Title: Business Development Manager
Company: Vima World SA
Location: Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Daniel “DJ” Drazba, Business Development Manager at Vima World SA, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the food import and distribution industry.
Mr. Drazba currently serves as a business development manager at Vima World SA, a position he has held since 2025. In this capacity, he is responsible for identifying new market opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships and driving the company’s growth initiatives for the organization, which specializes as an international organization dedicated to the production, storage, distribution and marketing of frozen, refrigerated and dry foods.
Before joining Vima World SA, Mr. Drazba began working in sales at Eastern Fish Company, a New Jersey-based business, starting in 2015. Over the course of a decade, he has leveraged his expertise in culinary operations to build enduring relationships with clients. Mr. Drazba has consistently communicated openly about shipment delays, product certifications and market alternatives, ensuring that clients are always equipped with accurate information to make informed decisions.
Leveraging his former success in the kitchen, Mr. Drazba was the executive chef at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge in Miami, Florida, from 2014 to 2015. In this leadership role, he oversaw kitchen operations, menu development and staff training, further honing his skills in culinary arts and restaurant management. Mr. Drazba’s tenure at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge was marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation in cuisine.
Between 2011 and 2014, Mr. Drazba worked as a chef at Patrick Properties Hospitality Group in Charleston, South Carolina, at Fish Restaurant. He was classically trained under a Master French Chef, Nico Romo, who instilled in him the importance of maintaining a stellar work ethic, listening to others, maintaining transparency in their process, and elevating others through teaching. In this capacity, he contributed to high-profile events and fine dining experiences, demonstrating versatility and creativity in menu execution. Mr. Drazba’s responsibilities included sourcing quality ingredients and maintaining rigorous standards of food safety and presentation.
Additionally, Mr. Drazba was affiliated with Bradley’s Best Catering and a catering company called Palate during the same time frame. At Palate, he was trained under a Swedish Pastry Chef. From 2010 to 2011, he expanded his culinary repertoire while managing diverse client needs across catering and restaurant environments.
Mr. Drazba’s career began in 2009 as a supervisor at Camanica in Chinandega, Nicaragua. In this early leadership position, he gained valuable experience overseeing operations and coordinating teams within an international context.
Born in Ecuador to American parents, Mr. Drazba spent the bulk of his youth in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico and California, absorbing a wealth of practical knowledge from his father, who owned and operated one the largest shrimp farms in the Western Hemisphere. He was immediately immersed in a rich cultural culinary atmosphere by his mother and relatives, crafting dishes such as kielbasa by the age of three and sushi and bread-making by five. In fact, Mr. Drazba was enlisted by his family to cook and craft treats by breaking his own person time records in the kitchen.
Spending the majority of his one-on-one time with his father on his shrimp farms or in high school sports, Mr. Drazba was exposed to various influences throughout his formative years from such exotic locations as the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. From his experiences in the kitchen with his mother and extended family, he rooted his approach in owning his mistakes and making every recipe his own while incorporating the influences of other cultures. Mr. Drazba has also informed his culinary process by listening to others and handling his kitchen with honesty and respect.
Mr. Drazba’s professional and personal development has been defined by a famous Latin American proverb: “Rice is very easy to grow—there are just a hundred things to know. The problem is, you only learn one lesson a year.” Though he can utilize a wealth of expertise garnered from throughout his industry, he operates with the knowledge that there is always something else to learn, and by communicating efficiently and effectively with others, he remains open to learning new things that will improve his process and mindset both inside and outside of the culinary space.
Mr. Drazba’s academic background began at Loyola University seeking a degree in biology and business management. This interdisciplinary education provided him with a strong foundation in both scientific principles and business strategy, which he has used throughout his career. Further enhancing his credentials, Mr. Drazba holds a diploma from the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Future Leaders Program. This certification underscores his commitment to ongoing professional development within the seafood industry.
Recognized for his contributions beyond his primary professional roles, Mr. Drazba helps shape industry standards and advocates for sustainable practices within the fisheries sector. Civic engagement has also been an essential aspect of his life, including his past involvement with Habitat for Humanity, where he contributed to building homes for families in need.
Throughout his career, Mr. Drazba has demonstrated exceptional expertise in culinary arts and restaurant operations. His ability to adapt across various roles, from chef to executive chef to business development manager, reflects a deep understanding of the industry’s demands and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
Mr. Drazba attributes his success to steadfast honesty with clients, a principle that has guided every stage of his career. By prioritizing transparency, he has cultivated long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Mr. Drazba’s dedication to integrity continues to define his approach as a leader in business development and as an advocate for ethical practices within his field.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Drazba hopes to continue refining his craft while innovating and giving back to his peers, proteges and colleagues. Likewise, he aims to drive forward the vision of Vima World SA with the aim of growing their sales beyond their performance targets and strengthening their position in the United States. Moreover, Mr. Drazba plans to remain humble yet appreciative of the opportunities and cultural exposure that he has encountered throughout his career as he continues to bring the sum of his knowledge into every new dish.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Mr. Drazba: