OUR ANNUAL LIST OF THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN NAPLES
NAPLES
TAKING LUXURY TO NEW HEIGHTS. TAKING LUXURY TO NEW HEIGHTS.
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PUBLISHERS
Kamal Hotchandani kamal@hauteliving.com
Seth Semilof ssemilof@hauteliving.com
Danny Govberg
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Laura Schre er laura@hauteliving.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR, NAPLES
Anna Catherine Block anna@hauteliving.com
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
Maholi Aagaard maholi@hauteliving.com
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
April Donelson april@hauteliving.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF LUXURY PARTNERSHIPS
Lauren Mosseri lauren@hauteliving.com
FASHION DIRECTOR
Adrienne Faurote adrienne@hauteliving.com
CONTRIBUTOR
Tim Lappen
Caroline Strachan Lefelhoc
HAUTE BEAUTY EDITOR
Brooke Klaiman brooke@hauteliving.com
HAUTE DESIGN & HAUTE LAWYER EDITOR
Gabriel Pessoa gabriel@hauteliving.com
HAUTE RESIDENCE EDITOR
Mary Gibson mary@hauteliving.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF NETWORK PARTNERSHIPS
Andrea Gutierrez andrea@hauteliving.com
NATIONAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Madison Kamora madison@hauteliving.com
Emma Rice emma@hauteliving.com
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Branden Canlas branden@hauteliving.com
ONBOARDING/ SOCIAL STRATEGIST COORDINATOR
Gina Ellis gina@hauteliving.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE
WE ALL KNOW THAT NAPLES IS ONE THE GREATEST CITIES TO LIVE IN RIGHT NOW; the kindness of the people, the prosperity, growth and comradery after Hurricane Ian like never seen before, this city is a testament to strength and love. We have chosen to highlight that by bringing the Haute 100 list to Naples, celebrating the most influential names making a great impact on the city - new and legacy. From star athletes like AJ Dillion and hospitality power players like Chef Vincenzo Betulia to power couples and entertainment moguls, this issue highlights the Dolce Far Niente City’s key power players.
This was an extremely eye-opening experience to gather this list, compiling all the names that have touched this city over the years, near and far. At Haute Living, we strive to support the community, build strong relationships and continue to grow our brand in a commutative philanthropic way. We look forward to thanking all of you for your dedication, love, and hard work you have shown the beautiful city we all call home. Touching the lives of those around you and helping people improve their everyday lives - your legacy will undoubtedly live on.
Now, as we honor Naples’s changemakers this spring, we want to thank you again for keeping and making Naples what it is today; the Dolce Far Niente City of Dreams.
Anna Caherine Bloc705
Myrtle Rd. Naples,FL 34108
$14,495,000
Meticulously designed for luxurious indoor-outdoor living, this sensational custom-built estate will take your breath away. Set on approximately 1.4 acres, its incredible layout presents almost 13,000 sq ft and provides 8 bedrooms accommodated by 9.5 baths. An arched, covered entry opens to an immaculate interior defined by expertly crafted detailing and bespoke features. Natural light fills the soaring ceilings in the main gathering areas, adorned by gorgeous lighting that shapes their contemporary character. As visitors mingle by the living room fireplace, the resident cook can prepare dishes in the chef's kitchen featuring a multi-seater island. A remarkable primary suite showcases double walk-in closets, and its exquisitely tiled ensuite pampers you with a soaking tub and a large glass-enclosed shower. As perks, the bonus rooms include 2 separate offices, a home theater, a game room, and a versatile den. From nightcaps around the fire pit to enjoying a dip in the pool and spa, the expansive backyard is ideal for alfresco entertaining. Notable features are a guest cabana and custom-finished garages that can hold 7 vehicles in total. Come see all this home has to offer and more.
Meticulously designed for luxurious indoor-outdoor living, this sensational custom-built estate will take your breath away! Set on approximately 1.4 acres, its incredible layout presents almost 13,000 sq ft and provides 8 bedrooms accommodated by 9.5 baths. An arched, covered entry opens to an immaculate interior defined by expertly crafted detailing and bespoke features. Natural light fills the soaring ceilings in the main gathering areas, adorned by gorgeous lighting that shapes their contemporary character. As visitors mingle by the living room fireplace, the resident cook can prepare dishes in the chef’s kitchen featuring a multi-seater island. A remarkable primary suite showcases double walk-in closets, and its exquisitely tiled ensuite pampers you with a soaking tub and a large glass-enclosed shower. As perks, the bonus rooms include 2 separate offices, a home theater, a game room, and a versatile den. From nightcaps around the fire pit to enjoying a dip in the pool and spa, the expansive backyard is ideal for alfresco entertaining. Notable features are a guest cabana and custom-finished garages that can hold 7 vehicles in total. Come see all this home has to offer and more.
NAPLES
THE CITY OF NAPLES IS EVOLVING LIKE NEVER BEFORE AND WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE OUR FIRST HAUTE 100 LIST. HERE WE ARE CELEBRATING THE MOST INFLUENTIAL NAMES IN NAPLES - INCLUDING PHILANTHROPISTS, ENTREPRENEURS, POWER COUPLES, DEVELOPERS, CREATIVES, ATHLETES, HOSPITALITY POWER PLAYERS, AND MORE.
RALPH C. AND SHELLY STAYER
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY, HOSPITALITY POWER PLAYERS, POWER COUPLE COMPANY: JOHNSONVILLE LLC
Ralph and Shelly Stayer are no strangers to the world of business as co-owners of Johnsonville, LLC, the nation’s No. 1 sausage brand that has grown from a small family-owned butcher shop into a billion-dollar global operation. During his four decades as leader of the company, Ralph grew Johnsonville from a local Wisconsin brand to an international leader in the food industry. In 1988, he was honored as CEO of the Year by Tom Peters, and in 2000 was a finalist in the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As the current Chairman of the Board, Shelly has continued the growth and innovation of the company. The Stayers are both passionate about philanthropy, chairing some of the highest-profile fundraising endeavors and raising millions in both Florida and Wisconsin. In 2018, Shelly founded the Shelly Stayer Shelter for Human Tra cking Victims in Immokalee, Florida, which provides a safe haven for victims of human tra cking and domestic violence.
ATHLETES
AJ DILLON INDUSTRY: NFL TEAM: GREEN BAY PACKERS
AJ Dillon, a 247-pound powerhouse, first-team All-ACC player in college, and current running back for the Green Bay Packers, is no stranger to praise. His coach at Boston College, Steve Addazio, describes Dillon as “a great football player - just watch his power, his burst, his explosion, his change of direction; on top of all that, he is a wonderful guy. He is more than just a football player. He represents the best of everything.” Dillon was given a Green Bay honorary title: Mayor of Door County. AJ’s 2022 campaign highlighted over 750 rushing yards and a team-high seven rushing touchdowns. If AJ and his quads can create consistent secondand-4 opportunities, it will go a long way toward helping an o ense that has struggled with three-and-outs.
GREG NORMAN INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL GOLF COMPANY: THE GREG NORMAN COMPANY
Arguably the most successful athleteturned-businessman, Greg Norman is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his dominance on the golf course. Greg transcends the game of golf, with a dozen companies around the world and the iconic shark logo he leads as Chairman & CEO of the Greg Norman Company. His internationally recognized brand boasts more than 115 golf course designs across six continents, a global real estate collection, award-winning wine, golf-inspired lifestyle apparel, and an investment division. In 2021, Greg Norman was the first CEO of LIV Golf Investments, a newly formed company whose purpose is to holistically improve the health of professional golf on a global scale.
EARNEST GRAHAM
INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER, NFL
Earnest Graham was the running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for eight seasons. Ernest played in 98 games, had 477 rushing yard attempts, 2047 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Born in Naples, he attended Mariner High School in Cape Coral, where he set state records for career rushing yards and touchdowns. Graham was named “Mr. Football” in 1997 as an All-American athlete. He attended the University of Florida, where he was team captain, played in three bowl games, and named the best running back in Gator’s football history. After retiring from the NFL, Graham was named Head Coach at North Fort Myers High School, leading them to their first unbeaten season in 2017. In 2019, Graham was named Head Coach at Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers.
LARRY BIRD INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER, NBA
Larry Bird, one of the best basketball players of all time, is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-star MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. Bird was the sixth overall draft pick by the Boston Celtics. He chose to stay at Indiana State, leading them to an undefeated season and a national championship win. Bird was an NBA power forward for the Celtics and led them to five NBA Finals, three NBA Championships, is a 12-time NBA All-Star, won two NBA Finals MVP, and is a three consecutive-time winner of the NBA MVP. Bird was part of the 1992 gold medal-winning US Olympic Basketball team, the “Dream Team.” Bird retired and joined as Coach for the Indiana Pacers.
ROCCO MEDIATE
INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL GOLFER, PGA
Rocco Mediate is entering his 10th season on PGA TOUR Champions. The Naples resident has six wins on the PGA TOUR and four wins on the Champions Tour. Mediate grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He also played with Palmer for the first time when he was 19 at Latrobe Country Club. He attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and helped lead Florida Southern to a win at the 1985 NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship. The professional golfer enjoys spending time with his family, collecting shoes, cigars, listening to music and playing tennis. In March, he began his latest golf journey on SiriusXM, hosting “The Rocco Hour” – his show airs every Tuesday on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio at 6 p.m. ET.
MIKE DITKA
INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER, NFL, MEDIA
Mike Ditka was a three-sport athlete at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was admitted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was later drafted by the Chicago Bears, traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Dallas Cowboys, where he set the franchise record in 1971. Ditka later became Assistant Coach with the Cowboys. He was also hired as the Head Coach of the Chicago Bears, winning Super Bowl XX in 1986. Ditka was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1985. Ditka worked as an NFL television analyst and was a broadcaster for the NFL on NBC, CBS Sports and ESPN. Ditka was one of several retired players who continued philanthropically as part of the Gridiron Greats and owned a chain of restaurants called “Ditkas.”
FUZZY ZOELLER INDUSTRY:
PROFESSIONAL GOLFER, PGA
Fuzzy Zoeller is a 10-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including two major championships. At the 1979 Masters, Zoeller became the first player since 1935 (the second playing of the Masters) to win the tournament in his debut. To this day, he is one of three players to win the Masters in his first attempt. In 1984, Zoeller won the U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club and was awarded the Bob Jones Award, which recognizes distinguished sportsmanship in golf, by the United States Golf Association the following year. In 1986, Zoeller enjoyed a three-win season, his most in any single year on the PGA TOUR. During his time on PGA TOUR Champions, Zoeller won twice, including the 2002 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
DAVE WANNSTEDT
INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL COACH, NFL
Dave Wannstedt was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1974. Wannstedt began coaching at the University of Pittsburgh, winning multiple NCAA Division I-A National Championships and Sugar Bowls. He was Defensive Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He coached for the University of California and the University of Miami. He began his NFL coaching career in 1989 for the Chicago Bears as Head Coach, then the Miami Dolphins as Defensive Coordinator. He returned to college football as Head Coach of the University of Pittsburgh from 2004 to 2010. Dave was announced as Assistant Head Coach for the Bu alo Bills. Wannstedt ended his professional coaching career in 2013 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became an NFL analyst for Fox Sports.
JOHN KRUK INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYER COMPANY: MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
John Kruk was drafted in 1981 by the San Diego Padres, where he played for Aguilas de Mexicali. He achieved 20 home runs, 91 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. Kruk was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in the All-Star games in 91’ 92’ and 93’. John finished in the MLB with the White Sox with a .300 batting average, 592 RBIs, and 100 home runs. He became a broadcaster for ESPN and Comcast. He acted in The Fan, The Sandlot: Heading Home, and American Pastime. Kruk moved to Naples, became Head Coach for the Seacrest Country Day School softball team, and was named the 2A Coach of the Year in 2016. He owns Kruk’s Philly Steaks in Naples.
MARISSA HARTINGTON
INDUSTRY: FASHION, CREATIVE
COMPANY: MARISSA
CHARLIE BABB
INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER COMPANY: THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Charlie Babb was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as a safety in 1972, in the 5th round, after attending the University of Memphis. The Dolphins won the Superbowl and were the only team at that time to have a perfect season, 17-0. Babb played for the Dolphins for eight years and retired due to a serious knee injury. He was inducted into the University of Memphis Hall of Fame in 1986. Since leaving football, Babb has focused on philanthropy by supporting the United Way and participating in Larry Little’s Golf Classic to raise money for Virginia Key Beach to maintain it as a national historic site.
DESIGN
WILFREDO EMANUEL
INDUSTRY: DESIGN
MARLISSA GARDNER
INDUSTRY: ART
COMPANY: EMILLIONS ART GALLERY
Marlissa Gardner, founder and owner of Emillions Art, represents a roster of talented and unique artists in sourcing and executing deals on rare, one-of-a-kind artworks, from masters to contemporary art. Gardner’s art background has fostered a worldwide network of enthusiastic collectors, professionals and returning clients who rely on her business acumen and tenacity in special collections. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Broadcasting & Film from Boston University. Knighted by the Medici family for Services to Art and Philanthropy, Gardner is enthusiastic about giving back to the community. Currently, she is leading a fundraiser to help restore the Naples Pier.
FRANK VERPOORTEN INDUSTRY: ART
An ambitious museum leader and art advisor with intellectual curiosity, Frank Verpoorten has twenty-five years of experience in nineteenth-century European art. Frank’s expertise is in Pan-American and European art.. Frank produced the first museum exhibitions of artists Dawn Clements, George Boorujy, Miya Ando, Arik Levy, Jorinde Voigt, and Paco Pomet. A polymath, fluent in five languages, he has curated over one hundred exhibitions: Reconciliation in the Embrace of Morality: Pigozzi Collection of African Contemporary Art, Surrealism in Belgium: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, The Duchamp Family of Artists, Museum to Scale 1/7, and Accidental/Coincidental: Chance, Occurrence, He has worked with world-renowned artists, Daniel Buren and Frank Stella.
COLLECTIONS,
NAPLES & PALM BEACH
Marissa Hartington is the founder of Marissa Collections, opened in 1975 by Marrissa and her husband, Burt. They o er luxury women’s and men’s apparel with unique and eclectic pieces, including shoes and accessories. Hartington, a native of Poland, enjoyed living in New York before relocating to Naples. Her goal is to continue to push the envelope when it comes to ready-to-wear pieces to couture on an international scale. Marissa’s son, Jay Hartington, CEO of Marissa Collections, helped open their second location in Palm Beach. Marissa Collections received accolades from Harper’s Bazar, Vogue’s Top 25 Warm Weather Shopping Destinations, and Elle.com as one of the top specialty stores in the country.
COMPANY: WILFREDO EMANUEL DESIGN
Wilfredo Emanuel is an awardwinning Interior Designer based in Naples, FL. Born in Puerto Rico, Wilfredo holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Instituto de Banca y Comercio in San Juan. During his education in San Juan, Wilfredo had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England. There, he embraced the culture and the unique architectural designs of the Europeans. He loved his travel abroad experience so much that upon graduation he continued his interior design and architectural journey in Milan, Italy at the Instituto of Disegno. Wilfredo also showed o his passion for design and tablescaping as a semifinalist on HGTV’s Table Wars.
HILLARY DISABATO & CHANTAL WARMOTH OF KNOT + TIDE INTERIORS
INDUSTRY: DESIGN
Knot + Tide is a creative duo made up by Chantal Warmoth and Hillary DiSabato that revels in making dream homes a reality. They’re proud to call Naples and Southwest Florida home, designing and creating high-end, coastal casual, and coastal elegant spaces. Both have design backgrounds that date to their childhood; the pair met in Naples, Florida, and founded their studio in 2019. The duo had a vision for sustainable design that was inspiring and forward-thinking. Their hands-on approach embodies an endlessly classic coastal design that adapts to each client’s needs. With taste and expertise, they create places striking a balance of function and form while finding harmony and flow for their customers’ lifestyles.
