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Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of July 20

Celebrating Excellence: The Best Businesses and Professionals in Palm Beach County for 2025

In the vibrant economic landscape of Palm Beach County, where sun-soaked beaches meet bustling boardrooms, the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship thrives. As we step into 2025, The Palm Beach Post is proud to highlight the standout businesses, professionals, and business leaders who have not only weathered challenges but have elevated the community through their dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence. This annual roundup, based on reader nominations, expert insights, and comprehensive evaluations, showcases the cream of the crop across various sectors. From hospitality to healthcare, real estate to retail, these honorees represent the best of what Palm Beach County has to offer. Whether you're a local resident seeking top-notch services or a visitor exploring the area, this guide serves as your go-to resource for discovering the pinnacle of professional prowess.

Starting with the hospitality sector, which remains a cornerstone of Palm Beach County's economy, the title of Best Hotel goes to The Breakers Palm Beach. This iconic oceanfront resort, with its storied history dating back to 1896, continues to set the standard for luxury accommodations. Guests rave about its opulent rooms, world-class spa, and impeccable service, which blend timeless elegance with modern amenities. The Breakers' commitment to sustainability, including eco-friendly initiatives like reducing plastic waste and sourcing local ingredients, has earned it accolades from environmental groups. In the restaurant category, Best Fine Dining Establishment is awarded to Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel. Helmed by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, this eatery offers a fusion of French classics with Florida flair, using fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Signature dishes like the duck confit and seafood bouillabaisse have diners returning time and again, while the intimate ambiance makes it a favorite for special occasions.

Shifting gears to the real estate arena, where Palm Beach County's booming property market shows no signs of slowing, the Best Real Estate Agency is Douglas Elliman. With a team of seasoned agents who navigate everything from waterfront mansions to cozy condos, Douglas Elliman stands out for its market expertise and personalized client service. Their innovative use of virtual tours and data analytics has streamlined the buying and selling process, especially in high-demand areas like Palm Beach Island and Jupiter. On the individual front, Best Real Estate Agent honors go to Dana Koch of The Corcoran Group. Known for her deep knowledge of luxury properties and a client list that includes celebrities and executives, Koch has closed deals worth hundreds of millions, all while maintaining a reputation for discretion and integrity. Her involvement in community philanthropy, such as supporting local housing initiatives, further cements her status as a leader in the field.

In the realm of healthcare, where quality care is paramount, Best Hospital is recognized as Jupiter Medical Center. This state-of-the-art facility has expanded its services in recent years, including advanced oncology and cardiology departments equipped with cutting-edge technology like robotic surgery systems. Patients appreciate the compassionate staff and short wait times, which have contributed to high satisfaction scores in national surveys. For Best Physician, Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a board-certified dermatologist at Palm Beach Dermatology, takes the top spot. Specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology, Dr. Rodriguez is celebrated for her innovative treatments, such as laser therapies for skin rejuvenation, and her patient-centered approach that emphasizes education and prevention. Her practice's focus on inclusivity, offering services tailored to diverse skin types, has made her a trusted name across the county.

The financial services sector, crucial for both individuals and businesses in this affluent region, sees Best Financial Advisor awarded to Michael Goldstein of Goldman Sachs. With over two decades of experience, Goldstein excels in wealth management, helping clients build portfolios that withstand market volatility. His strategies often incorporate sustainable investing, aligning with the growing demand for ethical financial planning. In banking, Best Local Bank is First Republic Bank, praised for its personalized banking solutions and community involvement. From small business loans to high-net-worth advisory services, First Republic's emphasis on building long-term relationships has fostered loyalty among Palm Beach County residents.

Retail and consumer services also shine brightly in this year's selections. Best Boutique is The Gardens Mall's own Lilly Pulitzer store, embodying the colorful, preppy style synonymous with Palm Beach. Shoppers flock here for exclusive prints and resort wear that capture the essence of coastal living. For Best Automotive Dealership, Schumacher Auto Group earns the nod, offering a wide range of luxury vehicles from brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Their customer service, including seamless financing and maintenance programs, sets them apart in a competitive market.

Education and professional development are not overlooked, with Best Private School going to Palm Beach Day Academy. This institution fosters academic excellence and character development through a rigorous curriculum and extracurriculars like robotics and arts programs. In the legal field, Best Law Firm is Gunster, a powerhouse in corporate law, real estate, and litigation. Their attorneys have handled landmark cases involving environmental regulations and business mergers, providing strategic counsel to some of the county's largest enterprises. Best Attorney individually is Sarah Levine, specializing in family law at Levine & Associates. Her empathetic yet assertive approach has helped countless families navigate divorces and custody battles with minimal conflict.

Innovation and technology sectors are rapidly growing in Palm Beach County, and Best Tech Startup is awarded to BioTech Innovations, a company developing AI-driven diagnostic tools for healthcare. Founded by local entrepreneur Dr. Alex Chen, this startup has secured significant venture funding and partnerships with major hospitals, positioning Palm Beach as a hub for biotech advancement. For Best Marketing Agency, Digital Wave Marketing takes the prize, known for their data-driven campaigns that boost online presence for businesses ranging from startups to established brands. Their expertise in social media and SEO has helped clients achieve exponential growth in e-commerce sales.

Community impact plays a significant role in our selections, and Best Nonprofit Leader is Maria Hernandez of the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Under her guidance, the organization has distributed millions of meals to underserved populations, expanding programs to include nutrition education and mobile pantries. In the realm of business leadership, Best CEO is Jonathan Hayes of Hayes Enterprises, a conglomerate spanning real estate and hospitality. Hayes' visionary leadership has not only driven profitability but also emphasized corporate social responsibility, including employee wellness programs and charitable giving.

Sustainability and green initiatives are increasingly important, with Best Eco-Friendly Business going to Green Thumb Nurseries. This family-owned operation specializes in native plants and organic gardening supplies, promoting biodiversity and water conservation in landscaping projects. Their workshops on sustainable gardening have educated thousands, contributing to the county's environmental goals.

In the arts and entertainment category, Best Art Gallery is the Norton Museum of Art, which has undergone expansions to showcase contemporary works alongside classics. Their community outreach programs, like free admission days and youth workshops, make art accessible to all. For Best Event Planner, Elite Events by Marisa earns recognition for orchestrating lavish weddings and corporate galas with flawless execution and creative flair.

Finally, in the wellness and fitness domain, Best Gym is Equinox Palm Beach, offering high-end facilities with personal training, yoga classes, and recovery services like cryotherapy. Their holistic approach to health has attracted a dedicated clientele seeking both physical and mental well-being.

These honorees exemplify the dynamic spirit of Palm Beach County, where tradition meets innovation. They not only drive economic growth but also enrich the community fabric through their services, philanthropy, and leadership. As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, these businesses and professionals serve as inspirations, reminding us of the power of excellence in building a brighter future for all. Whether you're patronizing a local eatery, seeking expert advice, or simply admiring the entrepreneurial drive, Palm Beach County's best are here to elevate your experience. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Palm Beach Post Article at:
[ https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/business/names-faces/2025/07/20/best-businesses-professionals-business-people-in-palm-beach-county/84372980007/ ]