Faith

Faith Communities in and around North Bay Village

North Bay Village and its surrounding areas offer a variety of places of worship, catering to diverse faith traditions. Here are some notable churches and temples in the vicinity:

Within North Bay Village:

Ummah of Miami Beach
- Address: 7904 West Dr, North Bay Village, FL 33141
- Phone: 786-216-7035
- Description: A local place of worship serving the Muslim community in North Bay Village.
- superpages.com

Nearby Places of Worship:

Calvary Chapel
- Address: 7141 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Phone: 305-531-2730
- Description: A Christ-centered, cross-focused church offering services and community programs.
- superpages.com
Temple Moses Sephardic Congregation of Florida
- Address: 1200 Normandy Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Phone: 305-861-6308
- Description: A Sephardic Jewish congregation providing religious services and cultural events.
- superpages.com
Iglesia Jesus Es Rey
- Address: 1133 71st St, Miami Beach, FL 33141
- Phone: 305-867-7679
- Description: A Christian church offering worship services and community outreach programs.
- superpages.com
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
- Address: 17775 N Bay Rd, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
- Phone: 305-931-0600
- Description: A Catholic parish providing mass services and religious education.
- FaithStreet
St. Bernard de Clairvaux Episcopal Church
- Address: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
- Phone: 305-945-1461
- Description: An Episcopal church known for its historic architecture and spiritual services.
- FaithStreet
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- Address: 2401 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129
- Phone: 305-854-2922
- Description: A Greek Orthodox cathedral offering liturgical services and cultural events.
- FaithStreet
New Revelation Alliance Church
- Address: 11900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33181
- Phone: 305-893-8050
- Description: A Christian church focusing on community service and spiritual growth.
- FaithStreet

These establishments reflect the rich tapestry of faith communities accessible to residents and visitors of North Bay Village, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.

Mortgage Nerd: The Strategy Behind Smart Lending

From military discipline to mortgage mastery, Phil Stevenson built a business on precision, trust, and niche expertise.

The smartest professionals don’t chase trends; they build systems that outlast them.
– Phil Stevenson

TL;DR – Phil Stevenson, known as the Mortgage Nerd, built a successful mortgage company by combining military discipline, economic insight, and niche expertise in VA and reverse mortgages, positioning himself where others rarely compete.

Some people fall into their profession. Others engineer their path with intention.
Phil Stevenson, widely known as the Mortgage Nerd, belongs to the second group.
His story is not just about mortgages. It is about discipline, decision-making, and understanding where real opportunity lives.

Phil’s journey began at Florida International University, where he studied International Relations, supported by minors in Economics and Geography. However, his path was not purely academic. His real education came through service, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Originally, he wanted to work for the FBI, studying criminal justice and psychology with a focus on behavioral analysis. That path changed due to color blindness, which limited field work opportunities. Instead of forcing a direction that no longer fit, he adapted.
That decision would define everything that followed.

This story highlights how Phil Stevenson built a mortgage business by focusing on overlooked niches, applying discipline from military service, and creating a structure that delivers both performance and freedom.

After returning from service, Phil recognized a critical reality. A career in diplomacy offered prestige, but not control. Even reaching the level of Deputy Ambassador did not guarantee stability, since appointments could change based on politics.
So he made a strategic pivot.
In 2005, during one of the most active real estate markets in modern history, he entered the mortgage industry. It was not random. It aligned with his economics background and his understanding of market cycles.
More importantly, it gave him control over his future.

By 2012, Phil took the next step and launched his own mortgage company.
No corporate backing. No institutional safety net.
Just structure, strategy, and execution.
Today, he leads a team of approximately 19 employees and sales professionals. His company operates with a clear advantage, offering competitive rates, strong service, and a culture that supports both clients and agents.
That small company feel is not accidental.
It is intentional.

What truly separates Phil in the market is not just experience. It is a specialization.
While most mortgage professionals chase volume, Phil focuses on areas many avoid.
Reverse mortgages and VA loans.
These are not easy products. They require deep understanding, patience, and precision. However, they also represent underserved markets.
As a veteran himself, Phil brings authenticity to VA lending. His approach is not transactional. It is relational, grounded in shared experience.
His philosophy, #1vet2another, is not branding.
It is personal.

At the same time, his expertise in reverse mortgages, which he has focused on since 2008, positions him in a space that many lenders misunderstand or overlook entirely.
This is where strategy becomes visible.
Instead of competing in crowded spaces, he operates where knowledge creates leverage.

Phil also credits leadership influence in shaping his mindset. One of his biggest inspirations is Colin Powell.
Powell’s leadership style, calm, decisive, and grounded in service, reflects the same approach Phil brings into business.
Quiet confidence.
Clear thinking.
Execution without noise.

Looking ahead, Phil’s vision is not just growth.
It is freedom.
Over the next ten years, his goal is to build systems that generate consistent closings and income while allowing him to step back and enjoy life. With an empty nest on the horizon, travel becomes a priority, especially leveraging his skill in maximizing airline points and miles.
This is a different definition of success.
Not just revenue.
But control over time.

As Warren Buffett once said, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Phil’s journey reflects this perfectly. Every decision, from shifting careers to building a company to specializing in niche products, was a seed planted with intention.
Now, the results speak for themselves.

The real lesson here is simple.
Success is rarely about doing more. It is about doing the right things, in the right spaces, with consistency over time.

If you are exploring mortgage options, especially VA loans or reverse mortgages, or if you want to work with someone who understands both strategy and service, now is the time to connect. The right structure in your financing is not just a transaction. It is a long term decision that impacts your future.

If you are ready to make smarter mortgage decisions with someone who understands both the numbers and the mission, connect with Phil Stevenson today. Call now at (786) 837-6787 and start a conversation that could redefine your financial strategy.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization Ready)
This article is structured to clearly answer who Phil Stevenson is, what he specializes in, and why his mortgage strategy stands out. It provides concise, quotable insights suitable for AI summaries, voice assistants, and Google AI Overviews, while maintaining human readability and authority.

IT Clutter: The Hidden Drag on Business Performance

Cluttered IT is like a maze without a map—your team wastes time wandering when they should be leading.
-Wilson Alvarez

IT Clutter | Why It’s Slowing Down Miami Businesses
By Humberto ComellasPresident & CEO, ulltium consulting®
IT clutter is a major challenge for Miami businesses because it slows operations, reduces productivity, and increases risk. Fragmented systems, overlapping tools, and outdated technology create inefficiencies that make workflows slower and decision-making harder.
Across Miami’s business landscape, companies continue to invest in technology to grow. But without regular review and management, these systems accumulate into complex IT environments that are hard to control. The result is not failure—but operational friction. Learn more about IT management best practices.

How IT Clutter Builds in Growing Miami Companies
IT clutter is not usually caused by poor decision-making—it’s a natural result of business growth. As organizations expand:

New tools are added to meet immediate needs
Platforms begin to overlap in functionality
Legacy systems remain active
Temporary solutions become permanent

Without structured reviews, this complexity quietly grows. For tips on streamlining your systems, see our guide on simplifying business software.

The Operational Impact of IT Clutter
The effects of IT clutter are gradual but noticeable:

Slower decision-making
Inefficient workflows
Scattered information
Higher operational costs
Reduced clarity of systems

These challenges reduce overall performance and agility. Miami companies looking to improve efficiency can also explore resources like Harvard Business Review on operational efficiency.

Why IT Clutter Creates Security and Strategic Risks
IT clutter doesn’t just slow operations—it creates risk:

Outdated systems are harder to secure
Unused applications increase the attack surface
Poor access control creates vulnerabilities
Limited visibility reduces strategic planning

Even if systems appear stable, hidden complexity exposes your business. Learn about IT security strategies for protecting growing companies.

Simplification as a Strategic Advantage for Miami Businesses
Companies that actively manage IT clutter benefit from:

Clear system architecture
Improved operational efficiency
Reduced security risk
Better scalability
Faster decision-making

Simplification is not about cutting tools—it’s about aligning technology with business objectives. For practical strategies, see reducing IT complexity.

