Rancho Santa Fe Magazine

Rancho Santa Fe MAGAZINE

www.RSFMagazine.com

RIVA YACHTS An Icon of Luxury BEST 5 STAR HOTELS

2012

RSF HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BUSINESS LEADERS

five benjamins one jackson two washingtons

all you

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JOURNEY

TO THE

CENTER OF ‘YOUR’

CORE

From the inside out, core training and fitness seeks to stabilize the regions around the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle for added physical support; as a result, ease of movement is gained for extremities and pelvic organ function, along with the added bonus of posture correction, sexual health and performance, and simply looking better in your clothes.

By Kathleen Pagnini, Core Specialist, Pilates and Personal Trainer Certified Core fitness as seen through Yoga and Pilates, can hold tremendous outcomes in shaping our physical being; not to mention the everpopular Kegal exercises that have been used and thought to work the pelvic floor. But in taking this idea another step further, it is the awareness of the deepest pelvic floor muscle that can offer even greater health and fitness benefits. With the encouragement of Dr. Theresa Nesbitt, OBGYN -- an author and health advocate known as “the movement doctor,” I’d like to share with you this very concept in the hopes of raising this awareness and interest in the toning of our pelvic floor.

You cannot change your body without first changing your brain; and we cannot look at an old concept in a new way until we are shown how. Most people do not know they need help with their core until noticeable outcomes surface; including protruding lower abs, leaking or incontinence, falling organs, back pain, decrease sexual pleasure and endurance.

As a personal trainer, I have spent years correcting postures and sculpting bodies; but it was not until I learned about our true core – which includes the pelvic floor, when it clicked. I was immediately intrigued, but did not understand the relevance of these muscles, as they cannot be seen. The pelvic floor muscles have the highest resting tone of any muscle in the body, even the heart. As they cannot be seen, the pelvic floor is an involuntary and is not trained directly.

The core consists of two layers – inner and outer; the inner layer contains and compresses internal organs, as the outer layer wraps and reinforces the inner core. Think of an open suitcase with a heap of clothes: when you close the

suitcase, the inner core is activated; when you flip the locks and wrap the straps -- that is like the outer core, stabilizing and strengthening.

The right order is imperative; as you do not want to pull on the straps until you have closed the suitcase good and tight.

The inner core is the canister made of the diaphragm (on top), the thoracolumbar fascia (on the sides) and the pelvic floor muscles (on the bottom). They all activate involuntarily and in unison. The outer core is comprised of the abdominal muscles -- which can be directly and voluntarily controlled and trained.

It is important to note that you train the awareness of the inner core which includes the pelvic floor.

How do you train your awareness? If you read this far, you have already started. You also use a lot of imagery when practicing simple movements- especially everyday movements.

It’s like when a baby sees an object, he makes his body stiff and reaches for it, when the brain sees and/or makes a picture the inner core fires, the brain is chemically going to change to initiate a movement throughout the nervous system/ motor system. This activates the innermost layer of your pelvic floor, and packs the suitcase providing you have flipped the locks (correct anatomical position), and now you can train the straps on the suitcase, your abs!

There is NO core without the FLOOR! Kathleen is available to teach anatomy awareness and core ‘retraining’ for men and women developed by Dr. Nesbitt, for groups at your facility or private instruction at her studio. Virtual instruction also available on SKYPE. Kathleen Pagnini www.kathleenpagnini.com

92067 HOMES FOR SALE

Tuscan Treasure Offered at $7,495,000 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 11,493 sq feet with separate guest house on 3.1 acres Secluded behind a long picturesque gated drive, this Tuscan treasure has soaring ceilings, elegant European accents, French doors to multiple private patios and gardens, bright open spaces, and impressive detailing throughout. Gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances, granite countertops, and custom detailed cabinetry along with a butler’s pantry and oversized walk-in pantry. Guests will love you forever RSF MAGAZINE

after staying in the 1000 square foot detached guest house with kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath plus patio area overlooking the resort pool and spa. If all of this isn’t over the top, jump on your horse that is housed in the 3 stall barn and hit the horse trail right behind the barn for a ride through the Covenant on the over 30 miles of groomed trails. Life is good but in the Tuscan Treasure, it is stupendous!

