Miami Shoot

Business

Business, MSM Online, Real Estate

Real Estyle: Le Lac Estate

By Angela Betancourt Nestled in the heart of Boca Raton is the Le Lac Estate, a nine-acre masterpiece that has been listed by Douglas Elliman realtors Senada Adzem and Chris Leavitt, star of Million Dollar Listing Miami. Priced at $19,950,000, this expansive property features 16,140 sf of living space, eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, three half-bathrooms, and its very own private lake. Le Lac is a single family resort-style property that will provide its new homeowners with an abundance of luxury and opportunities to entertain guests. There is a private island with gazebo, a guest house, outdoor shower, basketball court, a summer kitchen, and Har-Tru clay tennis court with HydroGrid irrigation. The estate’s custom designed pool is surrounded by cut stone pillars, a waterfall, and LED lighting. Le Lac’s interior is lavishly designed with the finest materials. The front door is made from mahogany wood and opens into a grand living room with high ceilings and a majestic chandelier. The kitchen showcases top of the line appliances that include, a Sub-Zero professional refrigerator, Corian countertops, and a Wolf gas range stove. Additional interior highlights include a sauna, media room, bar, walk-in closets, roman tub, vault ceilings and a climate-controlled wine cellar that can hold up to 3,000 bottles. The home was designed by Randall Stofft and constructed in 2011 in the posh Le Lac gated community known for its beautiful landscape and 60 acres of interconnecting lakes. The community consists of only 32 custom built homes and provides its residents with plenty of privacy and security. The home is a short distance from Florida’s Turnpike, several schools, coffee shops, supermarkets and restaurants. The beauty of the Le Lac Estate and its proximity to so many points of interests makes this home a true gem that promises the ultimate in luxury living. For more information on Le Lac Estate, please visit www.elliman.com/florida Photography Courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Business, Living, MSM Online, Real Estate

Hyde Hotel & Residences Groundbreaking Event

Photography by Alberto Tamargo Last week, an exciting new development in Miami broke ground to begin construction. Living within the growing community and popularity of Midtown Miami has just become easier with Hyde Hotel & Residences Midtown Miami by The Related Group and Dezer Development. Interiors will be designed by Arquitectonica, the Miami-based architecture firm, and the Rockwell Group. Located between the Miami Design District and Downtown Miami, the building includes 410 luxury condominiums, 60 hotel rooms, and 19,500-sq ft of retail space.

Business, Financial, The Issue

My Miami: Ken Mahoney

Ken Mahoney is the current star and face of financial advising. The Founder and CEO of Mahoney Asset Management in New York is known for his “outside of the box” ideas and creative approach to the financial market. That’s why he’s not only a highly sought-after guest expert on typical business shows and channels where he frequently gives us more insight into the swinging moods of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and NASDAQ. We also see him on programs, such as the TODAY show, where he educates viewers on various topics like turning your own junk into cash, for example. Since diversity is increasingly becoming a key ingredient in successful careers, Ken himself followed his own advice and branched out into his passion of Broadway. Today, he is not just a Broadway-lover but also a Tony Award winning producer! The happily married father of two boys is a true embodiment of the term “business meets pleasure” and views Miami as the perfect place for both family and business trips. When in Miami you can catch me… Taking a walk in the early morning on South Beach and Ocean Drive. I’ll spontaneously pop into a restaurant, like The Front Porch Cafe, for great breakfast and be entertained by people watching. The biggest misconception about Miami is… That it’s just the “hustle and bustle” of a big city. It can be at times, but the nearby ocean and the picturesque Art Deco District in the area can encourage people to stop and smell the roses. The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… KLIMA Restaurant and Bar. It is simply outstanding spanish cuisine; plus, my wife and I enjoy the low-key atmosphere. We order a number of tapas to try a little of everything and I get to practice speaking Spanish, which is “un poco” [laughs]. What surprised me most about Miami was… That Miamians are really into their sports, especially the Miami Heat! But also the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. When you speak to Miami natives, they usually jump right into their sport teams. Also, the architecture and Art Deco District being so close to the ocean is very beautiful. And the colors… my God, the colors! Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… The vibe. I truly believe Miami invented the idea of “work hard, play hard.” People are so happy, warm and friendly. They accept you even though you’re there for a short stay. You feel so welcomed to come back. The first time I became really curious about Miami was… Do I need to share my age? [Laughs]. The Miami Sound Machine and the great opening theme of Miami Vice–including Jan Hammer’s amazing musical theme, of course. What happens in Miami stays in Miami…and in MSM. Any secret or funny moment you‘d like to share about you and this city? I was in traffic and noticed all the cars getting off an exit, so I figured “when in Rome…” I got off the exit earlier than I expected, and in hopes of skipping the accident ahead, I followed the car in front of me, figuring he would navigate us through local roads. The next thing you know, he pulled into his driveway! I pulled over and said I was not stalking him, but was expecting to follow him back to the highway. With that, he jumped back into his car and brought me back to the highway, with plenty of laughs. That is the kindness of Miami people! Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Business, News & Entertainment, The Issue

