Charles Dascal

Since 1961, when he left Cuba, Charles Dascal has been a busy man. A true entrepreneur, Dascal focused his early, limited resources on the building and design of electronic sound reproduction in the form of high-fidelity systems for homes and automobiles. It wasn't long before his fledgling electronics business turned what was once a few dollars into a profitable business. He then tackled the burgeoning mobile communications business with his pioneering style.

Since those humble beginnings, he continues to show a true talent for innovation and success. The profits from his electronics and mobile communications businesses funded his next endeavor, the creation of Miami's first Cuban-American owned national bank. Charles Dascal's objective: create a financial institution that could best serve Miami's growing Cuban population, and help new and old immigrants build a solid foundation from which to be comfortable and successful. Continental National Bank of Miami proved to be an excellent idea, and soon became a well-trusted brand for immigrants and natives alike, thanks in part to its strong involvement in the growth and welfare of the community it served. Since its establishment in 1974, Charles Dascal's Continental Bank has grown from a single branch in Little Havana to six locations throughout Dade County, all providing a full range of professional banking services to both individuals and businesses.

Despite having spawned three successful companies in three entirely separate fields, Charles Dascal was not content to rest on his laurels. He turned his eyes upon the automotive field and led the charge for minority business owners by becoming the first Cuban American to be awarded a Ford franchise in America in 1979. Applying a well-balanced mixture of community focus, good timing, an excellent location and a true and well-tested knack for innovation, Midway Ford Miami was an instant success. Charles Dascal used this momentum to found the South Motors Automotive Group, a company that grew to sell eight different automotive brands at twelve locations throughout South Florida. From the everyman's practical cars like Honda and Mazda to the premiere European and Japanese nameplates like BMW and Infiniti, Charles Dascal designed his automotive empire to serve everyone's budget and desire. The South Motors, Midway Ford and Vista brands have all developed into South Florida icons, as well being home to the #1 BMW dealer in retail sales for the entire United States for the last 5 years.

Though a contrast to his strong business acumen and his life as a perfect example of an immigrant success story, it is the simple things that please Charles Dascal. When not serving as CEO of South Motors Automotive Group, he enjoys spending time with his family: wife Fannie, daughter Jacqueline, her husband Jonathan and their daughter Gabriella, and daughters Karla and Elizabeth. Fannie and Charles are also practicing philanthropists, generously supporting countless cultural and charitable organizations such as St Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida, the Jackson Memorial Foundation Guardian Angels and many, many others. They enjoy what America allowed them to earn, and contribute their time and donations to make sure others get an opportunity as well.