Latest news with #Miamian
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
The Designery opens its third Florida location with a showroom in Miami-Dade
Owner Amanda Burr wants to make every home renovation enjoyable and seamless while giving back to her hometown MIAMI, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will celebrate the opening of its newest location in Miami with a grand opening event Thursday, June 5, from 3-6 p.m. at the showroom located on 14851 S. Dixie Highway in Miami. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music by Andre Matteo Guitar Duo and refreshments provided by Cry Baby Creamery. Owner Amanda Burr, a fourth-generation Miamian, spent seven years in San Francisco working as a project manager and technical team leader for several tech companies. She moved back to Miami in 2021 to open a business consulting service. 'After spending years working in tech roles at companies like Apple and Stripe and as a consultant for Elevated Learning Consulting, I'm thrilled to be able to flex my creative muscles,' she said. 'I can't wait to help other Miamians craft spaces they will fall in love with.' Burr said she wants to give back to her community and is dedicated to making every home renovation an enjoyable and seamless experience. The Designery Miami-Dade will serve residents throughout the metro-Miami area, including downtown Miami, the Miami Design District and Miami Beach, along with several locations to the south of Miami, including Coral Gables, The Hammocks, The Crossing, Homestead, Key Biscayne, Key Largo, Marathon and Big Pine Key. The Designery's in-house design expertise and extensive selection of products, including more than 100 cabinet styles and over 25 color options for closets, provide advantages to both homeowners and contractors. Its showrooms provide the ideal setting for personal design consultation, material and finish selection, and a virtual reality design view. For more information about The Designery Miami-Dade, visit or call them at (305) 320-4326. About The Designery The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery's immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit About HomeFront Brands: HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands — Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence, and Roof Scientist – to transform lives through franchise ownership. For more information about HomeFront Brands' current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit MEDIA CONTACT:Heather RipleyRipley PR865-977-1973hripley@
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Designery opens its third Florida location with a showroom in Miami-Dade
Owner Amanda Burr wants to make every home renovation enjoyable and seamless while giving back to her hometown MIAMI, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Designery, an immersive, full-service kitchen, bath and closet design center featuring high-quality cabinets, countertops and flooring, will celebrate the opening of its newest location in Miami with a grand opening event Thursday, June 5, from 3-6 p.m. at the showroom located on 14851 S. Dixie Highway in Miami. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music by Andre Matteo Guitar Duo and refreshments provided by Cry Baby Creamery. Owner Amanda Burr, a fourth-generation Miamian, spent seven years in San Francisco working as a project manager and technical team leader for several tech companies. She moved back to Miami in 2021 to open a business consulting service. "After spending years working in tech roles at companies like Apple and Stripe and as a consultant for Elevated Learning Consulting, I'm thrilled to be able to flex my creative muscles," she said. "I can't wait to help other Miamians craft spaces they will fall in love with." Burr said she wants to give back to her community and is dedicated to making every home renovation an enjoyable and seamless experience. The Designery Miami-Dade will serve residents throughout the metro-Miami area, including downtown Miami, the Miami Design District and Miami Beach, along with several locations to the south of Miami, including Coral Gables, The Hammocks, The Crossing, Homestead, Key Biscayne, Key Largo, Marathon and Big Pine Key. The Designery's in-house design expertise and extensive selection of products, including more than 100 cabinet styles and over 25 color options for closets, provide advantages to both homeowners and contractors. Its showrooms provide the ideal setting for personal design consultation, material and finish selection, and a virtual reality design view. For more information about The Designery Miami-Dade, visit or call them at (305) 320-4326. About The Designery The Designery was founded in 2007 as A1 Kitchen and Bath, a product wholesale outlet serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee market. In 2019, it rebranded as The Designery and established a franchise model to expand its unique concept: to simplify the kitchen, bath and closet design process by offering premium products, design expertise, project management and trusted professional installation. Its selection of high-quality cabinets, flooring, countertops and accessories makes it a destination for any remodeling, renovation or new construction project. It is a one-stop shop for homeowners and a trusted partner for contractors, with knowledgeable staff to walk clients through every step, from design to project management and installation. The Designery's immersive showroom and personalized guidance bring luxurious designs to life without the luxury price tag. To learn more about The Designery, please visit About HomeFront Brands: HomeFront Brands empowers entrepreneurs to create thriving franchised residential and commercial property service brands. Driven by an experienced team of franchise executives and rooted in family values, HomeFront Brands helps emerging or established concepts accelerate their growth by delivering enterprise-level solutions to local business owners who aspire to build a dynasty and create generational wealth. By leveraging integrated technology, data-driven intelligence and advanced learning management systems, HomeFront Brands is building a foundation for its brands -- Window Hero, The Designery, Temporary Wall Systems, Top Rail Fence, and Roof Scientist – to transform lives through franchise ownership. For more information about HomeFront Brands' current solutions, new business development, and franchising opportunities, please visit MEDIA CONTACT:Heather RipleyRipley PR865-977-1973hripley@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE HomeFront Brands Sign in to access your portfolio
