Phyllis Apple Honored
South Florida Business Journal bestows PR legend its Lifetime Achievement Award
In a precedent setting move, South Florida Business Journal awarded the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Phyllis Apple, founder and CEO of The Apple Organization, a top real estate PR firm in South Florida. Ms. Apple, 84, was a finalist at the publication’s annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards, but walked away with a greater honor, one that crystallized her iconic stature in the world of real estate.
The award ceremony, presented by the accounting firm Rachlin, Cohen & Holtz, recognized women of excellence in the local business community at a luncheon at the Broward County Convention Center. Two of Apple’s clients, Lissette Calderon of NEO Concepts and Alicia Cervera Lamadrid of RCRS, were also honored as Entrepreneur of the Year and finalist in the CEO of the Year category, respectively.
Ms. Apple founded The Apple Organization nearly three decades ago in a room in her home. She has since grown the firm to an award-winning full-service agency with a staff of 22 and a who’s who of luxury real estate and hospitality clients. PR Week listed Apple as the 120th largest PR firm in the nation and it made Inc. 5000’s list of fastest growing private companies in America. Earlier this year, Apple won South Florida Business Journal’s coveted Business of the Year.
“I have been meaning to retire for a decade now, but my passion keeps me here every day,” said Apple. “I am proud to be a mentor to the next generation of publicists and my staff has drive and dedication that makes me look good.”
In addition to her obvious business prowess, Ms. Apple is extremely involved with industry and the community. She is a member of the Chairman’s Roundtable for the Aventura Marketing Council, National Democratic Women’s Federation, Latin Builders Association and Mount Sinai Medical Center. As well as under her auspices, Apple reaches out to more than 18 community organizations and charities by providing pro bono services and volunteers.
