Paul Leone, CEO of The Breakers, recognized as the 2024 main medalist during 40th anniversary year
(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – On Thursday, November 14, three business luminaries were honored at the Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) 40th Annual American Free Enterprise (AFE) Day, presented by SROA Capital and Storage Rentals of America. Dating back to 1984, AFE Day at PBA has recognized individuals whose hard work and achievement exemplify the best of the American free enterprise system. The patriotic ceremony hosted at PBA’s Rubin Arena celebrated The Breakers CEO, Paul Leone, as the 2024 main medalist and speaker. Companion medalists were Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board (BDB) of Palm Beach County and Troy Maschmeyer, CEO of Maschmeyer, Inc.
PBA supporters, Board members, local leaders, past AFE medalists, students and community partners attended the event. The ceremony included a presentation of the colors by the Seminole Ridge Hawk Battalion Female Color Guard and PBA Oratorio Choir led the national anthem with Sonia Santiago, PBA’s Director of Choral Activities, conducting. PBA student body president, Olivia Barta, led the audience in the pledge of allegiance and the opening prayer was given by Carson Quinn, a student in the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business.
“Today reflects our unique commitment to nurturing the spirit of American free enterprise—it is a celebration of hard work, innovation, and principled success that enriches both individual lives and our community,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA president. “We are deeply thankful to God for the freedom and opportunities that allow such enterprise to flourish and for the exemplary role models we will honor today, whose care for our community sets a standard for us all. Our medalists are individuals who have turned their dreams into legacies that inspire us all to strive and succeed in this land of opportunity.”
As the main medalist, Leone was acknowledged for his remarkable dedication and leadership, which extends beyond the halls of The Breakers Palm Beach and into the heart of the local community. He is the first non-family member to lead The Breakers as its CEO, underscoring his vision and leadership. With this prestigious role, he has exceeded upholding its legacy and has taken it to global prominence while also emphasizing a culture of employee fulfilment, guest satisfaction and community service.
“My call to action to the students, the next generation of business leaders, is to use the free enterprise system to improve the quality of life for everyone as you grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly,” Leone said.
The 2024 AFE presenting sponsor was SROA Capital and Storage Rentals of America, Benjamin Macfarland. Other sponsors included Templeton & Co., The Elmore Family Foundation, H. Wayne Huizenga, Jr., Bank of America, Sara and Jim McCann, United Franchise Group, Gunster, Northern Trust, Sherry and Tom Barrat, Lois Pope, Blue Ocean Capital, Dan and Denise Hanley, JP Morgan Private Bank, Gil Kemp, Nicole and Atlee Kohl, David and Laura Bishop in loving memory of John J. Rinker, The Frisbie Group and Robert Simpson. The underwriting sponsors included Sondra and Davis S. Mack, Buddy and Connie Raney, Bruce and Kim Elliott, Bobbie Watson and the American Flag Pins Sponsor was made in loving memory of Brian P. Burns.
For more event information, or to make a donation, please visit pba.edu/about/growth/free-enterprise-day. For information about Palm Beach Atlantic University, visit www.pba.edu.
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About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.
