Set Apart Podcast

On this episode of the Set Apart Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Murphy, Executive VP at Coastal Construction and founder of Togal.ai, CodeComply.ai, and Renco USA.Patrick shares how the construction industry, long seen as slow to adapt, is beginning to evolve with the help of technology. From using AI to streamline time-consuming tasks with Togal.ai, to improving materials through Renco’s innov...

This week on the Set Apart Podcast, Oscar sits down with Alex Barthet, construction attorney and founder of the Miami Construction Forum, to talk all things marketing and connection in a competitive space. From client gifting to social media strategy, Alex shares his take on what actually makes an impact. With so many platforms available, should you be everywhere or just focus on one? How do you m...

On this episode, we’re joined by Nick Bofill, also known as The Native Guy, a passionate South Florida beekeeper and founder of his own honey brand. What started as a love for native plants and landscaping quickly turned into a mission to protect pollinators, educate the public, and produce high-quality, locally sourced honey. Nick manages hives throughout the region, with his honey even making it...

This week on the Set Apart podcast, we welcome Brandon Diaz, marketing and communications expert and the founder of On the Water Daily (formerly JetSki Daily). What began as a fun high school project turned into a passion-fueled page dedicated to everything about life on the water. Brandon’s devotion doesn’t stop at growing the brand. He actively collaborates with the Coastal Conservation Associat...

Last week, guest Ray Corral handed Oscar an UNO reverse and asked him to share his story. So in this short but impactful episode, we flip the script. Hear how it all began from pressure cleaning driveways, to switching majors, to eventually building a multimillion-dollar construction company. Oscar opens up about the highs, the challenges, and the why behind launching the brand-new John Bell Found...

Ray Corral is a man of the arts — a musician, entrepreneur, and incredibly talented mosaicist. After touring and working with icons like Madonna, Ray shifted his focus and founded Mosaicist Inc., where he brings bold, custom mosaic designs to life - especially in luxury pools and architectural spaces. In this episode, we talk about his creative evolution, the business behind the art, and what it t...

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Barbara, a seasoned real estate attorney and General In-House Counsel for The Barreto Group. Richard also serves as a managing partner at Coral Gables Title & Escrow LLC, a firm closely affiliated with The Barreto Group . Richard shares his extensive knowledge of the real estate industry, covering essential topics such as title insurance, money lending...

This week, we sat down with Alan Blanco, founder of Center Consoles Only, a brand born from pure passion for all things boating. What started as a fun side project quickly grew into a powerful platform with over half a million followers and a reputation as one of the go-to voices in the boating world. Alan shares how he made the leap from working in his family’s construction company to building a...

This week, we sit down with Bryan Gorrita, a Miami-based real estate broker who specializes in land acquisition, ground-up development, and multifamily projects. Beyond closing deals, Bryan has built a following of nearly 40K on Instagram by sharing valuable insights on market trends, development projects, and resources that help people better understand what’s happening in South Florida real esta...

You had questions, and we answered! This week, we’re tackling everything you wanted to know about Oscar and John Bell Construction—from business insights and career opportunities to behind-the-scenes stories. Tune in to hear it all!

This week, we sat down with Orlando Mendez, better known as The Cuban Cowboy! Inspired by his favorite country artists, Orlando picked up a guitar and began writing songs that blend country music with his Cuban heritage. His talent even landed him a spot on The Voice, where he made it to the Top 20! In this episode, he shares his journey, inspirations, and where he's headed next—and even treat...

This week on the podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Liliam Lopez, President and Founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Since founding the chamber in 1994, Liliam has remained dedicated to connecting Hispanic businesses, fostering growth, and strengthening the local business community. Her passion for bringing people together extends beyond business—she also establish...

Learn more about Rita Tennyson and how Birdie Bistro came to be! After nearly 30 years at the beloved Burger Bob’s, Rita has taken on a new role—bringing fresh life to the space while honoring its rich history. As the heart of the diner for decades, she has built lasting relationships with customers who continue to support her new venture. In this episode, Rita shares her journey, the transition f...

