It’s a Family Affair | Lifestyle Media Group
TOM ANGELO & KASSIDY ANGELO
Founder and Director, Gioia Hospitality Group
“When the opportunity presented itself to open Daniel’s in Fort Lauderdale, we happened to be at our favorite spot together, in the region of Puglia, where hospitality reigns supreme,” Tom recalls. “I presented the opportunity to Kassidy to create a brand and bring a world-class dining experience to Fort Lauderdale, the town where she grew up. She was working at J.P. Morgan at the time in the Private Bank, and after she gave it some thought, decided to see if we could make it work together.”
And make it work, they have. Daniel’s was just recognized as a Michelin-recommended restaurant and has had customers raving since it opened its doors. Behind the scenes, the two have mastered the art of working in harmony. “Kassidy keeps me on a very short leash!” Tom jokes, then adds, “In all seriousness, it is sometimes not easy, but we try to set boundaries, as there are lots of stresses incumbent to running the business.”
“I admire my dad’s grit and the unwavering perseverance he’s shown throughout his life,” Kassidy says. “It’s both moving and motivating to witness the dedication and love he invests in our business, along with the countless sacrifices he’s made for our family.”
JULIO CABRERA & ANDY CABRERA
Maestro Cantinero, co-owner and founder, and Head Cantinero, Café La Trova
Julio and Andy’s teamwork started way back—”when I was just about 4 years old,” Andy says. “My father would teach me flair and I’d make appearances at his competitions. Later, I decided to dedicate myself to this profession, and we’ve been working together ever since the opening of Café La Trova.”
Today, Andy is his father’s “right hand man—in the morning, I help him with any emails or new projects, and in the evening, I run the bar so he can focus on being a host to the guests.”
Together, they have enjoyed stunning success—Café La Trova was ranked 13th on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars List in 2024, the only Florida bar to earn a spot that year—and overcome troubled times. “The 2020 COVID Pandemic was one of the toughest challenges we’ve ever faced,” Andy says. “We were struck with the fear of the possibility of never opening again.” But they pivoted, starting a Happy Hour video series on Instagram where they would post a classic cocktail every day until they were able to open Café La Trova’s doors again.
“Working with family is tough — it is not for everybody,” Andy notes. “You will get tested, you will get demoralized, but you cannot give up. Once you understand that it’s all give and take and you learn to harmoniously work together, you will create a beautiful bond.”
BILL FEINBERG & KARA FEINBERG
President and Director of Marketing, Allied Kitchen & Bath
“I remember going to work with my dad on ‘take your child to work’ days and I was always so excited to spend the day with him and see what he did,” Kara Feinberg Cohen fondly recalls. “I can say that what inspired me to work with my dad as I got older was that exact reason: a chance to spend every day together. I have had other jobs throughout the years and since I returned to Allied after taking some time off to have my kids, I feel that, professionally, I have learned the most from him.”
Their typical workday starts with a meeting to review the day’s priorities and job details. “We spend a lot of time coaching our team together and thinking about how we can support and strengthen our employees,” Kara says. “My dad’s usually juggling a bit of everything, while I focus more on marketing. We collaborate often on ads, social media content, and ideas for the website—it’s a creative rhythm we’ve developed together.”
But differences will come up. “We’re both passionate and have strong ideas,” Kara says. “But my dad gives me a lot of freedom to explore my own path, which has been empowering andsparked a lot of creativity. At the same time, I never take for granted the wisdom he brings. Itrust his perspective and genuinely value his feedback. It’s a balance, but one built on mutual respect.”
CRAIG ZINN & ZACHARY ZINN
President & CEO and Corporate Officer, Craig Zinn Automotive Group
“I grew up very involved in the industry—my father was Florida’s first Toyota dealer,” says Craig Zinn, founder of Craig Zinn Automotive Group. “In 1981, I took that foundation and started what is now our family business.” His son, Zachary, followed suit early on. “I started in the parts department at Acura of Pembroke Pines when I was in middle school,” Zachary recalls. “I always looked up to my dad and admired how much he devoted to the business and the community.”
From college studies in Automotive Marketing and Finance to an internship at Spyker in the Netherlands, Zachary was deliberate in his preparation. “It’s been important to me to understand every aspect of the business before stepping into leadership,” he says.
Their father-son dynamic is rooted in mutual respect. “In the office, we are colleagues who happen to be family,” says Craig. “That clarity allows us to make decisions based on what’s best for the company.” Zachary adds, “We communicate often and keep our focus on shared goals.”
Craig’s formula for success starts by defining each other’s roles. “Let your kids earn their place and allow them the space to lead.” Zach adds, “Be intentional about the culture you want to build. For us, giving back is part of that. Through Subaru’s Share the Love program, we’ve donated more than $1.6 million to partners like Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, including funding an Animal-Assisted Therapy endowment. We also support the Humane Society of Broward County and host adoption events year-round. When your business reflects your values, success becomes about more than just numbers.
TOM MCCAWLEY & MARK MCCAWLEY
Periodontists, McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics
“Mark worked in the office from a very early age and in the second grade he told his teacher that he wanted to be a periodontist like his dad,” Tom McCauley proudly replies when asked how the father-son duo ended up in business together at McCauley Dental.
Blood ties them together, but a shared commitment to their patients’ dental health brings a synergy to their professional partnership. Tom, who has practiced in Fort Lauderdale for over 50 years, brings focus and commitment, which, combined with Mark’s conscientiousness and honesty for a formula that works.
When it comes to challenges, they know to expect them, so they overcome those by taking them in stride. Respecting each other’s point of view and talking out their differences also helps keep things working smoothly. When asked what he would advise to those thinking of working alongside family members, Mark says, “Make sure you get along before you start working together professionally and be sure to celebrate each other’s strengths and overlook their weaknesses.”
RAY CHEHATA AND SONS DAVID & ANDREW CHEHATA
Tri-County Sweeping Services
“Our father’s always been an entrepreneur,” says David Chehata of his father, Ray, owner of Tri-County Services, which has been in business for more than 30 years. “Every business he had, he tried to incorporate us as best as he could so we could learn from a young age.” That early exposure shaped their path, but everything changed in 2020. “Ray was placed in a coma due to COVID and was on the brink of death,” Andrew recalls. “Once he woke up, it lit a spark in him. He wanted to reach his goal of teaching his kids business.”
In 2021, that vision became reality with the family’s acquisition of Tri-County. “He had the opportunity to reunite his boys and teach them everything from his past experiences,” says David.
Balancing personal and professional lives comes naturally to the trio. “We were always great at separating the two,” Andrew explains. “From a disagreement in a meeting to ‘see you later for dinner.’”
Their personalities complement each other. “Ray is the fighter,” says David. “David’s the voice of reason,” adds Ray. “And Andrew sees issues at face value.”
Their proudest moment? “Owning our building,” Andrew says. “Ray navigated the deal and guided us every step of the way.”
Ray’s rule remains clear: “Business is business and personal is personal. Never let one destroy the other.”