Skyline Serenade Offered at $3,995,000 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and 8,300 square feet on 3.43 acres

This award winning home features an incredible west side Covenant location in a secluded gated enclave amongst acres of protected land. With over 8400 square feet of living space, this 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath Mediterranean style home features a warm oversized kitchen that opens to a grand family room, with both spaces flowing out to the pool and

outdoor living area with its outdoor fireplace, bbq area, and bath house, a gentleman’s paneled office, a media room, and an elevator. Sited on 3.4 view acres, the property is adjacent to the magnificent riding trails of the Covenant.

Saddle up, swim up, bottoms up—enjoy the best Rancho has to offer.

Magnificent Masterpiece Offered at $3,600,000 6 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom with 7,660 sqft Rare New Construction by Sylvester in Fairbanks Ranch!

Perched up high, this home offers privacy in an enchanting setting. With 5 bedroom suites including a guest casita, a home theater, game room, over sized office, courtyard, and

PROFESS WHERE

beautiful pool, this home has not ignored any detail. Elevator access to second floor is an added plus! Large open floor plan with impeccable attention to detail throughout. You don’t want to miss this Tuscan masterpiece!

IONALISM MEETS RESULTS, AND RESULTS CREATE SATISFACTIO

N

For more information about these homes or to list your luxury estate, contact the Rancho Santa Fe Specialists at 877- 773 ( RSF)-7331 or visit us online at www.92067Homes.com RSF MAGAZINE

BEST

5

STAR 

HOTELS

Only the most discerning traveler’s want to know the best places to stay when exploring the world, with lavish hotel suites, the finest in spas and unmatched fine dining, these 5 STAR Hotels are sure to make your experience out of this world…

The Grande, Del Mar, CA With sprawling grounds of lush landscaping, impeccable décor and architectural design, this resort is a truly exceptional luxury hotel.

I

t feels like an enchanted escape, where the sun shines brighter, the people are more beautiful, and life is better. The attention to detail is in everything from the most delicate of design to the customer service. The suites are fit for a king and queen, and the fine cuisines

RSF MAGAZINE

are second to none. Enjoy endless amenities, such as spas, golfing, poolside relaxing, tennis, and equestrian center for horse riders, fantastic shopping, and so much more. Book your getaway today and live like the royals do.

(855) 314-2030

Best 5 STAR Hotels

The Peninsula, Beverly Hills, CA This hotel offers the perfect, luxurious oasis, set in one of the most prestigious areas of Los Angeles, in the heart of Beverly Hills.

L

ocated at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, the hotel is within easy walking distance of shopping areas of famous Rodeo Drive, and only 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.

The Belvedere restaurant at The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers modern American cuisine in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Home to the sumptuous Belvedere, the only AAA Five Diamond rated restaurant in Los Angles for 17 consecutive years. The Peninsula Beverly Hills also features The Living Room, where the legendary Peninsula Afternoon Tea is served daily, and casual alfresco dining is available at The Roof Garden. The hotel’s Club Bar features nightly live entertainment in a distinguished, club-style environment. And of course, top of the line amenities for all to enjoy. (310) 551-2888

The Carlyle,

New York, NY A timeless classic, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, has been called home by leaders in world affairs, business, society, entertainment and the arts since its debut in 1930.

B

rilliantly positioned on Madison Avenue, it is a true New York landmark -- a showcase of great art, a purveyor of privacy and a sanctuary of refined taste. Guests feel truly ensconced in an elegant private residential atmosphere, which includes a discreet and polished staff as well as world-class dining and entertainment. Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Carlyle offers sweeping views of Central Park and easy access to the encircling Upper East Side galleries and boutiques, as well as the nearby “Museum Mile.” The walls are adorned with original Audubon prints, architectural renderings by Piranesi and English country scenes by Kips. Some accommodations feature private terraces, grand pianos and spectacular views of the city’s skyline. (212) 744-1600 RSF MAGAZINE

Best 5 STAR Hotels

The Kahala Resort, Oahu, HI

Renowned not only as a luxury 5-star hotel in Hawaii, but as a top luxury hideaway for celebrities, royalty and international statesman.

T

he Kahala has attracted the likes of Princess Diana, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and even the Dalai Lama, just to name a few. The Kahala sets itself apart from other 5-star hotels in Hawaii because of its luxury Hawaii accommodations and suites, and its prolific amenities. Our 338 rooms and suites are specifically designed to evoke a sense of comfort and tranquility. The resort includes more than everything you could imagine in a 5-star hotel. The Kahala features a world-class Honolulu spa, fitness center, exquisite restaurants, leisure facilities, banquet halls, a crescent-shaped secluded beach, and a 26,000 square foot dolphin lagoon. We also offer numerous enjoyable activities such as parasailing, kayaking, golfing and hula dancing. (800) 367-2525

The Setai, Miami Beach, FL - Bearing the unmistakable imprint of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha, The Setai is an intimate oceanfront resort in the heart of South Beach.

S

et amid tropical gardens and sparkling pools at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, The Setai introduces the Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance to South Beach. With 75 impeccably detailed guestrooms and 50 suites, an intimate private spa, three pools and remarkable restaurants and bars, the Setai is second to none. It is located on Collins Ave at 20th street near Miami Beach’s thriving cultural district, as well as the nightlife, fine dining, shopping and other South Beach attractions. Start feeling the Miami heat today! (305) 520-6000

RSF MAGAZINE

THREE KEYS TO FINANCIAL SECURITY Steps Business Owners Must Take in Their Own Financial Lives

While many individuals have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial waters, they often feel adrift when faced with planning for their financial future. The lack of clear guidance or overabundance of conflicting information often lulls them into a complacent state ruled by either fear-driven inaction or an overconfident, false sense of security. Either state is ineffective and potentially dangerous to their long-term financial health. Successful entrepreneurs must banish inaction and overconfidence and take control of the important factors that will have the greatest impact on their own personal financial success. Obtaining this level of control requires a thorough understanding of the risks and rewards you face. Multi-year planning that incorporates investments, estate planning, risk management and tax minimization planning is a must to un-muddle the risks and clarify the course you should take.

Investing Outside the Box: Creating a Customized Global Strategy

It is important to remember that everything matters when creating your own investment allocation. Your risk level, time horizon, liquidity needs and retirement goals are just the starting point. A truly customized allocation should also incorporate your current and future tax planning needs, state of residence, whether certain types of trusts will own some of the investments, and your current business. For example, individuals with extra sensitivity to a particular sector may do well to avoid that area in their overall allocation in order to reduce the risk in their “total financial picture.”

Furthermore, today’s global economy does not bode well for overly provincial investment strategies. An allocation of just large domestic companies and some bonds is not positioned for the dramatic global changes abroad and their subsequent impact here in the United States.

Furthermore, given the uncertain inflationary environment and future global demand, commodities, gold and natural resources may all have a place in a properly diversified portfolio.

Lastly, you must monitor your plan. We have worked hard to create a one-page

summary for clients to understand their global allocation, sector exposure and performance. Whether it is one page or several, it is important that individuals understand what their allocation is, why they are allocated the way they are and what potential ramifications volatility will have on their goals. Furthermore, clients should evaluate whether they are closer or further away from their goals on a yearly basis. This helps provide context to the various market indexes and allows individuals to personalize their own performance.

Create and Implement Your Estate Plan

Having a properly implemented estate plan is not a luxury for business owners, it is a must. Nothing can derail the fortunes of your business or the wealth it has created for your family more than your own death or disability. Your estate plan should be designed to avoid probate, take into account illiquid holdings like real estate or your own business, and it should account for periods of disability. In addition, you must work through important business succession issues and whether to utilize your own family or unlock the wealth built into the business by an employee or outside buyout. Very often, the latter provides a greater degree of wealth or security for the succeeding generations.

Lastly, you must implement your plan.

You should talk to your advisor if you own assets in your own name, jointly or have named an individual or your estate as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or an IRA. Very likely, you have not implemented the plan and are on track for additional and unnecessary probate and legal expenses. Entrepreneurs and business owners should also understand the importance of communication. Having conducted many family meetings, I cannot stress the importance of bringing all the key players into the loop regarding your own estate plan. Furthermore, compiling an estate-planning summary document that includes information on where documents are held, safe deposit boxes, burial instructions and assets help the family by allowing them to focus on the grieving process, not trying to piece together your financial puzzle.

Create a Tax-Minimization Strategy that Bridges with Your Retirement Plan

Business owners have the unique ability to choose their own benefits.

401(k) plans, defined benefit plans, Health Savings Accounts and other plans may all be available to the business owner. Of course, navigating these plans can be a compliance jungle.

Furthermore, any proposed plan should fit neatly within a business owner’s own goals and the general needs of the business. Therefore, business owners would do well to work with advisors who are capable of modeling out their options as part of a multi-year tax projection. It is only through this high level of analysis that individuals can evaluate the choices available to them.

Risk Management

Entrepreneurs must isolate their risks.

Business and personal risks must be isolated through both legal vehicles and insurance. Businesses and rental properties necessitate corporate structures to isolate the potential risk-based losses to the business assets. Personal liability insurance is also important to protect wealth that has been removed from the business over time. This two-part strategy is important, and failing to properly update your risk management strategies can derail your future and that of your family. Running a business is not an easy task. Individuals, however, must take control of their own financial situation in order to translate their hard work into real wealth. Understanding the context of their own financial decisions allows the perspective needed to weather today’s challenging investment environment. Furthermore, individuals must be equipped to go beyond investments and create the type of cohesive strategy that incorporates every facet of their financial and legal lives.

Cabot Money Management, Inc. 216 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970 978.745.9233 • www.eCabot.com RSF MAGAZINE

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RIVA Yachts

Luxury

An Icon of

Possessing a rare beauty and refinement, Riva’s boats have always been synonymous with understated, elegant luxury. The truly exceptional feature of Riva boats, from the 68’ Ego Super to the 75’ Venere, from the 85’ Opera Super to the 115’ Athena, is the interiors. Perfect expressions of Italian craftsmanship thanks to their carefully selected finishing’s, Riva boats are refined floating homes. The furnishings are a compendium of styles. All the accessories, from the straw and paper carpet to the revolving seats, come from the finest Italian domestic traditions.

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he unique comforts win over even the most exacting boat owner. “Sunbathing in the shade”, thanks to an awning on the sun deck made from a special perforated material that allows air to pass through, while sipping a glass of chilled champagne thanks to an innovative rapid refrigerator, owning exclusive personalized water skis: these too are features that make Riva a luxury brand, an understated but immediately recognizable luxury.

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From the 1950s to the present, a whole gallery of high profile personalities have enjoyed Riva boats; from Brigitte Bardot with her Florida, to King Hussein of Jordan, who anchored his Super Aquarama off Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera. Anita Ekberg bought a Tritone in which to float in her personal dolce vita while Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton used a Junior as a tender for their yacht and the Shah of Iran, fell in love with the Riva 2000. And finally Sean Connery, who bought a Rudy three years after leaving the famous James Bond series, as well as Sophia Loren. Not to mention the custom RIVA Yachts by Gucci complimented by the full accessory line to complete the luxurious package of must haves.

In its growth and evolution Riva therefore confirms its place as an icon of luxury. A brand for which the vagaries of passing fashion are of no importance, where what

counts is lasting quality, painstaking attention to detail, and a touch of glamour that marks the right balance between tradition and modernity.

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CUFFHIM.COM RSF MAGAZINE

ELEGANT FOR

HIM HER DESTINY TOURBILLON

Sophistication and Style Ladies and gentlemen, the latest tourbillon timepiece in Stuhrling Original’s collection, and boy, do we have a special event for you!

This amazing timepiece will be available TODAY on ShopNBC as a Once Only, and the price is going to blow you away! The Destiny Tourbillon, as you can expect, is a LIMITED EDITION timepiece with 3 executions and 100 of each execution! It comes equipped with a genuine crocodile strap, and guess what? Each and every one of these tourbillon is individually handcrafted in Switzerland! $950.00

THE MONTBLANC COLLECTION

PRINCESSE GRACE DE MONACO 2012 Revel in romance, scattering exquisite diamond rose petal rings

MONTBLANC VALENTINE’S BEAD BRACELET An Elegant Expression of Love

The rose - universal, fragrant symbol of romance and the beloved favorite flower of the late Princess Grace of Monaco - provides the inspiration for Montblanc’s new collections of diamond jewelery, Pétales de Rose and Pétales Entrelacés motifs. The inaugural Montblanc High Jewelry collection, centered on the enduring image of the rose, quintessential expression of femininity, was launched at a spectacular gala at the Opera Garnier in Monte Carlo, in September 2011. Now two new, dynamic, contemporary collections take the emotive, evocative rose petal as their theme and design direction. The sensuality of the petal, its velvet touch, lilting, voluptuous softness and its spirit of freedom are interpreted and stylized through superlative artisanship, in fine diamonds and pink gold, turning the ephemeral into the eternal.

A precious silver amulet has long symbolised the love between two beings. A carefully crafted talisman that tells the story of the emotional bond shared by two souls, but also inspired by the lady who wears it as a personal treasure. This Valentine’s Day, Montblanc continues to tell this story in its very own words, with the creation of a unique piece: the Valentine’s Bead Bracelet.

Feminine and sophisticated, the bracelet is designed to embody both a powerful declaration of love from one being to another with all its intensity and emotion, and to be worn as a daily companion by the stylish woman with a sense of contemporary fashion. The talisman, made of shining silver beads on a black thread features a single red gold-coloured heart.