SHELLEY JOHNSTONE INDUSTRY: DESIGN COMPANY: SHELLEY JOHNSTONE DESIGN
Shelley Johnstone has over 30 years of design experience. Shelly creates spaces that are beautiful, unique and liveable in a European/American design aesthetic. Early on, Johnstone was accepted to the highly respected Inchbald School of Design, and relocated to London for an intensive year-long initiative. After working in London, she returned to Lake Forest, Illinois, and opened her first brick-and-mortar design firm, dividing her time between Lake Forest and Naples, where she was on the interior design committee for the Poinciana Club and designer for the Port Royal Club. Johnstone has been featured in House Beautiful, Traditional Home, The New York Times, ArchDigest.com, Tory Daily, and Luxe. As an author, she co-wrote “A Loving Table,” focusing on traditions and influences from across the globe.
MIKE DAL LAGO INDUSTRY: LAW
COMPANY: DAL LAGO LAW
Mike Dal Lago, founder of Dal Lago Law, has over 22 years of experience providing customized, comprehensive legal counsel for national, regional and local businesses in Florida, NYC and New Jersey. He has consistently been recognized in SuperLawyers, Florida Trend’s Legal Elite list, and is an AV Preeminent Peer Review
Rated attorney. Mike is a Board Certified Business Bankruptcy Attorney with ability to practice law in Florida, NYC and New Jersey. Mike employs a holistic multidisciplinary business and legal approach at every stage – from formation and corporate governance to growth and maintenance. Mike o ers clients his expertise in navigating corporate restructurings and Chapter 11.
CHRIS AND JESSICA ZAZO INDUSTRY: WINEMAKER, ENTREPRENEUR
COMPANY: HAILSTONE VINEYARDS
Chris and Jessica Zazo are bringing Napa Valley to Naples with Hailstone Vineyards, a boutique winery with a line of vintages that seamlessly transition from a boat cruise to fine dining on 5th Avenue. Chris’s passion for food, wine and the weather brought him to the heart of wine country to partner with the industry’s top talent. Hailstone remains passionate about the atmosphere their wine creates – friendship, sophistication and good conversation. Their unique vintages are a direct result of producing small lots of premium wine from varying regions of the valley. They have received professional nods from the prestigious TEXSOM International Wine Awards.
DR. RYAN & DR. DEBORAH HOUK
INDUSTRY: HEALTHCARE, PHILANTHROPY, BEAUTY
COMPANY: NAPLES HEART RHYTHM SPECIALISTS
Ryan and Deborah Houk are committed to caring for the people of Naples. The two doctors met during their residency at Yale. Ryan is a quadruple board-certified Cardiologist who studied at Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, and Columbia. Deborah is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician. She has two advanced degrees from Stanford, an MD from GWU, and is finishing her MBA. Ryan is Managing Partner and Director of Nuclear Imaging at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, where Deborah supports as Executive Committee Member. Through philanthropic endeavors, Deborah and Ryan have raised millions of dollars for local causes.
CHRIS AND KARA RESOP
INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE
COMPANY: THE AGENCY NAPLES, THE RESOP TEAM
Chris and Kara, The Resop Team; an incredibly successful husband-wife real estate duo. They bring wealth, insight and extraordinary work ethic locally to SWFL. They have completed over 200 real estate transactions and are approaching $1 billion in sales at The Agency. The Resop Team spent a decade traveling the country for Chris’s career in Major League Baseball, and living in Japan while Chris played for the Hanshin Tigers. With their two small children, Kara continued to negotiate personal real estate sales and help MLB families buy their forever homes. Chris retired from his career in MLB in 2014. They began redefining Naples’ luxury real estate market with a strong network of trust and passion.
JOHN AND AMY QUINN INDUSTRY: BUSINESS, PHILANTHROPY, HEALTHCARE
COMPANY: FOUNTAIN 33
Trustees of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, meet John and Amy Quinn. John served as a nuclear submariner in the U.S. Naval Academy and is the Managing Director of Fountain 33. He leads businesses, private equity investments and real estate development. He shepherds family assets to maximize impact, with focus on education and mental health. Amy, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, obtained her doctorate in education from Northwest Nazarene University. She holds a master’s degree in organizational behavior and evaluation science. The Quinns are Tastevin Society members, bidders at the Naples Winter Wine Festival and recognized as “Forces of Philanthropy” in SWFL.
BENJI AND LAURA KENDALL
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: YAMRON JEWELERS
Benji and Laura Kendall, owners of Yamron Jewelers, combined their competitive backgrounds, becoming a remarkable power couple. The Kendall’s passion for fine jewelry, horology, and philanthropy has cultivated a thriving business. For years they have continued to make a di erence in their community. The Kendalls have demonstrated ongoing dedication to supporting and improving the lives of those around them. The honorees at the 2023 JDRF Hope Gala, the Kendalls were recognized for their outstanding contributions and dedication to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. Achievements in both their professional and personal lives serve as an inspiration to others.
JAY AND PATTY BAKER INDUSTRY:
POWER COUPLE, PHILANTHROPY, RETAIL/ MERCHANDISE
COMPANY: KOHL’S
Jay and Patty Baker are known for successful business ventures and dedication to philanthropy. Jay graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He was Chairman and President for Macy’s, Ohrach’s, Famous BARR, BATUS Retail, Saks Fifth Avenue and Thimbles. Baker was the CEO of Kohl’s where he grew the company from 40 to 350 stores. Kohl’s was the second largest department store in the United States. Patty attended Hunter College, studying theater and art history. An award-winning Broadway producer, her most recent musical is entitled, “Beautiful.” Some of their many philanthropic initiatives include the Fashion Institute of Technology, The Naples Philharmonic, and the Naples Community Hospital.
RALPH C. AND SHELLY STAYER
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY, HOSPITALITY POWER PLAYERS, POWER COUPLE
COMPANY: JOHNSONVILLE LLC
Ralph and Shelly Stayer, co-owners of Johnsonville, LLC, the nation’s No. 1 sausage brand that has grown into a billion-dollar global operation. With four decades as leader of the company, Ralph took Johnsonville from a local brand to an international leader. Ralph was honored as CEO of the Year and a finalist in the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Chairman of the Board, Shelly has continued major growth and innovation. The Stayers are passionate about philanthropy, chairing some of the highest-profile fundraisers, and raising millions in both FL and WI. Notably, Shelly recently founded the Shelly Stayer Shelter for Human Tra cking Victims.
PAUL AND JODY GOODENOUGH-FLEMING
INDUSTRY: FOOD SERVICE
COMPANY: P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO AND JPK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE
A top restaurateur, Paul Fleming has been in hospitality for three decades. Paul grew up with a love for food which led to his national brands, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill and more. Paul and his wife Jody, CEO of Fleming Restaurants, introduced Naples’ newest Chinese restaurant, PJK Neighborhood Chinese, which specializes in scratch-made coastal Chinese. The Flemings have developed strategic growth plans for the Lake Park Diner by Smith Organics. Residents of Naples, the Flemings are involved in supporting local charities, including the Naples Children & Education Foundation.
MICHAEL LAWLER INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE / DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY: WILLIAM RAVEIS / LIMITLESS DEVELOPMENT
Michael began his real estate career in 1988, moving to Naples in 1999, where he began to focus on luxury residential properties in the most desired coastal communities. With a keen, expert knowledge of the industry and an established network, Michael is consistently recognized as the top agent in Southwest Florida, currently ranking #21 in RealTrends The Thousand – 2022. Aiding in his success, Michael has built a team of qualified experts to work in conjunction in cultivating a trusted reputation.
DANTE DISABATO INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE / DEVELOPMENT
Whether it be stunning beach properties or estates in Port Royal and Old Naples, Dante DiSabato has become one of the most important real estate agents and developers in Naples. The 37-year-old Ohio native is a top-ranked agent locally and nationally. $260 million in sales in 2021 — without a team — for a career total of more than $1.1 billion, ranking Dante as one of the top realtors in Florida and nationally. He was named one of 55 inaugural RealTrends magazine Emerging Leaders in 2022. DiSabato is co-founder (along with his father, Mark DiSabato) of Limitless Development, a boutique real estate development company. Naples’ future is shaping up to become even brighter with DiSabato on the scene for years to come.
BLAZE ZDRAVEV
INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE
COMPANY: JOHN R WOOD
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL
Blaze has an outstanding reputation as one of the region’s most distinguished agents for the best properties in Naples. With only 7+ years in the business, he is in the top 1% of the company, and his team is ranked the #1 Small Team. Blaze has called Naples home for almost 13 years, creating a deep understanding of the local region, working with both John R. Wood Christie’s International Properties and the prestigious Luxury Portfolio International. He is a licensed Associate Broker and sits on the advisory board of directors at JRW-CIP. Fluent in five languages and certified as a negotiation expert, Blaze can deliver some of Naples’s most unique properties to a wide range of powerful and global resources.
REAL ESTATE
DAVID HOFFMAN INDUSTRY:
COMPANY: HOFFMAN
David Ho man grew up in Washington, Missouri, from humble beginnings. A star quarterback, he received a football scholarship to Northeast Missouri State University, later transferring to the University of Central Missouri. David Ho mann now owns 42 commercial properties in Naples, Florida, making him the biggest developer in the city. He also owns real estate in Colorado, Illinois and Missouri. His early fortune came from the executive search firm DHR International, which he established in 1989 and still owns. He and his wife Jerri recently moved to Naples, where they now own Hertz Arena, the Everblades hockey team, a golf club and small businesses such as Stan’s Co ee and Mitch’s Cookies.
BILL EARLS AND LARRY LAPIN
INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE
With over seventy years of combined experience, Bill Earls and Larry Lappin are wellestablished as top producers in the Naples luxury real estate market. This consistent success rests in their ability to accurately analyze current market trends in Naples real estate and apply this specialized understanding of the market to their customers’ best interests. Their track record of performance and masterful marketing endeavors produce the results customers seek – resulting in a continuous, successful history of high-caliber closed transactions and satisfied homeowners through Naples’ luxury home community.
JONATHAN PERTCHIK
INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE, FINANCE, HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA
Jonathan Pertchik is an experienced CEO with a proven track record of leading successful turnarounds and reorganizations in the hospitality, real estate and finance industries. He has led businesses through various stages of transformation and growth, including TravelCenters of America, the nation’s largest publicly traded full-service travel center network, and Intown Suites, the largest wholly-owned, extendedstay hotel chain in the United States. Extensive experience serving as an executive with companies owned or controlled by private equity groups, including TPG, Carl Icahn, Richard LeFrak and Perry Capital. Possesses deep expertise in asset management, strategic planning, operations and corporate development.
TIM SAVAGE
INDUSTRY: LUXURY REAL ESTATE
COMPANY: GULF COAST
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTIES
Tim Savage is a premier luxury real estate agent in Southwest Florida. He started his career in 1998 with his father Pete, focusing on luxury Naples communities such as Port Royal, Aqualane Shores, Royal Harbor and formed Gulf Coast International Properties. Savage is also a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, a worldwide collection of brokers representing the finest properties across the world. Gulf Coast Properties’ core principle is to be able to serve our community and country with passion, dedication and caring. Savage and his team support organizations such as the American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club of Collier County, Homes for Heroes, Project Healing Waters and the YMCA of Collier County.
PHIL WOOD INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE
Phil entered the real estate business in 1976 and joined the company full-time the following year after graduating with a BBA degree from Emory University. Under his leadership as CEO for the last 20 years, the company has focused on being the most knowledgeable in the market, ensuring that all clients have the best data available to assist in their purchasing or selling decisions. Company marketing programs guarantee sellers international exposure for their property with a variety of print, online, and other media tools.
VINCENZO BETULIA INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY COMPANY: OSTERIA TULIA, BAR TULIA, THE FRENCH
A Sicilian native, Vincenzo Betulia grew up in Milwaukee, WI, where he began his career at 14 with Ristorante Bartolotta. By 15, he had attained the chef position and helped open two additional Bartolotta restaurants in Milwaukee. He attended Kendall Culinary School in Chicago, where he honed his skills at Bartolotta’s acclaimed Spiaggia. On vacation in Naples, Chef Vincenzo secured a spot working at Campiellos, where he later became head chef. He held this position for nine years before opening Osteria Tulia and Bar Tulia in December of 2014. Vincenzo is a culinary trendsetter in the Naples dining scene; he was the first chef in Naples to host a Friends of James Beard Benefit dinner in April 2015.
PAPA JOHN SCHNATTER
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY, PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL
“Papa” John Schnatter is the former chairman and CEO of Papa John’s International. John cares deeply about investing in tomorrow’s leaders and is one of America’s most iconic entrepreneurs. John is a social media sensation with more than one million followers. He shares his views on business, entrepreneurship, food, and other topics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded initiatives to help small businesses weather the global economic crisis and keep their doors open. Mr. Schnatter supports charitable endeavors nationwide, shares insightful economic and business commentary and has lived in Naples for nearly 20 years.
TONY RIDGWAY
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: TONY’S OFF THIRD, RIDGWAY, BAYSHORE, SUKIE’S WINE SHOP
Tony Ridgway’s esteemed restaurant career began in Naples in 1971. He has been the chef-proprietor of award-winning Tru es Café, The Chef’s Garden, Plums Café, and Villa Pescatore. Tony operates Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, Sukie’s Wine Shop, Tony’s O Third, and Ridgway Bar & Grill with his partner Sukie Honeycutt. Credited as a key influencer of SWFL dining, his restaurants have won countless accolades and continue to build a legacy of quality and integrity. As a leader in the community, Tony has devoted significant time, talent, and resources to local organizations, including a dedicated Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Community School of Naples.
RICHARD GOMEZ
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY, REAL ESTATE
COMPANY: NAPLES EZON
Richard Gomez is a successful real estate entrepreneur and founder of Naples Ezon, a luxury vacation rental company in Naples, Florida. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Gomez has built a reputation for providing exceptional service and personalized attention to each of his clients. He is known for his expertise in the luxury vacation rental market and has helped countless clients find their dream vacation homes. In his spare time, Gomez enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family. He is an active member of the Naples community and is dedicated to giving back through various charitable organizations.
REBECCA MADDOX
INDUSTRY: ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST, HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: THREE60 MARKET, CELEBRATION PARK
Rebecca Maddox navigated careers in the NYC finance world before evolving into marketing and coaching roles, consulting firms, publishing, and business. After selling her company, Rebecca “retired” from corporate life and began focusing her energy in Naples. Rebecca is the Founder/Owner of the award-winning Three60 Market, an upscale wine and food emporium, as well as Celebration Park. She launched Three60 Wine in North Naples in 2021. Her latest projects include The Maddox, a private member social club, and Rebecca’s, a modern, shared plate bar. These projects will elevate the culinary and wine landscape in SWFL.
DICK PORTILLO
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: PORTILLOS
Dick Portillo is a successful entrepreneur and founder of the popular fast-food chain, Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Born and raised in Chicago, he opened his first hot dog stand in 1963 and has since grown his business into a multimillion dollar enterprise with over 60 locations throughout the United States. Portillo has been recognized for his business acumen and has received numerous awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is also a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations. Portillo currently resides in Naples, Florida, where he enjoys boating and spending time with his family.
VELJKO AND CORINNE RYAN
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: SAILS, THE BUTCHER PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB
Velijko and Corinne Pavicevic are entrepreneurs with a focus on the highest level of dining at their Naples-based restaurants, Sails and Butcher Private Member Club. Veljko came to America, attended Naples High School, and graduated from FGCU. After working at the Ritz Carlton, he later founded Global Link, LLC, where he met Corinne. Corrine is known as a top world’s food broker and the visionary behind the race around Auckland, which features selected teams of America’s Cup yachts. Their love of travel, delicious food and culinary experiences make for an unforgettable dining experience.
EDWARD STAROS
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: FOUNDER, RITZ CARLTON HOTEL/VP & MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RITZ NAPLES
Edward Staros is one of the founding fathers of the Ritz Carlton brand, which was developed with mentor Colgate Holmes of Hyatt and Bill Johnson. Staros began working with his father, who ran a Long Islandbased concession business. He worked for Hyatt in many di erent positions in multiple cities, making his mark and delivering exceptional results. Staros took on the role of leading the expansion of the Ritz Carlton Naples Resort, where today he is VP and Managing Director. After 36 years with the Ritz Carlton, Staros was named Hotelier of the World and a founding sponsor of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.
ANTONIO ALVES
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: GENERAL MANAGER, SEMINOLE CASINO HOTEL IMMOKALEE
Antonio Alves is the General Manager of the Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee, which is one of seven casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida; the largest employer in Immokalee with over 900 employees. Prior to relocating to Florida from Las Vegas, Alves was the Vice president for Casino Marketing for Planet Hollywood Casino, the Las Vegas Hilton and Director of Operations for both the Station Hotel & Casino and the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino. He brings over 24 years of casino and hospitality experience to the Seminole, which is the premier destination for table games, slots, hotel and event space.
FABRIZIO AND INGRID AIELLI
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: AIELLI GROUP
Meet Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli, owners of the Aielli Group, who provide the most genuine hospitality experience. The Aielli’s own Grappino, Dorona, Barbatella and Sea Salt.. Chef Fabrizio started his culinary career in Venice, Italy where he was the Executive Chef at a world-renowned restaurant. Ingrid, co-owner and responsible for all business operations, is also highly known for her philanthropic initiatives. They have achieved accolades throughout their career from Food & Wine Magazine, Esquire Magazine’s best new restaurant and the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Ingrid was honored in the 2022 Business Hall of Fame Inductee by SWFL and named Woman of Initiative by the Women’s Foundation of Collier County.
ALFIE OAKES
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: FOUNDER AND CEO, OAKES FARMS
Alfie Oaks, founder and owner of Oakes Farms, Seed to Table and Food and Thought, has a diverse portfolio that provides food service and food distribution on a global level. Oakes started his journey at 18 selling from his truck on the Cape Coral bridge. He became a first-generation farmer by selling his own harvests to retail locations. Oakes became the leading supplier to grocery stores and the largest vegetable producer in Florida. Seed to Table is a 78,000-squarefoot organic grocery store and restaurant with 3,500 employees. His passion is to teach about organic farming and self-sustaining food growth. Oakes has a podcast, Patriot Talk Show, that broadcasts live every Tuesday from Seed to Table.
ROCKY PATEL INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: BURN BY ROCKY PATEL
Rocky Patel is a renowned cigar manufacturer and entrepreneur, born in India and raised in the United States. He started his career as a successful lawyer, but his passion for cigars led him to create his own brand in 1995. Today, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars has become one of the most recognized and respected names in the cigar industry, with a portfolio of premium and luxury cigars that have won numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his work in the cigar industry, Rocky Patel is also known for his philanthropic e orts, supporting various charities and organizations in the Naples community that promote healthcare, education, and disaster relief. Rocky is also the Owner and Founder of Burn by Rocky Patel in Naples’ Mercato.
PHILIP MCCABE, JR.
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: OWNER, THE VINE ROOM NAPLES
Philip McCabe, Jr. is the Founder and Owner of the Vine Room. He also works with his father, Philip McCabe Sr., on capital investment projects for the family business, Gulf Coast Commercial. McCabe has been involved in hospitality since a young age helping at the legendary McCabe’s Irish Pub. After graduating high school, he was recruited to play tennis at Trinity College, where his foundation of teamwork was highly developed. Lausanne, Switzerland, the hospitality nucleus of Europe, is where he spent his junior year to experience remarkable hotels, dining and incredible cocktail bars. McCabe’s vision for the Vine Room Naples is a 20’s inspired speakeasy.
SHARON LOCKWOOD INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY COMPANY: JW MARRIOTT MARCO ISLAND
Sharon Lockwood is the GM of the JW Marriott on Marco Island and has been in the Marriott Hotels Group for over 15 years. Lockwood’s commitment to the resort and solidifying its place as a premier luxury resort in SWFL has been a main goal since taking over in 2018. Her goal as a leader is to work and elevate her sta , bringing an exceptional experience to every guest that visits. Marriott has always been involved in their local community, and Lockwood continues to support initiatives such as the American Society Relay for Life, Southwest Florida’s Harry Chapin Food Bank, and has focused much of their community involvement in the Marco Island Academy, the island’s charter school.
MICHAEL WATKINS
INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: PRESIDENT, NAPLES BEACH HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB
Michael Watkins was the President of the Naples Beach Hotel prior to the acquisition by The Athens Group. The Watkins family owned the 125-acre beachfront property for three generations when Henry B. Watkins Sr. bought The Naples Hotel and the adjacent golf club in 1946. He combined the two properties to create a beach resort, spa, event space, championship golf course and club and icon dining options like HB’s on the Gulf and The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill. The Watkins family welcomed guests for over 74 years and provided exceptional, warm hospitality to the people of Naples and guests from across the country and across the globe.
TODD JONES INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY
COMPANY: CEO, PUBLIX
Todd Jones, the CEO of Publix, started his career in 1980 as a bagger for the New Smyrna Beach location. Jones was responsible for the local district and became Regional Director in 1997 for the Jacksonville area. Under his management, Publix has grown to be one of the ten largest volume supermarket chains, employing over 190,000, and has grown to over 1,200 stores, nine distribution centers and 11 manufacturing facilities. Jones created a new brand under the Publix umbrella, GreenWise Market, to compete against Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. He is number 85 on the Chief Executive and RHR International’s CEO1000 Tracker. Publix has received numerous awards, including Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 20 consecutive years.
RICHARD D’AMICO INDUSTRY: HOSPITALITY COMPANY: D’AMICO & PARTNERS
Richard D’Amico is one of the premier restaurateurs in Naples and Minneapolis and has delighted the palettes of his guests based on the principles of respect, comfort, polish and performance. The D’Amico family of restaurants includes Campiello, Continental, Cafe Lurcat, Masa and D’Amico & Sons. D’Amico and Partners have won hundreds of awards and accolades and are known for their innovative menus and distinctive dining experiences. With success comes the desire to give back to the local community. One of D’Amico’s philanthropic initiatives is the Garden of Hope and Courage, located at NCH Healthcare System’s downtown Naples location. The D’Amico name has been a staple in the culinary scene for over 30 years.
TRIBBY WARFIELD
INDUSTRY: TECH
Tribby Warfield, accomplished Global C-Suite Executive O cer and Board Director, most recently served as Chairman and CEO of APC Automotive Technologies, one of North America’s largest aftermarket suppliers of passenger vehicle brake, exhaust and emissions parts. She has spent 30+ years in global automotive and industrial markets, including 14+ years in executive roles for firms like Gates Corporation while living in Europe. Warfield is now a Board Director for two publicly traded and two private equity manufacturing and automotive aftermarket companies and a Board Advisor at the University of Colorado Denver Business School. She is a member of The Committee of 200, comprising the world’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators.
TOM GOLISANO INDUSTRY: TECH COMPANY: PAYCHEX
Tom Golisano founded Paychex in 1971, the payroll and human resources services leader for over five decades. In 2018, Golisano purchased Greenlight Networks, a Rochester, New York-based fiber internet provider, which he sold in 2002. Golisano owned the Bu alo Sabres, an NHL team, and the Bu alo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League. He ran for Governor of New York in three di erent elections. In 2020, Golisano wrote and published Built, Not Born: A Self-Made Billionaire’s NoNonsense Guide for Entrepreneurs, coauthored by Mike Wicks. He established the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation in 1995 to grant funds to those with intellectual and developmental di culties, and as of January 2021, he has donated over $300 million to various philanthropic causes.
JOHN LEGERE INDUSTRY: TECH
COMPANY: T-MOBILE
John Legere, former President and CEO of T-Mobile, created a new segment in the wireless industry, positioning T-Mobile as the “Un-carrier” with contract-free wireless networks. Legere started his career at New England Telephone, spent 20 years at AT&T, and was named Dell’s Senior Vice President in 1998. He serves on the CTIA wireless board of directors representing wireless carriers, suppliers, manufacturers and providers. Legere is an advisory board member at Hong Kong University School of Science and Technology and on the government relations committee of the American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong. He was a competitive runner at UMass Amherst and completed the Boston Marathon in 2004 as a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Marathon Challenge member.
RICHARD SCHULZE
INDUSTRY: TECH
COMPANY: BEST BUY
Richard Schulze, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Best Buy, started the company as a small audio equipment store named Sound of Music in 1966 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He operated nine stores, and in 1981, a tornado destroyed the largest store, so they had a “Tornado Sale” o ering the “best buys” on everything. In 1983, Sound of Music was renamed Best Buy Company, Inc. After the introduction of VCRs, Best Buy grew to 40 stores and broadened its product range to computers, software, music, movies and appliances. Known for his philanthropic involvement, The Schulze Family Foundation donated $1.5 million to the Naples, FL YMCA and $750,000 to the Sky Family YMCA in Bonita Springs.
MICHAEL DELL
INDUSTRY: TECH
COMPANY: DELL TECHNOLOGIES
Michael Dell, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, started Dell Inc. by creating and selling computer upgrade kits at the University of Texas. At 27, Dell was ranked in Fortune Magazine’s Top 500 Corporations, becoming the youngest CEO awarded. In 1996, Dell Inc. sold computers, repair services, and their first server on dell.com. Dell founded MSD Capital L.P. to manage publicly traded securities, private equity initiatives and real estate. Dell Inc. acquired EMC Corporation, labeled the “highest-valued tech acquisition in history.” Michael and his wife, Susan, created the Micahel and Susan Dell Foundation to support urban education, childhood health and family economic stability.
KEVIN BUSH
INDUSTRY: TECH
COMPANY: LEADLINE, INC.
Kevin Bush is a Partner and Board Member of Leadline, Inc., a software platform that streamlines talent acquisition by sourcing talent, engaging candidates throughout the hiring process, and analyzing outcomes for real-time cost savings. With over 20 years in recruitment and sta ng, Bush drove the strategic growth of S4T/ESS from a start-up to a multimillion-dollar company. He is considered a pioneer in the K-12 sta ng space, aiming to improve the quality of education and classroom instruction. Bush received 40 Under 40 Young Professional and Entrepreneur of the Year by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Bush is on the Board of Directors for numerous non-profits and actively supports his alma mater, Liberty University.
STEPHEN WALDIS INDUSTRY: TECH COMPANY: SYNCHRONOSS
Stephen Waldis, Founder and Executive Chairman of Synchronoss Technologies, founded Synchronoss in 2000 after 20+ years of executive positions in hightech telecom firms. An industry leader in software as a service for transaction management, Waldis’s tenure with AT&T led to a partnership with Steve Jobs creating software for AT&T. Synchronoss expanded into creating your personal cloud and developed backo ce software for AT&T and Apple. Synchronoss has achieved several accolades, including Software’s Top Companies, Frost & Sullivan’s Top Global Companies to Watch, and Inc.’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies. Waldis was awarded Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year three times.
JUDGE JUDY
INDUSTRY: LAW
COMPANY: FAMOUS TELEVISION JUDGE
Judge Judith Sheindlin is the presiding judge on the Emmy Award-winning Judy Justice, streaming on Amazon Freevee. Sheindlin graduated from the School of Government at American University and NYC Law School. As Supervising Judge of the court, she proceeded over 20,000 cases. 60 Minutes featured her on their broadcast, and Hollywood came calling. She has over 10 million viewers daily. She created television productions, wrote best-selling books, launched whatwouldjudysay.com, on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from NYC Law School.
PETER GILGAN INDUSTRY: TECH
COMPANY: MATTAMY HOMES
Peter Gilgan is a Canadian businessman and philanthropist who is known for his contributions to the real estate industry. He is the founder and CEO of Mattamy Homes, one of the largest privately owned home builders in North America. With a net worth of over $4 billion, Gilgan has been recognized as one of the wealthiest Canadians. In addition to his business success, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education. Gilgan currently resides in Naples, Florida, where he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.
WILLIAM C. STONE INDSUTRY: TECH COMPANY: SS&C TECHNOLOGIES
William C. Stone is an American billionaire and the founder, chairman, and chief executive o cer of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.,a global provider of investment and financial software-enabled services. Stone founded SS&C Technologies in 1986 with a focus on providing investment management software solutions. Under his leadership, Stone has grown the global organization with over 22,000 clients worldwide, including hedge funds, private equity firms, insurance companies, and pension funds. Stone’s net worth is estimated at $4.1 billion and he is a philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes including education, healthcare and the arts.
JANE SEYMOUR
INDUSTRY: ENTERTAINMENT
COMPANY: FAMOUS ACTRESS
Jane Seymour, multiple Emmy Award and Golden Globe winning actress best known for her television show “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.” is also an entrepreneur, author, designer and artist with acting roles in “Somewhere in Time,” “Live and Let Die,” “War and Remembrance,” and “The Wedding Crashers.” She created her own production company, has produced many movies, launched her own jewelry brand and most recently wrote her first of four books. Seymour created a collection of bronze sculptures, featuring them at her 2nd Annual Open Hearts Foundation Gala.
ALEX LIFESON
INDUSTRY: MUSICIAN
COMPANY: RUSH
Alex Lifeson, the co-founder of Rush, played electric and acoustic guitars, backup vocals, and other instruments such as the mandolin, bouzouki and keyboards was known for his signature ri ng and unorthodox chord structures, Lifeson was branded “The Musical Scientist” by his Rush bandmates. Rush is best known for the song, “Tom Sawyer”, written by Lifeson and Getty Lee. Lifeson’s first solo album was in 1996, titled, “Victor.”. He is an avid golfer, painter and aircraft pilot. He had a cameo appearance in “The Trailer Park Boys,” and the movie“I Love You Man.” Lifeson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, named Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time and was made an O cer of the Order Of Canada.
BOB SEGER
INDUSTRY: MUSIC
COMPANY: BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND
Bob Seger is an American songwriter, musician and singer with a career lasting over six decades. He is known for his powerful voice with songs dedicated to love, blue-collar themes and is best known as a “roots rocker” and a “heartland rock” musician. Seger had Billboard Chart hits and several bands such as The Decibels, The Bob Seger System, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band as well. Seger has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, which makes him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Billboard’s Legends of Live honoree.
MARY CARILLO
INDUSTRY: PRO TENNIS PLAYER, SPORTSCASTER, AUTHOR
COMPANY: WOMEN’S
PROFESSIONAL TENNIS
Mary Carillo started her tennis career at Port Washington Academy training under Australian International Hall of Fame Harry Hopman. She played on the women’s professional circuit for three years, ranking 33 as a singles player. Carillo won the French Open, Mixed-Doubles, Wimbledon and was a women’s doubles quarterfinalist at the US Open. After retiring, she began her television career working for the USA Network, PBS and ESPN. Carillo joined NBC Sports as an analyst and was named Broadcaster of the Year. She was also inducted into the National Italian American Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
ROBIN COOK
INDUSTRY: MEDICINE & AUTHOR
Robin Cook, NY Times Best Selling Author, and highly respected doctor of ophthalmology, attended Wesleyan University with a major in chemistry and a distinction in government. He attended the Columbia College of Physicians while working at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Cook later completed his residency in ophthalmology at Harvard. Dr. Cook’s literary career started with his first novel, “The Year of the Intern” and “Coma.” Dr. Cook wrote 37 worldwide best sellers, selling hundreds of millions of copies. Dr. Cook was named A Distinguished Alumni from Wesleyan University, Author of Vision Award by PR International, and Literary Legend Award by the Florida Heritage Book Festival.
SEAN HANNITY
INDUSTRY: NEWS ANCHOR
COMPANY: FOX NEWS
Sean Hannity is a well-known conservative political commentator, author, and radio and television host. He is the host of The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated radio program, and Hannity, a political talk show on Fox News. Hannity is known for his conservative views and support of the Republican Party. He has authored several books, including “Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism” and “Live Free or Die: America (and the World) on the Brink.” Hannity has won numerous awards for his work in journalism and broadcasting, including a Marconi Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year in 2003 and 2007.
BRET BAIER
INDUSTRY: NEWS ANCHOR
COMPANY: FOX NEWS
Bret Baier is the host of Special Report with Bret Baier on the Fox News channel as their chief political correspondent. Baier was hired as the bureau chief for Fox Atlanta and eventually became the southeastern correspondent covering many historical times in history. Baier has interviewed former Presidents and Vice Presidents. His Special Report is the top-rated cable news program in its time slot and continues to be one of the top five-rated news shows. Baier is a New York Times Best Selling author and has received the Sol Taisho Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism by the National Press Foundation.
BUSINESS
JASON REIDEL
INDUSTRY: BUSINESS / ENTREPRENEUR
COMPANY: NAPLES LUXURY IMPORTS
Managing Partner of Naples
Luxury Imports, Jason Reidel, has grown the business exponentially and taken it to the next level. With Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover, Jason is consistently pushing the boundaries and most recently taking home the award for highest market penetration in the US for Bentley. Jason, well-known in Naples for his philanthropic e orts, continues to sponsor schools, sports, and nonprofits that give back to our beautiful SWFL community. He prides himself on exceptional customer service and emphasizes to his employees to maintain customer satisfaction for anyone who walks through the door.
NEAL BOORTZ
INDUSTRY: TALK SHOW HOST, AUTHOR
COMPANY: THE NEAL BOORTZ
SHOW
Neal Boortz is known for his nationally syndicated talk show, The Neal Boortz Show, where he covers politics, current events, and social issues with guests, callers and correspondents. Bortz started his radio career while attending Texas A&M University. After graduation, he started his 40year career as a talk show radio host. Boortz enrolled into John Marshall Law School and, upon graduation, practiced law while continuing his radio work on AM 750 WSB. Boortz was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2009 after publishing multiple award-winning books.
LIZ ANN SONDERS
INDUSTRY: FINANCE, BUSINESS, ENTERTAINMENT
Liz Ann Sonders is Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab. A keynote speaker at numerous conferences, Liz Ann is quoted in financial publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and the Financial Times. A regular guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, CBS News, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business News, Liz Ann has been named “Best Market Strategist” and one of SmartMoney magazine’s “Power 30.” Barron’s has named her “100 Most Influential Women in Finance” consecutively. Investment Advisor has included her on the “IA 25.” Liz Ann joined the U.S. Trust (now Schwab) as a managing director and member of its Investment Policy Committee.
KC SCHULBERG INDUSTRY: FILMMAKER, PRODUCER
KC Schulberg is a third-generation filmmaker who worked on 200 films, movies, and miniseries. He graduated from Carnegie- Mellon University with a B.F.A in Directing. As the Senior VP, Head of Marketing for Pandora Cinema, he produced several Oscar-winning movies. Schulberg moved over to Hallmark Entertainment as the Senior VP of International Marketing and Communications. Currently, he is the Executive Director for Calusa Waterkeeper, a nonprofit focusing on local clean water. His movie “Eternal Vengeance” plays at the Fort Myers Film Festival, and he is the FMFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Schulberg also owns Naples-based production, marketing and creative consulting company Glad Runner LLC.
ZACH GERMAIN INDUSTRY: AUTOMOTIVE, BOATING
COMPANY:
GERMAIN LEXUS, GERMAIN YACHTS
Zach Germain is a 4th generation member of his family’s 76-year business in the automotive industry. Zach made the move from Columbus, OH, to Naples in 2015 to run 1 of their 35 car dealerships, Germain Lexus of Naples. With gratitude, he has forged his way to a similar industry with machines floating in salt water versus four tires. Germain Yachts was born in 2020 as the exclusive retailer for Pardo Yachts, an Italian Yacht builder known as the “Icon of the Seas.” Recently Zach and his family purchased Molly’s Marine Shipyard, bringing Germain Yachts to the premier level and o ering a complete concierge ownership experience!
SHAHID KHAN INDUSTRY: AUTOMOTIVE, NFL COMPANY: FLEX N GATE, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Current owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shahid Khan, a Naples local, is a Pakistani-American billionaire businessman and philanthropist. He attended the University of Illinois, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. He made his fortune as the founder and CEO of Flex-N-Gate Corporation, a global automotive parts manufacturer. Shahid became the first ethnic minority to own an NFL team and, since then, has made significant investments in the team, including the ongoing renovation of the TIAA Bank Field. Shahid Khan spends time at his home in Naples, Florida, with family when he is not cheering on the Jaguars.
BRUCE SHERMAN INDUSTRY: FINANCE, MLB COMPANY: PRIVATE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, MLB
American Billionaire investor and hedge fund manager Bruce Sherman is the founder and managing partner of Private Capital Management, a value-oriented investment firm based in Naples, Florida. Sherman is known for his long-term investments approach and for focusing on undervalued companies. You may also know Sherman for his ownership stake in the MLB team, the Miami Marlins. He led a group of investors that purchased the team in 2017 for $1.2 billion, currently serving as the team’s principal owner. Prior to his success, Sherman worked as an analyst at various investment firms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Florida.
DR. SHAN NAIR
INDUSTRY: BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEUR
COMPANY: NAIR
Many of you have heard of the famous hair removal cream, Nair. Naples is home to the founder and creator of Nair himself, Dr. Shan Nair. A former nuclear scientist, Nair created the cream in 1972 and caught the eye of many consumers worldwide. Shan has taken the company to a global level, selling in multiple department stores, grocery stores and cosmetic stores all over the world. Fluent in four languages, Dr. Nair is well-versed in his travels, studies and interests when not running his newest venture, Nair Global Investments. He currently spends time at his home in Port Royal with his family, enjoying the beautiful city of Naples.
BEN FLEISCHER
INDUSTRY: BUSINESS
COMPANY: PYURE BRAND
Ben Fleischer, Founder & CEO of Pyure Brands, since 2008, has been on a mission to lead the sugar reduction revolution, specializing in organic and plant-based sweetening. Driven by his passion for health and wellness, he recognized a market for products that contained less sugar. He discovered stevia and began to popularize the benefits of the tiny leaf. Ben spearheaded improving the taste and usability to create sweeteners, spreads, syrups, and baking mixes with 0 sugar added. Pyure is considered the market leader in organic plantbased sweetening, sold nationally in over 8,000 retail locations, and used as an ingredient in thousands of products, making Inc 5000 List of Top Growing Companies six times.
Ben lives in Naples, FL, with his wife Shannon and son Max.
DR. GENE LANDRUM INDUSTRY:
ENTERTAINMENT, ENTREPRENEUR
COMPANY: CHUCK E. CHEESE
An American author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Dr. Gene Landrum is best known for his research on entrepreneurship and his creation of the “Chuck E. Cheese” concept. Landrum spends time at his home in Naples, FL, where he enjoys a healthy lifestyle and sunshine. Landrum has written several books on entrepreneurship, including “Profiles of Power and Success” and “The Entrepreneurial Personality.” He has also been a guest on numerous television and radio shows where he discusses his views on entrepreneurship. In addition to his work, he has served as a professor of entrepreneurship at several universities, including the University of Houston and the University of Phoenix.
REINHOLD SCHMIEDING
INDUSTRY: MEDICAL, BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEUR
COMPANY: ARTHREX
Reinhold Schmieding is a GermanAmerican entrepreneur and the founder of Arthrex, a global medical device company specializing in orthopedic surgical solutions. Born in Munich, Germany, in 1953, Schmieding moved to the United States in 1977 to pursue a career in engineering. He founded Arthrex in 1981 with the goal of creating innovative, high-quality products to help surgeons improve patient outcomes. Under his leadership, Arthrex has grown into a multi-billion dollar company with over 4,000 employees worldwide. Schmieding’s commitment to innovation and dedication to improving patient care has earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
ALEJANDRO PEDRO BULGHERONI
INDUSTRY: OIL AND GAS
COMPANY: BRIDAS CORPORATION, NAPLES FINE WINES
If you have been to Naples Fine Wines, you would know Alejandro Pedro Bulgheroni. He is an Argentine billionaire businessman in the oil and gas sector. Following his education at the University of Buenos Aires, he joined his father’s company, the Bridas Corporation, founded by the Bulgheroni family in 1948. Following expansion by the company, half of it was sold to the Chinese state-run CNOOC Group in 2010. Bulgheroni currently resides in Manantiales, Uruguay, and visits his home in Naples, Florida, during season. As of March 2022, his net worth is estimated at US$1.9 billion.
THOMAS M. MORAN
INDUSTRY: PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS, FINANCE
COMPANY: MORAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Tom Moran is Chairman, CEO and CIO of Moran Wealth Management. His commitment is to deliver the best, most comprehensive service possible. Highly respected for his experience, professional conduct, and success, Tom has received important accolades from industry giants. Tom often speaks before financial professionals and individual organizations across the U.S. on the economy and financial markets. Leading industry publications, including Barron’s and Gulfshore Business, feature Tom’s insights he has authored on a variety of financial topics. Tom and his wife of 35 years, Sandi, are particularly devoted to children’s charities and the arts.
PHILANTHROPISTS
JACK MULVENA INDUSTRY: BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: THE NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS
Jack Mulvena, CEO of Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, served for 20 years as the executive director of the Rhode Island Zoological Society and Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I. He was selected from more than 100 applicants nationwide following an extensive screening and interviewing process. Mulvena holds an MBA from the University of Rhode Island and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. Under his leadership, Roger Williams Park Zoo raised $30 million. Mulvena helped double zoo memberships to more than 16,000 households while more than doubling earned revenues to more than $6.8 million. Mulvena plans to continue growth and prosperity for the Naples Zoo as well.
MARY ASTA
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: FISCHER CENTER, MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NAPLES
Mary has an extensive history in philanthropy. As Executive VP and CEO of the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at Rockefeller University in New York City, she developed the foundation’s structure from the ground up, raising millions of research dollars as well as pro bono media dollars. She served on the board of the Gargiulo Education Center and was named its Executive Director. She has sat on the board of and advised several foundations. Mary currently serves on the board of the Montessori Academy of Naples. As a successful entrepreneur, she owns a patent-holding company, Master Poe Innovations, and has an extensive history in the entertainment and fashion worlds. In her spare time, she works with Alzheimer’s patients.
VICKI TRACY INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY, REAL ESTATE
COMPANY: GCI PROPERTIES
Vicki Tracey is a seasoned public relations and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She is currently the Senior Vice President of the Naples o ce of GCI, a global communications agency. In her role, she oversees the agency’s operations and provides strategic counsel to clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, real estate, and hospitality. Prior to joining GCI, Vicki held leadership positions at several other PR firms and worked in-house at a major healthcare organization. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and is actively involved in the community, serving on several nonprofit boards and committees.
EILEEN CONNOLLYKESSLER
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: COLLIER COUNTY
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Through grant-making and fund development, Eileen ConnollyKessler addresses community needs and exerts leadership for all of Collier County through a foundation’s mission at the Collier County Community Foundation. As President and CEO, she manages and helps maintain over 750 funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, has distributed $200 million in grants and scholarships, and continues to build great relationships for our community philanthropically statewide.
P. ROBERT CAITO AND DENA RAE HANCOCK INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY, FINANCE, PRIVATE EQUITY
Dena Rae and Robert have made Naples their full-time home since 2017. Well-known figures in the Naples community, graduates from Indiana University, this couple brings a great family presence to our city. They are involved in many philanthropic endeavors, including notable services at the Children’s Museum of Naples. Dena serves as the Senior VP of the Naples Trust Company for Wealth Service and, most recently, as the CEO of the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. Rob’s career is currently managing a growing network of private equity firms. Their leadership and service are clearly defined by a commitment to the highest goal of giving through time, talent, and treasure.
PAUL AND BARBIE HILLS
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
Chairs for the Naples Winter Wine Festival and current trustees, meet Naples residents, Paul and Barbie Hills. They have been involved with NCEF for most of its existence upholding the standard that all involved maintain. Most importantly, they strive to lift people up with encouragement and kindness. Barbie loves spending time with her husband, four children, and seven grandchildren. The Hills are actively involved with the event and continue to bring great prosperity to its event each and every year.
LEE AND PENNY ANDERSON
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
Lee and Penny Anderson, longstanding residents of Naples, Florida, hold a high level of philanthropy to their name. From a catholic background, they donated $75 million to the private, catholic University of St. Thomas near their hometown, Twin Cities in Minnesota, which adds to their additional donations totaling $140 million over the past 30 years. Lee R. Anderson, Sr. is Chairman of the APi Group of companies, which is made up of 36 separate manufacturing and fire protection companies with 160 international o ces. Their sales total in excess of $1.2 billion. Lee is also Director of Pan O’Gold “Country Hearth” Baking Company. He is the recipient of “Entrepreneur of the Year” from St. Thomas. He also holds a Doctor of Law degree from the University of St. Thomas in honorarium.
JEFF GARGIULO & VALERIE’S BOYD
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY, GARGIULO INC.
A true Naples story begins with Jeff Gargiulo and his career as a picking boss for Naples Fruit and Vegetable Company which led to his tomato sales as GM for a 500-acre tomato farm. After founding Gargiulo Inc., Jeff served as the President and CEO of Sunkist, which prompted his premium boutique winery in Napa Valley. He served as Chairman of the board of trustees at St. Leo University. Valerie Boyd mastered her career in real estate development and the banking world. She is heavily involved with the State of Florida and its charitable components. Both are founders and trustees of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.
GRACE EVENSTAD
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: DOMAINE SERENE CHATEAU
Grace Evenstad, a Naples local and resident, is the co-founder and owner of Domaine Serene, a winery located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. She and her husband, Ken Evenstad, purchased the property in 1989 and have since transformed it into an awardwinning winery known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Grace is known for her dedication to quality and sustainability. She has been recognized for her contributions to the industry both nationally and internationally. She is also known for her generous contribution to the Naples Winter Wine Festival year after year, pairing her wines with each served course.
DEVELOPERS
SCOTT LUTGERT
INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/BUILDER
COMPANY: THE LUTGERT COMPANIES
The Lutgert Companies was the first planned unit development in Florida; this became the model for residential development. Fifty years later, Chairman Scott Lutgert has helped grow 25 luxury high-rise towers, Golf Communities, and the award-winning Mercato. They have since expanded their portfolio to Lutgert Title, Lutgert Insurance and Premier Commercial Properties. Lutgert has been on the board of the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Naples Community Hospital, and the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Lutgert was awarded the Outstanding Leaders in Philanthropy with the Trustees of Naples Children and Education Foundation.
THOMAS RILEY
INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
COMPANY: THOMAS RILEY
ARTISIAN GUILD
Tom Riley founded Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild in 1991, combining his management skills, knowledge of the woodworking industry, and high standards for client service. He developed and maintains a clear mission and vision for the company by upholding his expectations for nothing less than monumental quality craftsmanship and white glove customer service. Tom takes pride not only in the products and services provided by his company, but also in the character and integrity of each and every employee in the organization. Building the company on the basic values of love and kindness, fairness and honesty, and incorporating a shoulder-to-shoulder work ethic, Tom has created a unique company culture and positive work environment.
TODD GATES
INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/BUILDER
COMPANY: GATES CONSTRUCTION
Todd Gates is the Founder and Chairman of Gates Construction and has been recognized by Collier County as “Builder of the Year.” In 1993, he founded GATES, a construction management, general contracting, design and building company with the foundation of accountability, superior craftsmanship and partnering with each client for success. Gates Construction has been involved in award-winning projects with the Ritz Carlton, The Golisano Children’s Hospital and Florida Southwestern State College. Gates believes in giving back to his community and the State of Florida, and he was inducted into the “Hall of Fame Laureate” for leadership as a role model for local youth.
JIM AND LAURA DICKSON INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
Laura and Jim Dixon started HAYNES Corporation in 1972 with Laura’s father, Laurance S. Haynes, in Jackson, Michigan. HAYNES dramatically expanded the business of manufacturing and rebuilding fuel injection systems for industrial diesel engines. Laura and Jim found their way to Naples in January of 1989 when they acquired the Bendix manufacturing plant from Bendix Allied Signal. After their arrival to Naples, Laura and Jim established many new friends through their love of golf, boating, hosting gourmet dinner parties and passion for fine wines. The Dixons have a very extensive wine collection with many wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, California and Italy and have contributed wines to numerous charities throughout the years. Jim and Laura are very philanthropically involved in the Naples Community as members of the NWWF.
BRIAN STOCK
INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/BUILDER
COMPANY: STOCK DEVELOPMENT
STOCK Development was founded in 2001 by Brian and K.C. Stock to set the standard in luxury real estate development, construction, management and ownership. STOCK has created a culture of caring to create homes and communities that clients are proud to call home. Under the leadership of CEO Brian Stock, the company has grown into premier markets and diversified its portfolio through enduring quality, exceptional service, and unparalleled integrity. Builder’s magazine named STOCK in Builder’s Top 100 national building firms. STOCK Signature Homes and STOCK Custom Homes were formed and have created one-ofa-kind unique estates in Pine Ridge Estates, Port Royal, and Pelican Bay.
ANITA LOVSE INDUSTRY: PHILANTHROPY
Anita Lovse is well known for her major philanthropic endeavors in the Naples community. She has made a major mark in the neighborhood chairing multiple events for the American Cancer Society and the Naples Zoo. Anita has hosted vintner dinners for the Naples Winter Wine Festival and supported dozens of local non profits at events year after year. On-top of all of her philanthropic e orts, Anita is the Co-CEO of SYNA Medical, LLC and owner of Medical Group Care, LLC which is a women-led company that empowers the sale of common medical supplies to fund womenled breakthroughs in cancer research.
BLAKE GABLE
INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/BUILDER
COMPANY: BARRON COLLIER COMPANIES
Blake Gable is the CEO of Barron Collier Companies, a company focused on real estate, mineral investment and development. Barron Collier was formed in 1911 by Barron Gift Collier Sr. He brought the first telephone service, railroad, newspaper and constructed the Tamiami Trail through the Everglades from the Lee County line to Dade County. Under Gable’s leadership, Barron Collier has 1.3 million square feet of commercial properties, 80,000 acres of private land holdings and has one of the largest SWFL Citrus Operations. Gable is the Chairperson of the FGCU Trustees and is involved in several conservation initiatives in Florida.
DAVID ROGERS INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/BUILDER COMPANY: NEWBURY NORTH ASSOCIATES
David Rogers is the Founder and President of Newbury North Associates, a company that has shaped the landscape of Naples for over 30 years through its meticulous detail in construction management. Newbury North merges the vision of the client, designers and architects to ensure the estate they envision becomes a well-crafted reality. Rogers states, “The strength of a company lies in the commitment and passion of its team.” Their mission is to have a hands-on approach to provide the foundation for successful projects, which leads to repeat customers. Rogers crafted the sprawling waterfront estate that sold for $62 million, the highest-priced residential sale recorded in Naples.
RANDALL STOFFT
INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/BUILDER
COMPANY: STOFFT COONEY ARCHITECTS
Randall Sto t is the Co-Founder and Principal at Sto t Cooney Architects, a leader in inspirational architecture for residential, commercial and resort projects globally, Sto t’s inspiration for his architectural design is based on the icon Frank Lloyd Wright. His career started with the esteemed firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill before launching his own firm. The Sto t Cooney vision is to provide mutual ideas, aesthetic principles, and a strong belief in the value of architecture. Sto t and his team believe in philanthropy and support The Naples Children and Education Foundation, The Shelter for Abused Women and Children and The STARability Foundation.
MARK DISABATO INDUSTRY: REAL ESTATE, DEVELOPMENT COMPANY: LIMITLESS DEVELOPMENT
Mark DiSabato, from Columbus, Ohio, brings a midwestern work ethic and passion for excellence to every project. He has developed 15,500 multi-family units, 2,500 single-story empty-nester condominiums, 1,500 townhomes, and 150 clubhouses, leased and managed 10,000 apartments, maintained strong sta performing sales, construction projects and leasing functions. With over 45 years of experience and expertise in the industry, his company Limitless Development has developed over 75 single-family homes in the Naples market. With Limitless Development, he will continue creating extraordinary lifestyle environments for all his clients.
MATTHEW KRAGH INDUSTRY: DEVELOPER/ BUILDER/ARCHITECT COMPANY:
MHK ARCHITECTURE
Matthew Kragh is the founder of MHK Architecture. He has been a practicing architect since 1998 and has been a part of shaping communities around the country. In South Florida and Naples specifically, you can see the MHK influence on nearly every city block and residential neighborhood. He and his team lead nine o ces, including the beach communities throughout Florida, the country of the Carolinas, and stretching out West to the mountains of Denver and Aspen, CO. Matthew splits his time between Naples and the Highlands North Carolina o ces. Matthew is a problem solver, accessible, and a hard worker. When he is away from his desk, he keeps busy at home helping his wife, Trista, raise their two children.
NAPLES
FROM NAPA TO NAPLES AND IN BETWEEN
Hailstone Vineyards talks business focus and passion as they release new vintages and varietals.
EVERYONE IN NAPLES KNOWS HAILSTONE VINEYARDS
as it is poured in all of Naples’ haute spots, including Campiello, Bleu Provence, Del Mar, Veranda E, Sea Salt, and Ocean Prime. The boutique vineyard based in Napa Valley is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team, Chris and Jessica Zazo.
Haute Living Naples sat down with the Zazos to talk about the past, present, and future of Hailstone Vineyards.
Haute Living: Let’s talk about your initial plan for Hailstone and if that’s changed as the winery has evolved.
Chris Zazo: It all started after tastings in Napa Valley. I originally set out to make world-class Cabernet that would be used in our Dallas-based storm restoration business as customer appreciation gifts. The wine quickly evolved into a business after praise from clients and esteemed critics alike. Hailstone Vineyards started with one blend and now produces fve wines with distribution in multiple states and a collective tasting room in Napa Valley. Our mindset toward the business has completely shifted from the origin – it’s now our main focus and passion as we look forward to continuing to release new vintages and varietals.
HL: What makes wine growing in Napa Valley so special and unique?
CZ: When we ventured into the wine business, Napa was the logical choice as it’s home to some of the best winemakers and vineyards in the world. The California landscape is so unique; we face the challenges that Mother Nature throws at us through earthquakes, droughts, and fres. Time and time again, Napa Valley overcomes the perils of weather and consistently produces amazing wine! I’m honored to work in an industry alongside so many talented people with a common goal to overcome adversity and have it shine in a bottle of wine.
HL: Jessica, what would you say sets your wines and the company apart?
Jessica Zazo: I think there are many people that can relate to what it feels like to start from nothing. When Chris started Hailstone Vineyards, he took on a lot of risk; learned from mistakes along the way – the outcome today is what I would consider an “against
all odds” success story. We are a small boutique winery with love and passion. Hailstone Vineyards is unique in a sense where our community can order of a local wine list while potentially running into us at the same restaurant. We are extremely connected to followers in both Naples and Napa because of this!
HL: Are you fnding that having your wine poured in Naples has helped grow your brand in Napa? Who are your biggest supporters?
JZ: Naples has helped our brand tremendously, not just in Napa but also into new markets like our recent expansion in Aspen, Colorado. Our Naples family is nothing short of truly amazing! We have made an incredible number of new friends here. Every one of them is so special and supportive. Our friends are always texting pictures of them with our wine - whether it be at a local restaurant or them hanging out enjoying Hailstone at home. We’ve also felt extremely supported by the professional community in Naples, including this exciting partnership with Haute Living. We enjoy interacting with local businesses here to pour our wines at their events or create special auction items to raise awareness for amazing causes. That means the world to us.
HL: What do you consider to be the greatest luxury in life?
CZ: Time is the commodity we all chase - in the busy world we live in, there is never enough time to do the things we want to do. I consider the ability to take time to prioritize the “small” things in life – like time with friends and family – to be the ultimate luxury.
JZ: Spending time with my family. My parents live here in Naples full-time. Chris and I are very close to them. I cherish every minute the four of us get to spend together. It’s always lots of laughs and such a fun time! They are our number one supporter, and they ground us. That, to me, is more than a luxury; it’s a blessing.
HL: What is next for Hailstone Vineyards?
Hailstone Vineyards: Currently, celebrating the release of three new wines! A Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. We’ve been working on something special that we will unveil this spring. It’ll be the perfect wine to enjoy al fresco dining in the summer months, yet versatile enough to sip on a boat with friends!
EXPRESSIONS OF THE SPIRIT
Emillions Art hosts a special exhibition featuring the highly Emerging Master Dario Campanile.
MARLISSA GARDNER, FOUNDER OF EMILLIONS ART, HAS ONCE again exhibited one of the most unique forms of art in her secondfoor Fifth Avenue studio. Expressions of the Spirit is her latest collection from the Italian artist Dario Campanile.
“Well known to Naples, Dario Campanile is a highly collectible artist who is able to transform the world around him,” said Marlissa Gardner. “This exhibit is a unique opportunity for collectors to witness and add to their current pieces.”
From humble beginnings in Rome, Italy, Campanile has emerged in the art world, embracing realism, surrealism, and abstract forms creating his own style and aesthetic of “Abstract Expressionism.” He has lived in the United States for the past 40 years, splitting his time in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Maui, and the Dolce Far Niente city that we all call home, Naples, Florida.
Campanile has over 60 years of artistic expression, which has been exhibited throughout the world, featured in many publications, and received countless international awards. He is unceasingly inspired by the beauty in the world and his specifc journey through art. One thing led to another with Campanile when he began his work. Like most emerging artists, they start of with a struggle which acts as their ability to succeed and
create the masterworks they later in life become known for.
At the age of 14, the artist sufered from a kidney ailment for three months. It was during this time that his father gave him a set of oil paints to cheer him up. He painted his frst still life in a short-few-days. Self-taught, he mastered the tools, and his free spirit took of. His natural gifts and instincts would take him to exciting new realms.
Meeting with Salvador Dali, he was coined the “Roman Master,” and De Chirico infuenced his work as a painter. In 1986, Campanile was commissioned to redesign and create a new logo for Paramount Pictures, a piece of art that is iconic and has graced movie theatres worldwide.
In 2005, he was invited to participate in a project called “Missing Peace,” where he met the Dali Lama at his home in India, where he posed for a portrait exhibited in the project.
After decades of painting, embracing realism, surrealism, and abstract forms often combining them into his own style, Campanile’s work has evolved into a form of abstract expressionism, which is now the artist’s main focus and passion.
Emillions Art 837 Fifth Ave S Suite 202 34102
FLY SMART, FLY NAPLES FLY SAFE,
Connecting you to Naples through an exceptional airport experience.
B Y ANNA CATHERINE BLOCKNAPLES AIRPORT IS A DEDICATED HUB FOR CONNECTING people to the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades through an exceptional airport experience. Naples Airport (APF) accommodates more than 100,000 general aviation takeofs and landings each year. Last year they serviced 200,000 passengers, with 80% of them being Naples residents. Minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, the airport provides friendly services focused on the needs of pilots and passengers. With U.S. Customs that clears international arrivals, the airport is truly a staple for the community.
The airport is home to many public services that residents may not be aware of, such as Air Ambulance, Collier EMS Med Flight and Angel Flight care providers. The Humane Society of Naples, which operates out of the airport, was a massive aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Collier County Sherif’s Ofce,
search and rescue surveillance, and patrol fights are also based at the airport. We as a community need to stand up for the Airport, recognizing all the positives it brings to our city.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the Naples Airport impacts the area greatly by supporting over 5,540 jobs and contributing over $781 million annually to the economy! No wonder they consistently rank among the top airports in the country.
Dedication and hard work make the FBO run with only topnotch service. A concierge is on-hand to handle luggage and check-in while passengers relax or work in private conference rooms. Flight crews also have space to complete full training in the pilot school and operations such as hangar storage, fueling, repair, and maintenance services.
SPACE ODYSSEY
To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Vuitton, La Fabrique du Temps has created a timepiece inspired by the limitless discovery of space.
BY ADRIENNE FAUROTELOUIS VUITTON CONTINUES ITS BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY celebration by releasing a brand-new timepiece: the Tambour Jacquemart Minute Repeater 200th Anniversary. A watch synonymous with the timelessness of the fashion Maison, the Tambour Jacquemart Minute Repeater is inspired by the infnite wonders of space. “This new Tambour Jacquemart Minute Repeater is the tribute that La Fabrique du Temps wanted to pay to Louis Vuitton,” notes Michel Navas, master watchmaker at La Fabrique du Temps. “The mechanical masterpiece explores the journey theme, our great Maison’s core expertise. It’s an odyssey comparable to that of Louis Vuitton in contemporary fne watchmaking.”
From the inside out, this Tambour radiates elements of outer space, from its futuristic design and complexities to the space storytelling that sits within the dial. Designed as a work of art for the wrist, the dial features a white-gold moving spaceship and miniature planets — both sculpted by engraver Dick Steenman — set against the backdrop of an intricate painting by Anita Porchet of the modern-day space journey. “In order to enhance the relief and depth of space, Porchet combined several techniques such as enamel miniature painting to portray the imaginary planet, opaque and transparent enamels in the nebulae surrounding the stars, [and] antique spangles making the space sky twinkle,” reveals Navas. In addition, the dial is surrounded by the Tambour’s iconic white gold and titanium case, which boasts an impressive 46.8 millimeters, giving a subtle nod to the space capsule and astronaut’s helmet.
The Tambour Jacquemart Minute Repeater is a true masterpiece of horology with its intricate design and impressive complications. In its Geneva workshop, Louis Vuitton created and assembled the hand-wound LV200 caliber, which is at the heart of the timepiece and consists of 480 components, marrying the jacquemart function with a cathedral gong minute repeater. In fact, the French term “jacquemart” refers to a mechanical fgure that strikes a bell; thus, on the dial of this Tambour, nine jacquemarts step in. With the push of a button, the rocket takes of, revealing diamond passengers in its cockpit; the planets spin while the Monogram fower rotation is followed by the movement of two shooting stars — a moment that transcends Louis Vuitton into space. The movement can also be admired from the back of the case through sapphire crystal revealing the movement components, colored in the same blue as the dial. And while this timepiece honors the visionary and founder of the Maison, it also launches the timepiece into the 21st century, with Jean Arnault at the helm of leadership.
HAUTE COMPLICATION
Introducing the new Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300/400G in white gold.
BY ADRIENNE FAUROTENEAR THE END OF 2022, PATEK PHILIPPE RELEASED FOUR new grand complications on the heels of its other jawdropping Nautilus release. The latest grand complications continue to showcase Patek Philippe’s unparalleled craftsmanship in blending haute horology and haute joaillerie to create the ultimate time masterpieces. Setting the bar incredibly high as the most complicated wristwatch in Patek Philippe’s repertoire, the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300/400G radiates in a white gold Haute Joaillerie iteration with over 400 (409, to be exact) 31.35-carat, baguette-cut diamonds and an invisible setting.
Inside, the timepiece is powered by the manually wound mechanical movement: Caliber 300 GS AL 36-750 QIS FUS IRM. Marrying the worlds of precious diamonds with mechanical sophistication, this Grandmaster features 20 complications;
among those are fve chiming modes, including two patented world exclusives: an alarm with a time strike and a date repeater. The double-faced reversible case features a patented rotation mechanism allowing the wearer to choose which dial — the time or calendar side — is visible.
