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

Hi Raul, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I do not intend to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death” It reminds me that no matter what, the final outcome is going to be the same for all of us. So take chances, push boundaries, live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity that you have.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Categorically we are an Event Production company. However, over the years our clients have challenged us with creating unique objects and experiences that fall outside of the traditional definition of event production. It is because of this that we like to consider ourselves as more of a “creative think-tank company”. Our clients know that the word “no” does not exist with us and we always find a way, find a solution and make the impossible happen. It definitely has not happened overnight but rather a controlled process of growth as we found the right vendors, suppliers and artisans that have allowed us to grow and take our products and services to the next level while remaining consistent in with our quality and standards. I guess what I would want people to know about my company is that when you work with us we are not a vendor, an agency or a supplier, we are a collaborator. We are just as vested in your project and its success as you are. Our team works in conjunction with yours to meet and succeed your goals and expectations. I believe it is because of this work philosophy that we are fortunate to work with some of the worlds biggest brands and retain them as clients for many years.

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?
So many great things to do in this city and plenty of options for a week long visit. I would start off with brunch on day 1 at Versailles Cuban restaurant in Little Havana. Cuban pastries, croquetas and coffee are something everyone needs to experience in their lifetime and no one does it better than them. After that we would go and spend the day at the beach to get a nice golden glow going for the week. Im lucky enough to have a membership at SoHo House so that is always my beach of choice. Start the day beach side downstairs, after a few hours move up to the second floor restaurant to have some lunch and then finish the day on the rooftop pool while the sun sets and the Dj spins. One of my favorite places to take visitors is somewhere only us true Miami natives know, and thats A.C.’s Icees at Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove. AC has the best frozen lemonade I have ever had! A true Miami staple for over 40 years. After that it would be off for a stroll around Wynwood to take a look at all the amazing graffiti art and installations. As night sets its dinner at 1-800 Lucky, a fantastic Asian food hall that always has a great vibe and Dj spinning old school hip hop and deep sexy house music. On another day it would be off to the Design District. The Miami Design district is the first shopping district that was truly made for the way modern luxury shoppers shop. Not only do you have all the major designers there, all with flagship boutiques, but the building themselves are also fantastic examples of modern architecture and design. With countless selfie photo ops, you can spend the afternoon walking around and going in and out of stores. For lunch I love stopping in at Michaels Genuin. Michaels Genuin was one of the first restaurants in the area before there even was a Design District. This indoor/outdoor restaurant by James Beard Award winning chef Michael Schwartz has so many amazing signature dishes you want to make sure to go hungry. Actually, its hard to be hungry in Miami with so many great local spots: Theres Andiamo Pizza in Miami’s Mimo District, Hometown BBQ with the best BBQ I have had outside of Texas (and that Cornbread mmmm), World Famous House of Mac has a huge selection of different kinds of Mac-n-cheeses all amazing and some of the best truffle/parmesan cheese fries around. For desert theres also countless options: Azucar in Little Havana gives a fun Cuban spin to traditional Ice Cream flavors infusing guava, cream cheese and even flan. Back in Wynwood is Salty Donut with truly amazing artisanal donuts, Midtown has Midtown Creamery offering deliciously decadent ice creams and custards with home made cones. Beaches, Museums, shopping and nightlife, Miami is a truly unique city with something to offer for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The people that deserve a lot of credit and recognition is my amazing staff and group of vendors that I work with. I always say that I have the easy part in all of this, I just have to dream this stuff up but, it’s up to my crew and vendors to figure out how we make it a reality. More often then not, despite being in this industry for 20 years, we are doing things for the first time. We are always creating and coming up with new concepts and pushing boundaries. I am blessed to have found and cultivated over the years an amazing team that is hard working, dedicated and always up for the challenge. I could not do what I do without them.

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