With its classic design, the bracelet is an enchanting and playful accessory, a loyal companion to everyday life. The use of two contrasting materials means that it can be matched to many different outfits and appeals to women who favour gold or silver shades.

For those wanting to express love with true meaning and elegance this Valentine’s Day or for those simply wanting to reward themselves with an iconic piece of jewellery, the bracelet will bring enchantment and pure joy.

The Montblanc Valentine’s Bead Bracelets are limited to 500 pieces and each piece is numbered.

The Montblanc Valentine’s Bead Bracelet will be available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide from January 2012.

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2012 BUSINESS LEADER

The FolsomStirling-Sweeney Group “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms”

COMPANY: RBC Wealth Management SPECIALTY: Developing and implementing smart, time-tested and creative solutions that help clients meet their future financial goals.

UNIQUE BUSINESS SERVICE: We access the global resources of RBC Wealth Management to offer appropriate, non-proprietary solutions and investments for every investor.

BUSINESS SITES: http://www.rbcfc.com/folsomstirlingsweeney CONTACT: (858) 550-5125

Folsom, Stirling and Sweeney Team

John T. Folsom

J

ohn’s finance career started at Merrill Lynch where he rose to the rank of First Vice President. John began a partnership with Linda Stirling to provide highly personal and customized wealth management services to individuals across the United States. Later, their team was recognized as top advisors in the U.S. by Registered Rep magazine. The successful partnership grew to become a team of six financial professionals, all of whom moved together from Merrill Lynch to RBC Wealth Management in 2005.

Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor

John has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Bemidji State University in Minnesota. He has been married for 42 years to his wife Rita, an accomplished pianist and artist. Their two children and five grandchildren all live nearby in San Diego. John has been an avid wine collector, with an extensive cellar of Bordeaux wines he has collected for over 20 years. More recently, John has become a devotee of classic cars, and is the proud owner of a fully restored 1969 Jaguar and a 1957 Thunderbird. In his spare time he loves to garden, fish, and hunt. John and Rita are active in their church.

Portfolio Manager with discretion

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(858) 550-5116 Toll-Free: (888) 909-5116 Fax: (858) 458-0315 john.folsom@rbc.com 30+ years industry experience Named 2011 FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager by San Diego Magazine Selected by Barron’s as one of the Top 1,000 Financial Advisers, 2009

Linda D. Stirling L

inda moved from Sun Valley, Idaho, where she was employed in private education, to San Diego in 1987. She joined Merrill Lynch and started her career in finance. After overseeing client accounts as a sole practitioner and managing a branch office, she partnered with John Folsom in order to combine his security selection and asset management expertise with her skills in portfolio construction and asset allocation. Linda has been recognized as one of the top 100 women advisors in the U.S. by Barron’s for the past three years. She has contributed articles to the San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Daily Transcript, and was featured in Biz San Diego Magazine’s February 2007 edition and the October 22, 2008 San Diego Business Journal. Each January, San Diego Rotary invites Linda to give an economic forecast and stock pick for the year ahead.

Linda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles and a graduate degree from USC. She is married to retired judge and State Senator Larry Stirling. Their two sons and a daughter have added five incredible grandchildren to the family tree. Linda and Larry enjoy world travel as well as entertaining friends in their Mission Hills home. Committed to giving back to the San Diego community that means so much to them, one organization receiving their support is The Foundation for Women, a micro-finance non-profit dedicated to providing small loans to women who desire to lift themselves out of poverty. Linda and Larry are actively involved with their church, and both are active members of Rotary Club 33.

Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor (858) 550-5114 Toll-Free:(888) 833-5114Fax: (858) 458-0315 Linda.stirling@rbc.com 25+ years industry experience Portfolio management, comprehensive wealth planning Selected by Barron’s as one of the Top 100 Women Advisors, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Selected by Barron’s as one of the Top 1,000 Financial Advisers, 2009

Matthew F. Sweeney M

att first started investing for himself during college. Although his first job after graduation was working for the California Senate, he chose finance over politics when he joined Merrill Lynch in 1995. Matt’s fifteen minutes of fame came when he was profiled in the Wall Street Journal as a young trainee at Merrill Lynch. Matt has worked with the team over 15 years and today is a partner. He works closely with John Folsom on investment research and security selection. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Matt creates financial plans for clients that help the team determine appropriate investment strategies suited to the individual client, and develops income plans that provide for efficient distribution methods to generate income from their investment assets.

