High energy combined with a passion for excellence. These traits define Justo Luis Pozo III (BBA ’07) in all his pursuits—from his martial arts avocation to his banking and finance vocation.
Now Pozo is branching out, flexing his entrepreneurial muscle to bring the Energy Kitchen franchise to South Florida.
According to Pozo, the Manhattan-based, fast-and-casual food chain features a health-centric menu where no individual item exceeds 500 calories.
Considering his extensive knowledge of personal wellness and nutrition gained as a personal trainer, Pozo believes leading Energy Kitchen’s franchise development is a logical next step in his career path.
“I’ve searched for a concept that promotes wellness and incorporates proper nutrition, but I’ve always come up empty-handed,” he said. “I couldn’t be more excited about bringing Energy Kitchen and the healthy lifestyle it represents to the Miami-Dade County area.”
Pozo currently is exploring opening an Energy Kitchen in six area locations—Aventura, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables, Midtown, Pinecrest and South Miami.
Business move follows Pozo family tradition—with strong FIU connections.
When talking about who inspires him personally and professionally,
Pozo is quick to mention his father and mentor, Justo Luis Pozo (BBA ’80).
The elder Pozo and fellow College of Business Administration alumnus, Joseph L. Caruncho (BBA ’81), co-founded Preferred Care Partners in 2002 to bring healthcare plan options to South Florida residents with Medicare contracts. Pozo serves as a director on the Florida International University (FIU) Foundation Board of Directors. While at FIU, Pozo was a member of the Honorary Accounting Society. He has since received numerous recognitions, including induction into the college’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 2004. Pozo and his wife, Sylvia Pozo (BBA ’81), are founders of the FIU College of Medicine. He is also an Athletic Living Scholar Donor.
“I frequently turn to my father for advice,” the younger Pozo said. “And I hope to follow in his footsteps—building on a solid FIU business education and channeling my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for healthy nutrition to make Energy Kitchen a success in South Florida.”
