FIU honors developer Tibor Hollo and distinguished alumni at 2012 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame

Florida International University honored four distinguished alumni and iconic Miami developer Tibor Hollo at its 2012 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame awards ceremony, presented by the College of Business Administration (CBA).

“Our four honored graduates took the initiative, learned the lessons and came away with great success,” FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg told attendees at the sold-out event, held May 3 at the Adrienne Arsht Center. “They are the job creators who build our community, and we are all proud of them.”

Photo: Brett Hufziger.

The evening’s theme, “Rise: Entrepreneur to Icon,” was brought home by Hollo, who accepted his award as 2012 South Florida Entrepreneur of the Year.

“I’m deeply honored by this recognition from a university that I hold in such high regard and consider to be the most progressive in our community,” said Hollo, chairman of Florida East Coast Realty, who is widely recognized for his vision of Miami as a city where residents live, work and play. At the ceremony, he offered a piece of advice to young entrepreneurs: “Work hard until you get there, and when you get there, work even harder.”

The 2012 honorees, graduates of the College of Business Administration, are Jason Squillante ’00, CEO, TopSource Staffing, Founder of the Year; Mayi de la Vega ’76, One Sotheby’s International Realty owner, Builder of the Year; Alfredo Lardizabal ’94, COO and general manager, MIC Foods, Family Business Award; and Justo Luis Pozo III ’07, partner, Gotham Holdings and Energy Kitchen, Young Alum.

“It’s a unique honor to recognize our alumni and business leaders for keeping our economies thriving, and taking risks to achieve their dreams,” CBA Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam said. “These are the stories that motivate and drive our students to push forward with their goals and bring them to fruition.”

Dedicated to honoring job creators and innovators, FIU’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame was established in 1999 to recognize College of Business Administration alumni who have achieved distinction as founders and builders of business enterprises. For more than a decade, it has showcased the college’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship education and its continued support of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, both globally and locally.

Individuals chosen for these honors not only are successful entrepreneurs, but also philanthropists and volunteers who have made significant contributions to their communities. To date, the school has inducted over 35 FIU alumni and other business leaders.

The event also showcases the work of the Eugenio Pino and Family Global Entrepreneurship Center. The Pino Center’s mission is to create entrepreneurial leaders and organizations in all segments of society, throughout South Florida and internationally.