Success in South Florida with Adam Rossen
Welcome to the Success in South Florida Podcast with Adam Rossen. Join Adam each episode as he interviews entrepreneurs, leaders, and other movers and shakers in South Florida to find out how they're doing their part to enhance the local community. The podcast is full of personal stories, details of obstacles overcome, business triumphs and so much more. Your host is attorney Adam Rossen, the CEO & Founder of Rossen Law Firm. He was born and raised in South Florida and became an attorney because he believes in helping those in need and crafting lifelong relationships in the community. This podcast...
From 1890 to South Florida: Michael Lessing's Enduring Family Hospitality Legacy (Ep. 54)

In this captivating 54th episode of Success in South Florida, host Adam Rossen sits down with Michael Lessing, the driving force behind the 135-year-old Lessing's Hospitality Group. Michael shares the incredible journey of building and sustaining a multi-generational family business, offering a unique perspective on adapting through five generations and successfully expanding from New York to the dynamic South Florida hospitality scene.
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Discover what it truly takes to maintain a thriving family legacy, the crucial lessons learned from navigating over a century of change (including major economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic), and the strategic i...
How Jeffrey Bast Is Redefining Legal Strategy, Embracing AI & Empowering Young Lawyers (Ep. 53)

In this thought-provoking 53rd episode of Success in South Florida, host Attorney Adam Rossen talks with Jeffrey Bast, a leading business litigation and bankruptcy attorney, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Bast Amron LLP. Jeffrey shares his inspiring professional journey—from big law to building one of Florida’s most innovative boutique firms—while offering a fresh perspective on leadership, legal tech, and the future of law.
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With over two decades of experience in complex commercial litigation, Jeffrey dives into what it really takes to lead a high-performing legal team, the critical importance of comm...
How Dr. Rachel Docekal is Revolutionizing Addiction Treatment & Inspiring Community Change (Ep. 52)

In this inspiring 52nd episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Attorney Adam Rossen sits down with Dr. Rachel Docekal, a seasoned leader in the fields of philanthropy, addiction recovery, and community development. Dr. Docekal shares her remarkable journey. From leading the nation's most extensive continuum of behavioral health services to pioneering innovative programs for veterans, pregnant women, and families, Dr. Docekal is reshaping how we approach addiction, mental health, and healing.
With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles, Dr. Docekal discusses her unique approach to shifting from “what is present to what is po...
Erika Buenaventura on Building Community & Leading with Heart in South Florida (Ep. 51)

In this 51st episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Attorney Adam Rossen sits down with Erika Buenaventura, a powerhouse relationship-builder and the Regional Director of ProVisors South Florida. Erika opens up about her incredible journey—from immigrating to the U.S. at age 12 with no English, to growing the fastest-growing ProVisors region in the country with over 440 members in just three years.
With deep roots in leadership, mentorship, and service, Erika shares what it takes to build genuine community, how faith and family drive her success, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zo...
Hillary Cassel on Overcoming Challenges & Leading with Purpose in Law & Politics (Ep. 50)

In this 50th episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Attorney Adam Rossen sits down with Hillary Cassel, a dynamic attorney, business owner, and Florida State Representative. Hillary shares her powerful journey—from navigating law school and becoming a prosecutor to launching her own law firm and stepping into the world of politics.
Hillary’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and personal growth. She opens up about overcoming challenges in the legal profession, balancing career and motherhood, and her advocacy for mental health awareness. As a trailblazer in both...
Alvaro Freites on Overcoming Adversity & Building a Thriving Contracting Business (Ep. 49)

In this 49th episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Attorney Adam Rossen sits down with Alvaro Freites, a seasoned entrepreneur and general contractor, who built Casa Bella Design Group from the ground up. Alvaro shares his inspiring journey—from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager and struggling through the 2008 recession to becoming a leader in South Florida’s home renovation industry.
Alvaro’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. Despite facing major setbacks, including the collapse of his flooring business during...
Laura Vesga on Transforming Alternative Education & Leading School Turnaround Success (Ep. 48)

In this 48th episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Attorney Adam Rossen sits down with Laura Vesga, a seasoned educator and school turnaround leader, who serves as the principal of North Gardens High School in Miami Gardens, FL.
Laura has dedicated her career to helping underserved student populations succeed in alternative educational settings. She brings a student-centered approach to North Gardens High, leading innovative initiatives like the first-ever Coursera Career & Technical Education (CTE) program in a U.S. high school and a Dual Enrollment partnership with Miami Dade College. Under her leadership, North Gardens High...
Carlos Ferreyros on Building a Real Estate Law Firm & Mastering Property Management (Ep. 47)

