Mario Murgado, President & CEO of Murgado Automotive Group, is set to receive the 'Automotive Entrepreneurship & Business Leadership Award' at the 2026 Top Entrepreneur of USA Awards, an event organized by Negocios Magazine. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 8, at the EB Hotel Miami, bringing together approximately 120 entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives, investors, and professionals for an evening dedicated to business leadership.
Murgado's recognition stems from his remarkable entrepreneurial career and leadership in the automotive industry, which has transformed a local Miami operation into a nationwide powerhouse. Headquartered in Miami, Murgado Automotive Group now operates 29 locations across five states, including Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, and California. The award highlights his role in driving growth and expansion that has significantly impacted the automotive sector.
Under Murgado's leadership, the group has achieved notable successes, particularly with Buick, GMC, and Honda operations near Downtown Miami. These operations, which had experienced declining results under previous ownership, were revitalized and became standout performers for General Motors and Honda. Today, the group represents a diverse portfolio of brands, including Honda, Toyota, Ford, Lincoln, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Cadillac, Audi, Volkswagen, Acura, Infiniti, Mazda, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, as well as luxury and high-performance brands such as Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo.
Eduardo Hapke, Publisher of Negocios Magazine, expressed pride in recognizing Murgado, stating, "For Negocios Magazine, it is a true honor to recognize Mario Murgado, an entrepreneur with deep ties to Miami who has successfully transformed a local automotive operation into a group with a presence across different regions of the United States." This sentiment underscores the significance of Murgado's achievements, not only for his company but also for the broader business community.
The Top Entrepreneur of USA Awards 2026 is part of Negocios Magazine's ongoing mission to highlight business excellence. Founded in 2013 by Eduardo Hapke and attorney Karen Blanco, the magazine serves as a communications platform for entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders in South Florida and the U.S. Hispanic market. The publication, available in print and digital formats, also operates NegociosMagazine.com, offering news, interviews, and business profiles. It further expands its reach through international platforms like PressReader and social media channels, including Facebook.
This recognition of Mario Murgado carries significant implications for the automotive industry and business leadership. It highlights the potential for local enterprises to achieve national scale through strategic vision and effective management. For industry observers, Murgado's journey offers insights into revitalizing underperforming assets and building a diverse brand portfolio. The award also underscores the importance of recognizing entrepreneurial achievements that contribute to economic growth and job creation across multiple states.
As the event approaches, the spotlight on Murgado serves as a testament to the impact of dedicated leadership in the automotive sector. His story is not just about business success but also about the ripple effects of such success on communities and industries nationwide.

