unshakable. “We have a very close-knit dynamic in our family,” Dave says.

Life at home reflects that closeness. With no pets but plenty of people, the Butlers are known for hosting. Friends and family fill the house for pool days, barbecues, music, and evenings spent opening bottles from Dave’s extensive wine collection.

“We try to have a welcoming home,” Meredith says, one where everyone feels comfortable, connected, and included.

That sense of community extends beyond their front door. “I have never met nicer people since we moved to America,” Dave shares. “Our friends and neighbors have gone above and beyond welcoming us into the community.” Many of those relationships have grown into friendships they now consider family.

Snell Isle feels like home for a reason. “We ran toward the storm and saw the opportunity,” Dave says. “We laid roots and wanted our kids to grow up in this community. We love Snell Isle.”

Hard-working, grateful, and deeply invested in where they live, Meredith and Dave Butler are living proof that the American Dream isn’t just alive. It’s thriving, one family at a time.