There’s no denying that this is an exquisite timepiece. The dial on the time side is designed in a sleek, ebony black opaline with Breguet numerals and a hand-guilloched hobnail pattern. Flip the watch, and on the calendar side, you will also fnd an ebony black opaline dial with 18-karat solid gold dial plates. The 49.4-millimeter white gold case is set with 387 baguette-cut diamonds, with 22 baguette-cut diamonds dancing around the bezel. The piece is ftted with a sophisticated alligator leather strap to further complement the sparkle of the diamonds and the depth of the ebony black dial.
SKY HIGH
Grand Seiko unveils two new Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary limited editions inspired by the skies of Mount Iwate.
BY ADRIENNE FAUROTETO CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS CALIBER 9S, Grand Seiko released two new timepieces that sport the same case design and diameter as the original watch that housed the 9S movement: the SBGH311 and the SBGR325.
When Caliber 9S debuted in 1998, it was synonymous with Grand Seiko’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of high accuracy and boundary-pushing technological advancements in watchmaking. Ushering a new era for the brand’s mechanical watchmaking, Caliber 9S set a new precedent.
Throughout the last two decades, the original Caliber 9S has evolved into a series of movements with diferent functions, featuring new alloys for both the main and balance springs and MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) engineering, which allows critical components to be manufactured to a tolerance of one-thousandth of a millimeter. Ultimately, these evolutions became the platform on which Grand Seiko mechanical movements are built, leading to the creation of the revolutionary Caliber 9SA5 in 2020.
Adhering to the Grand Seiko design ethos, both of the new timepieces draw inspiration from nature — specifcally, the varying elements of the skies over Mount Iwate. The SBGH311
features a textured dial that portrays the density of the clouds through a sleek, gray monochromatic look. Through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the Grand Seiko emblem is revealed; it is set into the titanium oscillating weight, whose color is achieved by an anodic oxidation process exclusively designed to mimic the deep-blue sky above the sea of clouds that surrounds Mount Iwate’s peak. Inside, the timepiece is equipped with the Hi-Beat 36000 automatic mechanical Caliber 9S85, hand-assembled by the highly trained craftsmen and women of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi; it has an average accuracy rate of +5 to -3 seconds per day and delivers a power reserve of 55 hours.
In contrast to the SBGH311, the SBGR325 radiates with a vibrant light-blue dial representing the clear skies of Mount Iwate. But similar to the SBGH311, this timepiece also features the seconds hand in a cobalt blue and the Grand Seiko logo in a gold color, commemorating the 9S movement. On the back, you can fnd the oscillating weight in the signature Grand Seiko blue color created by the same anodic oxidation process as the former. Finally, the timepiece is powered by Caliber 9S65, which has an average daily rate of +5 to -3 seconds per day and a three-day power reserve.
EVERY MOMENT MATTERS
Glashütte Original expands its Pano Collection with the new PanoMaticCalendar, making history for the brand as its first annual calendar.
BY GABRIEL PESSOAGLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL’S NEW PANOMATICCALENDAR IS designed to celebrate both the great and small victories in life. The latest creation from the German luxury watchmaker is dedicated to the special moments, whether they are the great and small highlights or the extraordinary and everyday encounters.
Glashütte Original presents the new PanoMaticCalendar in an elegant yet original manner, with modern mechanics, as it introduces a new movement and complication for the Pano Collection. The 42-millimeter model is ofered in two styles: red gold (with a silver opaline dial and ftted with a brown alligator leather strap) or a limited edition in platinum (equipped with a skeletonized galvanic black dial that is paired with a matching strap).
The German watchmaker’s latest timepiece presents a new manufactory movement developed in-house, celebrating its premiere in two versions at once: as Caliber 92-09 in the red gold version and as Caliber 92-10 in the partially skeletonized platinum model. Both movements are plated in rhodium — the limited edition is particularly striking as the galvanization coats it in an elegant shade of black. Whatever its appearance, the new automatic movement serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to modern mechanics. The retrograde month display combines contemporary design with complex mechanics. It can be easily set, just like the date, via the crown. In the heart of the watch, the month wheel rests on a ball bearing, ensuring reduced friction and, thus, in the long run, proving the timepiece can survive all of life’s moments.
AVIATION LEGACY
Longines launches the new Longines Pilot Majetek.
BY ADRIENNE FAUROTEunparalleled heritage. A brand long committed to the sophistication of performance as well as an evolving elegance, Longines has been synonymous with ofcial timekeeping in the world’s most prestigious sporting events. In that same pioneering spirit, aviation has been in Longines’ DNA for more than 100 years, and to celebrate its connection to aviation and its pilot’s watch, the 1935 Longines Majetek Reference 3582, the watchmaker released the new Longines Pilot Majetek.
Taking inspiration from the frst Majetek, a military watch used by Czechoslovakian pilots during World War II, the new Longines Pilot Majetek has maintained some of the original’s key elements. The timepiece features the same distinctive Arabic numerals as the original, but it also has new, streamlined luminescent baton hands and incorporates modern design elements, like the larger case size of 43 millimeters. In this case, we think bigger is better. On the
outside of the enlarged, cushion-shaped steel case at 9 o’clock, there is a ftted commemorative plate marked “1935,” a nod to the year the original was manufactured. Another noteworthy update: on the 1935 model, the bezel and crystal with the marker rotated as a unit, but on the new model, the fuorescent “starting time indicator” is displayed under the sapphire glass, from which it is independent, and above the dial. The sapphire crystal glass is fxed in order to adhere to the new case’s water resistance of 100 meters.
The dial itself is quite stunning, with the contrast between the matte black dial and the white Arabic numerals coated with SuperLumiNova old radium highlighted by the railway minute marker, ensuring ultimate legibility. At the heart of the timepiece beats the exclusive Longines L893.6 caliber, equipped with a magnetically resistant silicon balance spring. In addition, the movement has a power reserve of up to 72 hours, keeping accurate time even when not worn for a few days.
AFTER ITS DEBUT IN 2007, THE FERRARI 599 SERIES QUICKLY became one of the most exclusive lineups produced by the legendary manufacturer. The series features the 599 GTB, the rare 599 GTO, and the ultra-rare 599XX. While the GTB has the highest production numbers by a good margin, the 2009 599 GTB pictured above says the opposite. This example is unique as it is equipped with a 6-speed gated manual, one of only 30 examples worldwide to feature this transmission. The rarity of this machine cannot be understated as it matches the production numbers of the 599XX, which is limited to just 29 units worldwide. Furthermore, this GTB features the same 6.0L V12 engine that can be found in the Ferrari Enzo. It produces a staggering 612 horsepower, capable of reaching a top speed of 208 miles per hour. Its exterior features fawless Nero paint, which is beautifully paired with a Natural colored interior. This one-of-akind machine is of showroom quality and deserves a front-row seat in your collection. Inquire today at classichemotorcars.com
YOU ARE TO BE FORGIVEN IF THE NAME PININFARINA RINGS a bell, but you can’t quite place any of their earlier cars. There’s a simple answer – they have been creating designs and fabricating bodies for some of the most beautiful cars in the world, but the glory for those cars goes to the name on the hood ornament, most notably Ferrari and Aston Martin as Pininfarina didn’t produce cars until now. And, boy, was it worth the wait!
First, let’s see a little history. Pinin Farina was the youngest (and probably the shortest) member of the Farina family. His given name was Battista Farina, but he was called “Pinin,” the term of
endearment for the youngest and smallest family member, and, at fve foot even, he was both. In 1930, the Farina family was already involved with creating car bodies, and Pinin did that for some time and then created his own company, calling it “Pininfarina” to diferentiate it from his family’s “Farina” brand. Flash forward several years, he had had a hand in creating many aspects of the most beautiful works of rolling art ever made, which were sold under the more-famous names, like Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Cadillac, Fiat, Hispano-Suiza, Maserati, Peugeot, Rolls-Royce and others. Pininfarina’s designs and bodies graced some of the top cars in the world. For the last forty years, they’ve also had their hand in the designs of buses, trains, yachts, airplanes and private jets, so they’ve been busy with many conveyances.
Let’s look at the company’s eforts over the past few years. In 2015, Mahindra (the multinational car frm based in India) bought over 75% of Pininfarina and decided to create a hypercar under the nameplate of Automobili Pininfarina, and they christened the car “Battista”. Using the basic workings utilized by the Rimac Nevera (Rimac is the fast-growing Croatian automobile and hightech company founded in 2009 and which, as of 2021, owns 55% of Bugatti), the all-electric Battista is a force to be reckoned with. I frst saw the completed model of the car in 2018, when it was on a roadshow to impress potential buyers and prospective investors, and it was gorgeous. It was not an operating vehicle at that time but the ft and fnish of the body were superb and its style unique and stunning. It had its formal unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2019, but it wasn’t until very recently that I could see -- and drive! -- the fnished product. I was amazed at how much it looked like the 2018 model; so many cars lose their special touches when it comes to production realities, but the living and breathing
(more on that below) Battista was stunning and was an unbelievable performer to drive.
There’s a certain reality to a car’s design, where “form follows function” is clearly the phrase of the day if you hope to be able to go from zero to sixty miles per hour in under 2.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 miles per hour (both of which metrics the Battista achieves). The hypercar needs a design that cuts through the wind but doesn’t become airborne at high speeds. Though I stayed well below the top speed (I was on Mulholland Highway and Pacifc Coast Highway, after all), I can assure you that the acceleration numbers are accurate, and the top speed seems eminently doable.
The car is a very interesting and successful combination of beauty, comfort, performance and intrigue. It clearly has the stance of a champion, and it drew a big crowd wherever we stopped, no doubt because the misty green/gold paint radiated in the sun and because the car’s sound at “idle” (stand-by?) is completely unique. Let’s start with the sound.
Sound engineers play a big role with electric cars since those vehicles are inherently quiet – no exhaust sounds, no fan noise, no internal combustion engine (“ICE”) sucking in fuel and exploding it. The Battista’s engineers had two very interesting design goals –to give the car a “personality,” a signature sound that was unlike any other, and to provide the driver and passenger the aural feedback that, like an internal-combustion vehicle, makes more noise the faster it’s going and the more power that is being created. Investing a reported 2,000 hours in the process, sampling and combining all types of sounds, they’ve achieved their goals.
The frst goal they achieved by using the sound frequency related to the sound of Tibetan singing bowls. The Battista uses a 54 Hz sound, which is three octaves lower than that of the Tibetan bowls (432 Hz), and that sound is not only audible from outside the car, but you can feel it when you touch the car when it’s on, as it literally is humming through the carbon fber body. The Pininfarina folks not only wanted a sound that was unique but one which would increase the feeling of well-being by the driver. I can’t opine on how successful the car was at making me feel better but driving a $2,200,000 1,900HP hypercar on some of the best driver’s roads in the world had me feeling pretty, pretty good, even without factoring in the sound!
The second goal was very interesting, too, as ICE-powered cars mostly whine and growl in a way which is directly related to
the power being expended and the acceleration and speed being achieved. What the Battista sound magicians did was create a sound which becomes somewhat louder and higher-pitched the more power that was being utilized and the faster the car was going. For those of us from the past millennium, where analog was king, driving an electric car that provided feedback which is directly related to the performance was a very welcome addition.
With this background in mind, you can imagine my delight in not only spending the day with the car but also having lunch with the team: Paolo Dellachà, Chief Product and Engineering Ofcer; Dave Amantea, Chief Design Ofcer; and Franziska Queling, Global Head of Public Relations. It is such a treat for me to be able to visit with the creators of amazing art and have them point out the features and design cures that were important for them in their work. Time with them added immeasurably to the joy of the day!
So, what’s it like to drive? First, one is frmly ensconced in a plethora of leathers, metals and carbon fbers which resemble a fghter cockpit designed by a high-end interior designer. The controls are easy to understand and operate, and all are laid out well for the driver. The seats are beautiful, comfortable and supportive, necessary criteria to meet when rocketing through the canyons. And the whole package together makes it easy to feel at one with the Battista (cue the Tibetan singing bowls here).
With 300+ HP electric motors on each of the front wheels and around 600+ HP electric motors on each of the rear wheels (let that sink in for a minute), the car is capable of some magic tricks, like slowing the inside wheels and speeding up the outside wheels on a corner to improve turn-in and overall handling. The efect is uncanny as the car feels like it’s on rails and seems as sure-footed as a panther.
As if anyone who bought a Battista would be concerned about range anxiety (since they also could have a chase truck (or helicopter) with a generator on board), it gets an estimated 300 miles on a charge. As only 150 Battistas are slated to be built, you likely won’t see one on the road very often.
My time with the Battista was coming to a close, and, try as I might, I could not extend the drive or take a quick run to San Francisco (from LA, at top speed with no trafc, that would take about one hour and forty-fve minutes). One thing’s for sure – my Tibetan bowl would have been singing mightily on that run! Bravo Pininfarina!
2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
BY TIM LAPPENINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEYS WILL TELL YOU THAT WHEN a brand reaches the upper echelons of success, its trademark can attain a secondary meaning. The name “Rolls-Royce” achieved that success decades ago, so a product tagline that says “the Rolls-Royce of [fll in the blank]” tells the consumer that the product is extremely well designed, is made of high-quality materials, will stand the test of time, and will be the best there is. (Note: If that product is made by someone who doesn’t have a license from Rolls-Royce to use the name, that will not be a very long-standing or confictfree marketing campaign.) Throughout its storied career ― since its founding over 115 years ago ― Rolls-Royce has earned a welldeserved reputation as the creator of the most elegant and wellbuilt of cars, many of which are still on the road today.
Of course, I knew that when I was ofered a loan of the latest Rolls-Royce model, a Black Badge Ghost edition, I was in for a treat. I would get to drive a beautiful car that was well made, fun to drive, solid, high-performing, and reliable. I experienced that, and then some.
The Ghost is one of four Rolls-Royce models for sale today ― the other three being the larger and more imperial Phantom (an elegant and B-I-G four-door sedan, often chaufeur-driven), the Cullinan (the most sophisticated of SUVs), and the Spectre coupe. All are distinctive and stunning and achieve their purposes beautifully. The Ghost is the four-door sedan that is often driven by the owner, not a chaufeur, and is the smallest of the current Rolls-Royce sedans, though it’s by no means a small car. It is roughly the size of a BMW 7 series sedan (six inches longer but almost the identical height and width), but the two don’t share looks, interiors or even power plants. The Black Badge Ghost is the “bad boy” of Ghosts, as the Black Badge package (at $43,850) brings with it a blacked-out and illuminated grille, black rims, black Spirit of Ecstasy (the hood ornament), and a handful of other noir delights.
When the car arrived, I was immediately struck by its imposing presence. The car exudes quality and stature and, with “mine” being a stunning gray with shiny black trim, it looked at once classic and modern, which may be the motto of the Black Badge Rollers. Where once the shiniest of chrome was “de rigueur,” now dark trim, a dark
grille (which is beautifully illuminated), dark wheels, and dark window surrounds abound. I should have suspected that my Rolls was going to be a performer when I saw that the color was called “Burnout Grey.” (What, you thought Poupon Grey would be more ftting?)
But wait, there’s more. The Black Badge also bumps the horsepower and torque above those specs in the standard Ghost, and Rolls-Royce states this will move the stately sedan from 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds. That is a remarkable feat: The car weighs in at about 5,600 pounds, yet the acceleration could beat most hot rods from the 1960s. (Two other diferences are that the Rolls also handles and stops!) All Ghosts sport a twin-turbo V-12 motor but, at 592 horsepower, the Black Badge puts out about 30 horsepower more than the standard Ghost power plant.
The base price (a difcult choice of words, as nothing about this car is “base”) is $393,500, but mine was the benefciary of a very liberal ordering clerk and had options totaling about $93,000. With destination, handling, and gas guzzler taxes, the window sticker was $492,250.
