Antonio Dowels is an Attorney at Zinzow Law. Antonio’s story is one of hard times, hard work, harder times, and even harder work that eventually culminate into the American Dream. Antonio is the oldest of four, raised in the inner city of Tampa, into a life of poverty and relentless struggles. Difficulties have only made Antonio determined to do better, overcome, and live a purpose-driven life. His mother and Grandmother ensured that he was cared for and that his soul was spiritually intact. Antonio will tell you that the values and faith his mother and grandmother provided are the conduits to his achievements.
Antonio was a High School Superstar; he was academically talented, achieving the rank of 4.0 student, and athletically gifted. He was a defensive cornerback and one of the best in the state. He was a star track athlete, and the college scholarships were rolling in. But it would take one brief moment to alter the course of his life and teach him the true meaning of Faith, Love, and God’s will. On a warm spring night at the end of his senior year of high school, Antonio woke up with his car pinned under a semi-truck. Then, it was surgery after surgery, physical therapy, a long road to recovery, and a new, altered life. A life where his mind and not his legs would carry him on his journey toward betterment. This life would require him to focus more heavily on his academic talents.
Despite all the odds, Antonio found himself the following fall, struggling to navigate the University of Florida Campus from a wheelchair. Football was still one of his greatest loves, and although he could not play, he was a Gator on the sidelines at every game, cheering on and motivating the team. He built his upper body strength with the help of the dedicated University of Florida trainers; this new-found strength empowered him to do more: a dual master’s and law degree, then Boston University for an LLM in tax, and now as a Construction and Business attorney where helping others achieve their American Dream is his American Dream.
When not working as an Attorney, you can find Antonio alongside his beautiful wife, mentoring and uplifting others at hospitals, schools, and churches, where, in addition to his words of encouragement, he provides nourishing meals and comfort to those in need.
Antonio’s hero was Florida State Football star Warrick Dunn, whose late mother said that when struggles come, you can be bitter or you can be better. Like Dunn, Antonio chose Better.