CFP®

Matt is a Southern California native and has lived in San Diego since 1996. He graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Matt also earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from San Diego State University. After spending an academic year abroad in Budapest, Hungary, he continues to enjoy traveling to new places, eating new foods, and cooking meals inspired by those experiences.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner

First Vice President – Financial Advisor (858)550-5125 • Toll-Free:(888) 9095125Fax: (858) 458-0315 matt.sweeney@rbc.com 15+ years industry experience Named 2012 FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager by San Diego Magazine

Portfolio management, retirement planning, converting wealth to income

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2012 BUSINESS LEADER

Danielle Demarce Stanton “Know your balance sheet, Know your income statement intimately.”

D knowledge.

anielle DeMarce Stanton was born and raised in Sunny San Diego, and has worked in financial services for over 32 years. She spent 13 years as a community banker, and the last 19 years as a financial advisor. She began as a new recruit for Meryl Lynch, when she was recommended by her banking clients for her professionalism and expert

Today she maintains the integrity of her work by providing financial solutions for her clients that work. She is truly dedicated to helping clients meet and achieve their financial goals. Her commitment and professionalism to the cooperative development of unique personal goals for her clients form the foundation of their strong financial plans.

Danielle believes that everyone’s economic and life’s situations are unique and she keeps this in mind when providing suitable investment opportunities for their portfolios. She also recognizes that her personalized service is essential in matching clients with the right financial investments.

A signature of her business is ongoing communication which is a critical component of a true partnership and is the cornerstone of a plan that meets tomorrow’s goals without sacrificing the needs of today. Her clients are without a doubt informed along the way to meeting their financial dreams, and they feel well taken care of.

Daniell DeMarce Stanton is a recognized name is the financial industry and she has built a positive reputation by providing the highest level of personalized service while meeting the needs and goals of her valued clients.

Danielle stands out from the rest by being able to be flexible with a fluid landscape, and quickly reacting and manage her client’s investments on a daily basis. She understands that there is no cookie cutter investment model that works for each client. Every client’s wants, needs, and wishes are different.

Hers is a service oriented business, where her goal for her clients is to amass the most amount of money for the least amount of fees. She believes it is an honor to have the trust of her clients and to make people money. For her, it’s not a job; it’s a way of life.

For your personalized financial services contact Daniell DeMarce Stanton today at 619-644-1277. Email her directly at Danielle.stanton@lpl.com. Ca Insurance License#0A43288 Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC

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COMPANY: LPL Financial SPECIALTY: Provides access to full service financial planning, independent objective advice, and builds long term client relationships UNIQUE BUSINESS SERVICE: Commitment to professionalism and the cooperative development of unique personal goals for her clients which form the foundation of their strong financial plans.

BUSINESS SITES: www.LPL.com/danielle.stanton CONTACT: 619 644-1277

2012 BUSINESS LEADER

Brian Zimmerman “Helping Clients Retire Comfortable, and Stay Comfortably Retired”

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New York native, Brian Zimmerman started in the financial world in one of the fastest paced cities in the world. He quickly became the most successful, top grossing producer at his firm. After only 5 short years, he was offered partner position, and given management responsibility over the New York headquarters. He relocated to beautiful San Diego to run the San Diego office, and quickly went on to launch his own firm.

He enjoys the San Diego lifestyle and successfully built his business through social networks and new friendships via social and professional communities and organizations.

His mission in business has always been to help as many people as possible overcome the challenges of affording a comfortable retirement, and staying comfortably retired.

He learned valuable lessons from his childhood watching his single mother walk miles to get home in the evening to then take care of him and his siblings. He knew then he didn’t want to see others struggle, so he set out to create financial plans that truly give people a way to use their incomes, at any level, to effectively set up retirement plans that create the security and stability they are meant to provide.

Brian recognizes that the wealth management industry has long been good at accumulating assets for clients, yet the key to retirement success is a smart de-cumulation plan that allows assets to be utilized and spread overtime, giving client’s reliable incomes beyond retirement age. He also has a keen ability to cater his plans specifically to each client’s wants and needs.

“Some client’s want to spend every last dime, others want to leave their fortunes to family, whatever the client is seeking, I can see years down the road for them, plan for the worst case scenario and ensure we meet their goals despite market changes along the way,” says Brian.

When Brian meets a new client, he doesn’t just look at their immediate financial needs…He envisions a sixty year old, as a ninety year old, and tailors their retirement plan according to the real needs that client will need when it matters most, 30 or more years from now.

