On October 8, the EB Hotel Miami hosted the Top Entrepreneurs of USA Awards 2026, an event organized by Negocios & Ejecutiva Magazine that recognized 28 entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals for their contributions to economic development, innovation, and leadership. The ceremony, reported by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE, brought together 120 invited businesspeople from South Florida, the United States, and international markets.
The awards underscore the vital role that diverse business leaders play in driving economic growth and fostering innovation. By honoring individuals from sectors ranging from automotive and banking to education and media, the event highlights the interconnectedness of industries that fuel South Florida's economy and its global ties. The recognition of these leaders not only celebrates their personal achievements but also emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and leadership in creating opportunities and strengthening communities.
Among the honorees, Rafael Olloqui, Founder and CEO of BTS, received the International Business Expansion Award for his leadership in global business expansion. Erwin Mosqueda of Top Gun M.O.T. Design Services was recognized for excellence in traffic engineering and roadway safety. Manuel Vidal of Premium Finance Group was honored for his distinguished career in premium finance and wealth preservation. Gevorg Shahbazyan of STARLIFE GROUP received the Excellence in Real Estate Development & Business Leadership Award.
The automotive industry was well-represented: Mario Murgado of Murgado Automotive Group received the Automotive Entrepreneurship & Business Leadership Award; Marcello Serrato of Prestige Auto was honored for his distinguished career in the automotive industry; and Fernando Arellano-Geddes of PowerHouse Automotive Group was recognized for automotive leadership and business excellence.
In banking and finance, Mónica Vázquez of ABANCA USA received the International Banking & Executive Leadership Award, while Maurici Lladó of Banco Sabadell Miami Branch and José E. Cueto of Grove Bank & Trust were honored for their distinguished careers in banking and financial leadership. Alonso Martinez of Crece Financial Strategies, LLC, and Laura Gomez of GV Group were recognized for their expertise in financial strategy and tax strategy, respectively.
Legal professionals were also celebrated: Susanna Antequera of Antequera de Jáuregui Abogados received the Excellence in Legal Leadership & International Family Law Award; German Morales of Shutts & Bowen LLP was honored for business law and legal leadership; and Lizette M. Sierra of the Law Office of Lizette M. Sierra, P.A., was recognized for excellence in immigration law and community leadership.
Other notable honorees included Andrea Padilla of Square Root for marketing and communications; Ace Cruz of Ojalá Wines for visionary entrepreneurship; James Michael Burkett of Northbridge University for higher education leadership; Marianna Montanaro of Chef to Go for culinary entrepreneurship; Juan José Núñez of Vertical 3 Media for digital media innovation; Ivonne Fernandez of AARP Florida for community leadership; María Fernández de Córdoba Martos of Grupo EULEN USA for visionary executive leadership; Roberto Macho of UHY International for global business leadership; Eugenio Labari of STI Global Group for global travel industry leadership; Natalia Montaño of Aguamarina Preschools and Elementary School for education innovation; Christian Infante of SEM Services for business leadership and family enterprise legacy; Salomon Mishaan of OXXO Care Cleaners for business innovation; and Daniel Cittadino of CCGS Construction for construction and real estate leadership.
The ceremony, hosted by Sabina Covo, also featured musical performances by David Gómez and an exhibition of two special vehicles: an all-electric 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA presented by Prestige Auto and a classic 1967 Porsche 911 presented by The Barn Miami. The Top Entrepreneurs of USA Awards 2026 reaffirmed the importance of recognizing those who drive new economic opportunities and contribute to an increasingly diverse and international business community.
