The Unconventional Executive
While others were collecting degrees, I was collecting P&L statements. At 17, I wasn't studying business—I was running one. That early immersion into high-stakes retail, serving Miami's power brokers, taught me something no MBA could: real business is about relationships, not spreadsheets.
From that foundation, I've built companies, scaled operations, and orchestrated successful exits. I've sat across from Fortune 500 executives and startup founders, understanding both worlds because I've lived in both worlds.
Today, I bring a unique perspective to executive leadership—one forged by experience, not theory. One that values results over credentials. One that knows the difference between managing a business and building one.
$10M+
Revenue Generated
20
Team Members Scaled
80%
Compliance Improvement
100%
Client Retention
The Trajectory of Transformation
The Foundation
Store Manager • Premier Men's Formal Wear
While peers chose college majors, I managed a high-end retail establishment serving Miami's elite. This wasn't just retail—it was a masterclass in power dynamics. Every tuxedo fitting was a lesson in reading people, understanding influence, and building relationships that matter.
The real education: Learning from CEOs, entrepreneurs, and power brokers who became my first mentors. Understanding that business is personal, and success is relational.
Mastering Scale
Sales Team Leader • American Life Insurance
Transformed an underperforming sales unit into a high-performing machine. This was where I learned the difference between managing and leading. Where I discovered that the principles driving billion-dollar insurance operations are the same ones that build successful startups—just applied differently.
Key transformation: Developed systems and training programs that became the model for other regional teams. Proved that leadership isn't about authority—it's about influence and results.
From Vision to Value
Founder & CEO • Mako Fire Group Inc.
Built a fire protection services firm from concept to successful acquisition. This wasn't just business growth—it was market transformation. We didn't just serve clients; we became trusted advisors to Fortune 500 companies, managing their most critical compliance needs.
The numbers tell the story: 0 to 2,000+ annual risk assessments. 0 to 12 team members. 0 to acquisition by a national leader. But the real achievement? Building systems so robust that our 80% reduction in client violations became the industry benchmark.
Executive Arsenal
Strategic Vision
Transforming ambitious ideas into executable strategies. Building roadmaps that connect today's resources to tomorrow's opportunities.
Operational Excellence
Creating scalable systems that grow with your vision. Turning chaos into process, and process into profit.
M&A Orchestration
From target identification to post-merger integration. Building value before, during, and after the deal.
Culture Architecture
Building teams that think like owners. Creating environments where excellence is expected and innovation is inevitable.
Transformation Leadership
Turning underperformers into industry leaders. Seeing potential where others see problems.
Innovation Catalyst
Bridging the gap between startup agility and enterprise stability. Making big companies think small and small companies think big.
The Philosophy of Fearless Leadership
The modern MBA teaches you to analyze businesses. Running one since 17 teaches you to build them. I choose building over analyzing every time.
Pattern Recognition at Scale
15+ years of reading markets, people, and opportunities. Thousands of high-stakes negotiations. Intuition honed by real consequences, not case studies. When you've seen enough patterns, you stop guessing and start knowing.
Relationship Capital That Compounds
Networks built over decades, not semesters. Trust earned through delivery, not degrees. Access to capital, talent, and opportunities through proven track record. My Rolodex is my real MBA.
Failure Immunity Through Experience
I've already made the mistakes others fear. I've navigated crises others only simulate. I've rebuilt from setbacks others never face. This isn't confidence—it's competence earned in the arena.
Voices of Validation
"Mario doesn't just understand business—he understands people. His ability to transform our compliance challenges into competitive advantages was nothing short of remarkable. He thinks like an owner because he is one."
Ready to Write the Next Chapter?
For organizations ready to challenge convention, accelerate transformation, and build something extraordinary—let's start the conversation.