High Rise Life Magazine - March, 2019 by High Rise Life Magazine

HiGH RiSE LiFe MARCH 2019

Yo u r E x c l u s i v e G u i d e To H i g h - R i s e L i v i n g

ON THE

COVER JOHN RHEE

CHANGING INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Featured Editorial by Selcen Kavruklar Editor-in-Chief Photo by Ella Gagiano Studios Location Lusso Auto Spa & Design

HOME | INTERIOR DESIGN

D-ZYN CORNER By Carol Townsend

AUTOMOBILE | RIDE

OPEN-AIR THRILLS: THE NEW 2020 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA S AND 4S CABRIOLET

BUSINESS | NEWS

SBA’S EMERGING LEADERS INITIATIVE TO HELP GROWING ENTREPRENEURS OPENS FOR 2019 RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS | INSPIRATION

BUSINESS TITANS REVEAL HOW TO REEL IN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS GONE ROGUE By Merilee Kern

BUSINESS | DEVELOPMENT

SHERPA.AI ADDS $8.5M IN NEW CAPITAL TO FUEL BUSINESS GROWTH

BUSINESS | NEWS

FIGS NAMED FAST COMPANY’S 9TH MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY FOR 2019

BUSINESS | EVENTS

TECHNOLOGY X CREATIVITY

ART | CULTURE

CITY OF DREAMS CELEBRATES THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC CAR BRAND

SAM FRANCIS: THE ‘70S – A NEW EXHIBITION AT JONATHAN NOVAK CONTEMPORARY ART

STYLE | BEAUTY

SPRING INTO THE PERFECT SCENT By Jennifer Gonzales

ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD

DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAKHOUSE OPENS THEIR FIRST LOS ANGELES OUTPOST

FINE DINING, TAKING UPSCALE FEASTS TO A NEW LEVEL

REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT

TRAVEL | LEISURE

ARRIVE SEATTLE IS A NEW DESTINATION TO LIVE, LODGE & DINE IN SEATTLE

DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST IN 2019

RENAISSANCE HOTELS DEBUTS IN MEXICO

OCEANA TO DEBUT IN MAY 2019

THE EPIC OFFICE TOWER ANNOUNCES FIRST TENANTS

REAL ESTATE | MARKET TRENDS

JANUARY HOUSING DATA SHOWS UPTICK IN SELLER PRICE CUTS

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HiGH RiSE LiFe MARCH 2019 Yo u r E x c l u s i v e G u i d e To H i g h - R i s e L i v i n g

PUBLISHER

Online Enterprise, LLC.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

San Diego

Long Beach

Selcen Kavruklar

San Francisco

San Jose

Silicon Valley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Selcen Kavruklar Carol Townsend Jennifer Gonzales Merilee Kern

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Murtaza Karimzada GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kubra Kacmaz PHOTOGRAPHY Ella Gagiano Studios Ash Photography Patrick Pineda CONTACT Editorial Inquiries selcen@highriselife.com Advertising Inquiries info@highriselife.com 702.944.8773 Copyright Online Enterprise LLC 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Online Enterprise LLC cannot accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Online Enterprise LLC a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. High Rise Life Magazine endeavors to respect the intellectual property of the owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact our office. Publication of articles does not necessarily reflect the official position of the High Rise Life Magazine.

Proud member of

Nevada Press Association March 2019

2018

Print Excellence Award Silver Award

LETTER FROM THE

Editor

Dear reader, Welcome to our March Business issue. Business opportunities come about as a result of a need. When it comes to new opportunities, we must look beyond everyday needs to new or emerging needs. Throughout this issue, we have conversations with entrepreneurs and high-achievers from various industries and trades around us that share advice on what it takes to start, create and even disrupt in order to achieve goals. On our cover, we have John Rhee, a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Lusso Auto Spa & Design. Rhee came to Las Vegas in 2015 from South Bay seeing the vast opportunity Las Vegas had to offer. His diverse skillset is the product of his years of experience as an entrepreneur. In our interview, Rhee gives us valuable insight into being a successful businessman. Elsewhere in this issue, we turn to Sherpa.ai, the number one Spanish language digital voice assistant and global leader of AI-powered digital predictive assistants, who has added $8.5 million to its Series A funding led by Mundi

March 2019

Ventures, whose fund is focused on AI, with participation from the Chairman and CEO of British Airways, Alex Cruz, and other tech and business luminaries. Sherpa.ai will use the new funding to accelerate the development of its conversational AI platform and predictive voice-enabled digital assistant for consumers and businesses. “Sherpa. ai is transforming the way people think about AI in their lives,” said Xabi Uribe-Etxebarria, founder and chief executive officer of Sherpa.ai. We hope you find this issue rewarding as we explore the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s ever-changing world. Best wishes,

Selcen Kavruklar Editor-in-Chief selcen@highriselife.com

HOME | INTERIOR DESIGN

D-ZYN CORNER Written by Carol Townsend, A.S.I.D. Interior Designer

Add a splash of color! March is a good month to take inventory of what you have in your home. What did you use last year as accessories, what do you want to put away and use another time? Are there things you’d like to get rid of because they feel “dated” to you and you would like something fresh. Time seems to fly by, and we need to take stock of the decorating plans we put on hold for the holidays, dust them off, and get started, if we want to achieve something new for the new season. What is it you need in your high-rise home? Want a change of color? Stay neutral on the walls and change out art and accessories to achieve a bright new look. I always love going to the market and seeing the fresh flowers with a burst of spring color.

Color is the theme of the season. If you generally use contemporary or modern furniture, the lines are 80 percent straight with added curves of interest. For the most part, you’ll find many in black or white, but recently I have seen some in gray. That’s great for a start. Now look for an accent or area rug in bold colors. Add a splash of color with chairs, pillows and floral arrangements. Don’t forget, room sized area rugs, with many different patterns and colors, could help you resolve some of your dull flooring issues. Needing a whole room of furniture, or just the right accent chairs? The Furniture Place on North Rainbow can offer you some great choices. They also have access to some great silk trees and plants. With the high ceilings, they might have to custom order some trees the right height, but they have fun serving their clients.

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STAGE THIS INTERIOR DESIGN Don’t forget, this is your home. The wow factor you are seeking needs to be in your desired tastes, so that when you come home, you FEEL at home. Stone or tile? Wood or carpet? There is so much to choose from. Take your time. Talk to experts who deal in installing flooring in a tower environment. But don’t be talked into something, just because they say that’s what they installed downstairs or next door. Choose the products best suited to your taste. Interior designers can help. They are not salesman, they are consultants putting your design needs first. They color coordinate everything, but a good designer will also incorporate things you own into the mix. All in all, when the projects are complete, the house has been cleaned and put back in order, it needs to say Welcome Home, to you. Have fun with this process. Don’t get burned out by trying to do everything at one time.

I see a lot of stretched canvas art, of many different focus points. There is art and accessories for every theme that can easily transform a space. Wall coverings are making huge headways back onto the design pallet. These are not just those old papers your mom had all over the house. A centerpiece wall in one of the graphic design wall papers, can become a piece of art, on its own.

Remember that paint on the walls is just paint. If you don’t like a color, change it. I had a customer who lived with dark brown paneling and deep emerald green flooring, until I worked on a color chart, that suited her personality. When we changed all that, she was suddenly an outgoing, fun person! Yes, color makes a difference in how you feel. Happy March! Carol Townsend, ASID carolstownsend@gmail.com

Or if you want to make a “WOW” statement, go by the granite and marble stores in your area. I love scooting by there to see the different slabs they have imported in from all over the world. Hang a slab in the living room or dining room, it will really make the area stunning. Accessorize around it with your rugs, pillows and art.

March 2019

AUTOMOBILE | RIDE

Photos Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Open-air thrills: The new 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet 443 horsepower, quicker top operation and optional PASM Sport Suspension available for the first time Just weeks after the spectacular premiere of the eighth generation of Porsche 911 in Los Angeles, the latest generation of 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet models are celebrating their debut. Featuring a solid glass rear window and integrated magnesium support elements, their automatic fabric top opens or closes in approximately 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour. Like the recently introduced Coupe models, both the 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet now feature the wider body adopted from the previous generation 911 Carrera 4 and GTS models. The flat-six turbocharged engines make 443 horsepower in the S models.

Power is delivered by a new eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Complementing the increase in engine performance, the PASM Sport Suspension featuring stiffer springs and sway bars as well as a 0.39 inch (10 mm) lower ride height is optionally available on the new 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet models for the first time. Previously, it was only available for S and GTS Coupe models. Re-designed PASM dampers, optional Adaptive 18-way Sport Seats Plus with improved lateral support and extended digital features all ensure greater comfort and everyday usability. www.HighRiseLife.com

The 2020 911 Carrera S Cabriolet has a base MSRP of $126,100, while the 2020 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet will be offered starting at $133,400, each not including the $1,250 delivery, processing and handling fee. The models can be ordered now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in late summer 2019.

has increased to 1,852 mm (72.91 in), the width of the previous 911 Carrera 4 and 911 GTS models. The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet retains this width from the previous generation all-wheel drive model. Flush integration of the electric door handles that extend outward when needed emphasizes the tapered and smooth side contour. Between the new standard LED headlights, the front luggage compartment lid with pronounced contours evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The rear is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar which is now a feature on both two- and four-wheel drive variants. Except for the front and rear fasciae, the entire outer skin is now made of aluminum. The fabric top is equipped with new hydraulics for smoother and quicker operation reducing the opening time to around 12 seconds. As before, the top is capable of being opened and closed at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour. An electric wind deflector reduces drafts during top down cruising. NEW INTERIOR DESIGN, PCM WITH LARGER TOUCHSCREEN, AND COMPREHENSIVE CONNECTIVITY 443 HORSEPOWER AND 390 LB.-FT. OF TORQUE The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet models benefits from the same upgrades implemented on the recently introduced Coupe models. Thanks to new piezo fuel injectors, larger turbochargers and a new layout for the charge air cooling system, the 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine now produces 443 horsepower. This corresponds to an increase of 23 horsepower compared with the previous model. Equipped with the 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission as standard, the rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S Cabriolet needs just 3.7 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from standstill, and the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet with all-wheel drive takes only 3.6 seconds. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case. This advantage increases by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package, to 3.5 seconds for the Carrera S Cabriolet and 3.4 seconds for the Carrera 4S Cabriolet. The top track speeds are now 190 miles per hour for the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and 188 miles per hour for the all-wheel-drive version. A manual transmission will be offered later. WIDER BODY, QUICK OPERATING FABRIC TOP The exterior design has been revamped and underlines the leap in performance of the new Porsche 911. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over large 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. At the front, the body width has increased by 45 millimeters (1.77 inches), making room for a wider front track. Correspondingly, the rear body width on the new 911 Carrera S Cabriolet March 2019

The completely new interior is characterized by the clear and straight lines of the dashboard with recessed instruments. Porsche 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Left and right of the centrally positioned tachometer, which is characteristic for Porsche, two thin, frameless, free-form displays provide the driver with information. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen display (up from 7.0 inches in the previous car) and comprehensive connectivity can be operated quickly and intuitively thanks to the new architecture. Located underneath the screen, a compact panel with five toggle-like switches provides direct access to key vehicle functions. NEW ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS INCREASE SAFETY AND COMFORT The 2020 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet benefit from the same advancements and new offerings of driver assistance systems as the recently shown Coupe models. As a world first, Porsche has developed the Wet Mode, which is included as standard equipment on the new Porsche 911. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. A camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It initiates a warning or emergency braking to help the driver when necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The Adaptive Cruise Control option includes automatic distance control and stop-and-go functionality.

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FEATURED EDITORIAL

Photos by Ella Gagiano Studios

OHN RHEE

Changing Industry

Standards Written by Selcen Kavruklar Editor-in-Chief

When it comes to business we turned to South Korean businessman, John Rhee a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Lusso Auto Spa & Design. Rhee came to Las Vegas in 2015 from South Bay seeing the vast opportunity Las Vegas had to offer. His diverse skillset is the product of his years of experience as an entrepreneur.

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We sat down for a discussion with Rhee and asked some questions about life as a CEO. His answers below were very enlightening and will certainly inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here is what he had to say. Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Las Vegas? I saw a lot of opportunity here in Las Vegas and felt I could add value by utilizing my business and financial acumen. Las Vegas has such enormous capacity for growth, and I was able to leverage that by investing into a lot of ventures from residential to commercial real estate, as well as embarked in the retail space with restaurants and most recently added child daycare center to my growing portfolio of companies. I also saw a great need for service to accommodate individuals and car enthusiasts like myself who sought quality service, so I founded Lusso Auto Spa & Design. Q: Can you tell us about Lusso Auto Spa & Design? Lusso Auto Spa & Design at its core is customer service driven with more than two decades of experience in the automotive detail industry. I had originally created branches in California and sold them for a substantial profit. I noticed Las Vegas really lacked high-quality service for individuals, especially like myself who collected cars or just anyone that wanted quality service at a reasonable price. Everything here seemed too industrial and not service driven.

March 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Lusso, we practice transparency, you can come and watch your car being detailed through our interactive state-of-the-art facility, while enjoying complimentary refreshments in a luxury comfortable setting.â&#x20AC;? We also accommodate rides for our clients anywhere free of charge. Q: What are some of the popular services Lusso Auto Spa & Design offers? We specialize in paint protection and window tint products, and only top-quality detailing. Our auto spa services feature an exterior foam bath, gentle handwash with high pressure airdry with minimal towel use starting at $28. Lusso Auto Spa is also, an authorized installer for Ceramic Pro in Nevada and Utah, which is the only coating that guarantees protection from most any daily wear and tear on your car. This is a very popular

service we offer, and I highly recommend it; your car is protected from scratches and you never have to wax again. We also offer luxury body kits and wraps for anyone who wants to protect their paint or wants an entirely new look starting at $1895 with thousands of colors to choose from. The wrapping process takes as little as 3-5 days to finish and is a quick and affordable alternative to painting your car. Q: What do you love most about business? You are confronted with a new challenge daily in business. It is both exhilarating and rewarding to know that my gifts and skills have found an avenue for such meaningful expression. Most of us are happiest when we are pursuing our passions and there is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with solving those challenges. Having profitable growth with interesting clients and solving important problems is what keeps me engaged and excited. It’s never boring! Q: What lessons have you learned along the way? I benefited from the advice of my mentor significantly. You must always be authentic to the essence of your brand and surround yourself with people who reinforce your brand and its values–not tarnish it. So, I’ve come to the conclusion that for me, relationships matter. Consistency matters. Authenticity and integrity matter. Relationships can be ruined over trivial things. Therefore, you should always emphasize on keeping your relationships in good standing. For me, my ability to impact people’s lives and to add value in interpersonal interactions is very crucial in paving the road to success. Q: What has personally contributed to your success? I think discipline, patience, and maintaining good relationships are steps that not only set the stage for longer-term impact and fulfillment, but also lead to success of future endeavors. Q: Any exciting new developments with Lusso Auto Spa & Design you would like to share with us? Yes, we have some great developments underway with our third location opening off Tropicana and Polaris here in Las Vegas. Our new location will be conveniently accessible to high-rise residents and Strip clients. We also have two new franchise locations in the East Coast opening later this year. For more information about Lusso Auto Spa & Design, please visit www.lussoautodesign.com or call 702 342-9400.

LUSSO AUTO SPA & DESIGN LOCATIONS

HENDERSON 1241 AMERICAN PACIFIC DR. SUITE 154, HENDERSON, NV 89074 LAS VEGAS 500 S. BUFFALO DR. SUITE 103 LAS VEGAS, NV 89145

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BUSINESS | NEWS

SBA’s Emerging Leaders Initiative to Help Growing Entrepreneurs Opens for 2019 Recruitment The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the launch of the 2019 Emerging Leaders Initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets. Local area recruitment for the 2019 training cycle is currently ongoing at designated SBA District Offices. Interested small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, class schedules, and locations at www.sba.gov/ emergingleaders, or by contacting their local SBA District Office. “I am proud of the success the Emerging Leaders and the impact the training has made in helping to take small businesses to the next level,” said Allen Gutierrez, Associate Administrator of the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development. “Since its inception in 2008, Emerging Leaders has trained more than 5,000 small business

owners, creating over 6,500 jobs, generating over $300 million in new financing, and securing over $3 billion in government contracts.” The SBA’s Emerging Leaders provides free entrepreneurship education and training for executives of small businesses that are potential job creators. This intensive executive entrepreneurship series includes nearly 100 hours of classroom time. Participants are provided with the opportunity to work with a network of experienced coaches and mentors, attend specialized workshops, and develop connections with their peers, city leaders, and the financial community in order to build sustainable businesses that promote economic development within their communities. For more information please, visit www.sba.gov.

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BUSINESS | INSPIRATION

Business Titans Reveal How to Reel in New Year’s Resolutions Gone Rogue Inspirational industry experts, including executives, best-selling authors and pro athletes, chime in on how to re-energize your 2019 resolutions and keep career and life goals on course Written by Merilee Kern As we approach the second calendar quarter, we’re entering that precarious time when many begin to flail and outright fail with their New Year’s resolutions—no matter how impassioned or well-intentioned they were at the time of inception. This phenomenon is so pervasive that a litany of studies are “peeling back the onion” to reveal exactly why so many are unsuccessful in fulfilling career, life and self-enhancing promises we’ve made to ourselves. One recent Psychology Today article reveals that there may be four specific reasons “you may be standing in the way of your personal growth.” These are goals that are unclear, or feeling overwhelmed, discouraged or not ready for the change. And, while having a backup plan is an anxiety-alleviating strategy often proffered by field pundits, an Elsevier-published study titled “How backup plans can harm goal pursuit: The unexpected downside of being prepared for failure” explores the notion that “the mere act of thinking through a backup plan can reduce performance on your primary goal by decreasing your desire for goal achievement.” Speaking of anxiety, failing at New Year’s resolutions just may be impacting your emotional health. A report published by ReearchGate.net correlates the “conflict between goals (inter-goal conflict) and conflicting feelings about attaining particular goals (ambivalence)” that are both “believed to be associated with depressive and anxious symptoms.” Whatever the reason your own New Year’s resolution has veered off-course, it’s never too late to rally, turn the tide and start realizing some quick successes. But it does take a bit of concerted effort, ideation and bona fide grit to make those resolutions a reality. To pull back the proverbial curtain, I tapped a variety of

high-achievers and “serial doers”— “Firestarter’s” in various industries and trades to share advice on what it takes to start, create and even disrupt in order to achieve goals. Their anecdotal circumstances and points of advice also exemplify differences between people who make things happen and those who only think about making impactful changes, but never quite get there.

1. BE PERSISTENT WITH A PURPOSE Best-selling author, lauded corporate executive and sought-after motivational speaker Steve Pemberton recommends unleashing “the power of persistence” with visceral determination. Having overcome a litany of adversities growing up in the foster care system to ultimately become a C-Suite powerhouse for global leaders the likes of Monster.com, Walgreens and Globoforce, Pemberton has walked the walk when it comes to “survival” and perseverance. Relative to the research mentioned above regarding the helpful or hurtful nature of back up plans, for Pemberton there was no such thing. There was simply no other option than to persist toward his goals, however small or large, that were doggedly pursued one at a time until, collectively, he reached that mountain peak. Then, he did it time and time again, also having spent much of his professional life helping others do the same. His childhood experiences not only gave him the resolve and tenacity to stay the course, but to do it with purpose and meaning—for Pemberton, a burning desire to “pay it forward” and help others break through obstacles in their own lives.

