Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Cardona.
Hi Philip, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Philip “Phil the Mayor” Cardona, and my journey has always been about building brands, creating experiences, and bringing people together.
I was born in New York and moved to Miami in 1996 with big dreams and very few shortcuts. I started at the bottom, handing out flyers on Ocean Drive and working long nights in the hospitality and nightlife industry. Through hard work, relationships, and consistency, I spent nearly three decades helping shape Miami’s entertainment scene, earning the nickname “Phil the Mayor.”
Along the way, I built and worked with businesses in hospitality, retail, fashion, marketing, consulting, and live events. I launched my clothing brand, Yesterday Is Dead, and have had the opportunity to produce events, build brands, and collaborate with artists, entrepreneurs, and companies across the country.
As my career evolved, so did my purpose. Becoming a Husband & father . This changed everything. My son, Kennedy, inspired me to think beyond business and focus on creating a legacy. That led me to launch Pulse Eleven, a youth soccer brand dedicated to helping young athletes and their families through community, education, and opportunity.
Also grew my own consulting company, Firm Ground Media Entertainment. After nearly 30 years in Miami, i have got the chance to branch out to other cities and countries.
Looking back, every challenge, setback, and success has taught me the same lesson: success isn’t just about what you build. It’s about the people you impact, the relationships you create, and the legacy you leave behind.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy ride. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve had my fair share of setbacks, failures, and moments where I seriously questioned everything. Ive had my own retail stores , Coffee business and fair share of investments that taught me so much.
Building a career in hospitality, entertainment, and branding meant working nights, weekends, and holidays, all while trying to keep up with constantly changing industries. Some businesses worked out great, others… not so much. I’ve dealt with money struggles, tough partnerships, and the pressure of being responsible for employees, clients, mental and physical health and my family.
One of the biggest lessons for me has been realizing that not every opportunity is worth taking. Early on, I said yes way too often and trusted people who didn’t always share the same vision or values. Those experiences taught me to focus on strong partnerships, clear agreements, and playing the long game instead of chasing quick wins.
On a personal level, losing my mother was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. It really shifted my perspective and reminded me that success doesn’t mean much if you’re not making time for the people you love.
More recently, moving my family after nearly 30 years in Miami meant leaving behind the place where I built my name and starting fresh somewhere new. It was exciting, but also pretty intimidating. Still, I’ve always believed that real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
At the end of the day, every challenge has made me stronger. I don’t really see failures as losses anymore they’re more like lessons you pay for. They’ve taught me things no classroom or business book ever could, and they’ve helped shape who I am today as a leader, a father, and an entrepreneur.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve spent nearly 30 years building brands, businesses, and experiences that bring people together. My background spans hospitality, entertainment, marketing, nightlife, fashion, and consulting, and throughout my career I’ve always focused on creating meaningful connections between brands and people.
Today, I serve as the Chief Brand Officer for Vivo Haus, where I help shape the vision, strategy, and marketing behind one of Atlantic City’s most exciting redevelopment projects. I also own Firm Ground Media Entertainment, a consulting company that helps businesses grow through branding, marketing, partnerships, and business development.
Beyond consulting, I’m the founder of Yesterday Is Dead, a streetwear brand inspired by growth and reinvention, and Pulse Eleven, a youth soccer brand created to support young athletes and their families through community, education, and opportunity.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single event or business. It’s the relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of the people I worked with decades ago are still friends, clients, and business partners today. That level of trust is something I value more than any title or accomplishment.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just market businesses, I help build them. I enjoy finding opportunities others overlook, creating partnerships that benefit everyone involved, and turning ideas into brands that people genuinely connect with. I understand both the creative and business sides of entrepreneurship, which allows me to bridge the gap between vision and execution.
At the end of the day, I want to leave behind more than successful businesses. I want to build brands that inspire people, create opportunities for others, and leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is my family, especially home & my son. Watching him grow, chase his dreams, and become a good person reminds me why I work so hard. Success means a lot more when you have people to share it with.
I also love building things. Whether it’s a business, a brand, an event, or helping someone turn an idea into reality, I enjoy creating something that didn’t exist before. Seeing people believe in a vision and watching it come to life is incredibly rewarding.
Another thing that brings me happiness is making an impact. I enjoy connecting people, opening doors, mentoring others, and helping businesses grow. Knowing that I’ve played a small part in someone else’s success gives me a real sense of purpose.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that happiness isn’t about titles, money, or recognition. Those things come and go. What lasts are the relationships you build, the memories you create, and the legacy you leave behind.
At the end of the day, I find happiness in living with purpose, continuing to grow, and being present for the people who matter most. If I can leave the world a little better than I found it while setting a positive example for my son, I’ll consider that a life well lived…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.yesterdayisdead.co
- Instagram: @philthemayor
- Facebook: Phil themayor
