“If you want to make it in Miami, you need to understand Miami. Hire a local.” T.G.
TONY GUERRA – Marketing, Entertainment & Hospitality Strategist
#TONYGUERRAMIAMI @TonyGuerraMiami
To some he is known as a marketer, to others an influencer, and to several a consultant. Whatever the chosen title, the common denominator is that Tony Guerra is that someone that everybody knows or knows of. He is respected for being part of the echelon of “movers and shakers” who help Miami shine as that “different, special place.” He is an active professional that learned the art of “connect the dots” since an early age and has applied that art to his daily life to date. A Miami native, he has through the last two decades established an extensive network within the local Miami and Miami Beach hospitality, nightclub and entertainment industries.
Tony’s deep roots with the South Florida community go back to his schooling at the prestigious Christopher Columbus High School where he connected with individuals whom today are some of the most successful leaders in the community. A soccer scholarship took him to Drexel University in Philadelphia where he earned a Marketing degree and then returned to make his mark in Miami’s budding nightclub industry (1995).
Tony’s nightclub management career began at Bash, a once popular lounge where he promoted parties and charity fundraising events, recruited lucrative corporate clients who rented VIP rooms and bottle tables and arranged nightlife itineraries for “high-rolling” tourists. After spending his early years working at local South Beach clubs including The Living Room, Tony accepted a role as Marketing Director (1999-2002) at the upscale and infamous Forge Restaurant Group where he oversaw marketing and entertainment operations for The Forge Restaurant, Jimmy’z, and Café Nostalgia. After much success at Forge Restaurant Group, in 2003, he returned to South Beach to direct all marketing efforts and initiatives at the burgeoning mega-club Crobar.
Outside of the nightlife scene, Tony’s influence and interests extended across many arenas including politics. In mid 2003 he vied for Miami Beach Commissioner, running on a platform to become a liaison between the area’s nightlife & hospitality industries and the local residential community. The race was a close one, which he lost by just 55 votes to a run off.
Shortly after his political run, Tony joined a partnership where he created, conceptualized and launched Amika, a posh 9,000 square ft. lounge discotheque. With Tony as an active partner and marketing director, the club consistently saw over 2,500 patrons cross its doors within a four-day period. In 2006 he served as a consultant for Pawnshop Lounge in downtown’s Performing Arts District where he took an active role in operations and marketing. Within a short time he increased the venue’s client base, diversified the business by opening the venues doors more nights throughout the week which resulted in increased revenues and sponsorship dollars.
In early 2007, Tony was recruited and given the opportunity to create his second night club from ground up on Miami Beach. As one of the Managing Partners, Tony conceptualized Aerobar and built the venue from start to finish. Opening its doors in 2008, the 5,000 square ft. venue attracted celebrities and VIPs while consistently seeing over 2,000 patrons come through the doors on a weekly basis.
As of 2012 up to today, Guerra is an active food and beverage marketing consultant helping businesses open, expand and succeed in the areas of hospitality through strategic marketing and community relations solutions. With the resurgence of cigars being extremely popular, Tony consulted and became “the face” of the high-end lounge Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar in 2015, up until his next big project. November 2017 is when The Wharf Miami, a 30, 000 square foot pop up event space opened and changed South Florida’s landscape. With this new venue where guests could arrive by car or boat, Tony has collaborated with his bother to create something positively impacting the city.
Throughout his career Tony has created a strong network of contacts that span across the map. His presence within the nightlife and hospitality industry has been closely followed, and he has been called upon to participate in various ventures due to his expertise. Possessing the skills to consult, strategize and assist the business person, established brand or startup, Tony Guerra is the right “partner.”
As a dynamic and quite visible “connector” he also consults in the arena of Community Relations for a few national brands with Miami based corporate offices. He is has served on the Steering Committee for March of Dimes annual walk for March for Babies and Signature Chefs and a consultant for Easter Seals of South Florida’s annual Festival of Chef’s, and many other charitable foundations.
For those seeking a “master collaborator” who can put together the right concepts, solutions and team to make a difference, one that is reflected in the bottom line, look no further…Call Tony. ~