Mayor Vince Lago: Open Door Fridays was a Game Changer for My City | Industry Talks Podcast

He knocked on 10,000 doors to win his first campaign. Today, Mayor Vince Lago leads one of Florida’s most iconic cities — and he's on a mission to merge business logic with public service.

In this episode, the Mayor of Coral Gables reveals what it really takes to run a city in today’s world: dealing with public pressure, supporting local businesses, pushing environmental reform, and staying accessible with Open Door Fridays for over 12 years straight.

He discusses:

-The rebirth of John Martin’s and its place in Gables history -Why hospitality businesses must engage in local politics -His fight to streamline permits and slash red tape -Building 10 parks from scratch to transform downtown life -How Coral Gables landed Apple, FIFA, and Ryder over Miami -What he hopes his children will remember when they see his name on city projects

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: Live from John Martin’s with Mayor Lago

0:35 – Coral Gables’ legacy and 100-year history

1:25 – Mayor Lago’s family roots in the city

2:10 – How he got into public service

2:45 – Running for office by knocking on doors

3:55 – Balancing politics with family life

5:06 – Why he still works every single day

6:00 – On raising kids and building community

7:00 – Personal investments in sustainability

8:21 – The origin of Open Door Fridays

9:45 – Emotional meetings with local residents

10:32 – Answering difficult questions face-to-face

11:15 – You don’t need donations to get involved

13:14 – Dealing with local issues and complaints

14:44 – What small voices can accomplish

15:49 – One neighbor almost shut down a venue

16:48 – Creating solutions, not shutdowns

17:30 – Keeping city culture and standards high

18:19 – The history behind John Martin’s liquor license

19:09 – Weddings and events at the Biltmore Hotel

20:00 – Time capsule buried outside the Biltmore

21:10 – Coral Gables: Still a young city at 100

21:52 – Billion-dollar Loews Hotel development

22:41 – FIFA and Ryder opening offices in Gables

23:14 – Mercedes HQ joins the growing business scene

24:00 – City growth without sacrificing beauty

25:07 – Why young professionals are moving here

26:03 – Coral Gables is affluent and community-driven

27:03 – How it became a top restaurant city

27:59 – Shingo, Bouchon, Milos leading the way

29:01 – His favorite breakfast and pastry spots

30:21 – Shoutouts to Banana Berry and Armstrong

31:36 – Loews brings New York bar energy to Gables

32:59 – Rooftop terraces and beautiful sunsets

33:45 – Coral Gables now feels like Epcot

34:26 – Vince’s go-to steakhouse and wine picks

35:26 – What Coral Gables smells and feels like

36:15 – Staying true to city values

37:07 – Partnering with cultural organizations

37:48 – International festivals and heritage events

38:55 – Christmas tree lighting brings 5,000 people

39:39 – Art, music, and local theater experiences

40:34 – Keeping residents eating, working, and living here

41:27 – Final reflections on legacy and impact

 

Connect with me on my instagram:

🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/

 

Connect with Mayor Vince Lago:

🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayorvincelago/

 

Listen to my podcasts on: 🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837

🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv

 

Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:

🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/

🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/

🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/

🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/

🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/

🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/

🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/

🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewh