NextGen: the future

South Florida CEO, Nov, 2004 by Rochelle Broder-Singer

In South Florida's dynamic business environment, a slow shift in power is occurring. While the region has always been one that respected experience--and age--a younger generation is emerging as the region's next leaders. Its members are finding their place in chambers of commerce and community organizations, influencing the way business is done.

SouthFloridaCEO asked the region's business leaders to nominate the NextGen: the next generation of South Florida's business leaders. This debut list, which in shorter form will be an ongoing feature in the magazine, is culled from dozens of nominations and is a representative sample of the budding entrepreneurs, researchers, CEOs and others who will influence the future of the region. By definition, the NextGen are a young group of leaders, under 40 years old, and the list excludes individuals who already run a company or whose main employ is in government. SouthFloridaCEO invites readers to submit their nominees for NextGen.

Introducing a new crop of leaders

Frank A. Artiles, 31

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Current Position: Corporate Sales Manager, B Developments LLC

Background: Started in real estate working for Lennar Corp. during his first year of law school. At Miami-based B Developments, Artiles oversees sales and marketing for five mixed-use condominiums in urban Miami.

The Future: "My ambition is probably to be a developer myself," Artiles says. "If you look at the history of millionaires in the United States ... most fortunes are won and lost in real estate." Artiles, who has twice run unsuccessfully for State Representative, plans to run for office again in the future. "I've never been one to shy away from a good fight," he says.

Key Choice: Joining the US Marine Corps Reserve the summer after his first year of law school. He was deployed to the Middle East during 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "I've always wanted to represent my country ... to pay back the opportunity that this country has given not only my family, but myself," he says.

On "Making It": He'll know when he's made it, jokes Artiles, "when my student loans are fully paid off."

Pablo L. Cejas, 34

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Current Position: Director, PLC Investments Inc.

Background: Cejas has spent seven years helping manage the assets of PLC Investments, a private asset management firm created by his father, Paul L. Cejas, who is its chairman and CEO.

The Future: Cejas recently formed private equity firm Aquarius Capital LLC to attract partners to his family's real estate and other investment deals. He hopes one day to be a "major player in the ownership of income-producing real estate."

Key Choice: Out of college, Cejas joined Citibank's Miami retail banking operation and was planning to move to New York, when his father asked him to join the family business. "When I made the shift to working for my father, I [got] very lucky to have somebody so accomplished and so well-respected as a mentor."

On "Making It": "Making it has to do with being respected by those who have achieved before you and are the ones that have held the torch."

Julian Chang, 27

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Current Position: Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur

Background: The Peruvian native came to the US seven years ago to study fashion at the International Fine Arts College in Miami. He launched his own label in 2002, which now includes custom couture and ready-to-wear lines for men and women.

The Future: Chang recently expanded his Biscayne Corridor boutique to include books, music, and fashions from other designers. "In the future, Miami will be called a `fashion city,' and I want to be part of that," Chang says. Eventually, he would also like to open stores outside Florida and overseas.

Key Choice: Fashion was always his path, Chang says. With sisters who are models, the industry has been part of his life since he was a boy.

What His Parents Tell People He Does: "My parents are businesspeople, too, so they know how to guide a company. They are very proud and say, `Julian is in the fashion industry.'"

Husein A. Cumber, 29

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Current Position: Vice President, Public Affairs, Florida East Coast Industries Inc.

Background: Helped launch a lobbying firm with Jim Blosser, H. Wayne Huizenga's former general counsel. Got his start at FECI with its Epik Communications unit. The Republican Party activist is the youngest of George W. Bush's Ranger fundraisers, drawing in at least $200,000 for Bush's reelection.

The Future: "Once I've had a successful corporate career, I would probably look at doing something in public service," Cumber says.

Key Choice: Delaying a planned entry to medical school, he volunteered for Jeb Bush's gubernatorial campaign from 1997 to 1998. The campaign hired him, and, at 23, he says, the work "helped me build an incredible state-wide base."

What His Parents Tell People He Does: "They say I'm involved in politics and that I work for a transportation and real estate company. It's a hard job for parents to explain."

Nicole de Lara, 25