Michael Capponi & Gideon Kimbrell: Taking Entrepreneurship to the Next Level

By Angela Betancourt Photographed by Akram Soliman Miami Beach was not always the desirable city it is today. Its transformation is due large in part to visionaries who saw the city not for what it was, but for what it could be. One such visionary is Michael Capponi, an entrepreneur and humanitarian who has played a major role in shaping Miami’s nightlife industry. For the past 20 years, he has been one of Miami’s most prominent business figures and the gatekeeper to the hottest clubs in the city. His influence is legendary and it’s no surprise that his latest venture has become an instant success. Capponi partnered with software engineer and tech expert Gideon Kimbrell to create InList: a new members-only mobile app that is propelling the nightlife industry into the future. InList provides access to the hottest venues, restaurants, and parties around the world right at your fingertips. The app currently features hundreds of venues in more than 45 cities around the world including Miami, New York, Las Vegas, Paris, Ibiza, Saint-Tropez, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Since its launch, it has had more than 100,000 downloads. “It was an underserved market,” said Capponi who saw the tremendous potential to combine nightlife with technology in today’s connected world. “This is the future of nightlife.” InList uses a proprietary concierge model that allows app users to make dinner reservations, book a table at a club, or secure access to a special event right on their phone. The venues are selected by special “InList ambassadors” around the globe. These ambassadors are highly connected people tasked to hand-select the best events in their cities. The team plans on launching InList in new markets, incorporate more major events, and introduce a new ticketing category. “There are a lot of things we want to do but we want to make sure we execute it properly,” said Kimbrell. Bringing the worlds of nightlife and technology together is just one of Capponi’s many projects. In addition to being a nightlife pioneer, he is also an influential figure in the construction industry and a passionate humanitarian. Capponi has built and restored some of the most beautiful homes in Miami. He is the recipient of several awards including the Renovation Firm of the Year Award from the Developers and Builders Alliance. Recently he joined forces with Shear Construction & Management to form Capponi Shear Construction. The company builds and restores homes from Star Island to Indian Creek that range from $4 million to $50 million. For Capponi, restoration also plays a role in his charitable work. He is the founder of the Haiti Empowerment Mission, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with the goal to empower the people of Haiti by providing quality education, diverse vocational training, and job creation. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Capponi and his team were one of the first people on the ground to help. In the past six years, he has been there more than 70 times. “The first 20 or so of those trips were mission trips to help on a humanitarian level to bring them food and medical attention,” Capponi explained. After that, his trips were about housing, education, and helping in boosting tourism as one of the pathways to sustainability. “We spent a lot of time promoting Haiti as a tourism destination.” Capponi knows there are still challenges to overcome in the country, especially when it comes to non-profit organizations, but he recognizes that progress is being made. Whether he is revolutionizing the nightlife industry, beautifying Miami with his construction projects, or improving lives in Haiti, Capponi’s innovative spirit and vision for the future is making a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. “We all have the same motives–to create business models that better the world somehow.” For more information on InList, please visit www.InList.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Business, Living, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Monica Venegas – Featured Power Broker of Miami’s Luxury Real Estate

