The Journey

From Lithuania to Florida — One Life, Many Chapters

Every person carries a story shaped by the places they've lived, the work they've done, and the dreams they refuse to let go. This is mine — and it starts in a city called Kaunas.

1989

Kaunas, Lithuania

A Beginning in Kaunas

I was born in 1989 in Kaunas, Lithuania — a city of bridges, rivers, and resilient people. Growing up there shaped my character: the work ethic, the quiet determination, the belief that nothing worth having comes easy. Lithuania gave me my roots.

April 20, 2003

Florida, USA

A New World Begins

On April 20th, 2003, my family and I arrived in Florida. I was 13 years old. Everything was new — the language, the heat, the palm trees, the wide open roads. It was overwhelming and exciting all at once. We settled in South Florida, and I began the process of becoming American while never forgetting where I came from.

2003–2004

Palm Beach, Florida

Bear Lakes Middle School

My first school in America was Bear Lakes Middle School in Palm Beach — off Shenandoah Road near the 45th exit on I-95. Walking those halls as a kid from Lithuania, learning English, making friends, figuring out who I was in a brand new country. Those were formative years.

2004–2008

Pompano Beach & Boca Raton, Florida

High School & Growing Up

I started 9th grade at Deerfield Beach Community High School, near my home at 266 N.E. 44th Street in Pompano Beach. I later graduated in 2008 from West Boca Raton Community High School. Those years were about more than school — they were about becoming someone.

Age 15+

South Florida

Built by Hand — Construction Summers

Starting at 15, I worked construction every summer. While other kids were at the beach, I was learning the trade — how to read a site, how to use my hands, how to build something that lasts. That work ethic never left me. It became the foundation of everything I've done since.

The Road Years

South Florida

First Cars, First Freedom

I bought my first real car — a Toyota Solara SLE — for $7,100. Later I picked up a red 2000 Ford Focus in Delray Beach for $1,400. Those cars meant freedom. They meant I was building something, earning something, owning something. Every mile felt earned.

The Gym Years

Delray Beach, Florida

A Shining Star at Gold's Gym

I became a standout at Gold's Gym Delray Beach — located near Chase Plaza on Military Road, now known as Delray Fitness Gym. The gym taught me that discipline in the body mirrors discipline in life. The same focus that builds muscle builds a business.

Today

Pompano Beach, Florida

Entrepreneur & Builder

Today I'm based in Pompano Beach, Florida — the city that raised me as an American. I work as an Installation Specialist at Custom Closets by Design under Mr. Mitch, and I run two companies: Gaia Marble LLC and Custom T&R LLC. Every day is a continuation of the same story that started in Kaunas — built by hand, driven by vision.

“I didn't come this far to only come this far.”
— Martynas Pliopa

Want to Know More?

Reach out — I love connecting with people who share a passion for building, creating, and dreaming big.

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Martynas Pliopa

From Kaunas, Lithuania to the shores of South Florida — built by hand, driven by vision.

My Companies

Gaia Marble LLC

Custom T&R LLC

Pompano Beach, Florida

© 2026 Martynas Pliopa. All rights reserved.

"Built by hand. Driven by vision."