Celebrating Small Business Month 2026
At U.S. Century Bank, Small Business Month is an opportunity to recognize the entrepreneurs and business owners who help shape South Florida every day.
Small businesses create jobs, support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and keep our local economy moving. Behind each one is a story of vision, persistence, and the right relationships at the right time.
This year, we are proud to highlight five clients whose stories reflect the power of relationship banking. Each story shows how personalized service, responsiveness, and trusted support can help businesses move forward.
Building What’s Next Through Strategic Growth
For Robert Kelbert, managing partner of The Founders Law and president of Kelbert University, entrepreneurship was not a straight path. After launching several businesses and facing early setbacks, he built The Founders Law through persistence, smart decision-making, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
As his company grew, Robert saw the value of working with a banking partner that understood his goals and helped him think bigger. With the support of U.S. Century Bank, he expanded into commercial real estate and strengthened the foundation of his business for long-term growth.
“It’s easy. It’s seamless. And everything gets resolved on the spot,” Robert shared. “That, to me, is peace of mind.”
Today, The Founders Law operates from a growing footprint in Miami Lakes, with more than 60,000 square feet of office space.
Powering Businesses When It Matters Most
MTS Power Products has been part of Juan Meireles’ life since the beginning. As president of the family legacy business, Juan continues the work his father helped start in the mid-1970s, serving customers in the power generation industry throughout South Florida and beyond.
The company provides 24/7 service and supports both local and international clients. In an industry where timing matters, access to responsive banking support has helped MTS manage international transactions, letters of credit, and cash flow with confidence.
For Juan, the relationship with U.S. Century Bank reflects the values on which his business was built: trust, direct communication, and personal service.
“There’s nothing like looking someone in the face, shaking their hand, explaining what you need, and getting a straight answer,” Juan said.
Supporting Communities With Structure and Service
Lidiala de la Rosa, president of Florida Property Management Strategies, built her business to serve community associations and board members throughout South Florida. Her goal was to provide the guidance, systems, and consistency she once wished she had as a board member herself.
As her company grew, she needed a banking partner that could keep pace with the operational needs of community associations. With support from U.S. Century Bank, her team has been able to open accounts quickly, onboard associations efficiently, and secure financing for capital improvements.
For Lidiala, the difference is clear: U.S. Century Bank understands the importance of communication, responsiveness, and partnership.
“What mattered most to me was that U.S. Century Bank sees you as a partnership, not a transaction,” she shared.
Helping Businesses Access Capital at the Right Time
Jorge Gomariz, founder and chairman of Goodyear Belts, returned to the industrial sector with a clear vision for growth. After securing opportunities tied to a globally recognized brand, his company brought new products to market and quickly gained momentum.
As demand increased, working capital became essential. U.S. Century Bank helped Jorge access the capital his business needed at a key moment, allowing the company to continue expanding operations and responding to market opportunities.
For Jorge, the value of banking comes down to people. “The bank is defined by the people who support you,” he said. “At a key moment, we needed capital – and they delivered.”
Building a Family Legacy in Miami
For Hector Sardinas, owner of Hector & Hector, Inc., business is rooted in family, craftsmanship, and community. The custom woodwork and cabinetry company traces its origins back to Cuba through his grandfather, father, and uncles. Today, the Miami-based company employs more than 45 people, supporting local families and continuing a generational legacy.
Like many construction businesses, Hector & Hector, Inc. has experienced both strong and challenging economic cycles. Through commercial loans, lines of credit, and construction financing, U.S. Century Bank has helped the company navigate change and continue building for the future.
For Hector, personalized service makes all the difference. “You’re not a number – you are a person,” Hector said. “A strong relationship with your bank is the base of any successful business.”
Small Businesses, Big Impact
Each of these stories reminds us why Small Business Month matters. Entrepreneurs help move South Florida forward through their ideas, resilience, teams, and commitment to the communities they serve.
At U.S. Century Bank, we are proud to support the business owners who are building what’s next. Whether they are expanding operations, managing growth, improving systems, accessing capital, or planning for the future, we believe the right banking relationship can make all the difference.
This Small Business Month, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who move South Florida forward, and the relationships that help them own what’s next.
Want to hear more from these inspiring business owners?
Watch their full stories on our YouTube channel and learn how U.S. Century Bank supports businesses across South Florida.
HELPING YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS - BUILD A STRONG FUTURE
Small Business Administration (SBA)