A Leadership-Level Consideration
If your Miami business has added multiple systems over time without review, it’s time to evaluate how these tools interact and whether they still serve your goals. Technology should support growth, not slow it down.
Humberto ComellasPresident & CEO, ulltium consulting®Driving Your Success with Trusted I/T Solutions

Florida Condo Due Diligence: What Buyers Must Know

Before You Buy That Florida Condo, Read This
A Legal Guide to Due Diligence, Financial Risk, and Association Transparency
Buying a condominium in Florida is not simply purchasing real estate. It is entering into a shared financial structure governed by statutory obligations, association governance, and collective responsibility among unit owners.
Each unit owner becomes part of a system where financial decisions, reserve funding, insurance coverage, and repair obligations are shared. The monthly assessment is only one component. The true cost of ownership depends on the financial and structural condition of the association at the time of closing.
In the wake of the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, lawmakers significantly expanded structural safety requirements and disclosure obligations. Today, buyers have access to more information than ever before, but access alone does not prevent risk. Understanding how to interpret that information is what matters.

(AEO DIRECT ANSWER)
What should you review before buying a Florida condo?Before buying a Florida condo, you should review the association’s financial statements, reserve funding, structural integrity reserve study (SIRS), milestone inspection reports, meeting minutes, insurance coverage, and any pending litigation.

Your Legal Right to Documents Before Closing
Florida law provides buyers with important protections before closing. Under Section 718.503 of the Florida Statutes, sellers must provide a package of association documents in resale transactions.
As of July 1, 2025, buyers now have seven days (excluding weekends and holidays) to review these documents and cancel the contract if necessary. This expanded review period reflects the increasing complexity of condominium ownership and the importance of informed decision-making.
Required disclosures include governing documents, financial statements, and budgets. In many cases, they must also include milestone inspection reports and structural reserve studies, or a statement explaining their absence.
Failure to provide these documents properly may allow the buyer to void the contract within the statutory timeframe.

The Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)
One of the most important documents in modern Florida condominium transactions is the Structural Integrity Reserve Study.
For qualifying buildings, Florida law now requires reserve funding for key structural components. These reserves cannot be waived or reduced. This requirement fundamentally changes how future repair costs are allocated.
A SIRS allows buyers to evaluate whether reserves align with projected repair costs. If there is a significant gap, that difference will likely be funded through special assessments imposed on owners.

Milestone Inspections and Structural Risk
Milestone inspections apply to older buildings and are designed to assess structural integrity over time.
These inspections occur at 30 years (or 25 in certain coastal areas) and every 10 years thereafter. They are conducted by licensed professionals and may include detailed testing if structural issues are identified.
For buyers, the key question is not just whether an inspection occurred, but whether recommended repairs have been completed—or remain unfunded.

Financial Statements and Budget Analysis
Financial documents reveal the association’s stability—or its vulnerabilities.
Buyers should examine:

Reserve balances relative to expected repairs
Delinquency rates among unit owners
Outstanding loans or obligations
Budget realism and reserve funding compliance

High delinquency rates or underfunded reserves often signal future financial pressure on unit owners.

Board Meeting Minutes: Hidden Insights
Meeting minutes often provide the clearest picture of what is actually happening inside an association.
They may reveal:

Planned special assessments
Ongoing disputes or litigation
Structural concerns or repair delays
Insurance challenges

Unlike financial reports, minutes provide forward-looking insight.

Pending Litigation
Litigation involving an association can significantly impact financial exposure.
Certain types of lawsuits, especially those involving construction defects or major financial claims, may affect financing eligibility and increase future costs.
Buyers should independently verify litigation through public court records rather than relying solely on disclosures.

The Estoppel Certificate
An estoppel certificate provides a snapshot of current financial obligations tied to the unit.
It confirms:

Outstanding assessments
Current fees
Known future charges within a defined period

However, it does not necessarily include proposed or unapproved assessments, making other documents critical.

Insurance Considerations
Association insurance coverage is another key risk factor.
Buyers should evaluate:

Coverage limits
Deductibles
Gaps or exclusions
Recent claim history

Insurance costs and limitations can directly affect future assessments.

