NFL could have stood for “Networking for Leaders” in business and sustainable development when partners IDEA (International Design Engineering Architecture) and SMi Group International hosted an Aventura Marketing Council Chairman’s Roundtable luncheon themed “Let’s Talk Football.” Armando Salguero, Miami Herald sports writer and 640AM sports radio host was emcee for the all-star panel featuring NFL alumni Deon Dyer, Fred Taylor, Brian Walker and Shawn Wooden.
AMC Chair Cliff Schulman of Weiss Serota, Helfman joined by IDEA president Stephane L’Écuyer and SMi president Marie Bernard Poulin, welcomed guests huddled at Christine Lee’s at Gulfstream Park.
Kicking off the event, Poulin explained IDEA and SMi have completed thousands of energy-efficient architectural, engineering, design and construction projects around the world while adhering to the game plan: “Respect, protect, develop.”
When the microphone was passed to Salguero, he tackled football talk with the winning panel of NFL alumni. Dyer, a former fullback was originally drafted by the Dolphins in 2000; Taylor was a running back, playing for the Jaguars and the New England Patriots; Walker, a former safety, played for the Redskins, Dolphins, Seahawks and Lions; and Wooden was also a safety, playing for the Dolphins and Bears.
Sharing keys to achieving success on and off the field, the football heroes agreed their playbook for life includes goal setting, discipline, perseverance and planning for “what comes next.” They also emphasized the power of “envisioning yourself a winner”; “tackling anything negative with positivity” and “never giving up.” Even in your darkest moment, look in the mirror and say “let’s keep going!”
When it comes to winning with safe, sustainable solutions, IDEA and SMi have earned accolades and global recognition thanks to a team of professionals highly qualified in the fields of energy efficiency, engineering, design, construction, integration, technological and scientific applications. “Global clients benefit from our focus on optimizing quality management, time frames, cost control, scheduling and contingency measures,” Poulin said. “Our mission is to make a positive impact on the quality of life for future generations.”
L’Écuyer noted that SMi as well as IDEA, based at One Aventura Executive Center, strive to design and build responsibly and efficiently. “Our strength lies in ‘absolute engineering’ – total expertise from all fronts of architecture and engineering. We are the new generation of architectural engineers, committed to a greener future and mindfully serving our customers interests in accountable and sustainable development.”
For information visit absolute-idea.com and groupesm.com. Listen to Armando Salguero’s “Armando & the Amigo” show weekday mornings on 640AM & read his blog at miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_ in_depth