2. CONSISTENCY BREEDS COMMITMENT Ask people if they are committed individuals and many will say “yes,” however; commitment is often defined or regarded quite differently from culture to culture, and even person to person. Individuals often assert their commitment to their goals until a circumstance arises that knocks them off balance, comfortably absolving themselves of blame in the process. It’s no wonder a whopping 80 percent of New Year’s

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resolutions are purported to fail by February. “In order to remain committed to a goal or cause, one must conduct themselves with steadfast consistency in working toward it, and upholding it when you’ve achieved it—no matter what hardships present along the way,” urges social activist and acclaimed personal injury attorney Christopher Chestnut, partner at The Chestnut Law Firm. Despite Chestnut’s amazing early career trajectory, including recognition from former President Barack Obama (who was Senator at the time) for courtroom excellence, earning a National Bar Association award and winning a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against Big Tobacco, he suddenly found himself immersed in challenges threatening his reputation, livelihood and future at large. This included being in a dispute with his former mentor. While Chestnut was faced with possibly “losing it all,” having many chances to quit, his devotion to the idea of “justice because you deserve it”—the actual slogan of his law firm—gave him the emotional strength and fortitude to remain committed to the profession he worked so hard to attain. Consistency forges a path and, rather than focusing on the end destination, holding on to the ideals for “why” you want to grow can reinforce your commitment and serve as guideposts to help you navigate those inevitable bumps in the road.

3. REMAIN IN RELENTLESS PURSUIT Russian-born Eugene Gold grew up poor, ultimately immigrating to the United States with the hope of a better life. In the process, he faced setbacks too numerous to count, from financial to professional to social. But he was relentless in working toward his career goals. So much so, Gold was coined

March 2019

a “relentless-preneur” for his unwavering belief that rejection fuels success. Gold reveres failure and regards rejection as an asset. Gold points out that, “every single time you fail and every single time you get rejected, you are that much closer to a ‘yes’ and more knowledgeable at how to get there.” It’s with this maverick mentality that Gold built a business that’s grown by a staggering 4,400 percent. His incredible, fearless determination landed his company at No. 65 on the coveted Inc. 5000, also appearing on Entrepreneur 360 list twice. Producing such staggering “against the odds” results is certainly difficult, but entirely attainable with the right mindset. Another fast track case-in-point is Chi Ta, a self-made millionaire who grew his Airbnb business to $2.4 million upside in nine months, making him one of the world’s largest Airbnb hosts by dollar volume. He not only attributes his rapid-fire success to determination, dedication and consistency, but also by being willing to take those calculated risks and leaps of faith needed to push past the status quo and not just be good... but great. Before growing his Airbnb empire, Ta was working toward his “wealth” goals in the mortgage industry where he served for over a decade. But, when he uncovered gig economy opportunity in the home share space and curated what he felt was a powerful strategy related thereto, he brazenly pivoted and shifted his professional point of focus on the new pursuit. Today, Ta is one of the global leaders in his field and his now mentoring others on how to achieve just the same. Gold and Ta are examples of how quickly things can get back on track after an undesirable result. Their mega success demonstrates that people falling behind on their New Year’s resolutions can parlay pitfalls into renewed intentions that can reinvigorate.

5. RECALIBRATE WHEN REQUIRED It is to be expected that one will face stress and difficulties in their road to successful resolutions, but some of those roadblocks may be signs it’s prudent to rethink your goals altogether. Career coach Sheeba Forbes faced this same dilemma when starting her practice intended to help women advance in the workplace. Many times, as her business was establishing itself, Forbes had to step back and re-evaluate if a goal was what she wanted—or even needed—or if it was time to “course correct” and adapt her objectives slightly to accomplish the bigger picture of what she set out to achieve. This ability and willingness to readjust and reacclimate to new conditions and situations taught her the value of taking a break, stepping back to re-evaluate goals and ensure the “why” behind them still aligns with current circumstances and desires. To this point, Dr. Quinella Minix, a personal performance coach, concentrates on intrinsic motivation. She advocates a focus on knowing what drives you and why. Minix underscores that it’s easy to get distracted by the “wrong why,” which can lead you down a path that wastes time and energy and can often take you further away from your goal.

4. VALUE AND DEMONSTRATE LOYALTY It often takes a strong character to accomplish things in life, and this holds true for New Year’s resolutions as well. This according to “Character Coach” Gary Waters who enjoyed a 30-year career as a NCAA basketball head coach. Waters believes that character begins by being loyal to yourself and that quitting is the most disloyal thing you can do. Loyalty means different things to different people, of course. For Waters, loyalty is about the commitment one makes to a cause. It involves a feeling of devotion or obligation to something in both good times and bad. Other definitions describe loyalty as involving faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. In all instances, however, loyalty is about integrity —keeping one’s word or upholding expectations as demonstrated through one’s actions, optimally in a sustained and habitual manner. Waters believes that ingraining a sense of loyalty to one’s own wants and needs is a fundamental aspect of character building. Once you’ve mastered this for yourself, you can then impart the value of loyalty on those you have an impact on—be that in the workplace, at home or on a playing field. Irfan Khan also knows a thing or two about loyalty. As the president and CEO of Bristlecone, a company whose size he has doubled the last four years by completely centering it around the needs and wants of his customers, Khan is an expert in “antifragility.” A concept defined by popular economic thinker Nassim Taleb, an antifragile system is one that, “instead of breaking under stress and change, thrives under it. The antifragile grow and improve from external shocks.” While typically applied to supply chain management and a consumer-centric approach and attitude in business, Khan asserts that trials and tribulations that test and attempt to undermine one’s loyalty can, and should, make that loyalty stronger and uncompromising.

The demonstrated value of strategic recalibration aside, when it comes to getting New Year’s resolutions back on course, for many the secret sauce is simply a matter of maintaining one’s vision, focus and persistence. This mix is what helped former NFL wide receiver Marques Colston become the New Orleans Saints all-time leading wide receiver (one of the top 50 in NFL history for receiving touchdowns) and, today, an entrepreneur helping retired athletes and other professionals become skilled entrepreneurs and investors in their own right. “Even though I attended a small school, my ‘plan A’ was to go to the NFL,” Marques notes. “When people asked me if I had a ‘plan B,’ I would respond that my ‘plan B’ was for my ‘plan A’ to work. I just didn’t see it any other way. It was all or nothing.” Can this “all or nothing” mentality help the throngs of folks failing with their New Year’s resolutions reel it back in and taste victory in their own right? It seems to me that such staunch intentions can certainly be a helpful means toward that end. But reality is there’s no one single method that can guarantee goal-setting success. The insights and perspectives above can help you ascertain what’s missing in your own plight and freshen your approach, optimally lighting that fire in your belly and sustaining it until you cross the finish line. It may not be easy, but perhaps you can perceive this truth as a thrill rather than a kill.

About Author As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram. com/LuxeListReviews.

BUSINESS | DEVELOPMENT

Sherpa.ai Adds $8.5M in New Capital to Fuel Business Growth Investors include Mundi Ventures, British Airways Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz, and other tech and business luminaries Sherpa.ai, the #1 Spanish language digital voice assistant and global leader of AI-powered digital predictive assistants, announced it has added $8.5 million to its Series A funding led by Mundi Ventures, whose fund is focused on AI, with participation from the Chairman and CEO of British Airways, Alex Cruz, for a total raise of $15 million to date. Sherpa.ai will use the new funding to accelerate the development of its conversational AI platform and predictive voice-enabled digital assistant for consumers and businesses. This new investment will bridge the company until its Series B funding round anticipated to close later this year. “Sherpa.ai has experienced tremendous growth and is poised to become the most advanced conversational and predictive AI OS in the industry,” said Rajeev Singh-Molares, partner at Mundi Ventures and former President of Alcatel-Lucent Asia-Pacific. “Sherpa.ai has shown phenomenal potential and amazing growth since the first close of the Series A. By increasing our investment in this company, we are able to accelerate Sherpa.ai on its journey.” “Sherpa.ai is transforming the way people think about AI in their lives,” said Xabi Uribe-Etxebarria, founder and chief executive officer of Sherpa.ai. He continued, “We’re improving the breadth, depth, and quality of our conversational and predictive technology to help consumers as well as support the growing

interest we’re seeing from enterprises in making intelligent, predictive services available to their customers.” Recently, Sherpa.ai unveiled the sherpa.ai Conversational OS platform to advance AI integration. The Sherpa.ai Conversational OS features 36 domains across news, entertainment, travel, and productivity to create the best experience for the end-user. The company has used the OS to developed specific products across verticals including cars, smart speakers, wearables and more. This has enabled Sherpa.ai to develop strategic relationships with Samsung and Porsche. In the coming months, Sherpa. ai will announce additional key strategic relationships with multinational companies. At the end of the year, Sherpa.ai also unveiled the Sherpa.ai Predictive and Recommending engine, a personal “assistant-like” platform capable of anticipating the user’s needs without any interaction with the system. The new predictive and recommendation engine can predict the news you want to know, prioritize emails for response, adjust the temperature in your home before you arrive and even warm up your dinner. Sherpa.ai analyzes 100,000 parameters per user with the objective of predicting what the user is going to need before the system is asked. For more information please visit, www.sherpa.ai.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this business climate, people are hungrier than ever for the devices they interact with to be intelligent and anticipate their needs.â&#x20AC;? Xabi Uribe-Etxebarria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sherpa.ai

Photos Courtesy of Sherpa.ai March 2019

BUSINESS | NEWS

Named Fast Company’s 9th Most Innovative Company for 2019 FIGS has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019. The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s volatile world. Half of the companies on this year’s MIC 50 list are appearing for the first time. “Innovation is what our company is built on. It touches everything we do each day and we’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition,” says co-CEO Trina Spear. “We will continue to challenge the status quo and continually raise the bar of excellence in medical apparel for a group of people that deserve it more than anyone,” says co-CEO Heather Hasson. Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, FIGS co-founders and co-CEOs are the recipients of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Greater Los Angeles Region in 2018. They were also recognized as two of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs’ Builders and Innovators Summit in 2018. This year, Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries and every region. They also judged nominations received through their application process. The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both

a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. “Established players are showing the same kind of nimbleness that we’ve generally associated with startups,” said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley. Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2019) is now available online at www.fastcompany.com/MIC, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27th. The hashtag is #fcmostinnovative. FIGS is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by raising the standards of how medical apparel is designed, branded and sold. FIGS is the first medical apparel company to sell D2C through a solely branded e-commerce platform that utilizes predictive analytics, a streamlined UI/UX experience and lifestyle-driven imagery. FIGS designs are innovative, modern and functional and have become a cult-like commodity in the medical space. Products are designed thoughtfully, are thoroughly tested and held to the highest standards of quality and usefulness. That’s why every set of FIGS is made from its proprietary fabric that is antimicrobial, anti-wrinkle, liquid repellent, lightweight, antimicrobial and features four-way stretch technology. For more information please visit, www.wearfigs.com.

