Even if you’re not planning to sell your home any time soon, Lynn Matos is a name you may know.
The 62-year-old real estate agent is a co-founder with Giuseppe Zuozo of the award-winning Miami Lakes Food & Wine Festival, to be held Feb. 5. Tickets quickly sold out for the event at Optimist Park.
Festival proceeds are donated to the Miami Lakes Town Foundation and support education, literacy, beautification projects and cultural events, with an additional goal of fostering kindness.
Since 1995, Matos has been a part of the Re/Max Unique Realty team. She has over 35 years’ experience in marketing and selling residential real estate.
The “happily single” Matos raised her son in Miami Lakes. She has volunteered with multiple town committees, including as former chair for the Public Safety Committee and the Youth Activities Task Force. She currently serves as vice-chair of the Planning & Zoning Board.
Q: Where are you from and what is your background?
A: I’m originally from Minneapolis. I’m a long-time Minnesota resident, of Eastern European descent. I lived in the Virgin Islands before I moved to Miami.
Q: What do you like most about Miami Lakes?
A: I have been here almost 30 years. People who live here are passionate about the community. I’ve been involved with the Town of Miami Lakes for more than 15 years. I feel very blessed and my connection with the community is a super important part of my life.
Q: What do you dislike about the town?
A: There really isn’t anything.
Q: As a co-founder of the Miami Lakes Food & Wine Festival, what are the challenges and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: I’m not sure I’d call that a challenge, it’s the mission. The Food & Wine Festival is a passion. It’s been a great community event. It’s a celebration of kindness and community. Professionally, I have a huge passion for my business. It’s helping people achieve and realize their goals and dreams.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment, whether in your personal life or career?
A: Being a mother, my real estate career and the Food & Wine Festival.
Q: Do you have a fantasy career?
A: I am living my fantasy every day. I do the things I really enjoy. I’m very blessed.
Q: What are you reading, what podcasts are you listening to?
A: Of course, I always listen to [Miami Lakes] Mayor [Manny] Cid’s “305 Vox Populi” [podcast], that’s always fun. Lots of what I’m involved in has to do with my business. There’s always new material, I do a lot of online studying. “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child, [with co-authors Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle] that’s got a permanent spot on my counter.
I’m a huge reader. I’m currently reading another cookbook, “Taste of Miami: A COVID-19 Relief Effort for the Restaurants We Love” by Michael Campos/Neuelane.com. It’s a series of recipes from all over the Miami area. I’m also reading “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed” by Sara Gay Forden.
Q: What are you binge-watching on TV?
A: I haven’t had a TV in 15 years. I have a computer. I watch Netflix, there is a show I watched, “Restaurants on the Edge.” Of course, everyone is watching (the) “Sex and The City” reboot [“And Just Like That”], including me.
Q: Where did you last travel to on a vacation?
A: The last place I went to was back to Minneapolis for a 50th Anniversary party, a month or so ago.