[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING GUS MACHADO FOR HIS DEDICATION TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY

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                           HON. DAVID RIVERA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2012

  Mr. RIVERA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding 
accomplishments of Mr. Gus Machado, who exemplifies the virtues of hard 
work, dedication, and contribution to the community.
  Mr. Machado was born in Cuba, and came to the United States when he 
was only fifteen years old where he studied at the Edwards Military 
Institute in North Carolina and Greenville College before working for 
the Caterpillar Tractor Company in Illinois.
  In 1956, he moved to Miami with no more than a few thousand dollars. 
He used the money to get stared in the automotive business by investing 
in a gas station and sending used cars to Cuba until Castro established 
himself as the nation's dictator and targeted free enterprise. 
Nevertheless, Mr. Machado persevered by refocusing his business 
operations to the Cuban exile community in South Florida. He began 
concentrating on the retail aspect of car sales and utilized his keen 
insight to business to identify and cater to the emerging demands of 
the market. For example, in 1973, he began a business that exported 
vehicles to Puerto Rico to fulfill the high demand in the area. Soon 
after, the only other General Motors distributer in Puerto Rico closed 
down, leaving Mr. Machado as the main dealer in the market.
  Throughout the following years, his business endeavors multiplied and 
he established himself as one of the most successful automotive dealers 
in the country. In 1984, he purchased a Ford dealership in Hialeah and 
quickly became the #1 Ford dealer in Miami-Dade County.
  Today, Mr. Gus Machado is one of the most respected and successful 
car dealers in the country. When the recession hit, the future of the 
auto industry looked very grim. Like many other Americans, Mr. 
Machado's business faced unprecedented hardship. Nevertheless, he took 
a bold risk by expanding his domain and buying another Ford dealership 
in Kendall. Like many of his other ventures, this too proved fruitful. 
He continues to provide his services to the community, and has been 
honored with countless awards for his work, including the Ford Motor 
company's highest honor, the President's Award.
  Furthermore, Mr. Machado has established himself as one of the most 
generous philanthropists in South Florida. His endeavors include the 
establishment of the Gus Machado Family Foundation, which provides 
hundreds of children with backpacks and school supplies every year, and 
the founding of the Gus Machado Classic Charity Golf Tournament 
benefiting the American Cancer Society, among many, many others.
  Mr. Machado has also worked hard to promote the transition to 
democracy in his native Cuba, the most oppressive nation in the Western 
Hemisphere. His dedication to the cause of liberty and freedom is truly 
remarkable.
  Due to his hard work, his ambition, and his generosity, Mr. Machado 
embodies the American Dream. He is a model citizen for aspiring 
businessmen and civic leaders because he reminds us of what it truly 
means to be an American.
  However, I doubt that he could have made it this far without the 
support of his wonderful family and particularly his loving wife 
Lilliam who has organized many charitable events in our community.
  On June 29th, the community will show its appreciation by dedicating 
``Gus Machado Way'' in his honor. On behalf of the South Florida 
community, I thank Mr. Machado for everything he has done for this 
community, and I take great pride in being a part of this celebration.

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