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FIGS co-founders and co-CEOs Trina Spear and Heather Hasson Photo Courtesy of Figs March 2019

BUSINESS | EVENTS

Garry Kasparov, Jürgen Schmidhuber And Other Guests to Hold Discussion Sessions at Sony WOW Studio Under the Theme of

“Technology X Creativity” Interactive experiential exhibits to also be featured at Sony WOW Studio

Sony Corporation will exhibit at SXSW (South by Southwest) 2019, the world’s largest creative business festival in Austin, Texas, from Saturday, March 9 through Tuesday, March 12. Inside the Sony booth (WOW Studio), there will be programs that combine discussion sessions and presentations with experiential exhibits under the theme of “Technology × Creativity”. The sessions will feature lively discussion about the key question “Will technology enrich human creativity?”, and topics to shed a light on “Co-creation of human beings and artificial intelligence (AI)”, and “Expansion of creativity”. Starting with Hiroaki Kitano, President and CEO of Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. (Sony CSL), the guest speakers include Juergen Schmidhuber, the father of modern artificial intelligence who revolutionized machine learning with his lab’s deep learning neural networks and Avast Security Ambassador, Garry Kasparov who is widely regarded as the greatest chess player in history. The renowned roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro, now Visiting Senior Scientist at Sony, will be also invited as the guest speaker. Sony will also present a varied program of interactive exhibits, including “CAVE without a LIGHT,” a showcase which expands the sense other than visual in the darkness by using Sony’s sound & haptic technology, and the AI-assisted music composition technology “Flow Machines”*, a joint project of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony CSL. These exhibits will let visitors explore the latest R&D projects applying Sony’s cutting-edge technology and newest prototypes. *Flow Machines is a research and deployment project aimed at achieving augmented creativity of artists in music. We create new music together with artists by developing new technology based on leading-edge machine learning and signal processing technology. DATE AND TIME: Saturday, March 9 through Tuesday, March 12, 2019. 12: 00- 8:00 p.m. CT PLACE: WOW Studio Address: 99 Trinity St. Austin, TX 78701 USA SXSW 2019 Sony Official Site: www.sony.net/brand/event/sxsw/

TALK SESSION GUESTS: We invite various guests and hold a talk session in line with themes such as AI and creativity. The guests of the main talk session are as follows. MARCH 9TH GUEST SPEAKER Jürgen Schmidhuber Known as the father of modern AI, since age 15 Jürgen Schmidhuber’s main goal was to build a self-improving AI smarter than himself, then retire. His lab’s deep learning neural networks such as LSTM have revolutionized machine learning, are now on 3 billion smartphones, and used billions of times per day. He also pioneered unsupervised adversarial networks, artificial curiosity and meta-learning machines that learn to learn. He is recipient of numerous awards, and chief scientist of the company NNAISENSE, which aims at building the first practical general-purpose AI. He is also advising various governments on AI strategies. MARCH 10TH GUEST SPEAKER Garry Kasparov Garry Kasparov is widely regarded as the greatest chess player in history, becoming the youngest world champion ever at 22 in 1985. He is the chairman of the New York-based Human Rights Foundation and the founder of the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI). RDI’s essay collection Fight for Liberty came out in October 2018. Kasparov speaks frequently on politics, decision-making, and the human-machine relationship and is currently an Avast Security Ambassador. His latest book is Deep Thinking: Where Machine Intelligence Ends and Human Creativity Begins. He lives in New York City. MARCH 9TH & 10TH GUEST SPEAKER Hiroshi Ishiguro Roboticist. Director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory, Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Japan. Visiting Director, ATR Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories, and ATR Fellow. The doyen of research on humanoid robots, Professor Ishiguro is researching and developing perceptual information infrastructure for intelligent robots. His goal is

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Photos Courtesy of Sony to build a next-generation IT robotics platform. Winner of the 2011 Osaka Culture Prize. Also, a winner of 2015 Prize for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Interactive exhibits. Explore the latest R&D projects applying Sony’s cutting-edge technology and newest prototypes.

“Fragment Shadow”, one of the latest outcomes of the research, a system that enables you to experience changes in bodily sensations through visual changes in your own shadow. About Superception (Super + perception): www.sonycsl.co.jp/tokyo/3918/

CAVE WITHOUT A LIGHT It is an experiential exhibition of inclusive design* that can be enjoyed without vision developed by Quality & Environmental Dept., Creative Center, and R&D Center at Sony. You can experience playing music together with other attendees using Sony’s sound and haptic technology in a dark cave like setting. This program demonstrates the possibility of technology that diverse people can enjoy themselves regardless of the presence of disability.

DAS FREMDE

*Inclusive design: A method of designing together, acquiring new awareness by understanding diversity. Flow Machines A display showcasing the AI-assisted music composition technology Flow Machines (www.flow-machines.com), jointly presented by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony CSL. *Flow Machines is a research and deployment project aimed at achieving augmented creativity of artists in music. We create new music together with artists by developing new technology based on leading-edge machine learning and signal processing technology. Sample of a Flow Machines composition: Imaginary Line www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SY9KpyP3cI *“Flow Machines” is a technology developed by Sony CSL SUPERCEPTION A research framework led by Sony CSL that uses computer technologies for expanding and transforming human perception. This is the third year Superception will be featured at SXSW. This year Sony will showcase

March 2019

An installation based on the research of Sony CSL using robots and an autonomous agent program to show how language emerged, and how it has evolved and changed. Multiple robots, each possessing different traits and knowledge, create new words and communicate in new ways as they interact and are influenced by their surroundings and the people watching. This installation will get visitors thinking about how people interrelate with artificial intelligence and machines. ABOUT DAS FREMDE: www.sonycsl.co.jp/tokyo/7242/ We will continue updating information as soon as it’s decided (scheduled in late Feb) on additional guest speakers and exhibitions on the official website. Sony’s technology will also be presented at 8K theater within NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai- Japan Broadcasting Corporation) booth. Crystal LED Display System (approx. 440 inches size) adopting Sony’s uniquely developed high picture quality display technology is installed as the core system of the theater. Various 8K contents including gameplay footage specially edited for this occasion, and video from Carnival in Rio de Janeiro will be played, offering extraordinary lively and immersive viewing experience to the audience. Open between Monday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 13, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT at Grimes Studio, 500 E 5th St, Austin, TX.

ART | CULTURE

Photos Courtesy of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

City of Dreams Celebrates the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Iconic Car Brand and Lifts the Lid on the Rarely Seen World of Automotive Design with the First 'Ferrari: Under the Skin' Exhibition in Asia Discover the meticulous and glamourous World of Ferrari with some 100 rare exhibits from the legendary Italian marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history

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The Asia’s first Ferrari: Under the Skin Exhibition features over 10 cars of significance and some 100 original artefacts from the legendary Italian marque’s rich history.

For the duration of the exhibition, City of Dreams will transform its contemporary art space into a unique museum that will showcase the rise of Ferrari from its against-the-odds beginnings in an Italy ravaged by the Second World War to the glamour and glory of the brand we know today. The exhibition captures the passion, ambition and relentless drive for excellence that has made Ferrari the most sought-after name among motoring enthusiasts the world over. ‘Ferrari: Under the Skin’ is divided into six distinct zones, showcasing everything from original hand-drawn sketches and early wooden master models to engines, gearboxes and other parts that illustrate Ferrari’s ground-breaking engineering techniques and design. Among the highlights set to thrill visitors is an exact replica of the first Ferrari ever made in 1947, the 2000 Formula 1 championship-winning car driven by Michael Schumacher as well as an elite selection of vintage racing cars that hold a special place in Ferrari’s incredible story.

Macau’s leading leisure and entertainment resort, City of Dreams, is teaming up with the Design Museum (London), the world’s leading museum devoted to architecture and design, and Ferrari, the world’s most iconic carmaker to present the ‘Ferrari: Under the Skin’ exhibition in Asia for the first time. Following on from highly acclaimed runs at the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, Italy and the Design Museum in London, ‘Ferrari: Under the Skin’ will make City of Dreams in Macau its coveted third global destination from January 25 to June 16, 2019. Continuing City of Dreams’ mission to deliver out-of-this-world experiences for global travelers in Asia and following hot on the heels of the opening of the groundbreaking Morpheus hotel, the HKD2 billion-valued major exhibition takes visitors on an immersive journey to explore the history and design of the world’s most luxurious and iconic car brand. Curated by the Design Museum in London and the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, ‘Ferrari: Under the Skin’ features over 10 cars of significance and some 100 original artefacts from the legendary Italian marque’s rich history, many of which are from private collections and are on display in public for the first time in Asia. March 2019

Mr. David Sisk, Property President of City of Dreams Macau, said: “We are very excited to bring this exceptional exhibition to Asia for the first time, and to give visitors to City of Dreams the exclusive opportunity to experience some of the most famous cars of all time. Just like Morpheus, innovation and style have always been at the heart of Ferrari’s DNA, and the collaboration between the two ultra-luxury brands highlights our shared values and relentless drive to keep raising the bar.” Deyan Sudjic, Director of the Design Museum, said: “Ferrari Under the Skin shows the remarkable creative process that goes into designing, building and racing some of the most beautiful and powerful cars ever made. We are delighted that the exhibition will be enthralling a new audience in Macao. It’s particularly appropriate that it will be shown in a venue so closely associated with the architecture of Dame Zaha Hadid, a brilliant designer, and a long-term friend of the Design Museum. Tickets for ‘Ferrari: Under the Skin’ are available now, priced at MOP80. Guests will be eligible for one complimentary ticket on any spending at City of Dreams’ outlets. For more information, please visit www.cityofdreamsmacasu.com.

