Meet Rudy Sablon

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

Hi Rudy, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was walking away from stability—twice. First, it was leaving the classroom as a teacher, and later, leaving the for-profit world where I was leading a multimillion-dollar company. Both decisions forced me to weigh personal security against my deeper purpose.

As a teacher, I had the privilege of working with incredible young people every day. There was comfort in the routine, in knowing I had a steady paycheck, benefits, and a clearly defined role. But over time, I realized the classroom walls were limiting my ability to fully serve the youth I was most passionate about helping—those dealing with trauma, instability, or involvement in the system of care. That’s when I made the decision to leave the classroom and enter the non-profit sector. It was a leap into uncertainty, with no guarantee of success. But I believed deeply in the vision of creating a safe space where young people could heal, express themselves, and develop the life skills they needed to thrive.

Later, I faced another crossroads. I was leading a successful for-profit company, Legends Business Group, managing high-growth ventures in alternative energy. The financial rewards and professional recognition were there, but I kept coming back to the same question: What legacy do I want to leave? The calling to fully commit to The Motivational Edge and expand its impact was too strong to ignore. I had to make a choice between comfort and contribution. I chose contribution.

Those were not easy decisions. Walking away from stability and financial security came with real fears and sleepless nights. But today, when I see the faces of the young people we serve—when I watch them discover their talents, rebuild their confidence, and envision a better future—I know it was the right path. I’d make those decisions again in a heartbeat.

ScreenshotAlright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Rudy Sablon is a distinguished visionary and strategist with a remarkable record of more than 20 years dedicated to advancing youth development at the highest levels. As a founding member of The Motivational Edge, he has guided the organization from its inception in 2008, solidifying its status as one of Florida’s most impactful nonprofits serving young people in challenging environments. Today, as Head of Operations, he leverages his strategic acumen to foster growth, innovation, and enduring excellence. Under Mr. Sablon’s leadership, The Motivational Edge has pioneered award-winning programs that have positively influenced the lives of more than 17,000 youth. Mr. Sablon’s academic credentials underscore his commitment to educational leadership and community empowerment. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Educational Leadership with a minor in Psychology from Florida International University in 2002, and in 2021, completed an Executive Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management at the University of Notre Dame.

Over its 17-year history, The Motivational Edge has thrived under Mr. Sablon’s direction, emerging as a dynamic, results-oriented force. The organization delivers transformative services to thousands of children and adolescents in the system of care, homeless shelters, residential treatment facilities, and other environments shaped by trauma and marginalization—consistently propelling them forward through strategic education, engagement, and empowerment.
Mr. Sablon’s impact has been acknowledged through numerous honors. In 2016, his groundbreaking initiatives were celebrated with the Distinguished Community Service Award from Hillsborough County Children Services and a Community Service Award from Chapman Partnership for the Homeless. From 2014 to 2016, he shared his methodologies with leading child welfare professionals as a featured presenter at Florida’s Department of Children and Families Annual Child Protection Summit. His innovative approach to youth development drew recognition from City of Miami Commissioner Wily Gort and Mayor Thomas Regalado, who appointed him to serve on the City of Miami’s Sports and Exhibition Authority Board alongside fellow civic leaders. Between 2016 and 2017, Mr. Sablon also served as a site supervisor professor at Columbia University’s School of Social Work, mentoring future leaders in social innovation and community care.

In 2020, his passion for social justice led him to secure specialized credentials in supporting sexually exploited children, trauma survivors, and human trafficking victims—reinforcing his capacity to address some of society’s most pressing humanitarian issues.

Beyond The Motivational Edge, Mr. Sablon has made his mark as an entrepreneur and business leader. As Chief Executive Officer of Race 2 the Top, an educational consulting firm, he collaborated with school districts across the country—often those deemed “in distress”—to deliver strategic program evaluation and implementation. Under his stewardship, Race 2 the Top expanded into eight states, 25 cities, and engaged over 100 professionals dedicated to serving more than 10,000 under-resourced children. This commitment to educational equity earned him commendation from Weld County, Colorado, in 2014.

Prior to his tenure at Race 2 the Top, Mr. Sablon served as the CEO of Legends Business Group, a publicly traded Las Vegas-based company, where he successfully built and managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio of high-growth ventures. Under his leadership, Legends Business Group established a pioneering subsidiary, Legends Power, focused on researching, developing, testing, and patenting cutting-edge alternative and exotic energy products for the general public.

In 2022, Mr. Sablon was invited to serve as a Board Member for the KP Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) youth development organization in South Florida, dedicated to supporting inner-city youth and families. KP Cares is a mission-driven organization committed to providing motivational and educational resources to underserved communities.

Building on his commitment to empowering vulnerable and marginalized youth, Mr. Sablon was also asked to join the Board of BV Miami in 2023. BV Miami is devoted to supporting at-risk youth and families in the Miami area through programs, resources, and advocacy. The organization addresses immediate needs while fostering long-term, sustainable change through compassion-driven initiatives.

