Success moves at the speed of trust
Tony Cho is a solutions oriented eco-systems thinker & regenerative placemaker that is pushing the boundaries of real-estate development & venture capital. Tony is a Founder, CEO & Impact Entrepreneur of Cho Ventures at the intersection of economic transformation, cultural celebration & wildlife conservation. Influenced by his work as founder and chairman of Metro 1 – an award-winning, forward-thinking real estate investment, brokerage, management, and development firm that he founded in 2005, which has helped shape Miami’s urban core particularly Wynwood & Little Haiti. Cho’s career has focused on shaping neighborhoods and developing sustainable cities in South Florida and beyond. As the founder of Future of Cities, Tony is reimagining how we live, work, play and learn. Future of Cities is a mission-driven consortium invested in transforming the built environment through the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies to improve the quality of urban living across the globe.
His unwavering commitment to shaping vibrant urban neighborhoods through cross-sector collaborations and as a placemaker shaping local policy he aims to support small business, local artists, artisans & innovators - making him a driving force in Florida’s transformative real estate landscape. Cho is the founder of the Magic City Innovation District Little Haiti, an 18-acre large-scale regenerative mixed-use project located in one of Miami’s most vibrant cultural neighborhoods. He has played an influential role in several emerging neighborhoods, including Wynwood. As a founding member of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID), he championed the progressive rezoning of the area. This transformation turned previously blighted streets into a diverse, 24-hour, mixed-use arts and innovation district.
Furthermore, his impactful contributions extend to spearheading transformative initiatives exemplified by the Climate & Innovation HUB, energized by the vision of Future of Cities, in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Haiti. The HUB serves as a dynamic demonstration project, meticulously crafted to embody the principles of regenerative placemaking and foster a climate-conscious ethos. By leveraging cutting-edge design and innovative technologies, the Climate & Innovation HUB stands as a beacon of sustainability and resilience, empowering communities to thrive in harmony with their environment.
Moreover, he has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District (PHX-JAX), an 8.3 Acre site in Jacksonville, Florida. This visionary endeavor, another demonstration project of Future of Cities, is curated to exemplify regenerative urban development principles. With a keen focus on fostering creativity, innovation, and community engagement, the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District emerges as a transformative space where art, culture, commerce, and sustainability converge. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, PHXJAX sets a precedent for urban revitalization, championing a holistic approach to city-building that prioritizes the well-being of its community.
Completing over $4+ billion in real estate transactions since 2005, Metro 1 Commercial is frequently recognized as one of the top 25 commercial real estate firms in the region by the South Florida Business Journal. Under his leadership, Metro 1 brought favorite local businesses— including Zak the Baker and Junior & Hatter— into the neighborhood, and, in 2012, developed the Wynwood Gateway Complex, one of the area’s most visible commercial developments.
A Florida Native, originally from Vero Beach, Tony attended Northwestern University in Chicago. He has been awarded the prestigious young leader of the year by the Urban Land Institute and holds a CCIM designation. In addition to managing the Cho Ventures portfolio of companies and charities, Cho is also the co-creator, along with his wife, of ChoZen eco-retreat and sanctuary in Sebastian, Florida. This transformative haven, designed as a camp for the humanity of the future, embodies their commitment to sustainability, holistic wellness, and fostering connections with nature, offering a sanctuary for individuals seeking renewal and transformation. This visionary project stands as yet another testament to Tony Cho's unwavering dedication to positively transforming the future through innovative and sustainable initiatives that uplift both individuals and communities alike.
In 2020, Cho and his wife, Ximena Cho, launched the M1 Community Fund and the Cho Family Foundation, donor-advised philanthropic funds administered by the Miami Foundation. The first initiative of the M1 Community Fund was The Little Haiti Small Business Relief Fund, formed in response to COVID-19 to assist small businesses most at risk during the pandemic. The Cho Family Foundation is focused on environmental, wildlife & indigenous culture awareness and preservation as well as mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing and has supported organizations such as the Chopra Foundation, Amazon Watch & Path of the Panther. Since 2000, Cho has been a long-standing advocate for the community of Little Haiti, and particularly small independent businesses. Cho has served as the president of the Non-Violence Project, providing non-violence education to at-risk youth in Miami’s most underserved schools, such as Edison Sr. High School in Little Haiti.