ART | CULTURE

Sam Francis: The ‘70s – A New Exhibition at Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art Important Paintings from the 1970s now on view February 15 - April 12, 2019 Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art gallery celebrates the genius of Sam Francis in the new exhibit, Sam Francis: The ‘70s from February 15, 2019, through April 12, 2019. This carefully curated exhibition of paintings by the internationally renowned artist Sam Francis features important paintings from the 1970s. The exhibit opens in coordination with the highly-anticipated launch of the book Sam Francis: The Artist’s Materials by Debra Burchett-Lere and Aneta Zebala of the Sam Francis Foundation, published by Getty Publications.

Photos Courtesy of Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art

American artist Sam Francis (1923-1994) is internationally recognized for his unique visual language; one of intensity and exuberant use of color, light, and negative space. According to author and critic Richard Speer, “This mastery of the spaces between is in abundant evidence in Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art’s exhibition of important Francis works from the 1970s. Time after time, the paintings displayed in this exhilarating exhibit point to Francis reenergizing his commitment to negative space and making these lyrical voids, and the profundities they encompassed, accessible to lay viewers and connoisseurs alike.” Important works in this period such as Green (Untitled) (SFP71-34) reveal the impact of interior spaces in a new way along with SFP79-15 with its exciting bands of color woven into powerful grids. Sam Francis: The Artist’s Materials by Debra Burchett-Lere and Aneta Zebala explores Francis’s idiosyncratic painting practices that have long been the subject of speculation and debate among conservators and art historians alike. Presented for the first time in this new book are the results of an in-depth scientific study of more than forty paintings,

March 2019

which reveal new information about his creative process and unveils the complicated evolution of the artist’s work. Building on Sam Francis’s creative legacy, the Sam Francis Foundation, is dedicated to the transformative power of art as a force for change. Its mission is to further a greater understanding of Sam Francis’s art and ideas through a broad array of programs and activities designed to educate, inform, and catalyze new thinking about the importance of creativity in society. Debra Burchett-Lere is the executive director of the Sam Francis Foundation and has organized numerous exhibitions and publications on the artist including Sam Francis: Catalogue Raisonné of Canvas and Panel Paintings, 1946–1994. Aneta Zebala, conservator and author, is founder of Zebala & Partners. She is also a conservator for the Sam Francis Foundation and a contributor to Sam Francis: Catalogue Raisonné of Canvas and Panel Paintings, 1946–1994. For more information, please visit www.novakart.com.

STYLE | BEAUTY

Spring

into the

Perfect Scent Written by Jennifer Gonzales

Winter is finally over and there’s no better way than to start spring off the right way. Whether you are doing a little spring cleaning or altering things here and there to accommodate a more refreshing lifestyle. Choosing the right fragrance can sometimes be a challenge with so many options to choose from. How do you know which scent is perfect for you? Embrace the change of season with these scents.

SWEET Who doesn’t like sweet scents? Sweet scents are the most popular scents out there, sweet defines those who consider themselves glamourous, sophisticated and hard to resist. Looking for a scent that seems explosive? Try these perfumes listed below, which are guaranteed to turn heads. Ex: Spiritueuse Double Vanille, Memo Paris Tamarindo, Flowerbomb

FLORAL If you prefer a more refreshing scent one that isn’t too loud, but still lingers on as you walk past someone, then these are the perfect scents for you. These are the types of scents that are made for someone who represents purity and a heart that’s genuine. Ex: Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Fou de Toi, Bond no 9, Blvgari Ashlemah

FRUITY Fruity scents are another popular selling scent. Best to suit a personality that is adventurous and always ready to explore. You’re never afraid to try new things. These scents below are scents that you must try. Ex: Spring Flower Creed, Jadore, Chanel Eu Tendre

WOODY Woody scents are common amongst those that shine sophistication and elegance. These are the types of scents that are made for those who are fearless and aren’t scared to take on the world. You can handle any task at hand and never settle for less. Looking to add new scents to your collection then try these down below. Ex: Clive Christian No. 1, Tom Ford Beau de Jour, Honeysuckle, Dovana Sylvaine Delacourte

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March 2019

TRAVEL | LEISURE

Destinations

to Add to Your Bucket List in 2019

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Travel Leaders Network highlights dream-fulfilling destinations that are not-to-be-missed this year For those who venture abroad, travel can provide unforgettable and sometimes life-changing experiences and there are many choices for 2019 that travelers should tick off their bucket list. The experts at Travel Leaders Network, America’s largest retail travel agency brand, have identified several top destinations for overseas adventure this year.

MALDIVES Imagine being surrounded in sparkling turquoise waters, lounging beneath a thatched-roof palapa on a secluded beach or being miles from the crowds so that the only sounds are the waves lapping gently at the shore. When vacationing in the Maldives, one can also experience a luxurious oceanfront villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa. Islands in the Sun resort offers a six-day option that includes a welcome champagne reception, a variety of fine dining experiences, nightly cocktail reception and excursions that include whale shark tours, guided snorkel tours, night fishing, sunset cruises and local island discovery. An exclusive offer when booking through a Travel Leaders advisor provides a $100 spa credit.

INDIA A country filled with spiritual tradition. Visitors can receive blessings from a priest in Kalna, walk along the Ganges, the holy river of Hinduism, or experience a tour of the Hare Krishna headquarters. Even a rickshaw ride through the lively Chandni Chowk bazaar is amazing when experiencing the multitude of colorful sights, enticing smells and beautiful sounds along the way. A 13-day Avalon Waterways river cruise is a great opportunity to visit this part of the world.

SINGAPORE is even more intriguing to travelers after the release of the romantic comedy film “Crazy Rich Asians.” It is an ultra-modern city with chic rooftop bars, laser light shows and the world-famous Sky Park, which is a cantilevered platform supporting the world’s longest rooftop infinity pool. It’s the perfect stop, set against the backdrop of Singapore’s sparkling skyline. A 14-night voyage aboard Celebrity Cruises that includes a visit to Singapore and five more ports of call throughout Thailand, Vietnam and China is a great option for visiting Singapore and other Southeast Asia destinations. The journey includes dinners at four of the destinations and all onboard meals.

GREENLAND A fascinating country where the evening entertainment may include watching the Aurora Borealis dance above an icy ocean horizon. Visitors are consistently thrilled they chose this amazing destination. Taking a cruise that visits Greenland also includes cruising through the Arctic Circle and the chance to photograph numerous wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, harp seals, arctic foxes, musk oxen, and reindeer. A 24-day route of the Vikings II aboard Seaborn Quest departs from Reykjavik, Iceland, on August 6, 2019. Ocean view suite accommodations provide a perfect vantage point from which to view stunning, fjord-like inlets and narrow passages to glowing blue icebergs and colorful fishing villages. Travelers seeking additional ideas can go to TravelLeaders.com to find a Travel Leaders Network travel advisor who can guide them to destinations near and far.

March 2019

TRAVEL | LEISURE

Photos Courtesy of Marriott International, Inc.

Renaissance Hotels Debuts in Mexico Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina Opens its Doors in Downtown Cancún with Theatrical Design that Playfully Pays Homage to its Mayan History Renaissance Hotels announced the opening of Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina, the brand’s first hotel to open in Mexico. The anticipated resort anchors the new marina in Puerto Cancún and connects travelers to both the local spirit of the neighborhood and the destination’s pristine beaches, just minutes away. Through its surprising design, entertaining evening bar rituals and engaging Navigator, the 180-room lifestyle resort is poised to anchor Puerto Cancún - home to a professional golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, residential areas, a shopping center with restaurants, movie theatres, and the largest marina in the area. “We have been on a journey to evolve our hotels’ design to reflect what the Renaissance brand offers today: a sense of clever

theatricality and an open invitation to experience something a little unexpected during our guests’ travels,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Renaissance Hotels. “We are thrilled to celebrate Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina and its spontaneous high-low design that embraces the DNA of the locale and gives guests a new sense of the destination.” Led by Estudio Lemus Arquitectos in conjunction with Idea Asociados, the hotel’s design takes a decidedly distinct approach to Mayan mythology, inspired by the journey a soul takes after death through the cenotes to reach the mystical underworld of Xibalbá. Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina thrives from stark contrasts created through materiality, different textures and a dynamic color palette – a showcase of the brand’s refined design

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strategy, which reflects what the Renaissance brand offers today: a sense of clever theatricality and an open invitation to experience something a little different both inside and out of the hotel. Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina encourages travelers to discover the hidden gems that gives its neighborhoods soul through its whimsical design. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea anchored by a deconstructed wooden sculpture representing the sacred Mayan tree (ceiba). Metal wire sculptures resembling mollusks contrast the natural, wood stones and polished ceramics throughout the lobby. From underground art created by local urban artists to an engaging pool table and reading nook in the public spaces, the hotel’s interior design reframes the historic fabric of the destination with a modern energy – extending from the lobby to the guest rooms. The hotel boasts 180 guestrooms, including 11 suites, all with ocean, marina or golf course views - inspiring a sense of spontaneous discovery at every turn. “Just as the Mayan underworld is a universe worth discovering, Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina is a space full of stories waiting to be told,” said Karina Zuñiga, General Manager. “Stories that will awake the explorer within us, when we allow ourselves to be inspired by the unexpected.” Music to stir the soul is a theme carried through the hotel’s social spaces, artwork and atmosphere. Zek Bar sits centerstage with a designed-DJ table beckoning travelers through the lobby