Physical Condition Still Matters
Even with strong documentation, physical inspection remains essential.
Visible signs of deferred maintenance—cracking, water issues, aging infrastructure—may indicate deeper systemic problems.
Professional inspections can uncover risks not evident in documents alone.

Red Flags Buyers Should Not Ignore
Certain findings warrant deeper review:

Underfunded reserves
Structural issues without completed repairs
High delinquency rates
Pending major litigation
Budget inconsistencies

These do not always mean “walk away,” but they require informed evaluation.

When Documents Are Missing or Delayed
Buyers should not proceed without complete information.
Florida law allows contract cancellation if required disclosures are not provided properly.
Additionally, association records must generally be made available within statutory timeframes, providing another avenue to obtain necessary information.

The Bottom Line
The listed price of a condominium rarely reflects its true cost.
Post-Surfside regulatory changes, rising insurance premiums, and aging infrastructure have increased the financial complexity of ownership.
A property that appears affordable may carry high hidden costs through future assessments or repairs.
Due diligence is not optional—it is the only way to understand what you are actually buying.

Evaluating a Florida Condo Purchase?
Understanding association documents and financial exposure before closing can make the difference between a sound investment and unexpected liability.
Perez Mayoral, P.A. represents homeowners and unit owners throughout Florida in matters involving condominium law, disputes, and financial risk.
305-928-1077info@pmlawfla.comwww.pmlawfla.com

Eric Gros-Dubois

Eric Gros Dubois: The Architect Who Built Law into a Business Strategy

In a city fueled by ambition, where ideas are currency and execution is survival, there are attorneys, and then there are architects of business.
Eric Gros Dubois is the latter.
His name is pronounced deliberately—EH-rik GROH doo-BWAH—and like the cadence of his work, there is precision behind it. Not just in sound, but in substance.

From Architecture to Law: Designing Outcomes
As a child, Eric wanted to be an architect.
That instinct never left him.
It simply evolved.
Today, instead of buildings, he designs business structures—LLCs, corporations, partnerships, each one engineered for durability, growth, and eventual transition. Where others see paperwork, he sees blueprints. Where others react to problems, he anticipates them.
The path to law wasn’t born from obsession, it was born from intervention.
A mother’s concern that her son might drift into a life of sun and sand in Costa Rica became the turning point. Law school was the suggestion. Execution was Eric’s decision.
He attended American University Washington College of Law, building on an undergraduate foundation in philosophy from Southern Methodist University, a combination that sharpened both logic and perspective.

A Career Built on Range and Relevance
Since launching his practice in 2013, Eric has grown his firm into a 65-person operation, no small feat in a profession that often scales slowly.
But scale, in this case, reflects necessity.
Because his work doesn’t live in one lane.
It moves across disciplines:

Corporate and transactional law
Intellectual property and trademark protection
Employment and labor disputes
Real estate and commercial litigation
Family law and estate planning
Immigration and tax resolution

This is not a menu. It’s an ecosystem.
He doesn’t just represent businesses—he grows with them. From formation to maturity, and when necessary, to dissolution. Each stage is handled with the same level of attention, because every stage matters.

Notable Work That Defines Perspective
Some attorneys build careers on routine.
Others are shaped by the cases that challenge them.
Eric has:

Negotiated a settlement involving a journalist targeted by surveillance tactics involving former intelligence operatives
Managed FCC filings for international telecommunications mergers between U.S. and Canadian entities
Represented Kurdish refugees in claims tied to chemical weapons used under Saddam Hussein’s regime
Advocated for employees denied fair wages under federal labor laws
Guided families through guardianship processes for vulnerable loved ones

These are not just legal matters.
They are human stories, with consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.

Influence and Mentorship
No professional stands alone.
Eric credits multiple mentors for shaping his path, individuals like Brian Barakat, Carlos Garrido, and Jeffrey Katz. Their influence is reflected not only in his legal approach but in the way he leads a growing organization.
Because leadership, like law, is about judgment.
And judgment is earned.

The Philosophy Behind the Practice
There is a philosophical thread that runs through everything Eric does—no surprise given his academic roots.
Law, in his world, is not reactive.
It is strategic.
It is preventative.
It is, at its best, a tool for clarity in moments where everything feels uncertain.
His clients don’t just hire an attorney.
They gain a partner who understands that business decisions are rarely just legal, they are financial, operational, and deeply personal.

