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

Hi Jonathan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I could never really work for anyone else other than for my family. I always liked getting things done my way. I like to get things done, without anything holding me back and the only real way to do that is operating your own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My friends always laugh at me because i have hit every single wall, every single roadblock that could exist, but at the same time, they are all extremely proud because somehow, I managed to break through. The challenges are never easy, but if you are proactive and you anticipate them, you can get a lot more done. The key is in trying to always remain focused and try to not be discouraged. Its fun to be a problem solver if you can think quick. I think what has made me the most successful is that I dont harp on my mistakes, I learn from them and always continue to move forward with whatever project or task I take on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Surfside, it is the best community in all of miami. We are a walkable neighborhood with good restaurants, an extremely friendly community and a beautiful Beach. If i had to drive around Miami to show them around, I would most definitely take them to Wynnwood for a stroll and a taste of the local brews, and then swing them over to the Little River district for a drink at the Citadel and some grub on 79th Street at Wabi Sabi. The next day I’d show them around the Grove which is the area I grew up and went to High School (Ransom Everglades). The Grove is so awesome now. I would definitely have to take them to Bennie Jama in Hialeah, and to Versailles for the French Onion Soup. One of the days, would definitely have to take them out on the boat for some fishing and touring in the intracoastal waterway. Lastly, nothing like a fun wakesurf sesh at Amelia Earhart Park with my buddy Nacho from the Miami Watersports Complex.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my dad: Robert Strauss… People in this world always do what makes them money so that they can support their lifestyle, my dad taught me to do what you love and your lifestyle will get supported because passion carries you a lot further than the Dollar.

Website: www.skatebirdmiami.com

Instagram: @skatebird305

Linkedin: Jonathan Strauss

Facebook: facebook.com/skatebird305

Youtube: youtube.com/skatebirdproductions

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