Florida Visionaries

When you look up the definition of an icon, you will find it described as someone who is widely admired and respected for their influence, their achievements and the enduring legacy they have created. That definition perfectly captures the individuals you are about to meet within the pages of this inaugural edition of Florida Trend ICON.

For two decades, our monthly Icon feature has been one of the most distinctive and notable sections of Florida Trend. What has always set it apart is that these stories are not traditional profiles written about extraordinary Floridians. Instead, they are told in the icons’ own words.

Bringing these narratives to life requires exceptional skill from our editorial team. It demands careful preparation, genuine curiosity, attentive listening and the ability to put the subject at ease. What follows is like magic — an authentic experience that transports readers to another time and place, allowing them to accompany each icon through the defining moments of their journeys.

Within these pages, you will find stories filled with triumph and adversity, joy and disappointment, uncertainty and conviction. You will find moments that inspire laughter, reflection, admiration and respect. More importantly, you will gain a deep understanding of the experiences, decisions and values that shaped these leaders and helped define the businesses, industries and communities they influenced.

Since the feature first appeared in Florida Trend in 2006, we have profiled more than 240 Florida Trend Icons. For this inaugural edition of Florida Trend ICON, our editorial team undertook the difficult task of selecting just 60 individuals from that remarkable collection. Each was chosen because their vision, leadership and lasting impact helped build, transform and continue to shape Florida’s business landscape. Together, their stories celebrate not only extraordinary personal achievement but also the spirit of innovation, resilience and leadership that defines Florida itself.

As you turn these pages, we hope you will find inspiration in their journeys, wisdom in their experiences and a deeper appreciation for the individuals whose legacies continue to influence our state today.

— David G. Denor, Publisher
ddenor@floridatrend.com