Like his father Tico Casamayor and grandfather Fred Senra, who are both prominent business owners, Matthew Casamayor is making an impact upon Miami Lakes.
Casamayor, 26, is a business booster. In his roles as chair of the town’s Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Committee, he attends ribbon cuttings to welcome new businesses to Miami Lakes, chamber luncheons and business networking parties at local restaurants.
Casamayor says everything he has learned is from his upbringing and knowledge passed down from his elders.
“I can talk to both of my grandparents and learn a lot from both of them,” Casamayor said.
Casamayor is partner and Digital Marketing Director for AC Digital in Hialeah, part of AC Graphics.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Marketing and Communications Studies from Florida State University and graduated from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami. He grew up in the Loch Lomond neighborhood of Miami Lakes with his parents, Tico and Mylene Casamayor.
Q: Where are you from and what is your background?
A: Miami Lakes and Cuban American, third generation. I’m lucky. I have deep, rich history from both sides of my family and a lot to learn from both.
Q: What do you most like about Miami Lakes?
A: One of the things I like the most about Miami Lakes…is people coming here and discovering everything we have to offer. Everything is literally right here: There’s schools, fun, shopping and restaurants.
Q: What do you dislike about the town?
A: It’s not much of a strong dislike, but it’s the one thing I want to try [and work on is to] see more diversity in the businesses. So, it would be cool to see other types of businesses like Carbon Collectibles [in Royal Oaks Plaza]. That’s a trading card game store that has the nerdy Magic: The Gathering cards I like, and then they have the basketball and baseball cards.
Q: What are the demands/responsibilities of your current positions and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: When it comes to AC Graphics Digital as the part owner [and] digital marketing director, what I mainly do is talk with the clients [about their websites]. I discuss them with my designer ... and I develop it [with the developers] and it goes out to the client. Working with Tico in doing networking events, it’s a family business. Our branding and our marketing is a big part of our business. So we want to make sure the father and son are out there, doing things together. AC Graphics Digital is the agency for the chamber, so we do all their social media posts, reputation outreach on social media [answering comments] and [replying to] new members’ emails. When it comes to the Chamber … it’s about bringing in new members. For the Economic Development Committee ... it was jarring because of how slow government moves. Even though I’m three-to-four months in, I’m still getting the lay of the land, setting up meetings and writing agendas. I try to get out a lot and make the chair known. I like doing the ribbon cuttings and I try to be at every single one. Another one is the networking business socials and trying to bring people from outside the town.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment, personal or career-wise?
A: I want to say to be determined. I’m working on it.
Q: What would you rather be doing, what is your fantasy career?
A: A content creator, [or doing] Twitch.tv [video game], streaming.
Q: What books are you reading, are there any podcasts you’re listening to?
A: Haven’t read anything recently. Different true crime podcasts on YouTube.
Q: What have you binge-watched on TV?
A: “Better Call Saul,” getting caught up on that. Different anime [Japanese animation] as well. “The Mandalorian” with my dad, “Star Wars Legends” and I saw “Star Wars Rebels” recently.
Q: Where did you last travel to on vacation?
A: To Japan for New Year’s in 2019 going to 2020, that was awesome. I’m a big fan of the culture and the food.