Michael A. Finney
“Brickell will continue to be the center for business growth within Miami-Dade County, becoming more dense with commercial and residential development — a continued growth that will drive west and north into Downtown, Midtown and the surrounding areas.”
After more than 20 years in economic development and 35 years of suburban living, Michael A. Finney and his wife, Gina, arrived in Brickell from Michigan to try “urban” living in the heart of The Magic City. Just over 2.5 years later, they’re loving life from their condo high atop EPIC. As President & CEO of The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Finney champions the County’s efforts to market Miami-Dade as a world-class business destination, while growing local companies and helping shape the area’s economic future by attracting and retaining businesses and the workforce needed to expand a growing and dynamic economy. “As an avid user of the Metromover, Metrorail and electric scooters, I rarely get stuck in traffic,” he says. “When I need to drive, being in Brickell affords the opportunity to commute against traffic during rush hour.” A self-proclaimed foodie and dog lover, Finney says there’s never a shortage of things to do around town. “From eating at nearby restaurants to endless entertainment, shopping and recreation options at Brickell City Centre, Adrienne Arsht Center, American Airlines Arena, PAMM and Bayfront Park, my wife and I are constantly exploring the city and enjoying everything it has to offer.”
Valentina Mussi
“Brickell offers a vibrant lifestyle with tons of transportation options and abundant access to boundless culinary experiences, fitness activities and world-class events all year long.”
One of Brickell’s newest residents is on a mission to taste every menu in town – one bite and sip at a time. Award-winning Food Influencer & Digital Creator Valentine Mussi may have only been living in Brickell for a few short weeks, but her appetite for the city is already making headlines with her wildly popular lifestyle brand @SweetPortfolio. “Brickell is a hub for young entrepreneurs,” she says. “It seems that everyone I meet has an interesting story and so much to offer.” From her condo at Solaris, she gets around on the Metromover and scooters. “I despise driving and Brickell is so walkable and centrally-located that it makes sense for me,” she says. “I used to live in Sunny Isles Beach and found myself stuck in traffic driving down to Miami on an almost daily basis.” Citing amongst her “must-try’s” in the city are Coyo Taco, B Bistro + Bakery, Raw Juce and River Oyster Bar. “I can envision Miami making it to the Michelin Guide in the next decade and Brickell being the place where our first Michelin star is awarded,” she says. “it’s only a matter of time!”
Delilah Johnson & Ramilo Nogueira
“Brickell is on course to being more connected with the world economy and seeing increased foreign investment and a flood of new entrants, becoming even more of a southern Manhattan.”
When Delilah Johnson & Ramilo Nogueira crossed paths a decade ago, their love story was written in the stars. “He was the first boyfriend who bought me real jewelry, so I knew he was serious,” she quips. The pair fell in love and eventually exchanged vows — three times to be exact! The first time was at Town Hall followed by two large weddings — one in Delilah’s native New England and the other in Ramilo’s hometown in Brazil. “After attempting to achieve the ‘city lifestyle’ we always wanted in Boston, we finally decided to trade in the snow for the sandy shores of Miami,” they say. When Delilah’s company let her transfer to their office on Brickell Avenue, the couple jumped on the opportunity, making the move on the same weekend of impending Hurricane Dorian. “We thought if rain on a wedding day is considered good luck, then a hurricane on moving day must also represent good fortune!” Delilah currently works as a Sr. Associate, VP at Santander in the multinational bank’s U.S. Office of Consumer & Business Practices; and Ramilo is a serial entrepreneur whose companies include Top Shop EUA, a consumer electronics e-commerce export business and Space Painting LLC, a residential painting business. Three months into their new life at Camden Brickell, they have a lot to look forward to. “The view from our balcony is breathtaking and we couldn’t ask for a more centralized location,” they say. “We love the vibrant colors and the restaurants, boutiques and gyms all just steps away.”
Diego Martin Gomez De Cordova
“In the future, I see Brickell evolving further into what we are already starting to see — a growing, young and motivated community securing a powerful place on the global map.”
As the CEO of Linked Health Group, an innovative health & wellness management company for businesses nationwide, living and working in Brickell is a natural fit for Diego Martin Gomez De Cordova. “My business and the demand for my services brought me to the area because our main target markets are banks, investment firms and the financial services industry,” says the new Panorama resident. “One of the most incredible aspects of the Brickell lifestyle is the fact that everyone is on a mission of growth and success.” Besides taking advantage of the out-of-this-world amenities at Panorama, including a state-of-the-art gym, three private movie theatres, an interactive muse room, personal wine lockers and expansive meeting spaces, Diego enjoys the neighborhood’s world-class culinary options and focusing on his fitness. “One day while out for a run, I saw a massive wave of runners on Brickell Avenue and started running behind them,” he says. “It turns out that I had stumbled upon the Brickell Run Club! I ended up running with them that day and continue to do so whenever my schedule allows!”
Stanley Isaacs
“I’m highly impressed by the excitement in the air of the Brickell community — the art, the food and the infectious energy is exhilarating. The growth will expand even further as new shops, restaurants and cultural events become an even larger part of the landscape.”
After living Los Angeles for many years, acclaimed Writer, Producer & Director Stanley Isaacs wanted a change. “Having been to Florida on numerous occasions to attend film festivals, I was always drawn to Miami,” he says. “When I discovered Brickell, I just knew this would be my new home.” And so it came that he landed at Paramount Miami Worldcenter just a few months ago, a residential marvel billed as one of the buildings with the most amenities in the world. “In addition to the bold and dramatic design of the structure, my favorite amenities include the state-of-the-art gym, the observatory and the rooftop views,” he says. “Experiences galore await within a 3 to 4 mile radius and within walking distance from my new home.” He is particularly fond of nearby Silverspot Cinema. “Coming from Hollywood, I can tell you they are as good as it gets for watching films — great screens, sound, tasty food and popcorn and the best recliner seating,” he says. “I’m fascinated by the amount of hi-rise construction in the area, indicating huge growth potential. I see us as the city of the future, culturally diverse and bristling with pulsating energy and endless possibilities.”
The Sherman Family
“There’s something incredible about being so close to the water! Looking out of your window or going for a walk and being able to see the contrast of nature in an urban setting is one of the greatest joys of Brickell living!”
Representing a true live, work and play lifestyle, Scott & Laura Sherman could not imagine anywhere better than Brickell to raise their kids, Lucas (4.5) and Lily (1.5). “We were renting in the Jade since the end of 2017 and we loved it so much that we recently bought a unit there,” they say. “Being able to watch the sunrise over the bay is so amazing that we needed to make it a permanent part of our lives!” Laura actually grew up in Brickell before leaving for college at UF, where she met her husband. “Growing up, my mom kept promising me that Brickell was going to be where everyone wanted to live one day…and 35 years later, I’m back in my hometown raising my family,” she says. “The best part is that my mom still lives in the area and we can walk to her house, which has been an incredible blessing!” Equally close is Scott’s office at Tricera Capital, a real estate investment company he started with his partner 3 years ago focused on acquiring urban retail and mixed-use assets in the Southeast U.S. “My short commute allows me to be home more with our family instead of spending all that time in the car,” he says. “I’m also able to pop home for dinner and a goodnight kiss before attending networking events after work.” After living in Manhattan for 10 years after college, The Shermans know that urban living is the best fit for their lifestyle. “The best part about Brickell is walking to the playground with the kids and running into family, friends, neighbors and coworkers all in one block,” says Laura. “Brickell is the place to be!” So are there any downsides to big city living? No way. “One of my son’s friends was asking him if he had a yard and he replied ‘No, I don’t, but you should see my view — it’s amazing!’”