I suspect that most Black Badge owners drive theirs as I did, as the car is so responsive and ― surprising to many ― handles really well. The mileage may vary (as they say), but I was getting about 15 mpg. (If that’s really important to you, check out my upcoming article on the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the all-electric beauty that’s just been announced.) Some of the special features on my car are included in the Black Badge package, such as lambswool foot mats (my wife’s favorite), but most ― such as high-gloss interior veneer, contrast stitching for the R-R insignia on the headrests, body-colored grille, etc. ― really seem mandatory if one were to buy a Rolls-Royce.
My week with this beauty came to an end much too quickly. I enjoyed driving it on a short trip to Newport Beach as well as on the roads and freeways around Los Angeles. I was comfortable driving and parking the Black Badge and was grateful for the numerous cameras, which produced a terrifc view of front, back, and side. But mostly, I enjoyed the pure luxury of driving a gorgeous machine that felt safe, comfortable, responsive, and elegant everywhere I went.
Thank you, Rolls-Royce, for over a century of luxury, class, elegance, and beauty on four wheels.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS, NA, LLC2023 Range Rover SV
Landy rides again.
BY TIM LAPPENLET’S START BY CLEARING UP A FEW THINGS: THE COMPANY’S name is Land Rover, not Range Rover, and it has been building virtually indestructible vehicles since 1947. According to the company, the frst Land Rover was designed using a stick to draw an outline of the vehicle in the sand on the beach (no doubt explaining the “svelte profle” of the earliest models). This British workhorse made a name for itself with a number of overland ventures, typically with lots of things (shovels, extra fuel, tarps, and innumerable other essentials) lashed to its fanks.
The Range Rover model was introduced to the Land Rover lineup in 1970, but it wasn’t formally introduced to the U.S. until the late 1980s. (Cars brought to America before then were “gray market” cars that weren’t really authorized to be here.) It’s hard to believe, but those early versions were very utilitarian, with vinyl and plastic interiors and generally made to be washed out with a garden hose!
The company started as part of the Rover Company. It was then acquired by British Leyland Motor Corporation, BMW, and Ford before Tata Motors of India bought Jaguar Land Rover in 2008.
Land Rover still makes its basic Land Rover vehicles, though there are several iterations of them today. But the most luxurious vehicles in its lineup are the Range Rovers. I am pleased to tell you here about one of the most luxurious Range Rovers around: the Range Rover SV (from Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations group), which I had the absolute pleasure of borrowing for much of my trip to the most recent Monterey Car Week, including my time at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
One thing’s for sure: the new Range Rover is about as sleek as they come. It resembles the 1940s version of the Land Rover as much as the frst human life slithering out of the miasma swamp resembles Don Draper on Madison Avenue. It’s available in the standard and extended wheelbase (both have 523 horsepower and hit 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, though the extended wheelbase is about 8 inches longer and can be ftted with seating for seven people).
The frst thing you notice is that the door handles now sit fush with the doors. Along with the clean-line design of the body panels front, aft, side, and top, it seems that a wind tunnel study mandated that even the smallest protrusion would have to be eliminated.
Next is the stance. The car sits tall (about 73 inches) and proud, on wheels that are available up to 23” (all the better to ford the nearest stream or traverse a damp Starbucks parking lot). The larger wheels add a perfect balance to the tall body, and even the wheel well arches are a good size, allowing the Range Rover to display its great proportions.
Open the driver’s door and prepare to be impressed. Leather, leather everywhere, with a great dash design that is much more luxury car-like than what you’d fnd in a truck. In fact, that’s the main
thing that comes to mind: it’s a lot more like an elegant car than a utility vehicle, notwithstanding its impressive of-road cred, which allows it to climb hills which are improbably steep (a few years ago, a Range Rover climbed the 999 steps of the awesome Heaven’s Gate in China, an incline with a reputed 45-degree angle) and then proceed with equal sure-footedness on the descent. The advertised wading depth is a hefty 3 feet (when the words “atmospheric river” are part of your weather forecast, you will appreciate that metric). The clearances permitted by the angles of approach (how the front of the vehicle clears a hill when frst starting a climb) and departure (how the tail of the vehicle clears the hill it’s about to fnish descending) are impressive, too, at 24 inches and 22.3 inches, respectively ― unheard of in vehicles made for street use. And when set to of road, the clearances allowed by the approach and departure angles increase impressively to 34.6 inches and 29 inches, respectively. If you are concerned about your ability to navigate a steep descent, no problem — choose the driving mode “Hill Descent Control” and let the car choose the acceleration and, more importantly, the braking amounts to maintain optimum control.
Speaking of of-road chops, the Range Rover has a lot of tricks it can play with its suspension, traction, power, and transmission ranges. Of course, you can change ride height, which is great when you want to lower the car to let people in or out or load cargo or raise the car when driving of road. You can also choose various settings to make the ride softer or frmer. The transmission ofers settings from comfort to sport and a few in between, which is convenient for driving in snowy or icy conditions. And some settings, such as “Dynamic Mode,” simultaneously adjust suspension, throttle response, transmission shift points, and even the responsiveness of the steering.
With a base price of $201,500 for the standard wheelbase Range Rover ($226,500 for the long wheelbase model), the price is up there with the competition — Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX, and their ilk all have versions priced similarly. Ticking the order boxes on a standard wheelbase Range Rover to make it “nicely appointed” can lead to a sticker price north of $215,000, but that would include items like laminate acoustic glass (to make the cabin quieter while driving), fancier paint, special wheels, and more. (By the way, if you really want to hit the stratosphere in terms of price, go for one of the 17 Range Rover SV Carmel Editions, which I saw unveiled at Pebble Beach — they are gorgeous and priced at $345,000, though buyers were invited to purchase them at Range Rover dealers, so you’re probably too late to get one now.)
I loved my time with the high-end Landy and was happy with every driving condition I encountered. I was very pleasantly surprised by how quiet and elegant it was, in addition to its copious amounts of power, excellent handling, and great braking. Land Rover’s decision to have the Range Rover extend into the luxury space was a good move, and they’ve done a great job of building a vehicle that is well up to the challenge
GARDEN OF GUCCI
This summer, indulge in Gucci’s most iconic handbag styles in their most vibrant hues yet. The signature silhouettes give a nod to the house’s heritage styles — the Jackie 1961, Horsebit 1955, and the Bamboo 1947 – celebrating the iconic archival references while also catapulting them into a fresh, flowering era. From the Jackie 1961 in bold variations of green and exotic orange python to the Bamboo 1947 in baby blue and Horsebit 1955 in bright red leather, these are the blooming bags in the garden of Gucci.
FASHION & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ADRIENNE FAUROTE
PHOTOGRAPHY
JEFFREY WESTBROOK
PROP STYLIST
CHRISTINE MOTTAU
All bags available at select Gucci stores nationwide and gucci.com
DIAMOND DAZE
For the Dior CD Diamond capsule collection, Dior Men’s Artistic Director Kim Jones revisits the signature design motif created by Marc Bohan in 1974: the “CD” initials in an incredibly sleek and graphic diamond shape. Today, the CD Diamond has evolved into a mesmerizing design woven throughout the exclusive capsule collection, from being printed on shorts and embroidered on sweatshirts to adorning the Saddle bag and Dior Hit the Road backpack in a new navy hue.
BY: ADRIENNE FAUROTEPHOTOGRAPHY: BRETT LLOYD
GROOMING: DIOR BEAUTY
ALL CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES BY DIOR MEN
Jacket, $2,700; Shirt, $1,200; CD Diamond R2I Sunglasses $730; available at all Dior Men boutiques and dior.com
Sweatshirt, $1,200; Hit the Road Mini Bag, $1,650; available at all Dior Men boutiques and dior.com
Jacket, $2,700; Shirt, $1,200; Pants, $1,200; B101 Tennis Shoes, $820; Lingot 50 Bag, $3,300; available at all Dior Men boutiques and dior.com
Jacket, $1,950; Shirt, $690; Pants, $850; B101 Slip-On Shoes, $850; Lingot 26 Bag, $2,600; available at all Dior Men boutiques and dior.com
Shirt, $1,800; Pants, $850; B101 Slip-On Shoes, $850; CD Diamond S5I Sunglasses $660; Mini Rider Sling Bag, $2,100; available at all Dior Men boutiques and dior.com
TOUCH OF GLAM
MEET THE JERRY SANDAL: SAINT LAURENT’S NEW SUMMER SHOE PROVING THE PERFECT PARTY SHOE EXISTS. THE STRAPPY SATIN SANDAL IS EMBELLISHED WITH PRECIOUS “Y,” “S,” AND “L” RHINESTONES AND TWO RHINESTONE BUCKLES TO ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR TO THIS SEASON’S MUSTHAVE FOOTWEAR.
FIT FOR A KING
LORO PIANA IS REDEFINING THE VALUE OF PREMIUM LUXURY WITH ITS NEW AUTHENTICITY AND TRACEABILITY INITIATIVE CERTIFIED BY THE AURA BLOCKCHAIN CONSORTIUM.
BY ADRIENNE FAUROTELoro Piana is the epitome of an “if you know, you know” type of luxury brand. It is a brand dedicated to quintessential quality and unparalleled excellence;thus, when one invests in a Loro Piana piece, one understands its inherent value, ultimately developing an emotional connection to that piece.
Timed to the highly anticipated opening of its new Palo Alto store, Loro Piana revealed its latest initiative with the Aura Blockchain Consortium, a group founded with the mission of authenticity, responsible sourcing, and sustainability in a secure digital format within the luxury community. Loro Piana’s new authenticity and traceability service allows its clientele to fully immerse themselves in the intricate world of the company’s production of its most precious fibers, including The Gift of Kings.
“Loro Piana is a love story,” explains Giulio Bergamaschi, the strategic missions director at Loro Piana. “We are in love with the fibers that we produce at Loro Piana — one of those being The Gift of Kings, our dearest fiber. It is the thinnest wool in the world from the merino sheep, measuring at just 12 microns (for reference, our hair is 60 microns), and took over 30 years to perfect.” In fact, The Gift of Kings got its name from kings in Holland, England, and France who were gifted the world’s most delicate fibers as luxurious, honorable gifts.
Today, Loro Piana gives the gift of traceability to its client. “We achieve this emotional sensation of owning a Loro Piana piece by controlling the value chain, from fiber selection and [creation] to elevating the fibers into a masterpiece. At the same time as we control the chain and innovation, we are enhancing and preserving nature,” notes Bergamaschi. Using a QR code to integrate the blockchain into Loro Piana’s rich heritage of storytelling allows clients to be a part of the journey in understanding the steps of production, to have the opportunity for authentication services and ownership, and ultimately to transmit the know-how to the next generation.
MUSE THE
For the Louis Vuitton Women’s Spring-Summer 2023 Collection, Nicolas Ghesquière has redefined his muse. Looking through a new, modern lens of what femininity means to the Maison, Ghesquière explores new proportions of dramatic silhouettes and enlarged details, like the oversized zippers, to create a new narrative for the Louis Vuitton woman.
FASHION DIRECTOR ADRIENNE FAUROTE
PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY CARDOZO
STYLIST KELLY BROWN
VIDEOGRAPHER LUCIEN SIROIS
HAIRSTYLIST MARCELINO AT CREATIVE MANAGEMENT
MAKEUP ARTIST TINA ECHEVERRI AT ARTIST MANAGEMENT
MANICURIST SHERWIN HORA
MODELS ELLA PETRUSHKO AT FORD MODELS, RAE RODRIGUEZ AT IMG MODELS
STUDIO DIRECTOR JENNY QUINN AT DC&CO STUDIOS
PHOTO ASSISTANT & DIGITECH JP CUNNINGHAM & ALEX LARSON
STYLIST ASSISTANT KAYLA PERNO
SHOT ON LOCATION AT PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI
UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
LV Volt One pendant, yellow gold and diamond
LV Volt One pendant, white gold and diamond
LV Volt One ring, yellow gold and diamond
Louis Vuitton has just released stunning new pieces in the LV Volt Fine Jewelry collection that further serve as symbols of the universal vocabulary within the Louis Vuitton brand. First imagined in 2020 by the Maison’s artistic director for jewelry and watches, Francesca Amfitheatrof, the collection continues to evolve, pushing stereotypical jewelry boundaries and ultimately creating versatile, everyday pieces. Conceived as a leitmotif, the signature “L” and “V” intertwine their clean lines to create an abstract and architectural motif in which the two initials become the empowering graphic language used throughout the collection.
Amfitheatrof has reimagined iconic pieces within the collection, like the LV Volt Play bracelets, which now are featured in two sizes in 18-karat yellow gold and as interchangeable bracelets with an innovative braid of sparkling yellow-gold threads with red or black polyamide fibers. The collection also introduces pieces now set with diamonds on the pendants and ear studs in white or yellow gold, as well as a vocabulary of new shapes and handpolished indentations in the precious metal that echo the shape of the iconic LV initials.
BY: ADRIENNE FAUROTE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY: JEAN-BAPTISTE MONDINO STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIPPE LACOMBELV Volt One earring, yellow gold and diamonds
LV Volt Curb Chain bracelet, large model, yellow gold
LV Volt Curb Chain bracelet, yellow gold, LV Volt One ring, yellow gold and diamonds
LV Volt One ring, yellow gold and diamonds
LV Volt One ring, white gold and diamond
LV Volt Multi bracelets, yellow gold
LV Volt Multi bracelets, white gold
LV Volt Play bracelet, yellow gold, interchangeable cord woven with yellow gold and black polyamide fibers
LV Volt Play bracelet, yellow gold, interchangeable cord woven with yellow gold and red polyamide fibers
LV Volt One earrings, yellow gold and diamonds
LV Volt Curb Chain necklace, yellow gold
LV Volt One pendants, yellow gold and diamonds
LV Volt One ring, yellow gold and diamonds
Top: CHANEL High Jewelry
Rising Star earrings in white gold, diamonds, pink sapphires, and blue sapphires, price available upon request; available at select CHANEL boutiques nationwide and 800-550-0005
Middle: CHANEL High Jewelry
Pink Sunset ring in yellow gold, diamonds, pink sapphires, yellow sapphires, orange garnets, and pink spinels, price available upon request; available at select CHANEL boutiques nationwide and 800-550-0005
Bottom: CHANEL High Jewelry
Lucky Star ring in yellow gold, diamonds, yellow sapphires, black spinels, lacquer, and enamel, price available upon request; available at select CHANEL boutiques nationwide and 800-550-0005
THE 2023 HAUTE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
BY LAURA SCHREFFLER AND ADRIENNE FAUROTE1. Bulgari Divas’ Dream watch in rose gold with amethyst and tourmaline and mother-of-pearl dial, $38,800; bulgari.com and 1-800-28504274
2. Lyma Laser, $2,695; lyma.life 3. CHANEL 22 Hobo bag Spring-Summer 2023 in shiny calfskin and metal, $4,700; CHANEL boutiques nationwide and 800-550-0005 4. Cartier Oud Vanillé Les Heures Voyageuses, $355; cartier.com 5. Venus et Fleur 12 long-stemmed roses in an Aphrodite porcelain vase, $459;venusetfleur.com 6. CHANEL Rouge Coco Baume in 928 Pink Delight, $45; chanel.com 7. Louis Vuitton Capucines BB, $7,000; select Louis Vuitton stores, louisvuitton.com, and 866-884-8866
8. Jimmy Choo Azia 110 fuchsia satin sandals, $850; jimmychoo.com 9. Hermès Montre Kelly, boîtier et bracelet en acier Kelly watch, case, and bracelet in steel, price upon request; hermes.com 10. Harry Winston Forget-Me-Not Diamond Lariat necklace set in platinum, price upon request; harrywinston.com and 1-800-988-4110 11. Perrier-Jouët 120 Years Limited Edition Gift Box Belle Époque Brut (2014 vintage), $190; perrier-jouet.com
12. Ti any & Co. Elsa Peretti® Medium Bone cu with a white finish over copper, 61 mm wide, $950; select Ti any & Co. locations, ti any.com, and 800-843-3269 13. Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase, $52, 500; vacheron-constantin.com 14. Louis Vuitton Tambour Fiery Heart Automata High Watchmaking watch, 42 mm in 18k rose gold with enamel and miniature paintings of dial, heart, and roses, $370,000; select Louis Vuitton stores, louisvuitton.com, and 866-884-8866 15. FENDI Baguette multicolor canvas bag with FF embroidery, $3,290; fendi.com 16. La Collection Privée Christian Dior Hair Mist in scents Gris Dior, Rose Kabuki, and Oud Rosewood, $100; dior.com 17. Gucci mid-heel slide in black satin with crystals, $1,490; select Gucci stores nationwide and gucci.com 18. The Macallan Perfect Serve Gift Set, $2,000; themacallan.com 19. Dior Large Book Tote, $3,300; dior.com 20. Ladurée Arabesque gift box, $149; laduree.us 21. Dom Pérignon 2013 vintage, $260; domperignon.com 22. The Magnolia Collection Carry-On Pro in Purple Icing, $345; monos.com
the best of naples
WHERE TO WINE AND DINE IN THE LAP OF LUXURY IN THIS BEAUTIFUL DOLCE FAR NIENTE, ONE-OF-A-KIND CITY.
BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCKNaples, Florida – serenity, sunshine, and sophistication – is home to world-class resorts, white sand beaches, and beautiful neighborhoods with high-end shopping and dining. This city has an atmosphere of elegance and affluence. Naples is rife with culture, chock-full of high-end eateries, and rampant with philanthropy. Naples philanthropically grosses numbers in the tens of millions yearly on top of being the most laid-back yet hedonistic vibe in all of Southwest Florida. We’re here to help you navigate the best of the best of this Dolce Far Niente, one-of-a-kind city.
HauteTRAVEL
FROM SANDY BEACHES TO SKI SLOPES, A NEAPOLITAN’S GUIDE TO VAIL!
Despite being vastly different in terms of climate and scenery, Vail and Naples share a mutual passion for opulence, culture, high-end shopping and dining, exceptional experiences for tourists, and a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of their surroundings.
BY ARIANA WINOKURLocated in the Rocky Mountains, Vail is a world-renowned ski resort town with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. It is known for its majestic mountain views, pristine forests, and fresh mountain air, with conservation initiatives to protect its landscape. Similarly, Naples is famous for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, wildlife, and lush tropical vegetation, attracting nature enthusiasts.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Vail Ski Resort’s winter wonderland o ers more than just skiing, including an enchanting European alpine village with luxury shops like Gorsuch, a high-end ski and clothing store. After a day on the slopes, relax at one of the numerous après-ski destinations. Popular dining spots include Fall Line, Matsuhisa Vail, La Tour and Sweet Basil. For upscale nightlife, try Root & Flower.
After a day of outdoor activities, unwind at luxurious spas like Arrabelle and Four Seasons Resort Vail. Relax in front of the fire in your sprawling chalet for a cozy and intimate evening. Soak in a jacuzzi under the stars while sipping champagne and watch the snowflakes gently fall around you for the epitome of romance, the perfect way to cap o an adventure-filled day.
By visiting Vail, Neapolitans can experience a di erent kind of natural beauty while still enjoying the luxurious amenities and sense of community they appreciate here in Southwest Florida. So pack your bags, grab your skis, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Vail, Colorado!
BELOVED NAPLES WELCOMES PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE
Introducing Paul Fleming’s newest culinary experience in downtown Naples.
BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCKIt’s o cial! Paul Fleming Restaurants has launched Naples’ hautest, latest and greatest restaurant concept in downtown Naples just steps from the world-famous Fifth Avenue South. PJK Neighborhood Chinese specializes in scratch-made coastal Chinese. Paul Fleming and his wife, Jody Goodenough-Fleming, are no strangers to the industry. Specialty dishes showcase a mix of traditional and modern Asian flavors, with all dishes and sauces prepared daily using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Executive Chef Kayla Pfei er is passionate about the culinary arts. Her cooking showcases the bold flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine. She has incorporated modern interpretations and fresh seasonal features. Some of the specialty dishes featured are Scallion Pancakes with Caviar, Dim Sum, Miso Cod, Braised Short Rib – the perfect dish for sharing, Mapo Tofu which was inspired by a trip to New York City, and Peking Duck!
Each dish at PJK Neighborhood Chinese may be paired with a bottle from an extensive collection of thoughtfully curated wines and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant features 152 seats that are comfortable and contemporary, creating a casual coastal vibe.
“We are extremely excited to introduce PJK to the Naples community and view this as an opportunity to launch a brand-new concept that provides a twist on the traditional neighborhood Chinese restaurant,” said co-owner Paul Fleming. “Our goal is to eventually roll out this new restaurant concept into other parts of Florida.”
Paul and Jody Fleming currently live in southwest Florida, where they are active members of the community and are involved with a variety of charitable organizations, including the Naples Children & Education Foundation and Naples Winter Wine Festival. Naples couldn’t be more excited to have you, PJK Neighborhood Chinese!
835 Fourth Ave South 34102
FASHIONING ART FROM PAPER
Naples Art Institute Welcomes Isabelle de Borchgrave.
BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCKNaples Art Institute has given a whole new meaning to fashion with its latest project Miradas de Mujeres (Perspectives of Women), an exhibition that highlights the view of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave on Frida Kahlo.
Miradas de Mujeres honors a dialogue between two women who have never met – the first being born shortly before death and the second – but who nevertheless share a love of fabric, patterns, and colors; a women’s perspective on the artist’s role in society.
I had the honor of attending the private evening with guests of the Naples Art Institute, blessed by the presence of Isabelle in the flesh all the way from Belgium. We were given a private tour of the exhibition followed by an intimate dinner under the stars with likeminded creatives who all share a similar love for fashion and the arts.
Isabelle de Borchgrave took almost three years to create Miradas de Mujeres, a titanic work painted by hand, which required more than 4 kilometers of paper and cardboard
to make the dresses, carpets, furniture, trees and other elements that recreate the unique universe of Frida Kahlo and her iconic house, the Casa Azul.
Isabelle’s installation invites the viewer to journey into an often–ignored facet of Frida Kahlo’s intimate personality, surprisingly more cheerful and radiant than her work might suggest. In order to do this, Isabelle de Borchgrave recreated nearly 40 dresses and outfits of the Mexican artist.
Executive Director and Chief Curator Frank Verpoorten has become quite close with Isabelle. Frank is known to curate oneof-a-kind exhibitions for the Naples community and beyond to experience in its fullest capacity. It was no surprise to me when Frank had called me on his way home from Brussels that this would be one for the books – and it was truly a special evening like no other.
Naples Art Institute 585 Park Street 34102
FIVE COCKTAILS ON 5TH AVENUE
B Y SIAMI TRICETHE VINE ROOM - MY HANDS ARE TIED
This hole-in-the-wall speakeasy bar, with its ambiance true to its name, has a lot of innovative and imaginative drinks to o er. My Hands Are Tied is one of the unique cocktails that they o er. The smoky taste from mezcal, with a hint of fresh passion fruit, very nutty almond-rose syrup, and tanginess from spiced ginger-lime, is a mind-blowing combination.
465 Fifth Ave S 34102
BAR TULIA - TULSI’S TEMPLE
Fret not, the warming flavors of tulsi-infused gin, mezcal, coco sugar, turmeric, island spices and citrus are here to keep us warm during the chilly nights in Naples. With an herby, citrusy, and spicy kick, Tulsi’s Temple has it all.
462 Fifth Ave S 34102
THE FRENCH - HUMMINGBIRD DAIQUIRI
Feeling beachy or celebratory? Inspired by hummingbird cake, the Hummingbird Daiquiri is made with rum, yuzu, banana liquor, pineapple, baking spice, coconut cream, Chi-Chi and walnut bitters. This cocktail is perfect as an after-dinner drink too!
365 Fifth Ave S 34102
DEL MAR - HIBISCUS MULE
This refreshing, floral and spicy festive drink is Del Mar’s creative mix for Napoleons (and visitors, of course) to have while waiting for their sumptuous dinner. Based with Absolut Elyx and Hibiscus Rose, it is also mixed with citrus, kiwi and topped with ginger beer.
494 Fifth Ave S 34102
OCEAN PRIME - PRIME MANHATTAN
Established in 1993, bringing a legacy from Columbus, Ohio, to Naples, Florida, Ocean Prime made an exclusive two-barrel batch proprietary blend chosen by their beverage team. Prime Manhattan showcases its unique and bold flavor. The Woodford Reserve, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Amaro Nonino, and rosemary grapefruit peppercorn bitters are the right accompaniments to release more distinctive flavors in this exclusive drink.
699 Fifth Ave S 34102
Haute
PARTNERS
GLOBAL IS THE NEW LOCAL
Naples welcomes the hautest real estate power players in the industry, The Eklund|Gomes Team.
B Y ANNA CATHERINE BLOCKTHIS TEAM IS ALL ABOUT NETWORKING WITH THE BEST, LEARNING FROM THE BEST, and constantly exploring every opportunity. The sky is the limit with luxury opportunities, and with Eklund|Gomes, luxury has no boundaries. This team has over $4 billion in transactions for the second year in a row, with $24 billion in total sales at Douglas Elliman, putting them in the billion-dollar club and making them the number one mega-team nationwide. Haute Living had the opportunity to sit down with John Gomes and Fredrik Eklund of The Eklund|Gomes Team to learn exactly why they chose Naples, Florida, as their newest haute spot.
Haute Living: So, tell me how you would describe who Eklund Gomes is.
John Gomes: We are a national team with international exposure. Eklund|Gomes has ofces and teams in 12 diferent cities. We enter every local market and hire a local broker. Then, we bring in international exposure from our national reach. It’s genius. We have learned so much from all of the local markets that we have entered, and we are so respectful of that.
HL: That brings me to my next question, what other cities and ofces are you in?
JG: Well, we started in NYC; that’s our fagship. We then moved to LA, then we went to Miami, then to Austin. It was a ripple efect, and it created such a buzz that we knew we were growing rapidly. This was achieved by taking everything we have learned and organically growing our business that way.
HL: What is so interesting to you about the Naples Market, and why did you choose it?
JG: This goes back to my point on global is the new local. Florida is crazy, and it’s wild how much it’s grown. We started in Miami, where we were solely focused on the east coast, such as Jupiter and Palm Beach, but we decided to switch over to the other coast because we simply kept hearing about the other coast. When we met our Naples partners, John and Jessica O’Neill, we were delightfully surprised. It was truly eye-opening. Driving through communities in Naples, we were blown away by the overall aesthetic, prices, kindness and paradise vibe you get in Naples. You never know what you will fnd when you travel.
HL: What are you going to bring to the Naples market that diferentiates you from other brokers?
JG: We can help the Naples market in other areas where they may be looking to buy. John spoke so highly of the community as a whole on top of the real estate market and opportunities here we knew we would bring value that other local agents may not. I think it is well said by our Naples team lead John O’Neill, “Our market in Naples is made up of luxury homes, and the buyers come from all over the country. Who in the country has a better reputation and reach for those exact two things than the Eklund Gomes team?”
For more information on working with the Eklund|Gomes Team in Naples, please contact: John O’Neill Senior Director Luxury Sales I john.oneill@elliman.com I 847.877.2215 I theeklundgomesteam.com
Haute
Bringing partnership to wealth management
B Y ANNA CATHERINE BLOCKMACKENZIE RICKMAN HAS OVER 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT. She helps clients reach their specifc goals with one-on-one relationships and 24-hour access for all their fnancial concerns. Mackenzie develops a personal plan for specifc needs, including risk management, tax planning and estate planning. With fnancial scams at a high, she also works to make fnancial technology less scary and protect your money.
As a female powerhouse, Mackenzie specializes in high-net-worth individuals and families. Her passion is helping women grow their wealth and empower them to reach their goals, gain confdence, and embrace change.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Mackenzie graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Finance. She stayed in Missouri for the next 17 years learning all aspects of the wealth management industry by developing her business with Merrill Lynch, A.G. Edwards and Stifel Nicolaus. In 2005, she earned her Certifed Financial Planner™ designation, which competitively holds her to the highest standard in the industry.
Mackenzie promises to use her knowledge and experience to organize and prioritize any fnancial piece of your life by creating a plan that prepares you for the present and the future. As your fnancial partner, she promises to empower you always to understand your options. Mackenzie promises to make you feel confdent about how your money works for you.
THE 17TH ANNUAL HOPE GALA RECOGNIZES
HONOREES: BENJI & LAURA KENDALL
MORE THAN 240 MEMBERS OF THE NAPLES COMMUNITY gathered to attend the JDRF Naples Hope Gala at the RitzCarlton Tiburon. The Hope Gala raised more than $1.5 million to fund critically-needed type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Naples recognized two local residents and partners of Haute Living Naples that have played a major role in the success of turning type one to type none right here in Naples. Benji and Laura Kendall, owners of Yamron Jewelers, were honored at the Hope Gala alongside their Marketing Director, Natalie Harley, who was awarded the 2023 Bob Beauregard Volunteer Service Award. The Kendalls have been involved with JDRF for ten years after a family member was diagnosed with type one. As the Honorees, they are being acknowledged for their longstanding commitment to JDRF’s vision of a world without T1D.
THIS WEEKEND, HAUTE LIVING NAPLES CELEBRATED CEO
Salvatore Ferragamo’s IL Borro Wines 30th year anniversary in partnership with Ferrari of Naples at the dealership with an intimate and curated Tuscan dining and tasting experience from Chef Vincenzo Betulia. Guests were invited to Ferrari of Naples, a state-of-the-art two-year-old dealership designed to complement the Italian brand to its fullest level of lifestyle and luxury. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a Belle di Borro Classic Method Rosé Brut 2015 while they were able to explore the beautiful Ferraris on-site and lite bites before dinner. Once guests arrived and settled in, Dagney Wysong, Marketing Director at Ferrari of Naples, and Kamal Hotchandani, CEO of Haute Living, gathered everyone to share words thanking the Haute Living Naples cover star, CEO of IL Borro, Salvatore Ferragamo, for his incredible cover story launch! Afterward, guests took their seats to a curated Tuscan meal with a menu highlighting IL Borro’s fine wines. As the group settled into the exquisite dealership, Salvatore made his way to the front of the room, where he spoke to all the guests, thanking them for their support in his cover launch.
HAUTE LIVING AND FERRARI
HOST A DIVINE DINNER CELEBRATING IL BORRO’S SALVATORE
1. Salvatore Ferragamo 2. Christopher Bower and Anna Catherine Block 3. Dante and Hillary DiSabato, Chris and Lisa MichettiTHE AGENCY PARTNERS WITH THE RESOP TEAM AND FERRARI FOR 2023 CARS ON FIFTH
CHRIS AND KARA RESOP OF THE RESOP Team partnered with their firm and The Agency as they launched their newest office in Naples, kicking off the annual Cars on Fifth. With a great turnout and unforgettable experience, Ferrari North America and The Agency, the two luxury brands, came together to host a memorable weekend in the dolce far niente city of Naples, Florida. The Agency Naples, The Resop Team, and Ferrari of Naples curated a weekend soiree for attendees, clients and car fanatics to celebrate Ferraris and exotics of inspiring greatness creating Naples’s biggest weekend, Cars on Fifth.
e Most Legendary Waterfront Lifestyle Has Arrived In Naples
For those who long for a home where captivating modern design and a stunning coastal location are just the beginning, e Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples rede nes elegant Southwest Florida living. Endless Gulf views, white-sand beaches, a marina-front lagoon, more than 50,000 square feet of curated amenities, chef-inspired dining, and e Ritz-Carlton legendary service have all come together in one exclusive address limited to just 128 residences.
e time has come to make your life legendary.
Now o ering Pre-Construction Pricing
e Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples residences from $4 million
Sales Gallery now open 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 106 Naples, Florida 34109 Phone 239-249-6260 RCRNaples.com