My Life on Key Biscayne – A Love Affair with Paradise
by Geno Marron
Forty-five years ago, I arrived on the shores of Key Biscayne, completely unaware of how deeply this island would shape my life. It was love at first sight.
Key Biscayne’s natural beauty—its turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and tranquil sunsets—captivated me.
However, it wasn’t just the scenery; it was the vibrant, ever-changing community that made me realize I had found a true home. My journey here has been a story of personal and professional growth, a celebration of connections, and the privilege of raising a family in this incredible place.
30 Years at the Sonesta Beach Resort
For 30 years, I poured my heart and soul into my work at the Sonesta Beach Resort. As a bartender, entertainer, and salesman, I embraced the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. I dedicated myself to ensuring guests had exceptional experiences, which not only boosted the resort’s revenue but also built lasting relationships with guests who became lifelong friends; others, like Baseball Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Jim Palmer, left behind unforgettable memories.
The Sonesta was more than a job—it was a community in itself. I thrived on the energy of engaging with people, understanding their stories, and finding ways to make their visits special. My philosophy was simple: quick service, a good product, and making every person feel valued. These principles became the foundation of my career and helped me connect with the many fascinating people who visited the resort.
Raising a Family on Key Biscayne
While I worked long hours—sometimes six days a week—Key Biscayne gave me the opportunity to raise my family in a supportive, close-knit community. My daughters, Allison Renee and Kaitlin Rose, were my greatest pride and joy.
Despite the demands of my job, I made time to volunteer and stay involved in their lives.
At Key Biscayne Elementary School, I participated in KAPOW (Kids and the Power of Work), helping students understand how classroom lessons translate to real-world skills. At Coral Gables Elementary, where my daughters studied, I volunteered as a PE coach and helped with the reading program. Watching children overcome challenges, learn to read, and gain confidence was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ll never forget the light in their eyes when they achieved success—it reminded me of the power of community and the importance of giving back.
Raising my daughters also meant giving them access to incredible educational opportunities. They attended Ransom Everglades School, which prepared them for bright futures. Today, Allison is married and living in Sydney, Australia, where she runs a consulting company that helps businesses go public. She is also creating a new company called Bartender’s Daughters, which develops creative drink mixes for restaurants and bars in Australia.
Kaitlin has built a thriving career in the restaurant industry. She is the director of operations for a chain of high-end restaurants in Brooklyn, New York, and has helped bring three of their locations to life. I couldn’t be prouder of the women they’ve become, and the role Key Biscayne played in shaping their lives.