By Angela Betancourt Photography by Korey Davis It’s hard to deny that Miami is experiencing a boom in the ultra luxury real estate market. This year the Wealth Report, issued by the London-based real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank, placed Miami in sixth place of the most important global cities for the wealthy. The demand for the Miami lifestyle and its growing influence on the world stage is attracting wealthy buyers and investors seeking the best money can buy. At the forefront of this growth is the Venegas International Group, a Miami-based international boutique real estate company that specializes in luxury acquisitions, project development, marketing, and property management services. Venegas International Group also provides guidance on risk assessments and portfolio diversification. The company was founded by real estate power house Monica Venegas who has spent the last 20 years successfully connecting real estate investors with high-end residential properties. Venegas has worked with high-profile developers in South Florida including the Terra Group, the Related Group, Millennium Partners, and the Château Group. Additionally, she’s offered pre-construction access to iconic buildings like Portofino Tower, Murano at Portofino, Icon South Beach, 900 Biscayne Bay, Trump Hollywood, Four Seasons, Château Beach, and Fendi Château Residences, among others. Her expertise in luxury residential, commercial, and international real estate has resulted in more than $3 billion in sales. “International buyers come to Miami looking for a lifestyle, and price is not the main factor,” said Venegas. “Rather, branded developments with service, design, amenities and location are the components that drive these elite buyers most. They want to know who is behind the project.” Most recently, Venegas International Group was entrusted with the launch, marketing, and sales of the new Fendi Château Residences in Surfside, which is slated to be completed for the summer of 2016. Venegas reports that the condominium is already 90% sold as of July. This much-anticipated project is the fashion house’s first luxury branded real estate property in the world. Its extravagant units range from $7 million to $25 million. “Fendi Château is the first Fendi Residences worldwide. It’s a boutique building with 58 flow-through private residences in 300-lineal feet of ocean front.” When complete, residents will enjoy amenities such as an attaché lifestyle with white glove service, amenities such as a private restaurant, kids club, screening room, a spa with an indoor European thermal pool, doorman, and much more. Venegas International Group was also responsible for the sold out Château Beach Residences in Sunny Isles Beach. This stunning 33-story ocean front property has 84 units priced from $1.5 million up to $25 million for the 9,050 sq ft, two-story penthouses. Some of the post amenities include a wine lounge, cigar bar, and indoor and outdoor wellness facility, and a private swimming pool. She has been part of the success of these two properties, consulting developers with her expertise in the marketing and sales of developments. With this, the success of these two properties doesn’t really come as a surprise to Venegas. She has seen Miami’s real estate market evolve over the years. “I’ve been a part of Miami’s history. Miami was once a small town and now it’s a cosmopolitan city on the world’s radar,” said Venegas. “As a result, Miami has become one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the world and there is an increasing number of clientele looking for the high-end lifestyle.” Thus, the Venegas International Group has worked hard to expand its global presence to meet the demands of international investors from new markets. “Europe used to be a strong market. Now the Middle East and Asia, especially China, are the markets that are most looking to invest in both residential and commercial real estate. Over the past seven years, we’ve paid a lot of attention to those markets. I have a very strong commitment with the Chinese particularly in Beijing and Shanghai. I go there 3-4 times a year,” she said. Over the course of the next several years, Venegas International Group plans to continue building a strong presence in China and further expand their services into new markets. Locally, the firm has expanded their services with the recent launch of their Sports, Arts, & Entertainment Division and partnership with tennis marketing company Premier Tennis. The two new ventures further cements Venegas International Group as an industry leader in Miami and the world. Venegas International Group Is located at 888 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 111, Miami, FL 33132 (786) 567-4122 For more information on Venegas International Group, please visit www.venegasinternationalgroup.com Click here to view this post in the September/October 2015 digital issue Click here to view the online issue

Business, Financial, MSM Online

Tips for Retirement Planning by Ken Mahoney Author of ‘Can I Retire?’

From Ken Mahoney “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain There really is a new way to look at retirement.  When our parents’ generation retired, they retired for good. They may have retired at 62 and passed away at 66.  Today, we are living longer, healthier lives. Our parents and grandparents were also part of the manufacturing generation.  They had to work very hard and the body could only last for so many years.  Today, we have transitioned into a service economy where people can work much longer. It’s not uncommon to see people work in their 80’s and 90’s. Now enter ‘serial retirement’ — a name I came up with for those who have several retirements in their lifetime. The fact is, most retirees do not have a plan to go back to work, but after a year or so, some get itchy to do something. I have seen retirees call it quits at 60, then at 62 go back to help a son’s/daughter’s business for a few years, retire again, a year later get involved in a small business and repeat. I have had clients retire 3 or 4 times with this ‘serial retirement’. I am not suggesting you have to do this, just be aware that many people are doing this now.  However, their 2nd ‘act’ is something they love doing and happen to get paid for it. In my last book, Can I Retire?, I talked about how a lot of people are still really unsure about when they can retire and what they need to make it happen.  Most people spend a long time just being upset and worrying about the mere thought of retirement.  Some people even told me they’d wake up in a sweat wondering whether they’ll ever have enough money to support them through their retirement years. The only real answer to that question is a projection – working out your income in the future; looking at your assets and how you could draw income from those assets.   Saving for retirement is one of the most important tasks you will undertake in your adult life. This book aims to help you achieve this goal by showing you how you can effectively work with your assets and make the most of your years before and after retirement. While retirement used to be considered by many as the final stage of their lives, it’s actually just the beginning of a new stage of your life. This new stage in life should bring fulfillment. Maybe it’s time for you to travel to places that you’ve never before had the time or means to visit, or indulge in hobbies that were impossible to enjoy because of time restraints. (Please ask about our companion workbook that covers this topic in great detail). Maybe you’ll even think of it as an opportunity to spend longer hours with your family and friends. Most likely, though, it’s a combination of all of these things. What retirement should NOT be is a time for worrying about whether or not you can afford travelling to all those places you’ve always wanted to visit, enjoying that hobby you never had time for before, or worst of all, being unsure of whether or not you can afford to retire and live comfortably.  Whether we like to admit it or not, money is just as important during retirement as it is during your working life—maybe even more so actually, since you will no longer have a regular stream of income coming in from your job. I’m not saying that your income is supposed to stop. On the contrary, by the time you finish reading this book you should have a clear-cut plan as to what you want to do with your life after retirement, including a plan to have various sources of income so that you can enjoy this stage of your life. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you are financially able to have the lifestyle you want. By considering your goals and your potential financial resources, you’ll be giving yourself the best possible chance of succeeding. If you are one of the 76 million baby boomers that have recently retired, or soon will, the odds are good that your prime earning years are already behind you, or will be soon. So now it’s time to focus your financial planning on the distribution years.   The best thing about having a well-thought out plan for your future is that it gives you the luxury of enjoying today and feeling secure that your retirement years are being provided for. It’s about being able to strike a balance between living for today and preparing for tomorrow. “The willingness and ability to live fully in the now eludes many people. While eating your appetizer, don’t be concerned with dessert.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer A recent study shows that people spend more time planning their own one-week vacation than they do planning for their retirement. Isn’t that crazy? It’s true!  People spend more time planning vacations, getting on the Internet, browsing sites like Tripadvisor.com, speaking to/Facebooking their friends, really planning out a nice itinerary, places they want to see, restaurants they want to go to, sites they want to visit.  Yet, they don’t have the same enthusiasm when it comes to planning for retirement. Why? After all, what is retirement if not a very long vacation?  I think planning for your vacation is definitely a smart thing to do, having your days planned out and leaving some time out for spontaneity when it comes to a vacation. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t enjoy planning his or her vacations; it’s a fun activity.   Yet when it comes to retirement planning, people get the heebie jeebies.  They don’t want to sit down and plan it, or even think about it, because they are scared.  Why not focus that same enthusiasm, that same excitement of planning a vacation on their retirement planning? I always tell people to start off with your destination.

Business, Digital Edition, The Issue

How Coconut Grove Got Its Groove Back

By Ernesto Poblacion Feature Image Photographed by Alex Medina On Thursday, March 5th, Coconut Grove residents from all corners of the city gathered at The Residences at Park Grove to witness a historical moment. The city’s most influential locals got together to discuss the future of Miami’s oldest and dearest neighborhood. The panelists included owners of businesses of which helped the city flourish with their ever-growing companies. Among them were Büro Urban Workspaces owner, Michael Feinstein, Herman Bredemeier of H & H Jewels, and Arquitectonica’s Raymond Fort. Naturally, these successful business owners of Coconut Grove gathered at the city’s latest talk of the town: The Residences at Park Grove. They were very excited to share what they believe is next for their beloved city. Led by Carlos Rosso of The Related Group and David Martin of Terra Group, the discussion began with shared stories of their past and present with the city. They shared intimate stories of the beginnings of their companies and how their love for the Grove has grown over the years. Like most business leaders, their stories began with nothing but a dream. Presently, they were excited to share how their dreams flourished and continue to grow. Some of the inspiring stories included those moving to Miami on short notices and eventually building their lives here. Most of these movers and shakers grew up outside of the city and admit to being unable to imagine themselves living elsewhere. Although Miami Beach has always been the center of attention for tourists (even locals), the true heart of Miami is making its comeback in a big way. And, we can thank all of these business owners for helping the city flourish but it’s the people who keep coming back and who bring life to the Magic City. For more information on The Residences at Park Grove, please visit www.park-grove.com

Beauty, Business, Cover Stories, Fashion, Interviews, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, The Issue

Adrienne Bosh: The Ultimate Cheerleader for Women – Cover Shoot

Interviewed by KATIE JACKSON, Photographed by IMANI OGDEN, Wardrobe Styling by BRIANNA AGOSTO, Hair & Makeup by TAMIA EVERETT FOR TAMIASTYLES, Location: MSM STUDIOS, EDGEWATER DISTRICT Excited for her cover photo shoot, Adrienne Bosh stepped into MSM studios and posed as photographer Imani Ogden snapped her picture. Music from Bosh’s personal iTunes library played over the speakers, and after a series of photos, she began to dance and laugh, lighting up both the camera and the room with her genuine warmth and positivity. This happy and positive attitude is what helped make Bosh the phenomenon she is today. As the wife of Miami Heat center and power forward Chris Bosh, mother of three, business owner, blogger, party planner, and active philanthropist, Bosh is so much more than meets the eye. Born in Indiana, Bosh says her Midwestern upbringing provided her with a solid ground of morals that make her the person she is today. Raised by a single mother, she learned at a young age the importance of independence, a quality she hopes to now instill in her own children. “I love encouraging my children to be self-sufficient, and to become whatever it is they want to be,” says Bosh. As a mother to Dylan Skye and Jackson, and stepmother to Trinity, Bosh feels that motherhood has enriched her life in every sense. “My kids have taught me amazing patience, and they have taught me the importance of living in the moment.” With her family as her number one priority, Bosh has also managed to create a movement so powerful that she has deeply impacted other families’ lives. In addition to holding the position of Vice President of Team Tomorrow Inc., a charitable organization founded by her husband, Bosh has made it her mission to encourage and empower women everywhere. She hosts an annual Mother’s Day brunch called Today I Can, which treats new and expectant mothers to a day of pampering and baby supplies. She has also chaired the Dress for Success Gala, an event that provides professional clothing and career development strategies to unemployed women in South Florida.  Apart from her philanthropic spirit, Bosh strives to provide multiple outlets for women to seek out when they are in need of fashion and health advice, laughter, or overall inspiration. Starting a blog on her website, AdrienneBosh.com, Bosh shares her own personal struggles and triumphs with her readers. “I feel like as a young woman, I didn’t have a lot of women share their secrets with me, their heartbreaks, their sad times, or their struggles,” says Bosh. “I just had to learn the hard way. I feel like we can do better as women to help equip the next woman sooner, faster, better. Those five minutes you take to talk to a young girl could change her life, and I just want to be able to do that.” But perhaps her biggest venture yet will be the opening of her retail boutique and event venue, Sparkle and Shine Darling. Opening in May, Bosh has put her heart and soul into creating a space where women can gather to celebrate each other. After her husband and closest girlfriends threw her a beautiful Parisian themed party in Paris for her 29th birthday, Bosh felt inspired to create a similar experience for Miami women. “My girlfriends spent months shopping to find these items from vintage stores and different themed stores. But they never found one store that sold all of these items,” says Bosh. “So when I came back from Paris, I really wanted to create a place where women could not only shop for items to celebrate these women, but also provide a place where they can have a beautiful occasion and party like the one my friends had given me.” In providing multiple themes for any occasion, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, garden tea party, Gatsby champagne, and a Parisian rendezvous, Bosh wants to provide a space for customers to celebrate birthdays, graduations, baby and bridal showers, bachelorette parties and so much more. As far as the boutique’s name, Bosh wanted to incorporate her love of “sparkling and shining,” while also receiving a little help from her husband. “My whole theory behind sparkling and shining is that if you are totally confident, and totally okay with how you are shining and sparkling in life, then you will succeed. But I added darling because that’s my husband’s nickname for me. He’s from Texas and he’s very southern. So he always says ‘whatever you want to eat, darling,’ or ‘whatever you want, darling.’ So the darling came from him,” says Bosh. “At the end of the day, I want my darlings to feel the same way when my husband calls me darling. I want my darlings to feel loved, supported, encouraged, and confident. Because when my husband calls me darling, I feel all of those things.” Bosh also envisions her boutique as not only a place to host and celebrate occasions, but to throw events to bring communities of women together. “My goal is to have this as a space for any event meant to encourage women,” says Bosh. “Whether it’s a women’s entrepreneur night, a book club night, or new moms’ night, I want to provide a space where women can come together and support each other,” says Bosh. “It’s much more than a store, it’s a movement.” As Bosh’s interview comes to a close, she makes sure to thank every person in the room before leaving, showing that she truly lives and breathes everything she encourages. An example for women not only living in Miami, but women everywhere, Bosh is the epitome of a darling whose sparkle and shine will never go out. To follow Adrienne Bosh’s blog, visit http://adriennebosh.com For more information on Sparkle and Shine Darling, visit http://sparkleandshinedarling.com. Follow the boutique on Instagram @sparkleandshinedarling & on Twitter @SparkleDecorMia View May/June Issue Here View Online Issue Here