This week, we sit down with Sister Rosalie, Principal of Saint Theresa School in Coral Gables, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year! Sister Rosalie shares her incredible journey—what led her to become a nun, her passion for serving the church and community, and the values that have guided her throughout her life. With a deep commitment to faith and education, she reflects on the...

This week on The Set Apart Podcast , we sit down with the one and only Marcos Tabares , better known as El Caballo —the self-proclaimed “World’s Strongest Comedian.” Known for his raw, unfiltered takes on Miami life, Marcos dives into the wild realities of the 305, his unapologetic comedy style, and the craziness he’s seen firsthand. ⚠️ Warning: This episode is not your typical Set Apart Podcast—J...

Oscar Morejon, Albert Faz, and Jazz Machin—best friends since childhood and the driving force behind John Bell Construction—sit down to reflect on 2024. From the challenges they conquered to the milestones they achieved, they share how their personal bond fuels their professional success. With big plans on the horizon, they discuss why 2025 could be a game-changing year for the company. Don’t miss...

In this episode, we uncover a side of John Bell Construction rarely spotlighted: masonry. Learn how the company got involved in this specialized craft, the unique challenges of masonry work, and how it differs from general contracting. We’re also joined by two of our talented team members, Ivan Aragon and Jose Luis, who share their experiences in the construction industry and what it’s like to be...

This week is a special episode featuring Louis Fonseca and Kiko Suarez, organizers of the 13th Annual Holiday Toy Drive at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Their mission is simple but powerful: to make Christmas special for kids who might not get toys otherwise. We recorded during the setup of this amazing event and got to see firsthand how the community comes together to make the holidays brig...

This week, we’re diving into the partnership that keeps John Bell Construction running smoothly: our Superintendents and Project Managers. Discover how these two roles complement each other, the unique challenges they face, and what makes their collaboration so essential. They also reflect on their experiences, swapping stories and sharing insights about their preferences after stepping into each...

In this episode, we spotlight the women of John Bell Construction who play an essential role in supporting the company’s vision and success. From managing key operations to providing critical behind-the-scenes support, these talented professionals share their experiences working in a male-dominated industry and how they help drive JBC’s projects forward. Tune in to hear about their contributions,...

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Jesus Ortiz, the skilled owner of The Original 24th Street Barbershop, who brought his talents right to John Bell Construction for a one-of-a-kind house call. Jesus opens up about his path to becoming a barber, what he loves most about his job, and the artistry that goes into every cut. As a memorable finishing touch, Jesus surprises Oscar with a custom de...

In this episode, we're joined by Nestor Cueto of Cueto Engineering, who sheds light on the journey to becoming an engineer and the challenges that come with the role. Nestor dives into the crucial responsibility engineers carry, the impact of their work on countless lives, and the serious consequences if projects fall short. Tune in to gain insights into what it truly takes to excel in this high-s...

In this week’s episode, we step onto the mat at Kongkrete Wrestling Academy to grapple with some powerful stories. We’re joined by owner Jason Goff, along with wrestling coaches Victor Balmeceda and Ralph Cater, as they share how wrestling has shaped their lives both on and off the mat. Jason explains how the discipline and skills he gained from wrestling helped him pin down success in his concret...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Paul Capote, founder of Paul’s General Landscaping (PGL), who shares his inspiring story of building a successful business. Paul talks about how his company has evolved over the years, with a growing focus on landscape design. He also discusses how he has brought the Miami landscaping community together through the Landscape Brotherhood, fostering collaborat...

This week, we’re joined by Jeff Diego, Owner of 305 Permit Runner, who shares the ins and outs of the permit approval process. With each municipality having its own rules, Jeff explains the challenges and time it takes to get permits approved. He also highlights the crucial difference between running a business and simply having a job, sharing how he gradually built his company over time. Tune in...