Building After the Storm: How Richard Dantona Turned Experience into Regional Leadership
Leadership Rooted in Experience and Crisis Readiness
Recovery does not begin with blueprints or permits. It begins with people who understand how to work under pressure, make decisions when timelines are tight, and remain dependable when communities are uncertain. In Southwest Florida, Richard Michael Dantona has come to represent that kind of leadership. Born on January 20, 1977, Dantona is an Italian American entrepreneur whose career in construction, real estate development, and youth athletics reflects decades of preparation that quietly positioned him for moments when experience mattered most.
Early Life, Family Influence, and Foundational Values
Dantona was born in Bayshore, New York, to Richard James Dantona and Laura Jean Murillo, spent part of his upbringing under the guidance of his maternal grandmother, Dolores J. Murillo. Her influence played a lasting role in shaping his character, particularly her emphasis on responsibility, structure, and follow through. These values became central to his approach to work and relationships. He later attended East Islip High School, where he balanced school with early exposure to hands-on labor, learning quickly that progress often comes from consistency rather than speed.
Hands-On Beginnings in Construction
At the age of fifteen, Dantona began working in construction. Rather than observing from a distance, he learned directly on job sites, gaining an understanding of materials, timelines, and teamwork. One of his earliest experiences involved renovation work at the Montauk Lighthouse, a project that reinforced the importance of precision and care in building structures meant to last.
Entrepreneurial Start with Academy Mobile Enterprise
In 1997, Dantona took his first formal step into entrepreneurship by founding Academy Mobile Enterprise, Inc., in New York. The business focused on mobile and modular construction solutions and provided him with valuable operational experience. In 2001, Academy Mobile Enterprise contributed to the installation of emergency mobile office space for first responders at the World Trade Center site following the September 11 attacks. The work demanded urgency, reliability, and adaptability, reinforcing the role of construction professionals during moments of national crisis.
Service During National Crisis at Ground Zero
In January 2003, Dantona relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, bringing his business operations with him. The move placed him in a region experiencing steady growth and increasing residential demand. Over time, his focus expanded beyond mobile construction as he identified opportunities to serve homeowners and property owners more directly across Southwest Florida.
Relocation to Southwest Florida and Market Expansion
In 2012, Dantona opened Academy Home Kitchen and Bath, Inc., a kitchen and bath showroom in Cape Coral, Florida. The business was developed to provide functional design solutions supported by dependable craftsmanship. In 2013, he expanded operations with a granite import, fabrication, and sales center in North Fort Myers. This expansion allowed greater oversight of materials and production, helping ensure consistency across projects and timelines.
Establishing Academy Home Kitchen and Bath
Through these businesses, Dantona earned multiple local awards recognizing services that include home remodeling, countertops, cabinetry, pool refinishing, and screen enclosures. These honors reflected long term performance built on trust and reliability rather than short term visibility.
Vertical Expansion into Granite Fabrication and Sales
In 2016, Dantona founded Academy Home Developments, Inc., a real estate development company specializing in speculative and custom built homes. His approach emphasized practical design, durability, and efficiency. This foundation became particularly important following Hurricane Ian, when widespread damage affected communities across Southwest Florida. During the recovery period, Dantona became actively involved in rebuilding and renovating homes throughout Cape Coral, Matlacha, Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers. His work focused on restoring safe living spaces for families navigating displacement and loss. The effort required coordination, patience, and a steady presence during an extended recovery process.
Recognition for Reliable Craftsmanship and Services
While construction and development remain central to his professional life, Dantona has also invested deeply in youth development through sports. In 2019, he founded the Florida Warriors Youth Hockey Association, based at the Fort Myers Skatium. The organization fields teams across multiple age groups, including an all girls team known as the Lady Warriors. The program participates in league play and tournaments throughout Florida and across the United States, offering young athletes structure, discipline, and competitive experience.
Real Estate Development and Post–Hurricane Ian Recovery
In 2022, Dantona expanded this commitment by founding RzR Edge Hockey Academy. The academy provides on ice and off ice training focused on skill development, conditioning, and overall athletic growth. Its off-ice physical agility program operates in collaboration with D1 Training Fort Myers, owned and operated by Jaylen Watkins, who collaborates with RzR Edge through this training partnership. The coaching staff includes individuals with playing experience ranging from semi professional leagues to the National Hockey League.
Youth Leadership Through Florida Warriors Hockey
Dantona is the father of two children, Myla Jean Dantona and Dominick Angelo Dantona. Family remains central to his life and influences his continued investment in community based programs that support young people. He is also the nephew of comedian and actor Vincent Dantona, reflecting a family background that spans diverse professional paths.
Family, Legacy, and Long-Term Community Impact
Richard Michael Dantona’s career did not emerge overnight. It developed over years of experience, steady decision making, and a willingness to remain involved at every level of his work. From early construction sites in New York to rebuilding efforts in Florida and leadership in youth athletics, his path reflects a commitment to lasting impact. In Southwest Florida, his work continues to shape homes, communities, and opportunities long after the storm has passed.
