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

Hi Landy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The service industry is built around people. So that’s where we focus our efforts. Recruitment of top-caliber individuals, training and developing them, and providing growth and a career path are very important. On our first try, we were recently awarded the “Great Place to Work” designation in the US and Canada, which has been extremely powerful in attracting the right people to our organization.

It’s vital for us to understand why the residents we serve choose to live in their community, whether it’s a luxury high-rise in Brickell or a master-planned HOA in Coral Gables. What’s important to them? Where are they in their life journey? What’s the brand and story of their community? Only then can we best support their property values and provide their desired lifestyle.

We think about how they feel when they walk into their clubhouse, enter the lobby of their high-rise, or drive up to their community’s gatehouse. The atmosphere, lighting, uniforms, artwork, music and ambiance – all of these things conjure up feelings. They’re not tangible. It’s about appealing to the five senses. That’s a big differentiator in our world. I often quote Helen Keller when inspiring our teams to get creative, and her quote just brings it home: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In the wake of the pandemic, people have redefined the meaning of “home.” Residents expect the amenities and service levels found at the best resorts and hotels. Today’s consumer wants their residence to offer fitness and wellness amenities – like rooftop yoga, swimming pool decks with outdoor kitchens and social spaces, pickleball and bocce ball. They are looking for food and drink options from grab-and-go cafés to gourmet dining. Children’s playrooms and game arcades for teens. Theater rooms. Golf simulation stations. Pet spas and dog-walking services. The list goes on. At FirstService Residential, we anticipated the demand for amenity-focused service delivery and built a world-class hospitality team to make it a reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m originally from New Jersey, but Miami is home now. One of the great features of Miami is that there’s always something to do, somewhere to go, an event being held, or someone visiting – no matter the weather, time of day or time of year.

When friends and family visit, which is often, I typically volunteer to give them a proper welcome to the Magic City. From the airport, we head to Little Havana and Padrón Cigars for a required “Cafecito” and a smoke, an immediate immersion into the culture of Miami. We would then head to stroll and shop at Miracle Mile in the Gables or CocoWalk in the Grove before eventually heading to Miami Beach and visiting the Faena Hotel – great food, beverages and programming, beautiful artwork and scenery. Follow that with poolside drinks at The Goodtime Hotel and wrap it all up with dinner at Casadonna – what a great welcome to Miami!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people who have taken the time to invest in, coach and mentor me, inspire and guide me, that I couldn’t possibly list them all. From parents of friends and coaches growing up in New Jersey to fellow global business leaders to local entrepreneurs here in Miami like Donna Abood, Mike Tomas, Les Pantin and Ralph Gazitua, who always reminds me to ensure my moral compass is always true North and focused on what’s truly important.

But I would be remiss not to mention my parents, my family, and the support of my wife and children. Being Cuban, you cannot forget those who came before us, the struggles and sacrifices endured to seek a better life and future for the next generation. That’s something that I could never forget and am thankful for daily. I am forever grateful for their support.

I also credit leadership, faculty, coaches and mentors at my alma mater, Florida State University, for making a huge impact on my life, as did my fraternity and brothers at Sigma Phi Epsilon – instilling morals, values, and a balanced life.

Website: www.lifesimplified.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landy30/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landyflabadie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstServiceResidentialFlorida

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@FSRFlorida

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstservice-residential-florida/

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