Florida’s Latino Business Leaders
The Extraordinary Personal Story of a Penniless,
Cuban Immigrant, Turned Self-Made Business Mogul,
Healthcare Industry Leader and Philanthropist
In HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY: Life
Lessons For My Family…And Yours (January 2015), from which the proceeds
will go to The Early Childhood Initiative
Foundation, Miguel "Mike" Benito Fernandez takes readers on parallel journeys: A 508-mile pilgrimage along El
Camino de Santiago from France through
Spain – and from a dirt road Cuban town
to the pinnacles of U.S. business success.
In 2013, Mike hiked along El Camino -- an
ancient, spiritual trail that attracts "pilgrims"
from around the world -- with a pledge for
each mile that led to more than $5 million
for a children's hospital. The experience
was challenging and rigorous and provided
Mike with a unique opportunity to embrace
his life in a deep, meaningful way. HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY is part self-portrait, part adventure story, and shuttles
readers back and forth between Mike’s path
on El Camino and his journey through life.
In 1964, in the midst of revolutionary activity in Cuba, Mike’s family was expelled
from their rural hometown without any
warning or money and soon after made
New York City home. Suddenly, they all
were on a new trajectory of unforeseen
challenges, opportunities and lessons. Mike
lumbered through school, while working
as a floor cleaner and delivery boy to help
pay for tuition. During these years, Mike
learned about values and principles from
those around him, including his father
and an extraordinary Jesuit priest. After a stint in the Army, Mike worked as a
door-to door salesman, selling health insurance, and subsequently found his stride
in business and success, against great odds.
Since then, Mike has given mor H [