Edwin Javier Candelaria was born in Boston, Massachusetts. When he was 4 years old, he relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL with his family. He attended North Fork Elementary, New River Middle, Stranahan High School, and Broward Community College. He loved being at the gym playing tennis, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball. His favorite memory from childhood was a cruise he took to Jamaica with his family. This instilled in him a love for travel and other cultures of the world, especially Japan. Edwin is fascinated with Japanese culture, food, and technology and he hopes to visit Japan soon.
As a young boy, Edwin revered firefighters. He wanted to grow up and become one himself. Although he still admires firefighters, his life took a different turn and he decided to attend dental school instead. Through it all his love for his family remained paramount in his life.
For fourteen years upon graduation, Edwin worked as a dental assistant. Then the outbreak of COVID-19 happened, and its ramifications hit him profoundly. Watching people suffering around him, Edwin realized that he wanted to spend more time with his family and grow in a different profession which allowed him to help others. With a newfound vision, he began his studies to become a licensed insurance broker, notary, and loan signing agent. He teamed up with his childhood friend Olimpia Ramirez, owner and independent insurance broker of Brilliant Strategy Consulting. Olimpia had started her company in May 2020 during the pandemic, and she was looking for someone to partner up with her in the business.
Edwin became a licensed managing partner in property and casualty and a notary for the state of Florida in 2022. He is currently a loan signing agent. His work now allows him the freedom to travel, an activity he has long cherished, and spend time with his family, something he holds as a top priority in his life.