Business, News & Entertainment, The Issue

Words of Wisdom with Mike Fernandez

By Ernesto Poblacion Mike Fernandez is best known for his entrepreneurial ventures around Miami. However, most of us forget to acknowledge where he came from and how he became one of the most successful men in the Magic City. Inspiring, tearjerking, and motivating are just a few words to describe the journey that humbled him. In Humbled by the Journey: Life Lessons For My Family…And Yours, Fernandez allows outsiders to take a sneak peek of his life growing up and the moments which changed his life. The book launched in January 2015, but had already pre-sold 20,000 copies. Ironically enough, it was actually an idea planted by his wife, Constance, who encouraged him to write a book about his success and tribulations for his children, grandchildren, and those who follow to read and learn his life lessons. While his business ventures have developed him into a high profile figure in our city, his philanthropic work is what sets him apart from all the others. Humbled by the Journey: Life Lessons For My Family…And Yours shares his intimate life challenges and triumphs through a 508- mile pilgrimage from France to Spain for which he will be partaking in for the third time this May. The walk raises money for Miami Children’s Hospital. Fernandez moved to Miami in 1975, and having not known anyone here, was forced to pave his own path to success. Thankfully, he is grateful to those who showed him encouragement, “Miami is full of people who have gone through what every new arrival is going through and if you ask for help or advice, you may be surprised as to how many people will go out of their way to help you.” Humbled by the Journey: Life Lessons For My Family… And Yours proves to be a lesson handbook for those inter- ested in the entrepreneurial field. “Failure is a necessary companion on the road to success,” says Fernandez when asked to give advice to those who fail time and time again. “I encourage all entrepreneurs to push themselves to the point of failure, and to always learn from it. The road to success is not linear and we must be ready to constantly adjust to market forces and customer demands.” One of those roadblocks may be racial or ethnic discrimination in a world where some find them- selves constantly having to prove their validity in the business world while pursuing their dreams. Fernandez was born in Cuba and moved to the United States when he was twelve years old. He offered his best ad- vice to those still facing this social issue, “You have a choice, you have the option of allowing someone the power over you to put you down or you can take the high road and use their words as a vehicle to motivate you to do better.” In January, The Related Group celebrated Fernandez’s condominium purchases in The Residences at Park Grove. He was excited to share his new neighbors will consist of close friends while his views will include the spectacular skyline and city lights Miami is made of. While he and his family will be living in Coconut Grove, which he described as one of Miami’s most sophisticated and interesting locations, you can find him enjoying Biscayne Bay or hiking somewhere in Spain with his loved ones. When asked what are the most important lessons readers can take away from his book, Fernandez simply replied: “Life and business are not as complicated as books and theory would lead you to believe. Life is about listening to your instincts and core values and business is about the smallest details because by focusing on the micro, the macro is almost guaranteed.” Well said, Fernandez, well said. Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue. 

Business, MSM Online, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – The Real Deal with Bravo TV’s Chris Leavitt

By Gisel Habibnejad When Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Listing Miami star, Chris Leavitt, is not busy breaking real estate records – he can be found relaxing in many of Miami’s luxurious spas. By perfecting the balancing act of work and play, he has become the essence of all that is Miami. His smart work ethic not only derives from drive and ambition, but it stems from his 20+ years of experience dating back to when his parents first invested in real estate which peaked his interest. Chris inspires many current and future real estate brokers who idolize him. MSM catches up with Chris Leavitt for a one-on-one interview: MSM: What about Miami do you love the most? CL: I love the fact that I am watching it turn into a world-class city right before my eyes. The finest hotels, spas, and restaurants are opening up and also culture is moving into Miami like never before with new museums and parks. MSM: In your opinion, what is the state of the Miami real estate economy? CL: Booming with no sign of slowing down. MSM: Tell us about the characteristics of your typical client. CL: I tend to have clients who demand the finest things in life. My clients also require the absolute best customer service, and fortunately, that is my speciality. MSM: Where do you find your clients or how do your clients find you? CL: My client base is almost 100 percent word of mouth referrals. MSM: In what Miami developments can we find some of your biggest listings? CL: THE BATH CLUB ESTATES. MSM: Share with us what has been your most successful deal to date. CL: My most successful deal to date is not necessarily the most expensive but one where I was able to sell a house in Palm Beach on a bet. The seller and I bet that I could sell it in 10 days and I did it. The seller told me it would take me at least 30 days and I did it in 10 days as I promised. MSM: What is the approximate aggregate dollar value of all your listings today? CL: Well over $200 million. MSM: In 2013, it is said you sold over $120 million in real estate transactions. That’s a number that instills a lot of envy in the eyes of many agents on the street. What is it about your business approach that differs from the agent selling less than $5 million a year in transactions? CL: I work smart. I know how to navigate away from people that will never buy or are unrealistic sellers, and focus on collaborating with clients that are focused on making a deal. MSM: Do you feel your fashionable style plays a significant role in attracting the high net worth clients that surround you? CL: It doesn’t hurt, but what attracts clients to me is my honesty, trustworthiness, and hustle. MSM: In Bravo Tv’s Million Dollar Listing Miami, you carry yourself with great style. Do you shop with a personal wardrobe stylist or do you style yourself? CL: Thank you. I do all of my own shopping and have a very discriminating taste when it comes to my personal style. I feel that my personal style reflects the high-end, luxury brand image of my clients and the fine homes I sell. MSM: How do you celebrate on the day of closing of a multi-million dollar deal? CL: Spa, spa and more spa! Photographed by JUAN FERNANDO Renderings Courtesy of BATH CLUB ESTATES    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.

Business, News & Entertainment, The Issue

Is Miami The New Capital of Entertainment?