“I am most interested in really getting to know my clients…not just their financial statements. I want to spend anniversaries with them, celebrate birthdays with them. For me, my clients are meant to be my friends too. I care about them and their futures. My true motto always has been, How can I help? “- Brian Zimmerman

COMPANY: Liberty Partners Financial Services, LLC SPECIALTY: Focusing on de-cumulation of client assets to ensure a wisely diversified portfolio that overtime ensures a retirement plan that is not impacted by external economic factors UNIQUE BUSINESS SERVICE: Emphasis on creating effective and market resistant retirement plans BUSINESS SITES: BrianZee.com CONTACT: 619-528-2205

You can visit www.BrianZee.com to get more information about creating the perfect retirement plan for you that will keep you comfortably retired for years to come. Contact Brian directly at 619-528-2205 or email him at bzimmerman@libertypfs.com. Don’t wait until it’s too late... Comfortably retire today.

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2012 BUSINESS LEADER

Lars Helgeson

“Don’t settle for software that doesn’t simplify your life”

A

fter earning his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, Lars served just over 4 years in the United States Air Force.

Stationed in Albuquerque, NM, he was responsible for the engineering of an experimental satellite program and then worked with the US missile defense program in threat systems analysis. During this time, he earned an MBA from the University of New Mexico.

In 2000, Lars co-founded a web-based email marketing application called CoolerEmail. CoolerEmail, a company founded on the principles of responsible opt-in email marketing, has grown to support several thousand clients worldwide and sends over 1 billion permission-based emails every year.

Between 2000 and 2010, Lars spent many years managing the development of software to meet the demands of businesses worldwide. He interviewed hundreds of business owners and learned the Holy Grail of software was to provide an integrated system for marketing and operations. The more information that could be shared between different business functions, the more effective and efficient those businesses could be.

GreenRope, Lars’ latest venture, is an outgrowth of both CoolerEmail and My Team Captain, a side project that was written for his ice hockey team. GreenRope combines email marketing with customer relationship management (CRM) and group management tools, making it the most complete unified platform of marketing and operations software on the market today. Since its launch in 2010, GreenRope has amassed several thousand clients worldwide and has over 20 private labeled resellers.

GreenRope combines CRM, lead and sales tracking, email marketing, event management and calendaring, project management, websites, analytics, subscription forms with auto-responders, drip campaigns, surveys, SMS text messaging, social media management, and much more. By combining these functions in to one platform, GreenRope users enjoy significant cost and time savings, while empowering their team members with never-before-seen information and knowledge about their customers, marketing, events, and projects.

GreenRope offers a solution that is simple enough to be used by small businesses but powerful enough for the big companies to take advantage of the advanced technologies.

GreenRope also partners with other organizations to distribute the software in private-labeled offerings to members of those organizations. Membership organizations, publications, and trade associations can easily private label GreenRope technology and offer it to their members under a private labeled brand, providing recurring revenue streams and solidifying the organization’s connection to its members.

GreenRope offers a free 60-day trial and pricing that scales to meet the budget of any sized business.

Lars currently resides in San Diego and enjoys mountain biking, diving, ice hockey, and travel.

You can visit www.GreenRope.com to get more information about unifying and simplifying how your company does business or call 619-944-7673 (ROPE). Finally, there is a solution that meets more than one of your professional needs all in one place. GreenRope your business today!

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COMPANY: GreenRope SPECIALTY: Unifying and simplifying how companies do business by offering software that delivers multiple solutions in one UNIQUE BUSINESS SERVICE: Helping small and mid-size business to be more effective in marketing, communications, sales and operations.

BUSINESS SITES: www.GreenRope.com CONTACT: 619-944-7673 (ROPE).

THE POWER

OF

DESIGNING

YOUR DESTINY Let me illustrate to you a very well known example of the power of goals. In 1952, there was a research study done on the impact of goal setting on the graduating batch of students at Yale University. When asked how many of them had clearly specified and written down goals, only three percent responded.

T

he remaining ninety-seven percent, despite being highly intelligent and hardworking, had no road map where they would be five to ten years after graduation.

Twenty years later in 1972, a follow up study was done on the class of 1952.

What they discovered was shocking; the combined income of the three percent who had clear goals was greater than the entire income of the ninety seven percent combined! Was it just a coincidence or does having clear goals really have an impact on a person’s personal and financial success?