In 2023, Mr. Sablon was honored with the Future Makers Award from City to City Miami, recognizing his exceptional leadership, visionary impact, and dedication to empowering communities through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Mr. Sablon has been a grant panelist for the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs since 2017, making him one of the longest-tenured panelists in the department’s history.

A published author and cross-industry innovator, Rudy Sablon uniquely melds strategic insight, operational prowess, and transformative leadership. With an unwavering dedication to community development and youth-focused innovation, Rudy is poised to elevate the benchmarks of social impact, forging a brighter, more hopeful future for countless young people and the communities they call home.

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.
We’d start where it all began for me, in South Miami. We’d grab breakfast at Sergio’s—strong cafecito, croquetas that never miss, and that old-school Miami vibe you can’t fake. Then I’d take them to Apocalypse BBQ, one of those hidden gems serving up some of the best barbecue you’ll find anywhere. After we’ve eaten more than we should, we’d roll over to the Bird Road Arts District. It’s this cool, gritty pocket of creativity where you can bounce between venues. Grab some sake at Shojo’s Dojo, whose owners are fantastic!

We’d have to catch a Miami Heat game at the Kaseya Center if they’re in town. There’s nothing like that arena when it’s packed and the crowd’s fired up. And if it’s baseball season, we’d head to Loan Depot Park to watch the Marlins. Whether they’re winning or not, it’s always a good time.

When it comes to wings, I’m taking them to Hole in the Wall Tavern or Sports Grill. Both places are legendary in Miami with locals who know what’s up. Their wings are hands down some of the best I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something.

We’d definitely spend time in Wynwood, even though it’s gotten a little trendy these days. Back in the day, Wood Tavern was the spot—chill atmosphere, great music, and no pretension. It’s a shame it’s gone, but I’d still take them around Wynwood to check out the murals and maybe post up at Gramps or Freehold to recapture some of that old vibe.

A day out on the water is a must. We’d rent a boat, cruise through Biscayne Bay, and anchor out Elliot Key. Just kick back, good music, maybe a cold drink in hand, and enjoy that Miami sun. Afterward, we’d hit Garcia’s Seafood Grille on the river—fresh catch, casual setting, old Miami charm.

And I’d want them to see the work we do at The Motivational Edge. It’s one thing to talk about it, but when you see the young people creating music, producing tracks, and sharing their stories, you understand why we do what we do.

To wrap it all up, I’d take them to Coconut Grove. We’d hit Greenstreet Café for brunch, walk the marina, maybe catch the Farmers Market if it’s the weekend.
Miami isn’t just one thing. It’s a city with soul—stories, struggle, triumph, flavor. That’s what I’d want them to feel. The real 305.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I’d be where I am today without the support, influence, and encouragement of some truly remarkable people. This journey has been anything but solitary. First and foremost, my family—especially my parents—deserve so much credit. As Cuban immigrants, they modeled sacrifice, resilience, and integrity. They showed me what it looks like to work hard, stay grounded, and uplift others no matter how difficult life gets. Those lessons are part of who I am.

I also need to give a heartfelt shoutout to my friend, founder, and CEO of The Motivational Edge, Ian Welsch. Ian had the vision to create The Edge and believed in me enough to bring me along on this incredible journey. Together, we’ve built something that’s bigger than both of us, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to serve thousands of young people in Miami and beyond.

Another person who had a huge impact on my life was Father Willie Garcia from my days at Belen Jesuit. He introduced me to the concept of being a “Men for Others”—a principle that’s guided me through every decision, whether I was teaching in a classroom, working in the business world, or running a nonprofit. That motto became a personal mission statement: to use my gifts, resources, and energy to make life better for others, especially those who’ve had the odds stacked against them.

And I can’t forget the young people we serve. They are the heartbeat of this work. Their courage, resilience, and ability to rise above challenges inspire me every day. I often say they’ve taught me more than I could ever teach them.

Lastly, books have always played a huge role in my life. I’m a lifelong learner, and books have been a constant source of growth, perspective, and inspiration for me. Whether it’s exploring leadership, understanding history, or diving into personal growth, books have always been my quiet mentors—shaping not just how I lead, but how I live and show up for others.

Website: https://themotivationaledge.org/rudy-sablon/

Instagram: @bearded_philanthropist

Linkedin: Rudy Sablon

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TsDZM_zAqVM&feature=youtu.be

Image Credits
Future Makers Award presented by City to City Miami, City of Miami proclamation with then Mayor Tomas Regalado and ME Founder Ian Welsh, Hillsborough County Award for work with youth, Presenter and Speaker at Berklee Collage of Music Annual Summit, Thanksgiving Give Back at Melrose Elementary with BV Miami, Presenting award at Annual FJJA Retreat, at The Motivational Edge, at The Motivational Edge with Miami Heat