An interview with City of Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado on the future of entertainment in his jurisdiction. By Craig K. Skilling / Photographed by Imani Ogden On a sunny South Florida day, in his Coconut Grove office with a view fit for a mayor overlooking Biscayne Bay, Miami’s outspoken government official, City of Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado sits with MSM to discuss the future of entertainment in his jurisdiction. “I don’t agree that (Las) Vegas is the only place for entertainment. Miami has its own niche in terms of entertainment,” says Mayor Tomás Regalado. “Miami I think is the capitol of entertainment for the Latin community,” says the mayor. The mayor’s Film & Cultural Affairs Administrator Vicente “Vinnie” Betancourt, also present in the room, mentions that Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and the entire Rat Pack had an impact on live entertainment in Miami and South Beach before taking their talents to the Las Vegas strip. Many from around the globe are familiar with the major electronic music festival that takes place annually called Ultra. It’s been approximately fifteen year’s since the festival’s modest inception on ocean drive in south beach. This past year in downtown Miami the internationally recognized dance festival that coincides with college spring break, brought in well over a quarter of a million dollars in revenue to the City of Miami economy but was faced with controversy and several complaints by downtown Miami residents. The mayor says he has been very clear on his position and that “the Ultra music festival organizers will need to be safer moving forward or risk being moved from their downtown location.” “This will be the last test because you cannot afford the various problems in downtown, an area that boasts 13,000 residents in the Ultra area alone. These are residents of downtown who are very marketing oriented in terms of attending our local sport venues, museums, the (Adrienne) Arsht Center. These are people who are mostly professionals or retired professionals and they want a quality of life that they demand from us which is why they pay so much taxes,” says the mayor. When asked why Ultra is returning to downtown Miami for another year since he feels so strongly about moving the festival out of downtown, he responded by saying, “The mayor and commissioner do not vote.” The city commission voted to give them (Ultra) another chance and there was nothing we could do.” He then stated, “Hopefully they come back ready because some people died and when people die that is a game changer.” When asked if there was ever a formal plan put into place to spawn the rapid growth of entertainment in Miami as a whole, he responded by saying, “We never had a plan for entertainment. Everything has been market driven. The success of our professional (basketball) team the Miami Heat, the Arsht Center, Wynwood galleries, second Saturdays of the month where 30,000 people walk the same streets of Wynwood, would not have happened six years ago due to crime but is all happening and thriving today due to the people driving the market,” states the mayor. The mayor explained that the entertainment district, Parkwest, was approved for nightclubs to be open twenty four hours a day and how the city approved and facilitated the bid for the business improvement district. “Basically, property owners pay more taxes but use the tax increment as they wish not as the government wishes,” explains the mayor. The incentive has been made evident in Wynwood and Coconut Grove where entertainment and business has expanded. Again the mayor points out that everything that happens is truly market driven. The one area that some City of Miami residents still have a concern for is public safety. There have been reports that the City of Miami police department is being downsized and has several vacant positions to fill upon budget approval. The mayor admits that “what has to happen is to take public safety to a higher level and make it impossible for criminals to be downtown with this rapid growth taking place.” Some South Florida and downtown residents specifically may recall a time when the homeless would flood the downtown streets panhandling. When the mayor was asked, How did you handle this? he replied by saying, “compassion but not tolerance”. “The City of Miami went to court to change a mandate that was done by the Federal court many years ago and are getting ready to move the homeless and take them to shelters to clear out the area completely, even by force (if necessary),” the mayor explains. The mayor mentions he is very excited about the sci- ence museum downtown that will bring more people to the area especially families. This is a big initiative for Mayor Regalado and he envisions over 100,000 students and children visiting the area and museum over the next school year. “The vision is for Downtown Miami to be an educational and festive entertainment center highlighted by a museum park, the Adrienne Arsht Center, sport- ing events and concerts,” explains the mayor. The mayor stated that Miami has its very own Walk of Fame. It is located in the heart of downtown Miami, at the Bayside Market place which is the number one tourist attraction with over 20 million visitors throughout the year. They recently hosted the inaugural Brito designed Walk of Fame celebration this past spring for inductees including the Rio 2 film, along with Academy and Grammy award winning actor, singer and songwriter Jamie Foxx and actor and Miamian Andy Garcia. The official Miami Walk of Fame will continue to honor those who have contributed to the charisma, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Miami through film/television, music, sports or honorary means. The mayor says, “The film industry looks at Miami as an important place to be with our colorful sites, beautiful weather and more. It is sad that the Florida State government does not facilitate and provide more benefits. We facilitate issuing over seven hundred permits per year along with supporting the Miami Dade

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