Juan Benitez and SMART Ride

BY MAGGIE OLIVE KLEIN
KONKLIFE STAFF WRITER AND EDITOR

Juan Benitez was born and raised in Argentina. He is a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty, and has done more than just Real Estate while here in Key West! Benitez moved to Key West almost 10 years ago with a background in accounting, but knew once he was here that he wouldn’t be pursuing that career. He spent his first few years here working jobs like maintenance at a hotel, and working at a front desk, only temporarily, knowing that eventually something would change. That was when he came to find his passion for Real Estate, in 2016. 

In 2017, Benitez joined the Key West Mile Markers, the local team for the Southern Most HIV/AIDS Ride, AKA SMART Ride. SMART Ride began in 2003, and is sponsored by Independent/Family-Owned Businesses, Regional and National Companies. Because of the sponsors, SMART is able to give 100% of the money raised from the ride to AIDS Service Organizations throughout the state of Florida! The ride is from Miami to Key West, with participants biking 165 miles over the span of two days… seems rough, huh! But the work is well worth it, and there are stops along the way that enable cyclists to regroup, recharge, and refresh themselves. Benitez has made a heavy impact on The Key West Mile Markers. He says, “Ever since I joined, we have been finishing as a top team in the ride!” He participates as a rider with his husband, John Meyer, who participates as a Crew Member. Benitez notes that he and his husband have raised over $85,000 for the SMART Ride since 2017, and The Key West Mile Markers in total have raised over $873,000 since 2017!

One of the fundraisers for the event is called “Real Men Do Drag”, something that Benitez has participated in three times, in years 2018, 2019, and 2022. Whoever raises the most money throughout the performance wins, and Benitez humbly notes that he won all three times! This year, on May 31st, the team raised over $12,000 during the event! 

Benitez also is a proud member of our local Toastmasters club, and speaks very highly of the organization. He decided to join after having heard about it back in August, and only has good things to say about his experiences. He says, “I’m very conscious about my English speaking skills, and am always looking to improve. I love the dynamics and camaraderie of the group, everyone is so friendly and laid back. It’s such a safe environment where everyone is willing to get uncomfortable and learn about themselves and each other.” Benitez learned through his navigation of his own career and volunteer work that helping others is what he really enjoys doing. Whether it be through his Real Estate work, or his cycling for AIDS fundraising, he feels that his purpose is rooted in helping others. He also volunteers for Cooking With Love, a program that provides hot meals to members of the community that aren’t able to cook for themselves. 

Thank you, Juan Benitez, for everything that you does for the community! If you are interested in contacting Benitez, you can reach him by email, [email protected], or via cell, (305)587-9230 

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