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Venezuela Chevron oil deal is dead, for now. We can thank Rubio, Miami Republicans
When Chevron's oil license in Venezuela expired Tuesday, Miami Republicans in Congress and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, another Miamian, notched a big foreign policy win — and offered a bit of much-needed good news for Miami-Dade's Venezuelan immigrant community. The victory comes in spite of a push by Richard Grenell, President Trump's envoy for special missions who has been at odds with Rubio, to allow an extension of the American company's license to produce and export Venezuelan oil. For a while, it seemed that Grenell's vision of continuing the Chevron deal for at least 60 days would succeed. Last week, he announced there would be a Chevron license extension after saying he'd negotiated an agreement with Venezuela to release a U.S. military veteran detained there. The release of Joe St. Clair happened. But the announcement of the extension turned out to be premature. Last week, Miami's three Cuban American members of Congress seized a chance to fight the license extension. In a vote on Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' on taxes and spending, they unexpectedly cast 'no' votes, a politically savvy move at a moment when there was a razor-thin margin for approval. That's when the landscape shifted. Suddenly, Chevron's Treasury Department license was dead. And the votes by U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Mario Diaz Balart and Carlos Gimenez changed into 'yeses,' as first reported by Axios. Critics — Salazar, Diaz Balart, Gimenez and Rubio leading the way — have argued for years that allowing Chevron to continue its operations in Venezuela was effectively helping support the socialist dictatorship of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. They had counted on the Trump administration to see things their way. Their fury when that apparently wasn't the case nearly stopped Trump's signature legislation. All of this started when the Biden administration allowed Chevron to resume operations in the South American country in 2022. It was pitched as a democracy-building move: Maduro's government and Venezuelan opposition leaders had agreed to a humanitarian relief program and to continue talking about 'free and fair' elections. But elections in Venezuela have been far from that ideal — including the most recent 2024 presidential election, in which the opposition cast serious doubt on Maduro's 'win' and the U.S. said the opposition candidate had won — and the country continues to spiral downward economically. Over seven million Venezuelans have left their country since 2014, with many coming to South Florida. Those who wanted Chevron to stay in Venezuela have said its economic impact helps prevent further economic collapse. That may be true. And a worsening economy would no doubt trigger more human suffering and migration. Also, without Chevron, there's the worry that the vacuum in Venezuela may be filled by other companies. As Chevron's CEO Mike Wirth said in a May 4 interview on Fox News, 'historically that's been Chinese companies, Russian companies and others that are not necessarily in America's interest.' We can't forget that Venezuela's large oil reserves continue to be of global importance. Rubio has for many years been one of the staunchest voices advocating for a tough stance against Maduro (and for Venezuelans to be granted Temporary Protected Status, though that's certainly not the case now.) So for him, putting an end to Chevron's license is a particularly significant win. It also shows he's in a position of strength in the Trump administration. But how much of a win will all of this really be? There has been discussion of allowing Chevron to leave in place its equipment and structures and do minimal maintenance. If there's a reversal of policy by the Trump administration in months or years — and Trump has certainly showed he can reverse himself with a moment's notice — would Chevron be poised to go back into action in Venezuela? For now, it's been encouraging to see Miami's Republican members of Congress stand up for their constituents so strongly, even in the face of headwinds from the Trump administration. They need to remember the appalling situation facing some 350,000 Venezuelans on TPS who may face deportation after the Trump administration revoked their status. They did Chevron; now do TPS. Click here to send the letter.
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Built in Miami, now ranked among the best: The steady rise of Jake Ogden
University of Miami Built in Miami, now ranked among the best: The steady rise of Jake Ogden Before every game, Jake Ogden suits up the same way. Same order, same rhythm, same routine. It's a small detail, but for the University of Miami's starting shortstop, consistency is everything. It's what helped him turn zero Division I offers out of high school into a spot on one of the nation's most storied programs. It's what helped him play in all 56 games last season at UNC Greensboro. It's what helped him become a Cape Cod League All-Star and champion. That same consistency still drives him now, batting well over .300 and starting every game for the Hurricanes — quickly displaying himself as one of the most productive shortstops in the country. Ogden has only missed two games in his entire college career, both during his freshman season at Barry University and they still bother him to this day. His reliability on the field, however, doesn't come without effort behind the scenes. He's done it all while managing Type 1 diabetes. 'I mean, those doubleheaders are tough,' Ogden said with a slight grin. 