March 2019

and to the terrace. Savor the very best of local cuisine at Káajal Restaurant or linger for a coffee at Nüup Deli Café. For a taste of Baja California visit Merotoro and enjoy a simple yet sophisticated menu curated by Chef Jaír Téllez. Business meetings turn into ultimate moments of inspiration, whether gathering in one of the meeting rooms, the more intimate boardroom, or hosting a magnificent event on the terrace overlooking the ocean. Distinctly local, personalized service is brought to life through the hotel’s engaging Navigators, the Renaissance brand’s ambassadors who connect travelers to the locale and help guests discover the neighborhood’s handpicked local discoveries, including discovering Isla Mujeres or scuba diving at the Underwater museum with a private tour from the hotel’s marina; enjoying a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere with Chef Jaír Téllez, just steps away from the hotel or finding Chef Tiago Aceituno’s home and experiencing his farm-to-table cuisine at Mostaza. Conveniently located 10 minutes from the city and 25 minutes from Cancún International Airport, the new Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina is in Puerto Cancún, an exclusive and gated community at the beginning of the hotel zone, and only steps away from the beach. For more information, please visit www.renhotels. com and Renaissance Cancún Resort & Marina

TRAVEL | LEISURE

Photos Courtesy of Oceana

Oceana To Debut in May 2019 Following $25 Million Transformation That Sets the Stage for Secluded Santa Monica Beach Glamour Oceana Beach Club Hotel to Re-emerge as California’s Most Captivating Beachside Hideaway Already underway with a $25 million head-to-toe transformation, the current Oceana Beach Club Hotel today announces it will re-emerge as the all-new Oceana in May 2019. A secluded Santa Monica haven for world travelers, celebrities and titans of industry since opening across from the beach on fabled Ocean Avenue in 1996, the hotel will shake up the West Coast scene with an unrivaled plot twist on oceanside glamour, relaxed 5-star luxury and exclusive hotel guest access when it debuts as Oceana. The new Oceana will evoke a stunning beachside home-away-from-home and deliver a rare private residential experience in Santa Monica’s most coveted neighborhood north of Wilshire Boulevard where the sun-kissed ocean meets the prestige of

walkable Montana Avenue. Oceana will feature an all-new entrance and lobby; 70 striking guest suites with ocean views and custom high-end furnishings; a private indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar curated by a famed Santa Monica restauranteur; lush outdoor courtyard lounge with swimming pool and stylish social gathering space; a state-of-the-art fitness studio and spa; and space for intimate events. “We are thrilled to soon welcome world travelers to the new Oceana that will offer exclusive access to the best of Santa Monica’s celebrated beach lifestyle,” said Jim Lippman, Chairman & CEO of owner and operator JRK Hotel Group. “With an authentic take on intimate, residential-style luxury steps from the Pacific Ocean, www.HighRiseLife.com

sumptuous color palette with soothing neutrals, blues and bold geometric patterns; all custom high-end furnishings and accent pieces including rich velvet sofas, four-poster beds, luxe minibar cabinets and hand-tufted rugs from Nepal; captivating artwork commissioned from Los Angeles artists and international photographers; Loro Piana bedding and Frette linens; spa-inspired bathrooms with Bottega Veneta amenities; and a state-of-the-art technology package. Oceana will bring a new caliber of five-star hospitality to the iconic beaches of Southern California.” The Oceana guest experience will celebrate luxury residential-style living with a personalized welcome experience, nightly turndown service, beach cruiser bikes, yoga on Santa Monica Beach, house cars for beach and local transfers, and more. This boutique hotel with shimmering ocean sunrise and sunset views is now taking reservations starting May 1, 2019.

OCEANA HIGHLIGHTS DESIGN

Oceana’s gorgeous new design from interior designer Anna Busta of Busta Studio in New York City will see elegant modern design captivate the senses across every inch of a beachside home away-from-home. Busta, who specializes in high-end home interior design, will employ the design principals from her private residence work to bring Oceana to life with custom high-end furnishings commissioned for the hotel; a rich yet soothing color palette where soft ivories, silvers and blues meet blackened steel and gold metal accents; bold geometric patterns and extensive wood finishes; and a custom art program in collaboration with Los Angeles artists and international photographers. ARRIVAL & LOBBY A grand two-story entrance clad in ivy will usher guests into the privacy of this intimate Santa Monica hideaway. The lobby will feature mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and outdoor courtyard lounge with pool while offering a stunning living room setting with a hanging glass light installation by Alison Berger, contemporary fire pit and cerused oak wood ship lap paneling. GUEST SUITES Seventy guest suites – many offering ocean views – will feature hanging swings beside front doors; a

March 2019

Guest suites with living rooms average a spacious 850 square feet and eight room types range from studio suites (500 square feet) to two-bedroom ocean-view suites (up to 1,700 square feet). Select suites will feature ocean-view balconies and amenities including luxury soaking tubs, walk-in closets, pull-out queen sofa beds, fully-stocked kitchens and connecting options. RESTAURANT & BAR A sleek indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar curated by a notable Santa Monica restauranteur will be a members-only destination unto itself that is available exclusively to hotel guests. Fashioned in soft pastels inspired by ocean sunsets that paint the sky just beyond its windows, the restaurant will serve New American cuisine rooted in hyper-local ingredients from the world-famous Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available as well as an overnight room service menu. OUTDOOR COURTYARD LOUNGE & POOL An extraordinary outdoor courtyard lounge will evolve from a chic daytime relaxation and social gathering space to a posh evening hideout available exclusively to hotel guests. Framed by lush greenery and blooms from landscape architecture firm Perry Guillot of the Hamptons, the outdoor courtyard lounge will offer a swimming pool, alfresco dining and cocktails, fire pits and James Perse upholstered teak furniture. FITNESS STUDIO & SPA Just off the outdoor courtyard lounge, an intimate fitness studio will offer state-of-the-art equipment from Peloton and Woodway. An adjacent spa will include a treatment room with a full-service spa menu, a manicure and pedicure station and barber chair for hair services. In-room spa treatments will also be available. INTIMATE GATHERINGS The hotel’s space for intimate gatherings, events and meetings encompasses 900 square feet and can accommodate up to 60 people. Oceana is owned and operated by JRK Hotel Group, a division of Los Angeles-based JRK Property Holdings which is a real estate investment firm specializing in the ownership, management, leasing and redevelopment of properties in primary and secondary markets throughout the U.S. For more information about Oceana, visit www.hoteloceanasantamonica.com.

ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD

Photos Courtesy of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Opens Their First Los Angeles Outpost The Ultra-Premium Steakhouse Unveils its All-Star Team plus an Exclusive Look at the $15 million Restaurant Paying Tribute to Classic Hollywood Award-winning restaurant, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse makes its Los Angeles debut on February 9, 2019. Located in the newly remodeled, Westfield Century City, the American dining institution will be bringing its bold vision and rich tradition to the City of Angels. Focusing on the art of hospitality, fine dining cuisine, and a revered wine program, the premium steakhouse will showcase a two-story homage to classic Hollywood. The highly anticipated 15,354 square-foot restaurant will feature glamorous dining spaces, four private dining rooms, bars on both levels, as well as scenic windows that open to Santa Monica Boulevard, creating an indoor/outdoor environment suited to the Los Angeles climate. “With this location we plan to further enhance guests’ experience with unmatched culinary excellence and an unparalleled level of service,” said Michael

DiGiambattista, General Manager. “From the expansive wine selection and the robust flavor of our Dry-Aged steaks, to the grandeur of our atmosphere, we provide a level of sophistication that has become a true staple in our brand.” In preparation for the Grand Opening, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse has recruited top talent from the Los Angeles area as well as seasoned talent from other Del Frisco’s locations. This Los Angeles location welcomes General Manager, Michael DiGiambattista, Executive Chef Javier Fuentes and Wine Director Mandy Sparacino. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Los Angeles will be open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner until 11:00 p.m. nightly and until 12:00 a.m. on the weekends. For more information, please visit www.delfriscos.com. www.HighRiseLife.com

ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD

Photos Courtesy of Storylab

Fine Dining, Taking Upscale Feasts to A New Level “F.E.A.S.T Flourish” set to launch March 2019 in San Francisco

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Going out to dinner never gets old—especially if it means trying a revolutionary new fine dining experience. Known for their immersive art and technology experiences, Onedome, in partnership with Storylab and Monarch Catering, has joined forces to create a unique combination of exquisite cuisine and interactive digital art, appropriately titled, F.E.A.S.T (Fine Dining Entertainment Art Story Technology) Great guests and good vibes all play a part in capturing the aura of the evening. However, each F.E.A.S.T has a few key elements including: -Table-top interactive digital art and immersive entertainment for up to 32 guests -A delicious 5-course tasting menu and wine pairing, created and presented by renowned Chef Nick Ronan of the Pawn Shop and Bisou. -Unique herbal elixir cocktails from Elixart -Admission to the LMNL gallery, an interactive digital labyrinth of 14 rooms & installations. As for the flow of the night, guests are welcomed into the space with a specially crafted elixir from Onedome residents, Elixart and are immediately submerged into the theme of the season, which is currently called “Flourish.” As they enter the main dining room, guests are seated at their table, alive with interactive digital art. Their 5-course dining experience begins with Chef Nick Ronan presenting an overview of the night’s culinary journey and returning throughout the evening to present each course. Between each presentation, their table transforms into various scenes depicting the flourishing colors and expressions of spring. Guests will be able to create their own landscapes as they directly interact with the table-top digital art and images! The dinner experience ends with a delicious dessert and an invitation to visit the LMNL gallery downstairs, where participants can continue to explore. “We are all excited to launch F.E.A.S.T! Creating unique interactive dining experiences offers friends, families, and even corporate teams the perfect setting to collaborate and connect unlike anything ever offered in the Bay Area.”

“This unique co-creation between our immersive arts company Onedome, culinary curation by renowned french chef Nick Ronan and the team from Pawn Shop/Monarch, and stunning interactive table-top digital art by Storylab Inc - sets the scene for an immersive fine dining experience that San Francisco has never seen the likes of. This is going to be deliciously fun.”