In this 47th episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Adam Rossen sits down with Carlos Ferreyros, a real estate attorney and founder of Ferreyros Law, PLLC, to discuss his journey in real estate law, property management, and entrepreneurship.
Carlos shares his experiences from being born in Venezuela and moving to Florida at the age of seven. He reflects on how his early exposure to different legal systems and his passion for justice shaped his decision to pursue law. Navigating law school and working through the foreclosure crisis played a crucial role in shaping his...
Amanda Demanda on Building a Community-Driven Law Firm & Legal Marketing Strategies (Ep 46)

In this 46th episode of the Success in South Florida podcast, host Adam Rossen speaks with Amanda Demanda, founder of Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers. A proud Miami native, Amanda shares her journey from growing up in a Cuban immigrant family to building a law firm that centers on serving the Hispanic community. She discusses the unique needs of Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring they receive culturally sensitive representation while empowering them to make informed legal decisions.
Amanda also shares insights on the challenges of running a law firm, the importance of trust and relationships with...
David Benn on Scaling a Law Firm, Overcoming Fear, & Winning in South Florida (Ep 45)

In this 45 episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Adam Rossen speaks with David Benn, co-founder of Work Injury Rights, about his remarkable journey in workers' compensation law. From overcoming the fear of uncertainty to building a successful law practice across Florida, David shares his valuable insights on law firm growth, leadership, and strategic investments.
David provides valuable insights on law firm growth, as he speaks about the importance of business operations, managing marketing and financial aspects, and ensuring client...
Andres Muñoz on Career Shifts, Entrepreneurship, and Winning in South Florida (Ep 44) #law

Join Adam Rossen for another captivating episode of Success in South Florida podcast featuring Andres Muñoz, a litigation partner at Romano Law. Andres shares his remarkable journey from mechanical engineering to law, and how his career path took unexpected turns through Manhattan's prestigious law firms, the Queens County District Attorney's Office, and eventually to South Florida.
In this candid conversation, Andres reveals how he left a high-paying position at a big law firm to become a prosecutor, trading financial comfort for invaluable courtroom experience. He discusses the challenges and rewards of prosecuting cases in New York C...
Glen Frost on Tax Law, Growth Strategies, and Winning in South Florida (Ep 43)

In this insightful episode of the Success in South Florida podcast, Adam Rossen welcomes Glen Frost, the Founder and Managing Partner of Frost Law. Glen shares his journey from Maryland to South Florida and the growth of Frost Law into a powerhouse with over 80 employees and a unique focus on tax controversy, estate planning, and business law. Glen discusses the firm’s robust pandemic response, providing essential guidance on programs like the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which have been central to Frost Law's ongoing federal litigation efforts due to recent IRS delays.
Wayne Baxter on Supporting Canadian Leaders' Success in South Florida (Ep 42)| Relocation Strategies

In this 42nd episode of the Success in South Florida podcast, Adam Rossen sits down with Wayne Baxter from One Capital Management. Wayne shares his incredible journey from Canada to the United States and his role as a senior executive manager. With a focus on building relationships and community, Wayne discusses his experiences with the professional networking group Provisor and highlights the complexities of cross-border wealth management.
This episode delves into the critical role of planning and expert advice for those looking to succeed in South Florida, especially for individuals relocating from Canada. Wayne also shares his...
Kerri Paizzi on Flavor Palm Beach, Entrepreneurship, and Building Community (Episode 41)

In this exciting 41st episode of the Success in South Florida podcast, Adam Rossen talks with Kerri Paizzi, a dynamic and fearless entrepreneur who is always up for trying new things. As the owner of several companies, including Monarch Marketing and Monarch Music, and the leader of the Flavor Palm Beach initiative, Kerri’s passion for food and community is undeniable. They share a fun and casual conversation, exploring Kerri's business journey, her love for people, and the incredible impact of Flavor Palm Beach, which invites all foodies to celebrate the delicious offerings throughout the region this September.Â
Seth Levit from Miami Dolphins Media Relations to Leading the Jason Taylor Foundation (Episode 40)

In Episode 40 of the Success in South Florida Podcast, hosted by Adam Rossen and sponsored by the Rossen Law Firm, Adam interviews Seth Levit, the executive director of the Jason Taylor Foundation. Seth’s remarkable career spans roles with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Dolphins, culminating in his leadership in the Jason Taylor Foundation, offering invaluable insights and inspiration.
Episode Highlights:
Early Career: Seth reflects on his beginnings as a student volunteer at the University of Florida and his eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins' Media Relations Department, including the prestigious Pete Rozelle Award win.
André Williams on Becoming a Leading Real Estate Attorney & Community Leader (Episode 39)

