Meet Andy Prieto | Co-Founder, Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Prieto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Being involved in Education has a major impact in the community. It affects policy, community economic development, social development, and furthermore affects the lives of local families. We provide the opportunity for low-income students to enroll in a private school dedicated to helping them graduate with their High School diploma. We also provide career development services. This helps them register into college, enlist in the military, or choose any career by attending vocational/technical college.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work in the private education field. As an entrepreneur, I bring a 20 year track record of experience. Learning from my mistakes, I developed strategies that have helped me professionally. My partners and I started Dade Prep Academy with the intention of expanding all over the United States. Within 2 years, we went from 10 registered students, to now over 400. It has grown exponentially and now we have several campuses. What sets us apart from others, is we are a private school that is completely free to families, and we’re certified by Miami Dade County Public Schools. A valuable lesson I have learned is patience. I didn’t take a salary for 6 months to build this business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely visit Downtown Brickell and eat lunch at DC Pie Co. Best pizza ever! I would say it’s the best in FL. Stay at Hotel Victor on South Beach. Dinner at the restaurant at Versace Mansion (right next door). Go out on a boat rental to Biscayne Bay, and go deep sea fishing, hopefully they can catch some good Mahi! Have to visit Wynwood and the museums there! Dance the night away at Mango’s Nightclub over the weekend to brush up on that salsa. The morning before they leave back, I’ll recommend breakfast at Versailles on 8th st with some chicken croquettes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would like to say that my success is dedicated to the Creator. Without his guidance and mercy, nothing is possible! I would like to say thanks to my kids, son and daughter. Thanks to all that have provided their share of motivation and support throughout my professional career. Thank you Rory Holloway for being a mentor all those years. I would also like to thank my current partners, Iris DeJesus, Dr. Montas, and my lovely wife Lisandra. Thank you South Dade Coalition, for all your continued support. And thanks to the staff at Dade Prep. For giving me the opportunity to grow, and to lead. I will always do my part as best as I can and will continue to help the community.

Website: www.dadeprep.com

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