Ten years ago, Joaquin Medina and his wife purchased their first home in Miami Lakes. Medina’s wife was raised in the town, where her family ran their construction business, Beacon Constructors. Nearby in Hialeah, Medina’s parents, now Miami Lakes residents, own and operated their own business Miami JM Corporation, located near the Miami International Airport.
Inspired by his parents, Medina followed their entrepreneurial footsteps and is now responsible for leading Apollo Bank’s Brickell headquarters. He currently oversees over 4,000 relationships and nearly $400 million of the bank’s deposit portfolio.
“My entrepreneurial family is why I gravitated towards community banking in the first place. I can see the direct impact that my work has on small business owners like my father,” explained Medina. “It is also why I am such a strong believer in our CEO Eddy Arriola’s vision for a community bank that is owned and operated by a group of local entrepreneurs.”
In addition to his responsibilities at Apollo Bank, Medina serves the community he now calls home. He takes action in the town’s Finance Committee, and is a trustee at Elevate Church. As an active member in the place of worship, Medina spearheaded a fitness group, and currently leads the church’s marriage life group. As a trustee, Medina provides leadership when it comes to decisions made in the congregation.
“Serving as a trustee is just one of the ways I can use the tools that I have developed over the course of my career to give back to what is most important to me,” Medina said.
Although his career and community are important to him, the number one priority has always been family. On weekends, Medina takes the time to coach his son’s little league team at Optimist Park. Since his son began baseball at 4-years-old, Medina has been leading his son’s team, Miami Lakes 8U Angels, for three years.
“My children will not be kids forever, and I know that this time with them is precious,” said Medina. “Coaching little league is just one of the ways that I build special memories with my family that they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Medina was also named a 2018 40-under-40 honoree by The South Florida Business Journal, a privilege given to business executives for their innovation, leadership and contributions to their community.
“Since I first started my career, I have been hungry to grow, and was regularly the youngest person at industry events and management meetings. This recognition solidifies that my hard work has paid off, and proves that age does not diminish my role or credibility in the banking industry,” Medina remarked.
“I am very proud of my accomplishments, and for being part of an organization as strong as Apollo Bank. I am also very proud and thankful for being blessed with the chance to live and raise my family in a town like Miami Lakes,” Medina said. “I am dedicated to giving back to my community, and this recognition further validates my efforts in helping move Miami Lakes forward.”
Medina’s role as a husband, father, businessman and community leader truly makes him a Human of Miami Lakes. If you know somebody who keeps Miami Lakes growing beautifully, please contact The Miami Laker at (305)817-4078 or kayleenp@miamilaker.com.