In Episode 39 of the Success in South Florida Podcast, hosted by Adam Rossen and sponsored by the Rossen Law Firm, Adam interviews André L. Williams, a prominent real estate attorney based in Miami and Orlando. With a distinguished career that began in 1993, André's journey from his early days in the field to his current roles is inspiring and informative.
Episode Highlights:
- André reflects on his early career and time at Holland & Knight LLP.
- Insights into his representation of real estate developers and investors in significant transactions, including multifamily and bulk sales of con...
How Richard Casey Built a Leading Boca Raton Law Firm with a Behavioral Health Focus (Episode 38)

In Episode 38 of the Success in South Florida Podcast, hosted by Adam Rossen and sponsored by the Rossen Law Firm, Adam sits down with Richard Casey, a founding attorney of Robinson & Casey, a prominent Boca Raton law firm that serves all of South Florida. Richard's journey from his entrepreneurial roots in Rhode Island to establishing a successful legal practice is inspiring and impactful.
Join Adam as Richard shares his unique story and insights, including:
-His transition from a family business background to a career in law.
-The integration of behavioral health principles into his law...
Danny Elf Elfenbein From The Miami Marathon To Consulting Success (Episode 37)

In Episode 37 of the Success in South Florida Podcast, hosted by Adam Rossen and sponsored by the Rossen Law Firm, Adam sits down with Danny "Elf" Elfenbein, a former college roommate who has been vastly successful since age 22. Danny’s impressive career trajectory, from marketing the Miami Marathon to creating impactful telehealth solutions at Baptist Health, is nothing short of inspiring.
Join Adam as Danny shares his unique path through various roles, from shaping marketing strategies in the high-energy world of sports to fostering community engagement with the Zoological Society of Florida. Discover how Danny’s career evol...
Pandemic Pivot to Nationwide Success- Boarderie Founders Talk Shark Tank and Beyond (Episode 36)

In Episode 36 of the Success in South Florida Podcast, hosted by Adam Rossen and sponsored by Rossen Law Firm, dive into an inspiring conversation with Aaron Menitoff and Rachel Solomon, the dynamic founders of Boarderie. Discover how they turned a catering company crisis during the pandemic into a thriving business that has been featured on Oprah's Favorite Things, Shark Tank, and the Guinness Book of World Records.
Join Adam Rossen as Aaron and Rachel share their entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of the catering industry to the creation of the first-ever shippable cheese and charcuterie board.Â
From Peru to Legal Success- Eduardo Ayala Maura's Journey (Episode 35)

Join us for a compelling episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast where Adam Rossen interviews Eduardo Ayala, a distinguished Miami lawyer specializing in commercial litigation, international arbitration, and enforcement of foreign judgments. Eduardo shares his inspiring journey from his early days in law to becoming a leading figure in Miami's legal scene. He discusses the challenges and rewards of practicing law, the unique dynamics of Miami's market, and the essential role of mentorship and continuous learning in a successful legal career.
In this episode, we cover:
Eduardo's Legal Journey:<...Frank Ramos on Mentorship Law and Personal Growth - Ep 34

In this episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Adam Rossen sits down with Frank Ramos, a prominent civil defense lawyer based in Miami. Frank shares his journey in the legal profession, highlighting his extensive career spanning over 27 years at Clark Silver Lake. Known for his dedication to mentoring and coaching young lawyers, Frank discusses how his early career challenges led him to write numerous books and articles aimed at guiding professionals through the complexities of law.
Frank delves into his personal evolution from a self-doubting young attorney to a well-respected mentor. He emphasizes the...
Transforming Real Estate Success with Andrew Levin

In this engaging episode of "Success in South Florida," host Adam Rossen sits down with Andrew Levin, a dynamic real estate investor and entrepreneur. Andrew shares his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to navigating his path in the business world. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful career in real estate and beyond.
Episode Highlights:
Family Influence: Andrew discusses the impact of his father's entrepreneurial spirit and successful business ventures on his own career path.Early Business Exposure: Anecdotes about...Changing the Real Estate Game with Jeremy Beard