Chris Deckker - Director of Operations, Onedome Seeing is believing. Seats are limited, so please make your reservations and join the F.E.A.S.T. For the latest on what’s happening at Onedome, follow @onedomeglobal on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter at www.onedome.global.

Becca Dakini - Co-Founder, Onedome

March 2019

REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT

is a New Destination to Live, Lodge & Dine in Seattle A new landmark along Seattle’s cityscape is the latest destination to live, lodge and dine in downtown Seattle. The 43-story Arrive’ tower is the newest for-rent mixed-use property in the market and blends exceptional apartment living with 344 high-end luxury units, The Sound Hotel and Instagram-able food and drink options at Currant Bistro and Caffe Umbria. Located at 2116 4th Ave. adjacent to the epic Cinerama movie theater and close to many of Seattle’s iconic destinations, Arrivé is currently leasing apartment units, and The Sound Hotel and Currant Bistro will soon open in mid-February. Caffe Umbria is a full-service grad & go coffee shop. The building officially marked its grand opening in late February at a ribbon cutting with invited guests and dignitaries. “Every aspect of Arrivé is designed and constructed with intentionality and thoughtfulness toward our customers,” says Mike Doran, project executive for The Molasky Group, the development partner with Binjiang Real Estate Group. “The construction team worked tirelessly to bring this asset online in 27 months, and the project partners worked in conjunction to bring an outstanding blend of apartment units, hotel rooms, and amenities to market. From its seven levels of subterranean parking to the breathtaking views at the penthouse units and roof-top amenity, Arrivé has a lot to offer people who want to live or lodge in downtown Seattle.” Designed to be a vibrant property, The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, shares an active lobby with Arrivé and celebrates the sights, sounds, and tastes that are unique to Seattle. Its 142 exquisitely designed, well-appointed guest rooms occupy the first ten floors of the building, some offering expansive views. The hotel will feature the ground level restaurant Currant Bistro and a full-service, grab & go coffee bar. For meetings, the hotel’s 7thFloor offers the Lupine Room: 770 square feet of divisible meeting space ideal for groups of up to 50, as well as Sound Bite Lounge, a relaxed, post-meeting gathering spot with seasonal outdoor seating and unobstructed views of the Space Needle. The Sound Hotel is the first Tapestry by Hilton in the state of Washington for Hilton Hotels and Resorts and will be managed by The Hotel Group, a leading national hotel management and investment company. “The hotel’s design drew directly from the Belltown neighborhood’s deep roots in the arts and local music scene, mixed in with the natural beauty of the Puget Sound region,” says General Manager David Watkins of The Sound Hotel. “Warm, rich textures in our rooms offer visitors an authentic Northwest experience, while the artistic elements reflect Seattle as a bustling hive of creativity.” The top thirty-one floors of the building feature 344 apartments with a range of floor plans from studios to three bedroom/three bath units professionally managed and operated by Seattle-based Blanton Turner. All apartments have large windows showcasing Seattle’s cityscape and natural beauty with many, especially the penthouses, offering spectacular views of Elliot Bay and Lake Union.

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Arrive' tower is a new landmark on Seattle's cityscape and a new destination to live, lodge and dine in style.

Understated elegance defines Arrivé where residents can select from two designer-finish palettes to complement their personal style and décor. Each thoughtfully-designed residence includes air conditioning, quartz surfaces, modern kitchens with professional appliances and gas ranges. Select units include private terraces, walk-in closets, under-cabinet lighting and French-door refrigerators with PureAir filtration systems. Penthouse units have exclusive color palettes and include waterfall islands, Miele appliances, and cabinets by California Closets. Lighting, thermostats, and window treatments are controlled from a smartphone with instant connectivity to Z-Wave technology. All residents can take advantage of community spaces to host private gatherings or enjoy a glass of wine with friends on the spacious rooftop lounge with indoor/outdoor kitchen and bar. Energy efficient lighting is used throughout the building, which is targeting LEED Silver certification. Arrivé was developed by Hangzhou, China-based Binjiang Real Estate Group and Las Vegas, Nevada-based The Molasky Group of Companies. The general contractor is Denver, CO-based PCL, the sixth largest contractor in the United States. The architect is Weber Thompson, Seattle’s most notable architectural firm. The Los Angeles office of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the world leader in interior design, created the signature décor at Arrivé. For more information on living at Arrivé go to www.arriveseattle.com.

Photos Courtesy of Arrive’ Seattle March 2019

REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT

Photos Courtesy of Westdale Real Estate Investment and Management

The Epic Office Tower Announces First Tenants Westdale Real Estate Investment and Management, Spaces and David Grutman’s Komodo Restaurant are First to Sign Leases at The Epic for Innovative Amenities and Downtown Views Westdale Real Estate Investment and Management announces the first tenants to The Epic office tower, a 16-story contemporary workplace within The Epic’s eight-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum and the Dallas Farmers Market. Developed by Westdale and KDC, and designed by global architecture firm Perkins+Will, The Epic offers 251,000 square feet of modern office space in a location that anchors a new side of Downtown Dallas and serves as a gateway to Deep Ellum. Rising from the intersections of Downtown, Deep Ellum and the Dallas Farmers Market, The Epic provides an eight-acre cultural gateway

from the city’s Central Business District to its most creative streets. Designed to amplify the spirit of the surrounding areas, the development provides engaging new business, hospitality, living and recreational destinations aligned with the dynamic makeup of the neighborhood. Located at 2550 Pacific Avenue, the contemporary office tower is on track for LEED Gold certification and is a Class AA office building with innovative amenities for tomorrow’s workforce. The office tower is designed for engaging environments that spark connectivity with select amenities to include: 55,000 square feet of restaurant and retail throughout The Epic, a fitness center with luxury locker rooms, office terraces, multiple collaborative areas, a

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bike storage area, and a seventh-floor rooftop amenity deck with year-round seating and sweeping views of Downtown Dallas. Developer Westdale has signed a 39,124-square-foot lease in the office tower and will occupy one-and-a-half floors beginning in June 2019. “This is a unique opportunity to locate Westdale’s headquarters in a world-class building and dynamic setting that aligns with our company’s brand,” says Joe Beard, Westdale President and CEO. “We are excited to be part of this expanding area that offers convenient access to the best amenities in the city.” Spaces, a pioneer in offering creative and flexible working environments with a unique entrepreneurial spirit, has leased 47,026 square feet. “The Epic is an ideal location for Spaces,” says Michael Berretta, VP of Network Development for IWG/Spaces. “The neighborhood and the building will offer our members a vibrant live-work-play atmosphere.” David Grutman will be transporting his signature style and sense of hospitality from Miami to Dallas, with his celebrity hotspot restaurant, Komodo. Located on the ground floor of the office tower, the restaurant will occupy 19,700 square feet of interior space and 2,500 square feet of exterior seating, featuring contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine with an upstairs Komodo Lounge showcasing Grutman’s trademark nightlife energy.

Steve Rigby, Baron Aldrine, Mike Kay, Peter Danna and Mike Cleary of CBRE represented Spaces. Dennis Barnes, Tommy Nelson and Ben Davis of CBRE represented Epic Dallas Office, LP. Jack Gosnell and Elizabeth Herman with CBRE executed the Komodo lease. The Epic is a momentous mixed-use experience featuring three buildings — The Epic office tower, the historic Pittman hotel and The Hamilton residential high-rise. The architecture of the three buildings harmonizes with the development’s pedestrian-friendly and visitor details such as high walkability, green spaces, collaborative creative areas and art installations. With its premier location, The Epic serves as a gateway to the most desired districts in the city’s urban core. The Epic office tower will deliver Q1 of 2019; The Hamilton residential high-rise will begin leasing in Q4 2019 with the substantial completion in Q3 2020; and The Pittman Hotel is slated for a substantial completion in Q2 2020. Westdale has been actively involved in Deep Ellum since the early ‘90s. They have been purchasing and renovating buildings throughout Deep Ellum, focusing on the residential and commercial revitalization of the area. Westdale believes in the area’s musical history and vibrancy and supports new and emerging businesses, such as The Bomb Factory — a venue that hosts headlining concerts and private events year-round. For more information, please visit www.theepicdallas.com.

March 2019

REAL ESTATE | MARKET TRENDS

January Housing Data Shows Uptick in Seller Price Cuts The January U.S. median listing price was $289,300, up 7 percent year-over-year Nationally, homes sold in 87 days in January, two days faster than last year National inventory grew 6 percent year-over-year, while inventory in large markets increased 12 percent. Only six months following the most competitive home buying season of all time, according to realtor.com’s January housing report, the U.S. housing market is off to a slower start in 2019. Although home prices are increasing, 15 percent of U.S. listings had price cuts in January, and declines in days on market have significantly decelerated since last year.

said Danielle Hale, chief economist for realtor.com®. “Although the market is slowing, it’s important to remember that we’re coming off four straight years of inventory declines that pushed the market to a record low availability of homes for sale. The real metric to keep an eye on is entry-level homes, which are the key to getting today’s market back in balance. These homes are still in short-supply.”

“The U.S. housing market is off to a slower start this year in many markets, compared to the rapid acceleration we saw last January,”

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SELLERS ARE MAKING PRICE CUTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUNSHINE STATES

flipside, properties in Birmingham, Ala., Milwaukee and Cleveland sold 14, 11 and 9 days faster than last year, respectively.

In January, the share of homes which had their prices cut increased by 2 percent compared to the previous year. This increase was driven by price reductions in the nation’s largest markets. In fact, 39 of the 50 largest markets saw an increase in their share of price reductions compared to last year. Las Vegas saw the greatest increase in price reductions in January, up 16 percent. It was followed by San Jose (+9 percent), Seattle (+8 percent), Orlando (+6 percent), and Phoenix (+5 percent).

