Today we’d like to introduce you to Ofer Mizrahi.
Ofer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been referred to as a pioneer in the design community with regard to seeing the value of ‘future-friendly’ materials in my product lines, and have strived to equally direct my real estate endeavors in the same direction project development.
In 1998, I founded Coverings ETC to source innovative materials to serve the design industry. To showcase my collections, I opened my first showroom in the Miami Design District.
In 2001, ahead of the curve, I became a member of the US Green Build Council and launched “ECOverings” to serve the emerging green-build sector of the industry. Our mission is to “educate, engage, and elevate.”
In 2002, I bought my first warehouse and unintentionally embarked on the revitalization of a brownfield property in what is now called Wynwood. Later on, I renovated the same property to become a standalone art destination with a public art façade (pre-ArtBasel). To this day the property continues to be known as the Miami Art Space “MAS” and as everyone well knows, the neighborhood has since become a prestigious art community.
In 2004, I shifted my focus again to yet another underserved part of town to create a modern day pattern-language to exemplify green strategies in the remodel of a multiple warehouse complex which runs alongside the Florida East Coast railroad tracks.
The Miami Iron Side campus has grown to be a cozy enclave which creatively houses and showcases art, fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs who want to be a part of a contemporary concept for a community of like minds.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
What road is smooth when you are tracking new territory? Having started my first business in 1998 fresh out of school, I have seen the growth of not only the City of Miami in which we operate, but the neighborhoods and the cultural communities throughout Miami Dade County.
Miami has grown in leaps and bounds and has become a choice destination for younger generations to settle into and for new businesses to start up. Navigating the real estate opportunities in a once sleepy town (City of Miami) who was late to the table with understanding the huge potential, has been not only a challenge but somewhat of a new frontier.
Real Estate speculation, ups and downs in economies, all that goes into the risk of investment and business development goes with the territory. The more you learn the more you know, the more you fall the stronger you are when you pick yourself up. It’s all good.
I have always traveled extensively and brought my global perspective to the design table, not only with my product by with my foresight to invest and develop properties that speak to the potential to elevate the fabric of the neighborhoods, from the Design District to Wynwood to the Upper Eastside.
Miami Ironside – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I guess I am basically a business man/salesman, someone who started out selling a product and then become invested in the selection, manufacturing and distribution.
My business development ambitions and skills evolved almost immediately into the sustainability realm which is when I shifted my direction from sourcing natural stone to engineered hard surface materials that spoke to the environmental practices of green build.
In time, I embarked on procuring warehousing as well as showrooms which got my feet wet in real estate and then inventory and shipping turned into building restoration and property redevelopment which ultimately became commercial leasing, with a European flair village concept. My visions have always been forward thinking and curatorial.
I don’t like to sit still or settle in, I like to stay on the move with my finger on the pulse of what’s going on, what’s happening, and in turn I strive to be ready for the next wave before it breaks. I love Miami and I take pride in incorporating my experience and my eye for design into product lines, design and experience concepts.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is something to continue to aspire to in all aspects of your life, your relations, your passions and your endeavors.
Success is when you are excited to get up in the morning to attack the challenges of the new day.
I am always working no matter where I am or what time or day of the week it is. I thrive on commotion and excitement, challenge and opportunity.
Success is a continually forward moving train of hard work, productive accomplishments and verification that you are getting closer to your goals – goals that will benefit those who you care about as well as the community in which you live.
Contact Info:
- Address: Miami Ironside
7610 NE 4 Court,
Miami, FL 33138 - Website: www.MiamiIronSide.com
- Phone: 305-438-9002
- Email: info@miamiironside.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiironside/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiamiIronside/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/miamiironside?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/miami-ironside-miami
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/miamiironside/
Portrait session at Miami Ironside, Florida, United States. Model: Adriana Castro
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
