We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chabeli Castillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chabeli, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken began the day I left what often felt like an island prison — my home in Cuba — at 18 years old. I arrived in the United States alone, with one suitcase, no network, and limited English, but with an unshakable belief that freedom and opportunity were worth any uncertainty.

Growing up under a totalitarian regime teaches you to value the things most people take for granted — choice, voice, possibility. Leaving meant walking away from everything familiar in exchange for a chance to build something entirely my own.

The first few years were not easy. I worked multiple jobs, learned a new language, and put myself through college — eventually earning my degree while working along the way. Every challenge became fuel, proof that I could adapt, learn, and create my own path. That foundation of resilience would later define my career.

In 2014, I took another leap — stepping into real estate. I didn’t have a background in the industry, only a strong work ethic and the same determination that had carried me across an ocean. Commercial real estate, especially in Miami’s competitive market, is not for the faint of heart. There are no guaranteed paychecks, and rejection is constant. I remember walking through industrial parks, introducing myself to owners who had never heard my name, and hearing far more “no’s” than “yeses.”

But I learned to see each “no” as a step closer to the right opportunity. Slowly, through consistency and care, I built trust — first with one client, then another. Those early risks turned into relationships, and those relationships became the foundation of my business.

Today, I’m proud to specialize in the sale and leasing of industrial, office, and retail properties across South Florida — helping local business owners and investors grow. I’ve been recognized as a Top Producer at Beachfront Realty and hold the CCIM designation, but beyond milestones, what matters most to me is the trust I’ve earned from clients who return time and again.

Looking back, every meaningful turning point in my life began with a risk — leaving my country, starting a business, saying yes to opportunities that scared me. Each one carried uncertainty, but also growth.

That’s the lesson I’ve carried ever since: sometimes the greatest risk isn’t leaving what’s safe — it’s never daring to see what’s possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Commercial Real Estate Broker Associate and CCIM Designee based in Miami, specializing in the sale and leasing of warehouse, office, and retail properties across South Florida. My primary focus is on the industrial and logistics sector — one of the most dynamic and resilient markets in Miami-Dade, particularly in areas like Doral, Hialeah, and Medley.
What I love most about my work is representing the business owners who keep Miami moving — the entrepreneurs, distributors, and manufacturers whose stories are woven into the fabric of this city. Behind every warehouse or investment property is someone’s dream — expanding their operations, opening their first distribution center, or selling an asset they’ve built over decades. Every transaction is more than a deal; it’s a milestone in a client’s journey, and I’m honored to be part of that process.
I see my role as more than a broker; I’m an advisor, connector, and problem-solver, helping clients navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence.
I’m most proud of the trust I’ve earned from my clients — many of whom I’ve represented through multiple transactions over the years. That trust is built on consistency, integrity, and a genuine commitment to always put their best interests first.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine strategic expertise with empathy. I approach every deal not just from a financial perspective, but from a human one — understanding the “why” behind each decision. My clients know I’ll go the extra mile, that I’ll negotiate as if it were my own property, and that I’ll handle every step with professionalism, discretion, and care.
For me, commercial real estate isn’t just about square footage or cap rates — it’s about people, purpose, and possibility. It’s about helping Miami’s business community grow, creating opportunity, and giving back to the city that gave me a new beginning.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My story of resilience began the moment I chose to start over. At 18, I left Cuba — a place where there was no opportunity — and came to the United States alone, with little more than hope and determination. I didn’t know what the road ahead would look like, but I knew I wanted to build a life where hard work and perseverance could truly make a difference.

The first few years tested me in every way. I learned a new language, worked multiple jobs, and put myself through college — often studying late into the night after long days of work. It wasn’t easy, but each challenge taught me how to adapt, stay focused, and push forward no matter how uncertain things felt. That early resilience became the foundation for everything that followed.

Years later, when I entered commercial real estate — one of the most competitive and unpredictable industries in Miami — I found myself starting over once again. There were no guarantees, no steady paycheck, and plenty of rejection. But I approached it with the same mindset that had carried me through every turning point in my life. I learned to see every “no” as a step closer to the right “yes,” and every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Over time, that persistence paid off. I built my business client by client, relationship by relationship, until those early risks became a foundation of trust and success. I’ve been recognized as a Top Producer and earned the CCIM designation — milestones that mean a great deal, but none more than the relationships and trust behind them.

Looking back, resilience has been the common thread — from rebuilding my life in a new country to building a career in one of the toughest markets. Every chapter has reminded me that strength isn’t built in comfort, but in the moments when you choose to keep going, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life came when I decided to change the course of my career and enter commercial real estate. At the time, I was working in a completely different field — stable and structured — but I knew deep down it wasn’t where I was meant to be. I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a desire to build something of my own, and I wanted a career that reflected that.

So, I took the leap. I had no formal background in real estate, no book of business, and no safety net. What I did have was determination — and a willingness to start from zero, something I already knew well from past experience.

That pivot was anything but easy. Commercial real estate, especially in Miami’s competitive market, can be unforgiving. Success depends entirely on your ability to earn trust, build relationships, and deliver results. I spent months immersing myself in the business — walking industrial parks, meeting owners, and studying every deal I could get my hands on. Slowly, those small, consistent efforts began to build momentum.

Over time, I found my niche in the industrial and logistics sector, helping local business owners buy, sell, and lease warehouses across South Florida. What began as a risk turned into a calling — connecting people, solving problems, and helping businesses grow.

That pivot completely transformed my life. It taught me that starting over isn’t a setback — it’s an opportunity to realign with who you’re meant to become. Every challenge since has reminded me that change, though uncomfortable, is often where the greatest growth begins.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chabelicastillo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castillochabeli/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CastilloChabeli/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chabelicastillo