'Especially in Florida, it's really hot, and it affects blood sugars. I had some moments where I was in a tough spot, but I've learned how to manage it better. And I would say this season, I haven't had a single problem with it.' His dugout diet includes Skittles, Starbursts, and whatever else helps keep his numbers stable. Miami shortstop Jake Ogden (4) and third baseman Daniel Cuvet (14) come into the dugout after the first inning of a game on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla. Alie Skowronski askowronski@ But the routine that keeps him in the lineup, through heat, long road trips and the daily grind, was shaped by years of trial, error and self-discipline. OVERLOOKED BUT NEVER OUTWORKED A Coral Reef High School alum and lifelong Miamian, Ogden came out of high school with plenty of work ethic — but not much attention. Despite solid grades, strong fundamentals, and a mature presence on the field, the exposure he chased never came. 'I played for CBU,' Ogden said, referencing his travel team. 'The thought was, 'Oh, if I play for this team, they're gonna help me get offers.' But I never really got looked at.' 'After high school ended, I thought I was a Division II player,' he said. 'That's where I thought I belonged.' He made the most of it. Ogden started nearly every game at Barry as a freshman. But even then, the weight of being overlooked never fully left. 'My brother didn't play,' he said. 'But a big reason was because he was undersized. So I told myself that was not going to be my problem.' He added muscle, refined his game and kept showing up. 'He has that grit and passion that not a lot of players have,' said Evan Wickeri, a former Barry teammate now playing at Lander University. 'You just realized how humble he was — but also how competitive. That's a testament to his discipline. Everyone learns consistency, but it's different to be able to execute it every day.' PROVING GROUNDS Then came the first coaching change. Barry's head coach stepped down. So Ogden transferred to UNC Greensboro, where the same thing happened again. 'The first move felt more drastic,' Ogden said. 'I was away from home. I didn't know anybody. I was on my own.' Still, he played in every game, hit .331 and earned All-Southern Conference honors. His head coach, in one of his final moves before stepping down, helped connect him with an opportunity in the prestigious Cape Cod League — a parting gesture that spoke volumes about what he thought of Ogden. Barry University infielder/right-handed pitcher Jake Ogden (16) during the Bucs' home opener against Lane College at Feinbloom Field on Friday, February 3, 2023 in Miami Shores. Kelly Gavin Kelly Gavin/Barry University 'I looked at some of the names on the All-Star rosters, and I was like, 'Dang, I was watching this guy on TV,'' Ogden said. 'Now I'm standing next to him, playing with him.' That summer, he committed to Miami. FULL CIRCLE By the time he stepped onto the field at Mark Light Stadium this spring, the Hurricanes had a new shortstop, but the same unshakable presence past teammates had come to rely on. The Coral Reef product had returned as a junior with two years of college ball, a Cape title, and a polished glove. Head coach J.D. Arteaga said it didn't take long for the team to feel his presence. 'He's the epitome of what you're looking for in a player, a teammate, and someone you want to coach,' Arteaga said. 'Whatever you ask him to do, he's going to do it. We might ask him to pitch or catch — and I'm sure he'll do it with a smile on his face.' Arteaga added: 'If we had nine of him, we'd be a really, really good team.' Ogden has already started every game for Miami and entered the week hitting over .330 with one of the team's highest on-base percentages. His consistency at the plate has been matched by his reliability in the field, where he's flashed elite range and instinct. 'He's played shortstop one day, first base the next,' Arteaga said. 'He's hit leadoff, hit feed off him.' Miami infielder Jake Ogden (4) is out by FIU infielder Alex Ulloa (1) during the second inning of a game on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla. Alie Skowronski askowronski@ He's also been recognized nationally. Ogden was named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List, an honor given to the nation's top shortstops. THE MESSAGE THAT LINGERS When asked what drives him to show up every day, to lift, prepare, and perform while managing more than the average athlete, Ogden didn't point to a quote, a coach, or a parent. Instead, he recalled a moment from high school. 'Somebody when I was in high school told me I wasn't good enough to play at a certain school,' Ogden said. 'Every day, that's what keeps me going.' He paused, then added — almost trying not to smile: 'I'd like to think I'm at a better school than he said I couldn't play at now.' A grin crept across his face—the kind that almost felt out of place coming from someone so humble. It was like he caught himself mid-thought, aware that giving himself credit, even for a second, wasn't his style. FAN CLUB Before the season even began, another chapter of Ogden's story had already started taking shape. Trevor Hancock, one of Ogden's oldest friends and a former high school teammate, created a Jake Ogden Fan Club Instagram account. At first, it was a joke. A playful nod to a quiet, modest player who never asked for attention. But as Ogden's game caught fire and his role at Miami grew, the account took on a different tone, one rooted in admiration and purpose. 'I want to get his name out there,' said Hancock, a junior sports, arts, and entertainment major at Point Park University. The account's bio includes 'T1D,' short for Type 1 diabetes, a subtle tribute to Jake and a signal of encouragement to others managing the same condition. 'If even one kid with diabetes like him sees that, it's an accomplishment.' Hancock said. Today, the account has grown to more than 200 followers, a mix of former teammates, friends, family, and new supporters who've taken notice of Ogden's rise. It's also caught attention inside the clubhouse. Hancock said several of Jake's current teammates at Miami have asked how they can get Jake Ogden Fan Club T-shirts. It started as an inside joke, but it's backed by real respect. VISION FORWARD Ask Jake about the future , and he doesn't give a long list of dreams. But he does have one. 'I think it'd be amazing if we made it to Omaha,' Ogden said. 'That's the dream.' He said it like a goal, not a fantasy. Like the way he once talked about Division I baseball. Like the way he still remembers the person who once told him he couldn't. Now that Miami is surging at the right time, having won three straight ACC series, Ogden's vision is more than just hopeful. It's possible. Ultimately, if the Hurricanes make a postseason run, their steady-handed shortstop will be right in the middle of it.