Join us on this captivating episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, where we sit down with Jeremy Beard, the Chief Strategy Officer at Location Real Estate. Discover how Jeremy's unique background in commodity trading and his innovative approach to the real estate market are reshaping the industry landscape in South Florida. Dive deep into his personal journey from the trading floors of Chicago to the dynamic real estate market of South Florida, and learn how he leverages his experience to drive change and success.
In this episode, we cover:
...Pathway to Citizenship for Entrepreneurs | Patrick Findaro SSF EP 31
Host Adam Rossen invites Patrick Findaro, a luminary in the entrepreneurial and franchising field, to share his journey and expertise. Co-founder of Visa Franchise and Vetted Biz, Patrick has carved a niche in assisting investors and professionals in navigating the intricacies of the U.S. business landscape through franchise investment and strategic business planning. This episode dives deep into the mechanics of investor visas, the criteria for franchise success, and unveils the innovative services Patrick and his team have developed to facilitate business growth and migration to the U.S.
Listeners will be treated to Patrick's unique...
Leading with Heart with Craig Williams

I’m so excited to have Craig Williams on the show today. Craig is an experienced prosecutor and a candidate for Palm Beach County State Attorney. With over 20 years of experience, he'll be sharing his journey as a top homicide prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and his current role supervising the felony unit at the State Attorney's Office.
Join us as we spend some time learning about the evolution of his career and the turning points that led to his current candidacy. Discover the passion and commitment behind Craig's decision to run for the top position and how th...
The Power of Authentic Relationships with Moshe Kishore

We’re excited to welcome Moshe Kishore onto the show. Moshe is the first vice president at Amerant Bank, the official bank of the Miami Heat and Florida Panthers. After living in India, Indiana, and California, Moshe moved to South Florida where he has lived for over 15 years.Â
Join us as Mosche takes us through his early career, detailing how he reached his current position by prioritizing relationship-building and stepping out of his comfort zone. We’ll learn more about his role at Amerant Bank and how mindset and personal development have been pivotal throughout his career. Stay...
Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone with Melissa Troha

Melissa Troha is a board-certified physician assistant in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She’s a Miami native with 10 years of experience and is here to share her journey with us today. Alongside her position at the Skin Local team, Melissa has used social media as a powerful tool to connect with patients and provide educational content in the world of skincare.
Throughout our conversation, Melissa talks about the importance of cultivating personal connections with patients and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth. She also shares candid insights into the challenging yet fulfilling juggle of being a...
Winning, Losing, and Staying Curious with Lucas Berstein

I’m excited to welcome my friend Lucas Berstein to the podcast. Lucas is a passionate, lifelong entrepreneur, with a journey that began by selling gum to classmates in middle school. Today, he is the CEO and founder of InTune Analytics, a company that uses data science to identify and correct market inefficiencies in the world of live entertainment.Â
In our conversation, Lucas shares insights from his unique entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of running a successful startup. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of mindset and resilience in entrepreneurship, and the importance of...
The Power of Persistence and Passion with Commissioner Joshua Simmons

As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we often find ourselves in roles we never expected. This couldn't be truer for Coral Springs City Commissioner, Joshua Simmons, who faced many curveballs throughout his early years that ultimately guided him to discover his true calling. Listen in as we learn more about Joshua’s journey into politics, serving two terms as city commissioner in Coral Springs, and the powerful lessons he has learned along the way.Â
Don’t miss this insightful discussion on embracing change, overcoming failure, and taking action to make your dreams a reality. Wheth...
Being True To You with Joey Rafaeli

I’m excited to welcome my friend, Joey Rafaeli, to the show. Joey is a very successful personal injury lawyer who, at a young age, has built up an impressive clientele. He joins us on the podcast to talk about some of the methods he’s used to achieve rapid success in his field.Â
Listen in as Joey shares how prioritizing customer service, creating engaging content on social media, and embracing authenticity have propelled him to where he is today. We’ll get a glimpse into his professional journey, dating back to starting his firm in his childho...
The Power of “Yes” with Liza Piekarsky

I’m excited to welcome my friend, Liza Piekarsky, LMHC, CAP, NCC, to the show today. Liza is a licensed mental health counselor and addiction professional. She wears multiple hats, managing a private practice focused on mental health and substance abuse while also holding the role of Director of Clinical Outreach for the Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center.
You’ll learn about the path that led Liza to this career, and how she balances her day-to-day responsibilities, and the incredible impact she is making in the South Florida mental health space. She also shares valuable advice on embr...
Success Against the Odds with Jamile Pellicer

I’m excited to welcome my friend, Jamile Pellicer, Esq., to the show today. Jamile is an immigration attorney from 360 Immigration Law Group, CEO, wife, and mother. From being moved to the U.S. from Brazil at age 13 as an undocumented immigrant to building a thriving law firm, Jamile’s story is one of true resilience.Â
In our conversation today, Jamile shares the challenges she’s faced, the risks she’s taken, and lessons she’s learned while emerging as a leader in her field. She reflects on the importance of mentors, the value of business coaching, and the min...
Crafting Success Authentically with Jonny Nalepa

