**Richard Michael Dantona** (born January 20, 1977) is an Italian-American entrepreneur and business owner, known for his contributions to the real estate development industry. He is also the owner of the Florida Warriors Youth Hockey Association. He is also the founder of Academy Home Kitchen & Bath, Inc. and Academy Home Developments, Inc.

Early life and education
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Dantona was born in Bayshore, NY to Brooklyn and Queens natives Laura Jean Murillo and Richard James Dantona. Dantona also was raised by his maternal grandmother Dolores J Murillo who passed away on July 9th, 1997. Dolores was an important part of Dantona’s youth into his teenage years and provided a stable environment for Dantona. His grandmother's passing had a profound impact on Dantona, and he credits her for instilling in him strong ethics and family values. Dantona, who also has two half-siblings, Kevin Monahan and Kelly Monahan, displayed a robust work ethic from an early age. He ventured into various fields, including sales, construction, and even dabbled in acting with roles in New York productions, such as a paid extra part in Ron Howard's "A Beautiful Mind," featuring Russell Crowe.

At the age of 15, Dantona embarked on his construction journey, contributing to the repair work of the Montauk Lighthouse in 1994. This early involvement significantly influenced his future career path.

Career
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### Early career

While living in New York in 1997, Dantona founded his construction business, Academy Mobile Enterprise, Inc. Realizing the opportunities in Florida's real estate market, he made a strategic move to Ft. Myers in January 2003. His expertise in construction served as a solid foundation for his endeavors in the Sunshine State.

In 2001, William Scotsman Mobile Offices contracted Dantona's company, Academy Mobile Enterprise, to provide and set up emergency mobile office space in Manhattan at the World Trade Center site shortly after the events of 9/11. This initiative aimed to support first responders, including Police, Fire, and Medical Personnel, in their crucial roles during the aftermath of the tragedy.

### Real Estate and Construction Industry

In 2012, Academy Home Kitchen & Bath, Inc. was inaugurated, introducing a kitchen and bath showroom in Cape Coral, FL. Following this, in 2013, Dantona extended his business by establishing a center in North Ft. Myers dedicated to the import, export, sales, and fabrication of granite. His dedication to achieving excellence in both construction and design garnered him several consecutive awards in various categories, including home remodeling, countertops, cabinetry, pool refinishing, screen enclosure, and more, as recognized in the Best of Cape Coral awards. 

In 2016, Dantona expanded his business portfolio by establishing Academy Home Developments, Inc. a real estate development company focused on constructing both speculative and custom homes. The Academy franchise has maintained an average annual gross revenue of $30 million. Recognized for their exceptional contributions, Dantona's companies have consistently received accolades for their positive impact on the communities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Naples.

### Florida Warriors Youth Hockey Association

In 2019, Dantona took a philanthropic step by establishing the Florida Warriors Youth Hockey Association. Operating from the Ft. Myers Skatium, the program comprises teams spanning from U6 to U16. Additionally, there is an all-girls team called the Lady Warriors, encompassing ages 13-17. These teams actively engage in private tournaments nationwide and league games within Florida. Demonstrating his commitment to youth sports, Dantona aspires to secure a state championship title in the U12 division for the team in its inaugural year. 

The Florida Warriors are highly involved in charitable endeavors as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They actively contribute back to the community by making donations to the organization. Additionally, they seek benefactors to provide support, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to experience and enjoy the sport of ice hockey, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.