INVENTORY INCREASES IN EXPENSIVE MARKETS KEEP HOME PRICES HIGH

TIME ON MARKET INCREASES ACROSS AMERICA’S LARGEST METROS Nationally, homes sold in 87 days in January, two days faster than last year. But the rate of this decline is decelerating. In January 2018, homes sold a full week faster compared to the previous year. In the 50 largest U.S. metros, the typical home spent an average of one more day on the market in January 2019, compared to the previous year. San Jose, Calif., Seattle and San Francisco saw the largest increases in days on market with properties spending 27, 19 and 15 more days on the market, respectively. On the

March 2019

The median U.S. listing price grew 7 percent year-over-year to $289,300 in January, slightly lower than last year’s increase of 8 percent. This moderate deceleration in home prices is likely attributed to inventory growth in the upper tier of the nation’s most expensive markets. The number of homes priced $750,000 and above grew 12 percent over last year, while the number of homes $200,000 and under declined by 6 percent. Of the 50 largest metros, 32 saw year-over-year gains in median listing prices, but only 12 markets outpaced the national increase of 7 percent. Rochester, N.Y. (18 percent increase), Milwaukee (16 percent increase), and Seattle (12 percent increase) posted the highest year-over-year median list price growth in January. The steepest median listing prices declines were felt in San Jose, Calif., where prices were down 9 percent, or $100,000. Dallas, Texas; Austin, Houston, and Nashville, Tenn., followed with a decline of 4 percent in Dallas and Austin and 3 percent in Houston and Nashville.

CALENDAR March 2nd, 2019 UFC 235: Jon Jones vs. Anthony Smith – t-mobile arena – las vegas, nv. UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was granted a one-fight license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday, clearing way for his title defense against Anthony Smith at UFC 235 on March 2nd. That event was moved to Southern California, and Jones defeated Gustafsson by knockout in the third round to reclaim the vacated title once held by Daniel Cormier.

March 4th-17th, 2019 BNP Paribas Open – Indian Wells tennis garden – Indian Wells, ca. This joint event of both the men's ATP World Tour and the women's WTA Tour, and constitutes the fifth largest tournament in the world, held each year in March. In addition to these large events, during the week members can use the courts for recreational play, and the Tennis Garden sets up matches for individuals who want to play.

March 7th, 2019 PPLA Food Fare – Barker Hangar – santa monica, ca. This gastronomic affair, one of L.A.’s most highly anticipated foodie events, will showcase over 100 of Southern California’s best chefs, restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, vendors and merchants. Besides the huge array of delightful food and beverage samples, Food Fare will highlight shopping opportunities and dozens of raffles and auctions where guests will have the chance to bid on coveted prizes including one-of-a-kind entertainment and culinary experiences. Food Fare is PPLA’s largest fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting the health care and education services that PPLA offers through their 20 health centers throughout LA County.

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March 7th - 10th, 2019 Silicon Valley Auto Show – San Jose McEnery Convention Center – san jose, ca. The Silicon Valley Auto Show is the largest auto show in the Bay Area. From electric cars to exotics and new luxury models to classics — you can see, touch, even test drive the leading-edge of automotive technology. From Lincoln to Lamborghini, the Silicon Valley Auto Show is the place to see all the latest models from more than 30 manufacturers up-close, under one roof. Check out all that is new in a non-selling environment, learn about new technological advancements, sit in the driver’s seats, ask questions and even test drive dozens of vehicles.

March 8th, 2019 Justin Timberlake – t-mobile arena – LAS VEGAS, NV. Justin Timberlake is bringing his The Man of the Woods Tour to Las Vegas with a stop at T-Mobile Arena. Man of The Woods concert previously postponed in Las Vegas has been rescheduled for Friday, March 8, 2019. Man of the Woods topped the Billboard 200 with the biggest first week sales of the year at the time, also marks Timberlake's fourth consecutive No. 1 album and has since been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

March 9th - 10th, 2019

March 30th, 2019

OC wine festival – Exposition Park – Los Angeles, CA.

Michael Bublé – T-MOBILE ARENA– LAS VEGAS, NV.

To explore the exciting world of wine – along with some seriously artisan brews – in a great setting that is all about you finding what you like. The OC Wine Fest brings wines and brews from around the world to your doorstep in a fun, relaxed environment. The Fest also serves up boutiques to browse, artisan merchandise to buy and more.

Singer Michael Bublé’ will perform at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, March 30. This past August, Bublé returned to the stage after a lengthy absence for shows in Dublin, London and Sydney where he performed for over 150,000 fans. He has already completed five sold out world tours, won four Grammy Awards and sold over 60 million records over the course of his extraordinary career.

March 30th, 2019 San Francisco International Chocolate Salon – Golden Gate Park – San Francisco,ca. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary metropolitan areas. The Original and Premier Artisan Chocolate Show on the West Coast takes place at the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon.

March 2019

ANIMAL RESCUE CHARITY SUPPORTED BY THE LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY Las Vegas real estate community joined together for a networking mixer inside one of the stunning custom-built Blue Heron homes. Hosted by Jeremy Lewis alongside some of Las Vegasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; top performing producers to build awareness and support The Animal Foundation. All Proceeds benefitted The Animal Foundation.

Henderson, NV. January 24, 2019 Photos by Ash Photography

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March 2019

HIGHRISE

Los Angeles

Long Beach

Las Vegas

D I S T R I B U T I O N D I R E C T O RY

March 2019

ALLURE LAS VEGAS 200 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102

PALMS PLACE 4381 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103

SKY LAS VEGAS 2700 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

TURNBERRY TOWERS 222 Karen Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109

WALDORF ASTORIA LAS VEGAS 3750 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89158

PANORAMA TOWERS 4525 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103

SOHO LOFTS 900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101

VDARA 2600 W Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89158

METROPOLIS 360 E Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

PARK HOUSE 8925 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89147

THE OGDEN 150 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101

VEER TOWERS 3722 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89103

MGM SIGNATURE 145 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109

PARK TOWERS 1 Hughes Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89169

ONE LAS VEGAS 8255 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89123

TRUMP LAS VEGAS 2000 Fashion Show Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109

NEWPORT LOFTS 200 Hoover Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

PLATINUM 211 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

JUHL LAS VEGAS 353 E Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

LOFT 5 2715 W Pebble Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89123

ONE QUEENSRIDGE PLACE 9103 Alta Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89145

REGENCY TOWERS 3111 Bel Air Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109

TURNBERRY PLACE 2747 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

AQUA 388 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

INTERNATIONAL TOWER 700 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

QUEENS SURF 1750 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

THE SOVEREIGN 360 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

COOPER ARMS 455 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

LAFAYETTE BUILDING 140 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802

THE ROYAL PALMS 100 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802

HARBOR PLACE TOWER 525 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

THE VERSAILLES 2601 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803

OCEAN CLUB 1310 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

THE ROYAL PALMS 100 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802

1100 WILSHIRE 1100 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017

METROPOLIS CONDOS 899 Francisco Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017

THE CENTURY 1 Century Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90067

THE CALIFORNIAN 10800 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

PERLA ON BROADWAY 359 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

RITZ-CARLTON 900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015

THE MERCURY 3810 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90005

WILSHIRE REGENT 10501 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

EASTERN COLUMBIA LOFTS 849 Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

SIERRA TOWERS 9255 Doheny Road, Los Angeles, CA 90069

THE REMINGTON 10727 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

EVO CONDOS 1155 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015

SKYLOFTS 801 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017

THE WILSHIRE COMSTOCK THE LINE LOFTS 865 Comstock Avenue, 1737 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Los Angeles, CA 90028

LOS FELIZ TOWERS 4411 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Feliz, CA 90027

TEN50 CONDOS 1050 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015

W HOLLYWOOD 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028

WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

CROWN TOWERS 10701 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024

HIGHRISE

San Francisco

San Diego

D I S T R I B U T I O N D I R E C T O RY ACQUA VISTA CONDOS 425 West Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92101

THE GRANDE 1199 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

THE MARK 800 The Mark Lane, San Diego, CA 92101

RENAISSANCE 645 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101

BAYSIDE AT THE EMBARCADERO

1325 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

HARBOR CLUB 100-200 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

MERIDIAN 700 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101

TREO 1240 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101

CITYFRONT TERRACE 500 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

HORIZONS 555 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101

THE METROPOLITAN 165 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

SMART CORNER 1080 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

DISCOVERY AT CORTEZ HILL ICON 850 Beech Street, 321 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 San Diego, CA 92101

PARK PLACE 700 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

ELECTRA 700 W E Street, San Diego, CA 92101

LA VITA 300 West Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92101

PINNACLE TOWER 550 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101

829 FOLSOM 829 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

ARTERRA CONDOS 300 Berry Street, San Francisco, CA 94158

ONE MISSION BAY Channel St. & 3rd St. San Francisco, CA 94158

THE BRANNAN 219-239 Branna Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

170 OFF THIRD 170 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

BAYCREST TOWERS 201 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

ONE RINCON HILL 425 1st Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

THE HAMILTON 631 Ofarrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

333 BUSH STREET CONDOS 300 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

CATHEDRAL HILL TOWER 1200 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

RITZ CARLTON RESIDENCES

690 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

THE HARRISON 401 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

2006 WASHINGTON

2006 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

BRIDGEVIEW 400 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

ROCKWELL CONDOS 1688 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

THE HAYES 55 Page Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

69 CLEMENTINA 69 Clementina Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

LUMINA CONDOS 201 Folsom, San Francisco, CA 94105

SOMA GRAND CONDOS 1160 Mision Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

THE SUMMIT 999 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

888 SEVENTH STREET 888 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

MONTGOMERY

ST. REGIS RESIDENCIES 188 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

THE WATERMARK 501 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

San Jose

ARDEN CONDOS 738 Long Bridge Street, San Francisco, CA 94158

WASHINGTON TOWER 611 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

360 RESIDENCES 360 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113

MONTEBELLO CONDOS 20488 Stevens Creek, Cupertino, CA 95014

PASEO PLAZA & VILLAS 130 East San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112

PLANT 51 88 Bush St. San Jose, CA 95126

AXIS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

ONYX CONDOS 912 Campisi Way, Campbell, CA 95008

RYLAND MEWS 400 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95112

PARK TOWNSEND 46 West Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95110

38 North Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95110