David Melvin Otero; 2021 Top Latino Lider in Florida!

What is your Latino/Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican

What area of Florida do you live in: South Florida / Fort Lauderdale 

What is your profession: Insurance specialist / content creator / visionary

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it

David: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it. A: well, that’s a pretty interesting question. I would say I do two things, first an insurance specialist, helping people with life, health, and Medicare. But I’m also a content creator, using photography and video to help people tell their story and promote themselves or their products. Of course, I use that part of my business to help me promote my insurance business as well, so they sort of go hand-in-hand. It also allows me to explore my creative side and think outside the box which helps me with my clients because I tend to have a different approach than other people in my field. 

Latin Times Magazine:  In your industry what would you say separates you from your competition.

David: I would say that my passion, my drive and of course my creative approach and mindset definitely keeps me separate from any competition. I also believe in creating an experience with every client and since part of what I do is help people tell stories I try and make sure that every interaction becomes A memorable one. I believe that you don’t necessarily have to beat your opponents, but you can outmaneuver them especially when you’re dealing with bigger companies with bigger budgets, and I Have felt like a David going up against Goliath at times. 

Latin Times Magazine:  During COVID-19 tell us about your biggest challenge obstacles and how you overcame it or are overcoming it.

David: I think the biggest struggle would be meeting with people in person because of so much uncertainty and people wanting to stay safe. But to be honest I actually did pretty well, and I give thanks to God for that. On the insurance side people I feel have understood now more than ever the need to protect themselves and their health which is their most valuable asset. I find more people are willing to have conversations about life and health insurance because they value the two things, they want to protect the most which is their families and their health. On the content creation Side of my business, I feel businesses Understand the need for social media presence now more than ever because of this COVID situation we are in, and they have had to adapt rather quickly. 

Latin Times Magazine:  Tell us about your biggest achievement and how you achieved it.

David:  I feel like I’m still in the process of achieving so it’s hard for me to pick out one single thing off the top of my mind. Something I have not mentioned is That I Do some coaching and mentoring on the side. I love to motivate people and I’ve been able to help some people start their own business, Start fitness journeys and Overcome moments of depression and anxiety. I’ve been told that I should probably stick to that field because I’ve been labeled the Puerto Rican Tony Robbins by different people and who knows maybe that’s the direction God wants me to head in the near future. So I guess my biggest accomplishment would be the fact that I’ve been able to inspire people to become better versions of themselves and pushed them to never stop improving. 

Latin Times Magazine:  What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?

David: That’s another great question and I am praying about that because I know that sometimes we have plans but God has different plans for us. I have several projects I’m working on including a book I’m writing, Maybe putting some events together two do some motivational speaking as well to tell my story and helped inspire others. On the insurance side I am in the process of creating an agency To help people learn the business and those that want to work from home or remote. I am constantly in motion so I’ll put it in Gods hands and we will just have to see so stay tuned. 

Latin Times Magazine: What does being a US citizen mean to you?

David: Well, I love being a US citizen Because of the freedom we have in this country. I feel there are many people that take that for granted and I’m not one of them. 

Latin Times Magazine: What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation?

David: I feel it’s a very complicated one. People are polarized and honestly, I feel the media and big tech is a big part of the reason why. If we are truly free then we should have freedom of speech but if we are only allowed to say certain things then we have conditional speech, there is a difference. If you are told that you have to do something “or else” You should probably ask yourself if you are truly free. This country is a beacon of hope to many others In different countries and we have to understand what our founding fathers intended for this nation and protect our constitutional rights. I think we need more independent media sources that are not so politically biased, and we need to start coming together soon. But at the end of the day, I put it all in God’s hands because ultimately, he is in control.

Latin Times Magazine:  What words of encouragement can you offer?

David: I think that if we challenge ourselves and push ourselves, we can accomplish anything. I think that there is a hunger for truth and there is an awakening going on right now we’re so many people are realizing that now is the time for us to define who we are and what we want to become. And I believe that If we have faith and put our trust in God everything will work out in the end. I think that applies to pretty much all aspects of our lives. 

Latin Times Magazine: Is there anything I did not ask you that you would like to share?

David: I just want people to know that no matter what they may be going through, How hard things may seem at the moment, They are not alone. I don’t mean to sound preachy but there is a God Who created us and we were created with purpose. Also, it’s important to understand that no matter what we are going through other people are going through their situation as well so it’s important we have compassion and help build others as well because that is how We can make this world a better place, One person at a time. We are the light that shines in the darkness, we can be the difference we want to see in the world.

Latin Times Magazine: What is your comida favorita?

David:  Well I am Puerto Rican so I’m going to have to say that it would be arroz con gandules, con carne frita y platanitos o un mofongo sabroso haha.