Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Lopez.
Armando, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born in Cuba and raised in Central America, I came to the U.S. at age 15 and have lived in Miami ever since. I have been fortunate to travel the world and proud to call Miami my home for the past 30 years.
I am a proud father to 4 amazing kids aged 13-20 and I cherish my time with them, whether it is exploring the world, enjoying outdoor adventures in our backyard, or home cooking with them on a regular basis.
From an early age, I always had an interest in advertising and a passion for travel. I started a marketing agency over 20 years ago and we have grown to be one of the most respected hospitality-focused branding firms in the world, NM+U, with numerous brand launches and re-launches under our belt.
This focus and passion for hospitality extend beyond marketing and into every aspect of the industry. I am a partner in the Passionality Group, where we seek to nurture and support innovative hospitality concepts.
Today, as the world reels from the pandemic, we are doing our part to help the industry get back on track and to help brands navigate the challenges and opportunities of the post-covid world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No road is ever 100% smooth. A career in marketing and a focus on hospitality carries some risk and vulnerabilities.
Three events over the past 20+ years had a strong impact on my career: the devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11, the financial crisis of 2008-2009, and of course the Covid-19 pandemic.
From a business standpoint, each of those events has made us savvier and more resilient. But personally, these events have also instilled in me additional awareness on the importance of empathy for those that have less, the need for a more fair, inclusive world, and the danger of political rhetoric when it’s used to foster an us-vs-them mentality.
While some of these obstacles have made for some sleepless nights, they have also proven to be great learning opportunities that I hope to share with my children as they grow.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My primary focus is NM+U, a marketing communications agency with an emphasis on branding for the hospitality and franchising industry. Our business is over 90% concentrated in this industry and it is our experience, knowledge, and expertise that sets us apart from competitors.
I am proud of what my team and I have accomplished over the years, helping brands in highly competitive and undifferentiated segments. We help those brands find a point of differentiation that is true to themselves, relevant to their audience, and different from their competition.
Lately, I am most proud of how our team and our clients have come together as true partners finding ways to work together and help each other as true partners during the pandemic.
What were you like growing up?
My mother would tell you I was an old soul, always curious, and always gravitating towards older people, engaging with them, and trying to be at their level.
I also had a passion for the ocean, at times thinking I’d be a marine biologist. While I ended up in advertising, I am an avid advanced diver and get to explore the oceans on a regular basis.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2103 Coral Way
Suite 724
Miami, FL 33145 - Website: www.nmu.agency
- Phone: 305-445-9020
- Email: armando.lopez@nmu.agency
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