trailblazing men

Say hello to Marin Living’s Trailblazing Men. They are individuals and teams who steer clear of mediocrity and boldly pave their own paths when it comes to providing exceptional services, products and connections. How they conduct business exemplifies their passion, commitment and love for what they do. They’re always looking for ways to raise the bar and improve their offerings so their customers and clients know they are working with the best in the business.

Troy Luchessi

Troy Luchessi – Realtor

An agent with connections, industry knowledge, compassion and a focus on listening to clients.

What makes you a trailblazer?

Being able to see what others don’t see in the market. Knowledge in the market and doing what it takes to succeed in getting my sellers the most they can get out of their property. Timing is everything, as well as having the property in the most turn-key position possible. And for buyers, finding the right property that seems impossible to find, in any budget.

Describe how you use resourcefulness. I listen to my clients first and foremost and leverage my vast network of resources to create the best possible scenario and options to bring to the table. I make sure my clients, whether sellers or buyers, are fully educated about pricing and the competition.

How are you thinking outside the box?

My secret to thinking outside the box is not mind altering. It really has to do with carefully listening to your clients and their needs and giving them your unfiltered and honest opinion. Sometimes it’s hard to hear and they may not want to listen, but nonetheless I have to be completely transparent with them. I truly believe sellers and buyers are looking for insight, advice and education and that’s what I deliver.

Wines by James MacPhail

A winemaker with a deep Marin family history.

What makes you a trailblazer?

I am the only winemaker in my whole family, and I never thought I’d be where I am today. But I distinctly remember, before my dad passed away, he told me to “blaze my own trail.” That was my first supportive “push” into the wine industry — until then, it wasn’t anything I had ever thought of before.

Have you started new services in your industry?

I’ve started a new business: Wines by James MacPhail — where, as an independent winemaker, I make wine for just nine clients. It’s complete full service — from “berry to bottle.” I am 100 percent hands on during the whole process, and I am there for everything. Since I own my own winery, I am able to control all of the winemaking aspects — with the exception (of course) of what Mother Nature brings to the table.

How do you raise the bar and offer your customers the ultimate in customer service?

The first thing I do is sit down with them and talk about the process — find out what exactly they’re looking for, and guide them when they don’t. I let them know what they’re up against with complete transparency — both financial and the unknown. I make sure they know they are never alone. I emphasize my “berry to bottle” philosophy, and that I never compromise on quality — whether it’s in the vineyard, barrel choices or my time.

Wines by James MacPhail

851 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg, CA 95448 707.696.5224 james@tonguedancerwines.com www.winesbyjamesmacphail.com trailblazing men

Phil McDougall

Phil McDougall Personal Training

A holistic approach to health and fitness.

What makes you a trailblazer?

I’m a real-world strength trainer and massage therapist. I help professionals aged 35 to 65 optimize their daily movement habits, ergonomics and training routines to become stronger versions of themselves.

What separates you from the pack?

I was an elite triathlete, Royal Marines Commando, global educator for medical professionals and trainers, and the wellness director for a tech company in S.F. I’m a certified instructor in a vast range of exercise disciplines and I utilize whichever ones serve my clients most effectively.

How are you thinking outside the box?

I’ve recently launched a corporate wellness business called Wellforce. I provide a plethora of wellness services including remote wellness webinars, off-site enhancement, ergonomic consultations and lunch ‘n’ learns.

Have you launched any new products?

I’m excited to announce the forthcoming launch of the Wellforce mobile app. It takes users’ individual requirements and prescribes movement snacks (short bouts of nourishing movements) at the times they want them. We are beta testing, but it will be available to a wider audience soon. Please go to the Wellforce website (www.getwellforce.com) and subscribe to the newsletter for updates.

Phil McDougall Personal Training phil@getwellforce.com

www.philmcdougall.com

/@phil.mcdougall

Providing

Describe how you use resourcefulness to stay ahead of the pack.

BK: We are expert listeners that digest and understand our client’s needs and turn them into beautiful spaces to inhabit. Our no-ego, hands-on approach is geared toward fostering intimate relationships with our clients.

How do you offer your clients the ultimate in customer service?

EM: My team stops at nothing to meet our clients’ needs. House needs to be cleaned? We’ve got it. Need to donate half your stuff? We’ve got it. Find a home for that grand piano? We’ve got that, too. Our goal is to make the process as effortless for our clients as possible.

What makes your team trailblazers?

BK: We don’t subscribe to one particular look or style. Instead, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our project aesthetics. Just as no two people are the same nor the home they inhabit, so too should be their interiors. Successful design is not about my personal style but about helping my clients best express their own.

Do you have a unique Bay Area history?

EM: Well, I grew up in Marin. So suffice it to say, I know it pretty well. While I’ve seen things change and evolve over the past several decades, what remains constant is the natural beauty and amazing quality of life that Marin has to offer.

When technology meets superior customer service.

What makes your team trailblazers?

Although we take pride in being a boutique and local brand, we’ve worked hard to become integrated with some of the most advanced technologies and digital marketing systems available in our industry. By doing so, we’re able to streamline our operations and allocate more quality time to serving our clients.

Describe how you use innovation to stay ahead of the pack.

The future of real estate lies is in the leverage of teams. The notion that I can be the best at all facets of the industry is faulty at best. My team consists of a business manager, real estate coach, white label broker with a robust tech stack (Side), director of operations, marketing manager, showing agents, design/staging partners, contractors and painters, etc... Not to mention, we’re implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to gain efficiency and free up time.

How are you boldly paving the way?

Agents who solve problems and open more doors to opportunities are going to get the best results for their clients. We offer trade-in programs that allow clients to buy before selling while maximizing value, concierge property prep services with $0 up front out of pocket for sellers, cash offer programs for buyers and so much more. The relationships within the industry are vital as we identify win-win situations. In 2022, 25 percent of our business was off market.

Corey Robinson

Journey

Real Estate

1300 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.858.9469 | corey@thejourneyre.com www.thejourneyre.com

@corey.journey | /journeyrealestate

DRE #01783258

KC Pedersen Clipper Yacht Harbor

A full-service marina with a long legacy.

What makes your team trailblazers?

Clipper Yacht Harbor has been in the Pedersen family since the 1940s. We are now on our third-generation of owners and operators. Clipper has been improving and innovating for more than 75 years, never being content or complacent.

Describe how you use resourcefulness to stay ahead of the pack.

From upgrading our docks to the industry-leading standard, adding solar to our property, taking on the best of the marine industry tenants, we will always strive to improve.

How are you boldly paving the way in your industry?

We are always looking to see where the marine industry is headed and try to stay one step ahead. We are setting the standard of what a full-service marina should be.

Clipper Yacht Harbor | 310 Harbor Drive, Sausalito, CA 94965 415.332.3500 | info@clipperyacht.com | www.clipperyacht.com

Doug Coomer

North Bay Candleworks

Aromatic candles and laser engraving services inspired by Marin.

What makes you a trailblazer?

Our team is innovative and always looking for new and better ways to improve our products. We immerse ourselves and get constant feedback through artisan craft fairs and farmers markets, which can lead to new products, like our laser engraving service.

Describe how you use innovation to stay ahead of the pack.

We are now incorporating custom engraving into some of our candle vessels, some of which allow the light to pass through. We also offer laser engraving for wedding gifts, corporate event prizes and even bridal showers. If you can think of it, we can engrave it.

North Bay Candleworks

757 Lincoln Avenue, Ste. 19, San Rafael, CA 94901 | 415.246.0028 www.northbaycandleworks.com | /@northbay_candleworks