We’re so excited to have Jonny Nalepa with us for today’s show. Jonny is the owner and operator of Smart Aquatics, a cutting-edge firm that specializes in designing and engineering outdoor living spaces for the luxury residential market. From swimming pools and water features to koi ponds, Jonny and his team redefine outdoor elegance. Â
In this insightful conversation, Jonny shares his entrepreneurial journey, delving into the pivotal moments that shaped Smart Aquatics. From taking the leap into entrepreneurship to approaching the million-dollar milestone in just four years, Jonny credits staying true to himself and relationship build...
From Corporate Finance to Fractional CFO: Chatting with Jonathan Rosa

Today we are excited to be joined by Jonathan Rosa, founder of Moura CFO, a fractional CFO company. Originally from Boston, Jonathan has been in Miami since 2015 and considers it home. For the past four years, he has been helping small businesses better understand their business and finances, improve profits and gain control of their cash flow.Â
Jonathan shares his story as the child of Brazilian immigrants, growing up in the restaurant industry in Boston, and attending Boston College for finance. We’ll learn about his career journey, including his corporate experiences at Panera Bread and Burger Kin...
From Big Law to Solo Success with Marissel Descalzo

Meet Marissel Descalzo, a partner at Tache, Bronis and Descalzo, P.A. Marissel is an exceptional attorney specializing in white-collar criminal litigation, government investigations, and compliance. She joins us today to share her journey into the complex world of white-collar crime and how she’s carved her path to success along the way.Â
Beyond her legal accomplishments, Marissel is a co-founder of Athena Rising, a captivating podcast dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the legal profession. Listen in as she discusses her motivations behind this inspiring endeavor, the significant role that personal branding has played in her...
Finding Happiness In What You Do with Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro

We are excited to sit down with Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro today, a triple board-certified physician in cardiology, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Di Pietro operates a concierge medical practice located in Fort Lauderdale, and she's here to share insights about her path to becoming a physician, the trials and triumphs of managing a thriving practice, finding fulfillment in your work, and more.
Listen in as Dr. Di Pietro shares her insights on the importance of personalizing healthcare and why she chose to adopt a concierge medicine model. She discusses the positive impact of providing top-notch...
In Jacob’s Shoes® Making Strides In South Florida with Harlene Zweig

Today’s guest is someone we’ve had the pleasure of knowing for almost 15 years now and she’s someone who has a very positive impact on communities throughout South Florida. Harlene Zweig is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and one of the co-founders of In Jacob’s Shoes®, a charity that her and her family put all of their efforts into when they aren’t working their day jobs. Through this conversation, we learn about the story of this incredible organization, its impact on the community, and Harlene’s admirable spirit.
In Jacob’s Shoes® began nearly 15 years...
Building an Ethical and Successful Therapy Practice with Luna-Medina Wolf

There's something truly inspiring about hearing someone's personal journey, especially when that journey involves overcoming adversity and using it to fuel their purpose. Our guest today fits the bill and we’re excited to introduce you to Luna Medina-Wolf. In this episode, she serves up an incredible narrative that speaks to the power of resilience, authentic connections, and community service.
Join us to learn about her personal journey from Israel to South Florida and how it’s shaped her practice and perspective. You’ll get to an inside perspective of her time with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF...
The Gameplan For Success with Nathaniel "Ray Ray" Joseph Jr.

Welcome back to the Success in South Florida podcast! Today we are excited to be joined by Nathaniel "Ray Ray" Joseph Jr., a rising star in the world of college football at the University of Miami. Ray Ray is a wide receiver and was a four-star recruit for the Hurricanes.Â
In this episode, we delve into Ray Ray's football career and impressive academic achievements, as he strives for success both on and off the field. He talks about his aspirations to make it to the NFL and goals beyond football, where he sets his sights on creating g...
Challenging Traditional Norms with Dr. Guillermo Bello

Join us as we dive into the journey of Dr. Guillermo Bello, also known as Dr. Be, a renowned chiropractor, and entrepreneur in South Florida, who shares his remarkable story of transforming his passion for health into a thriving business. From his early days as a chiropractic student to the creation of his own offices and a grand vision for the future, Dr. Be offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, the healthcare industry, and the undeniable connection between health and fulfillment.Â
Discover how he overcame challenges, embraced calculated risks, and stayed true to his core values to create a...