The second Riverwalk Power Mixer of 2024 was held at Here & Now in Flagler Village on June 24. Riverwalk Trustee members and Corporate Partners gathered for conversation and were treated to an exquisite spread of hors d’oeuvres in this pocket of Flagler, nestled up against the up and coming FATVillage neighborhood.

*Here & Now changed their name to Laudy Bar shortly after this event. Same great owner/operator, updated menu and concept.

Jennifer Sandberg – Trustee Member
Regional Managing Partner
Fisher Phillips LLP

As of early 2023, I became a Florida resident and member of the Fort Lauderdale business community when I was tapped to become the regional managing partner of Fisher Phillips’ Fort Lauderdale office. We are a labor and employment law firm with nearly 600 attorneys in 41 offices across the U.S. and Mexico. I oversee the strategic growth and client service initiatives in our local office and assist employers across Florida – and really, across the country – with their most pressing workplace needs.

Fisher Phillips recently moved offices into The Main Las Olas, which provides us a space at the core of Fort Lauderdale’s business, legal and social communities and positions us to attract talent at all levels, including partners, associates and staff. We are growing and are so lucky to have the Riverwalk as an extension of our office. Our team greatly benefits from the active and vibrant community and space the Riverwalk provides each and every day.

My husband and I live on the New River and Riverwalk where I get to walk to work every day and enjoy the incredible community supported by the Riverwalk organization. We have been welcomed with open arms by so many in the business community – especially the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Design and Construction Professionals group – and I am excited to make more connections with those in our wonderful community who make the Riverwalk such a great place to live, work and play.

Damon Ricks – Trustee Member
Principal Planner
Scheffer Mote and Ricks

I have a long work/life history centered on Fort Lauderdale. My parents are natives of South Florida and I have lived in and around Fort Lauderdale my entire life. In high school, I worked at the grocery store next to the Stranahan House along the Riverwalk where the Icon high rise sits today. I am grateful to see and be a part of what Fort Lauderdale has evolved into today.

Personally, I have been married for 25 years and we have two sons. We spent much time at the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts when they were younger. We still spend a lot of time around the Riverwalk today.

Professionally, I specialize in site redevelopment and land entitlement permit application processing, collaborating closely with property owners and diverse professionals, including land use attorneys, architects, landscape architects, engineers, traffic consultants, surveyors and City representatives. I have been involved in projects Downtown, the beach and surrounding areas. A few of my favorite projects include the new Baptist Health Iceplex at Holiday Park, the Inter Miami CF Stadium and many of the projects that make up Flagler Village.

I enjoy meeting new people, which is why I joined Riverwalk. Many of my business referrals come from people seeing our banner on the Riverwalk outside The Downtowner and Stranahan House, coincidentally next to where my high school job used to be and steps away from our office on Las Olas Boulevard. I’m proud to be part of this community.

Suzanne Busser – Trustee Member
Associate
Holland & Knight LLP

Everything I do is with laughter. There are so many things I am grateful and joyful for, like my family and the meaningful work I do. Originally from Ohio, I went to high school in Boca Raton and did both undergrad and law school at University of Miami. I was a summer associate at Holland & Knight in Fort Lauderdale, the firm where I still practice, and decided that this was the right city for me.

After I had my son, I would push him in his stroller along the Riverwalk every day, and it became one of my favorite daily habits. I wanted to become a member because of the Riverwalk’s meaning to me.

I helped found and oversee the Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors within Holland & Knight, which means that we provide pro bono legal services to active duty service members and veterans in Florida. It is rewarding when they call holding back tears of gratitude for our help in their legal matters. Whether they are going through a divorce, landlord/tenant issue or facing another matter, we can provide legal representation to service members and veterans in Florida on a wide range of issues.

Louis (Lou) Doherty – Trustee Member
Edge Home Finance

As a seasoned mortgage broker with more than two decades of experience, I’m looked upon as a trusted expert in mortgage financing. Working with an extensive network of over 150 lenders, clients find that I’m truly committed to securing the most competitive rates and securing the best program to fit their needs and situation. I offer options for a first-time homebuyer up to a seasoned investor. 

Originally from the Boston area and a resident of Palm Beach, for over 32 years, I am deeply invested in the South Florida community. I balance family life with a passion for helping others succeed — whether it’s achieving homeownership or developing a thriving investment portfolio.

My process begins with qualifying clients for a mortgage while providing a clear breakdown of costs involved in buying a home and available options they can choose from. This personalized approach ensures clients feel confident and well-informed as they move through the financing journey. Networking is a cornerstone of my marketing strategy, ensuring a steady flow of new clients who benefit from personalized and strategic mortgage solutions. 

When not working with clients, I enjoy the sunny South Florida weather, exploring Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant culture, and supporting the Riverwalk community.  I have been a Trustee member with Riverwalk since 2018 and can usually be found volunteering at many of the events in Fort Lauderdale.