Miami became the stage for recognizing business excellence on Thursday, October 8, as the Top Entrepreneurs of USA Awards 2026 honored 28 entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals for their contributions to economic development, innovation, leadership, and industry growth. The event, organized by Negocios & Ejecutiva Magazine, took place at the EB Hotel Miami and gathered representatives from companies and institutions across South Florida, the United States, and international markets. As reported by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE, the ceremony highlighted the diverse sectors driving economic growth and the importance of recognizing leaders who create opportunities and strengthen communities.
The awards aim to spotlight careers built on business vision, innovation, and professional commitment. Hosted by Sabina Covo, the evening combined business recognitions with musical performances by singer David Gómez. In the hotel’s ballroom, 120 invited businesspeople enjoyed dinner as the 28 awards were presented, underscoring the event’s role in fostering connections within the business community.
Honorees represented a wide range of industries, from automotive and banking to law, education, and media. Rafael Olloqui, Founder and CEO of BTS, received the International Business Expansion Award for his leadership in global business growth. Erwin Mosqueda of Top Gun M.O.T. Design Services was honored for excellence in traffic engineering and roadway safety. Manuel Vidal of Premium Finance Group earned the Distinguished Career in Premium Finance & Wealth Preservation Award, while Gevorg Shahbazyan of STARLIFE GROUP was recognized for real estate development and business leadership.
The automotive sector was well represented: Mario Murgado of Murgado Automotive Group received the Automotive Entrepreneurship & Business Leadership Award, Marcello Serrato of Prestige Auto was honored for his distinguished career, and Fernando Arellano-Geddes of PowerHouse Automotive Group received the Automotive Leadership & Business Excellence Award. In banking, Mónica Vázquez of ABANCA USA was recognized for international banking leadership, Maurici Lladó of Banco Sabadell Miami Branch for distinguished career in banking and international financial leadership, and José E. Cueto of Grove Bank & Trust for his career in banking and financial leadership.
Other notable honorees included Andrea Padilla of Square Root for marketing and communications, Ace Cruz of Ojalá Wines for visionary entrepreneurship, and Susanna Antequera of Antequera de Jáuregui Abogados for legal leadership in international family law. James Michael Burkett of Northbridge University received the Excellence in Higher Education Leadership & Community Impact Award, and German Morales of Shutts & Bowen LLP was honored for business law and legal leadership. Marianna Montanaro of Chef to Go was recognized for culinary entrepreneurship, while Alonso Martinez of Crece Financial Strategies and Laura Gomez of GV Group were honored for financial strategy and tax strategy, respectively.
Additional awards went to Lizette M. Sierra for immigration law and community leadership, Juan José Núñez of Vertical 3 Media for digital media innovation, and Ivonne Fernandez of AARP Florida for community leadership and social impact. María Fernández de Córdoba Martos of Grupo EULEN USA received the Visionary Executive Leadership & Business Innovation Award, Roberto Macho of UHY International was honored for global business and advisory leadership, and Eugenio Labari of STI Global Group for leadership in the international travel industry. Natalia Montaño of Aguamarina Preschools and Elementary School was recognized for education innovation, Christian Infante of SEM Services for business leadership and family enterprise legacy, Salomon Mishaan of OXXO Care Cleaners for business innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and Daniel Cittadino of CCGS Construction for construction, real estate, and entrepreneurial leadership.
The ceremony also featured an exhibition of two special vehicles: an all-electric 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA presented by Prestige Auto, and a classic 1967 Porsche 911 presented by The Barn Miami, adding a dynamic touch to the event. The Top Entrepreneurs of USA Awards 2026 reaffirmed the importance of honoring those who drive new economic opportunities and contribute to an increasingly diverse and international business community. By celebrating leaders across so many fields, the awards underscore Miami’s role as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, and they highlight the broader impact of recognizing business excellence in fostering economic development and community strength.
