Lois Marino serves as the Director of Marketing for Hoffman’s Chocolates, a subsidiary of BBX Capital Company. In this role, Ms. Marino is responsible for the day to day marketing operations of the Hoffman’s Chocolates brand which currently includes seven stores in South Florida. She oversees all branding, advertising, promotions, and product development and merchandising for the gourmet chocolatier.
In addition to her position at Hoffman’s Chocolates, Ms. Marino currently also serves as Executive Director of the BBX Capital Foundation. Established in 1994, the Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to charitable organizations throughout the state of Florida. The BBX Capital Foundation focuses on three key areas: the arts, education and human services.
Ms. Marino previously served as the Assistant Vice President, Manager of the Office of “WOW!” for BankAtlantic. In 2003, a curriculum that she created while at BankAtlantic for financial literacy for elementary schools was approved by the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County school boards. With this certification in hand, Ms. Marino spearheaded BankAtlantic’s Kid Power Program which provided South Florida’s children educational information about banking and money management.
Ms. Marino is passionate about giving back to the community and currently serves as a board member for Junior Achievement of South Florida and the Boys and Girls Club. She was recognized by the Boys and Girls Club as one of 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County. Ms. Marino is a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXXII.
Favorite quote: “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” — Confucius
Fun fact: I have two grandchildren: a 10 year old granddaughter and a 5 year old grandson.
How do you unwind after a long day of work? Meditation and a glass of Vino.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? Sometimes we are own worst enemy: growing up in a traditional, old-fashion Italian family, I was taught that a women’s role was singularly simple: get married, cook well, have children and stay home to raise them and support your husband and family. This can result in a lack of self-confidence and eroded self-worth. Fortunately, I was blessed with some wonderful mentors early in my career who helped me to overcome these barriers to success.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? When I assumed the role of the Executive Director of the BBX Capital Foundation. In that moment all the hard work and sacrifices transformed into the new reality of new responsibility.
Who are your role models? Marcia Barry Smith, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at Habitat Broward and Anita and Artie Romanelli—my parents
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? One of my mentors told me, “Chances are you know more than 90% of the people attending this. Walk in, own the room, and be confident, but authentic.
What advice would you give a young woman at the start of her career? Work hard, but never sacrifice your family and your happiness! Don’t make money your priority. Trust your instinct. Always remember your heritage.
How does being a woman has impacted your career? Being a woman in the male-dominated world of Banking, was an almost insurmountable obstacle. Tenacity, working smarter and finding newer and more innovative solutions to age-old problems proved to be the catalyst for recognition and promotion.