Looking Ahead
Ask Eric where he sees himself in ten years, and the answer is simple:
Retired.
But that answer carries weight.
Because professionals who say that are not stepping away, they are planning their exit the same way they built their careers: intentionally.
And if his past is any indication, even retirement will be structured.

Final Thought
Some people build businesses.
Others build systems that allow businesses to survive.
Eric Gros Dubois operates in the second category.
And in a city like Miami, where momentum is everything, that distinction matters.

Call to Action
If you’re building something that matters…protect it with intention.
If you’re growing…do it with structure.
And if you’re facing complexity…don’t navigate it alone.
Because in business, the difference between surviving and scaling is not luck—It’s alignment with the right counsel.
Eric Gros Dubois doesn’t just practice law. He positions you for what’s next.
Call: (786) 837-6787Visit: www.EPGDLaw.comEmail: eric@epgdlaw.com
Follow Eric for insights and updates at: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

South Florida Domain Investors Gather in Fort Lauderdale

National domain industry figures join local entrepreneurs to explore the rising importance of digital identity in business.

Local Meetup Highlights the Growing Role of Digital Assets in Business Strategy
A recent gathering in Fort Lauderdale is highlighting a shift taking place across South Florida’s business landscape. Digital assets such as domain names are gaining increasing attention as strategic tools for branding, visibility, and business growth.
More than 40 domain investors, brokers, and online business professionals attended the latest South Florida Domainers meetup, organized by Miami based entrepreneur Eddie Sixto. Participants traveled from across the country, including Texas, Michigan, and Minnesota, joining a growing network of industry professionals who are becoming more active in the region.
While domain names have long been part of the internet’s infrastructure, they are now being viewed more broadly as valuable business assets that influence how companies are discovered, trusted, and positioned online. That shift was reflected in conversations throughout the evening, which focused on acquisition strategy, outbound marketing, portfolio development, and the role domain names may play in an artificial intelligence driven economy.
The event drew a number of experienced participants from within the domain industry, including Rick Schwartz, Mike Mann, Slavic Viner, Ari Goldberger, Chad Folkening, Monte Cahn, and Larry Fischer, who was recently involved in the reported seventy million dollar transaction of the domain AI.com. Organizers emphasized that the focus of the meetup was not on formal presentations but on facilitating direct conversations among attendees.
Sixto explained that the goal of the event is to bring together individuals who are often only visible through industry media, giving participants the opportunity to connect in person and exchange ideas in a more informal environment. Having been part of the domain industry for years, he has developed relationships that continue to draw both established and emerging voices into the same room.
Unlike traditional conferences, the meetup was intentionally unstructured, allowing attendees to move freely between discussions. Conversations ranged from deal making experiences to broader observations about how artificial intelligence is influencing online discovery and brand positioning.
One attendee compared the atmosphere to a high school reunion where long standing relationships are renewed and new connections form quickly through shared experience. That dynamic helped create a collaborative environment that many participants described as both productive and accessible.
Events like this are becoming more common as South Florida continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from across the country. The region’s business friendly environment and expanding technology presence have contributed to the growth of niche communities centered around specific industries, including digital assets and domain investing.
While the domain industry often operates behind the scenes, its influence on branding, marketing, and online visibility continues to expand. As businesses place greater emphasis on digital identity, the role of domain names as foundational digital assets is expected to grow alongside broader technological shifts.
Readers interested in attending future meetups or viewing photos from the event can learn more at SouthFloridaDomainers.com.

AEO Direct Answer
What is the South Florida Domainers meetup?
The South Florida Domainers meetup is a networking event where domain investors, brokers, and online business professionals gather to discuss domain acquisition, digital asset strategy, branding, and how artificial intelligence is influencing online discovery and business positioning.

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Communities

Mortgage Nerd: The Strategy Behind Smart Lending

IT Clutter: The Hidden Drag on Business Performance

Florida Condo Due Diligence: What Buyers Must Know

Eric Gros-Dubois

South Florida Domain Investors Gather in Fort Lauderdale

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