Where Svetness founder and CEO Fitness Svetlozar Zurkov dines in Miami

Svetlozar Zurkov is the founder and CEO of home personal training company Svetness, which offers its members everything from customized meal plans and workouts.

“If you can’t listen to your clients and their needs, forget it,” says Zurkov. “Being able to communicate openly, honestly and diligently takes a lot of practice, but for the intense path I’ve chosen, it’s an absolute must.”

The path Zurkov has paved for himself using this ethos has resulted in his current success as an emerging leader in the world of personal training and the pioneering founder of the personal training service, Svetness. Zurkov emigrated from Bulgaria to the United States in 2007 with just a few hundred dollars in his pocket and launched Světness in February 2012. His vision? Make the world a healthier place by bringing home fitness training to people’s homes.

After becoming a certified personal trainer while living in Virginia, Zurkov saw a gap in the market for on-demand, one-on-one home fitness training. Initially starting with three to four clients at a time, Svetness now boasts a roster of over 900 clients in 25 states with hopes of expanding the company internationally.

Zurkov currently oversees all Svetness operations, adding something new to his resume. The CEO tackles a new passion project: business consulting.

“Coming from Bulgaria and with almost no business contacts, I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by all the challenges and opportunities,” says Zurkov. “All I knew was to succeed one way or another. I really feel that coaching the next generation of budding entrepreneurs – especially international entrepreneurs who want to work in the United States – is a true calling for me.”

“Being as client-focused and approachable as possible has always been my goal for Svetness, and we’re just getting started. I can’t wait to share what lies ahead.”

Decades of building his company and clientele in the restaurant-packed city of Miami contributed to his love for delicious food of all cuisines. Here are three Miami restaurants he frequents for client meetings and business meetings.

Nusr-Et Steakhouse

“One of the best steaks in the world, you can’t go wrong with Nusr-Et Steakhouse,” says Zurkov. Excellent Turkish food, incredible scenery and very attentive customer service. When I meet other managers and clients, I take them here.”

The Brickell location of Nusr-Et Steakhouse boasts the only Star Diamond Award given to a Turkish restaurant and is considered a favorite among A-listers such as Al Pacino, David Beckham and DJ Khaled. In addition to the restaurant’s impressive meat selection, which includes wagyu, kobe and tomahawk steak, guests can also enjoy specialties such as the eight-hour bone-in asado short rib.

Although a steakhouse, there is also a selection of seafood dishes, such as a seafood platter with prawns, oysters, salmon sashimi and crab leg; grilled lobster with béarnaise sauce; and salmon tartare. The steakhouse boasts modern, luxurious decor, with a stacked central bar – the perfect place to celebrate. This Nusr-Et location even has a special Salt Bar Golden Experience meat list with items like the $800 Golden Rack of Lamb.

Brasserie Seaspice

For seafood, downtown Miami Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge has become a trendy waterfront restaurant for Zurkov and his family. “Between one of the best seafood restaurants I’ve ever been to and the atmosphere is incredible. Every detail was taken care of and the fish crudo is some of the best I have ever had. If you get a chance to stop by while you’re in Miami, you should definitely go!”

This elegant restaurant offers a selection of over-the-top plates such as the Seaspice Carnival with two 2-pound Maine lobsters, 12 jumbo shrimp, 24 oysters, crab, tartare, caviar and more. Seaspice also offers a raw bar with dishes such as kanpachi ceviche, hamachi tataki and Golden Ostera caviar.

From entrees like wagyu steak tartare and Spanish octopus a la plancha to entrees like their famous casseroles that include seafood market bouillabaisse and grilled branzino, it’s easy to see why the bayside lounge has become a Zurkov staple.

Nobu Miami

When it comes to sushi, it doesn’t get better than Nobu’s Miami Beach location. The restaurant is located in the famous Nobu Hotel Miami Beach and offers a unique combination of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. His rotating guest list includes celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton and Demi Lovato. Co-owned by legendary actor Robert DeNiro and the restaurant’s namesake, renowned sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu Miami has become one of the city’s most popular and respected establishments.

Zurkov recommends toro tofu truffle and wagyu short rib dumplings. Other popular dishes include tiradito, salmon tartare or yellowfish with caviar, and Iceberg 51 sea bass miso.

“I’m into healthy nutrition, and as a personal trainer, food is the driving force behind what I do,” says Zurkov. “For a delicious, nutritious and healthy meal, sushi is of course a fantastic choice, but Nobu Miami’s sushi is elevated to another level. For anyone who wants to enjoy sushi in a beautiful setting, Nobu Miami is always my first recommendation.”