Team

Image Daniel Ruiz CEO of The Doral Yard

DANIEL RUIZ

Chief Executive Officer

Born in Miami and raised in Bolivia, Danny is a hospitality guru and passionate aficionado of all things culinary and people. Danny joined The Doral Yard in May 2022, when he fell in love with the concept and its exciting potential. Danny leads the day-to-day operation, directs our talented leaders, collaborates with our resident vendors, and continuously crafts and executes The Yard’s strategic vision.

Danny previously served as Director of Operations of B Bistro + Bakery, where he led the company to national media recognition and the highest level of reputational and operational excellence. Other professional highlights include his tenure as an Operations Manager at Dunkin’ Donuts and National Managing Partner at Granier Bakeries. At Dunkin’, Danny managed the turnaround of the brand’s worst performing restaurants in America into highly successful operations. At Granier Bakeries, he spearheaded the expansion of Spain’s premier bakery chain into the United States at age 25.

Danny’s favorite aspect of his job is undoubtedly the opportunity to create more and better jobs that are respectable and dignifying for members of our community. For Danny, creating this impact alongside the powerful, local, family-owned brands that operate at The Yard is an unbeatable feeling.

When he’s not leading the team at The Doral Yard, Danny can be found absorbed in a book or working out at his boxing gym. On Sundays, you can catch him at Church and watching Formula 1 or a great soccer match.

Favorite Meal at The Yard: The Korean Salmon at Barbakoa by Finka

Image of Clary Mayorga Events Director of The Doral Yrad

CLARY MAYORGA

Events Director

Clary has been bringing her strategic mind and creative talents to The Doral Yard since May 2021. After her first interview, she felt drawn to create incredible moments for the growing community in Downtown Doral within this magical space.

Clary’s role is to create joyful and memorable experiences for The Yard’s guests through private events, community events, and the amazing live entertainment shows that light up our stage throughout each week. 

Clary graduated from FIU with a degree in Hospitality Management and started her career in Catering and Sales for Miccosukee Resort & Gaming. She then worked in sales for an all-inclusive wellness retreat and a hotel in Blue Lagoon. Most recently, she served as Special Events Manager at Breakwater Hospitality, where she managed dynamic events across five different venues.

Clary’s favorite aspect of her role is bringing the team together and creating contagious excitement about our amazing events. She loves engaging everyone at The Yard to work collaboratively to create incredible experiences for our guests and team. 

When she’s not working, Clary loves hosting family and friends, embarking on outdoor adventures, and exploring new places and activities in her beloved hometown of Miami. Fun fact about Clary: she is ambidextrous!

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Yip’s Bento Box, which satisfies all of her cravings (pro-tip: it’s only available during weekday lunches).

Image of Anielisa Lora Marketing Director of The Doral Yard

ANIELISA LORA

Marketing Director

Originally from Santiago, Dominican Republic, Anie is a seasoned creative who joined The Yard in 2022 to take on a new leadership and professional challenge. 

In her role as Marketing Director, Anie ensures that our brand is strong and well-represented across every platform, and builds ties with our community to spread the word about how magical our space truly is!

Anie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design and Development and a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Sales with a Concentration in Design Thinking. Over the past nine years, she has gained valuable experience in the creative realm, with roles spanning the hospitality, beauty, coffee, real estate, and gaming industries. She previously served as a Design Specialist and Creative Department Coordinator for Agency Marketing Machine. Later, as the Art Director for Aura Groupe, Anie worked with clients such as Nickelodeon Hotels, Whispering Angel, The Setai, 1 Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, and Burgerfi. She has also shared her talents with a wide range of businesses as a freelance Creative Director. 

One of Anie’s favorite aspects of her current role is that it can be as operational and analytical as it can be creative. For her, the peak moments happen when she successfully communicates and curates experiences that bring guests to The Yard to have a wonderful time, and create value for our culinary vendors.

When she’s not working or traveling (her favorite activity!), you can find Anie creating: painting, crafting, cutting, and making things pretty. 

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Poke Wontons from Pokekai

Image of Gustavo Carmona Manager of the Doral Yard

GUSTAVO CARMONA

Floor Manager & Bar Oversight 

Meet Gustavo Carmona, who hails from Venezuela and joined The Yard in early 2023. 

Gustavo fell in love with The Doral Yard’s mission and culture, and felt that taking on this role would be an exciting new professional challenge. In his day-to-day role, he expertly guides the team on the floor and behind the bar while they provide hospitality to our guests, vendors, and talent.

Gustavo has been working in the hospitality industry for over eight years in different positions. In his more recent role, he assisted in opening a new restaurant, hand in hand with an amazing group of people. As General Manager of B Bistro + Bakery at The Grove, he excelled at creating a motivating and healthy environment for his team. 

Gustavo has brought this passion and skillset to The Doral Yard, where he feels proud to support each team member’s learning and growth throughout this daily adventure. 

In his free time, he enjoys going to the movies and spending time with Marlon, his four-legged son. He’s always open to exploring new sports and trendy outside activities.

Favorite Meal at The Yard: House Salad at Un Pollo and any flavor of margarita made by our team!

Image of Jason Garzia FOH Manager of The Doral Yard

JASON GARZIA

Front of House & Accounts Payable Manager

Jason hails from Hialeah, Miami, and has been part of The Yard team since early 2022. 

A jack-of-all-trades, Jason’s leadership role includes day-to-day management of all front-of-house activities, as well as working closely with our accounting team on accounts payable matters.

Prior to his role at The Yard, Jason worked in Sales at Carnival Cruise Lines for 7 years. In his earlier years, he pursued pharmaceutical studies and worked at Walgreens as a pharmacy technician. 

Known for being a devoted team player, Jason’s favorite aspect of his job is working side-by-side with his colleagues, and instilling every team member and vendor with a sense of their importance and significance as part of The Doral Yard. 

He enjoys playing sports, including flag football, basketball, and golf, and is a CrossFit enthusiast.  Most of all, Jason loves spending time with my family, especially his wife and adorable newborn son. 

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Pokekai’s Wontons

Image of Gustavo Lapi FOH Manager of The Doral Yard

GUSTAVO LAPI

Front of House & Floor Manager

Gustavo Lapi has been bringing his contagious passion and enthusiasm to The Doral Yard since early 2023. With a focus on Front-of-House and Floor management, he serves as on-the-ground support for any and all service-related issues.

Gustavo previously worked at Brickell’s Fourteen Eatery, where he began in the kitchen and was promoted into management. He subsequently worked his way up the ranks at B Bistro + Bakery from host to server to Assistant Manager.  He ultimately was promoted to General Manager of B Bistro + Bakery Brickell, and credits this experience as one that allowed him to discover his love and passion for the hospitality industry. 

Gustavo enjoys working hand to hand with the team, guiding them to improve every day, and inspiring them to offer the best service possible. In earlier years, he studied psychology at Yacambú University, and his interest in this field continuously helps him understand and manage his team.

When he’s not at work, Gustavo enjoys exploring Miami’s culinary scene with friends and learning about Interior Design, his second passion. 

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Pokekai’s Poke Burger paired with an Eternal Spring from The Bar at The Yard

Image of Sofia Bracho Bar Leader of The Doral Yard

SOFIA BRACHO

Bar Leader & Manager

Meet the talented Sofia, who joined The Doral Yard in late 2021 with the goal of expanding her bartending expertise and product knowledge. Since then, she has been continuously promoted and become a key leader within the team.

Sofia now oversees daily bar management, inventories, ordering, drink creation, menu changes and quality control of the bar operation. Her favorite aspect of her role is creating cocktails in collaboration with the bar team. 

A Miami native, Sofia has held several lead bartender and server positions during her career. At The Yard, she accumulated knowledge and experience by working her way up the leadership ladder from her early role as a barback. 

Sofia is a “morning person” who likes to work out early in the day. She loves spending time with her family and dogs, and is currently learning a third language. 

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Un Pollo’s Beef Empanadas

Image of Della Heiman Founder and CEO of The Doral Yard

DELLA HEIMAN GOLDKIND

Founder of The Doral Yard, The Wynwood Yard, della bowls

Della Heiman Goldkind grew up in the Midwest amidst an entrepreneurial family.

Her desire to make healthy food more accessible was the catalyst behind della bowls, a globally-inspired, plant-based concept. When she moved to Miami to launch the restaurant, she recognized that food and cultural entrepreneurs could greatly benefit from more support, resources and a home base. That realization inspired her to create The Wynwood Yard, Miami’s first culinary incubator and a dynamic, eclectic events venue.

Della founded and operated The Yard as a thriving community hub in Wynwood until the leased property was sold. In 2020, she joined forces with new partners to bring the Yard concept to Downtown Doral. The Doral Yard, a 20,000 sqft cultural and entertainment destination, is home to 8 culinary concepts, two bars, a live music venue and Barbakoa by Finka, a full-service restaurant helmed by Chef Eileen Andrade.

Previously, Della worked in the fields of political communications, textile manufacturing, and venture capital in the U.S., the Middle East and Asia. She co-founded InsideIL, an elite summer fellowship that connects top-tier MBAs with Israeli startups and VCs. She holds a BA in History and Spanish Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is also a certified yoga instructor with passion for holistic health and wellness. Della is grateful to live in sunny Miami with her husband Cliff and daughter Rumi.

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Arepah!’s Coffee Rub Brisket Arepah

Image of partner and co-founder Joseph Furst

JOSEPH FURST

Partner and Co-founder of The Doral Yard, Founder of Place Projects

Place Projects is a real estate investment and development company that strives to create unique projects and memorable experiences through thoughtful curation and human-centric planning. Joe currently has investments throughout Florida, including Wynwood, Doral, and St. Petersburg.

Prior to focusing on his own ventures and founding Place Projects, Joe spent ten years as Managing Director and Principal of Goldman Properties’ Wynwood portfolio. He played an integral role in the transformation of Wynwood from a desolate industrial district into an engaging destination, which now attracts more than 1 million annual visitors and is recognized as one of America’s 39 coolest neighborhoods. Goldman’s Wynwood portfolio consists of over 30 properties comprising over 400,000sf of land. Joe oversaw all development, financing and leasing initiatives within the portfolio, including The Wynwood Garage (www.thewynwoodgarage.com), a 250,000sf mixed-use development.

When Joe is not working, he can be found struggling to play the guitar and spending quality time with his wife and children.

Favorite Meal at The Yard: Arepah!’s Coffee Rub Brisket Arepah

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