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One classic example is investor Warren Buffet. Does his ability to come about by chance? Absolutely not! From a very early age young Buffett was obsessed with making money and had a very clear dream of becoming the world’s greatest investor. Born during the depression when his father was close to bankruptcy, Warren learnt about the value of money and the importance of being financially secure at an early age.

Even before his teens, Warren knew that he wanted to be rich. As early as elementary school and later on in high school, he would tell his classmates that

he wanted to become a millionaire before the age of 35 (when he turned 35, his net worth exceeded $6 million). It was because of his goal that he constantly thought of ways to make money, while most other kids his age would be spending their parents’ money.

He even memorized a book called ‘ A Thousand Ways to Make $1,000’. At the age of six, he started buying coke bottles at 25-cents per six-pack and selling them at 5-cents a bottle, giving him a 16% gross profit, as he would tell himself. At the age of 13, he got a job delivering newspapers and through in-

novative marketing and distribution strategies, he served five hundred customers a day. At the age of 11, he took all his savings and started investing in the stock market. His first investment was three shares in a company called ‘City Service’. While most kids his age were reading comic books, Warren spent his time reading company annual reports.

By the age of 14, he started a pinball business and was earning $175 a week, as much as the average 25-year old was earning in 1944. Would he have taken all those actions if he never set a goal to be rich in the first place? Of course not! It was clearly because of his focus of energy and actions that allowed him to become the best in what he does.

What if you have no clue as to what business or career path to take? Well, it doesn’t matter! Sometimes, just setting a specific financial goal will get your mind thinking and guiding you towards the right path.

Before George Lucas left his hometown for college, he already predicted that he would be a millionaire by the time

Already have an old, fading or peeling epoxy floor?

he was thirty. However at that time, his passion and dream was to make it as a racecar driver. It was after he suffered a terrible crash that he began to change his mind about that career.

It was only after that accident that he decided that he wanted to become a filmmaker. As a result of his focus on pushing himself to be the best in anything he did, he became a millionaire by the age of 28. However, as I mentioned in chapter three, the primary driving motivation of millionaires is not the money they will make, but the passion they have in what they do.

The financial goal they set is only a means of measuring their success. However, what drove Lucas to give his all in the face of insurmountable odds to finish Star Wars was not only the money he would make, but seeing his dream come to life on the big screen.

Tiger Woods never really set a goal to become a millionaire. However at the age of eight, he gave an interview on TV, after winning an amateur golf tournament. During that interview, he

declared that his goal was to become the world’s number one golfer and that he would break all of Jack Nicklaus’ records. It was that obsession that got him to focus a hundred percent of his time, energy and thoughts into his game.

Fourteen years later, Woods became the world’s number one at the age of 22, again not by chance, but by design If you were to study the life stories of the most successful people in history, you will discover that their achievements didn’t happen by chance. At a certain point of time in their lives, they dared to dream about something they wanted to create. They then allowed this dream to guide their actions until they made it a reality. by: BMA Editorial Team 3

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The Social Scene Recent Events: Empowered Women’s Daylight Delight

March

24

2012 1:00pm-6:00pm Rancho Santa Fe Magazine and the US Green Chamber hosted an intimate day of networking at the Empowered Women’s Seminar. It will prove to be a valuable day of education, providing useful and insightful strategies for personal and professional growth.

A group of one hundred entrepreneurialminded, savvy women were brought together at a private residence in Fairbanks Ranch to enrich their relationships as they networked with like-minded individuals and enjoyed a day of all women special interests gaining valuable insight into achieving success on the most personal and professional levels, in life and in business.

The Five Keynote Guest speakers were leading industry professionals:

communicate promotional strategies to get your business started. www.zenzi.com Novalena Betancourt- National speaker and author of the Total Female Package will talk about relationship building and why it’s a key for success. www.thetotalfemalepackage.com Andrea Reuth- with Quantum Energy Healing is giving energy healing tips for a healthy heart and healthy lifestyle. www.quantumenergeticsQE.com Jackie Lyon-Entrepreneur and Business Partner at the U.S. Green Chamber will present the importance of going green. www.usgreenchamber.com Join the next event, not only as a woman...But as an EMPOWERED WOMEN. LIKE US today to find out about the next event! www.Facebook.com/RSFMagazine

Jacqueline Maddison- Owner of Rancho Santa Fe Magazine sharing her secrets on the power of self belief and making your dreams a reality. www.rsfmagazine.com

Sarah Hardwick- CEO and owner of Zenzi an award winning PR and Marking agency will

The Country Friends

Fashion Show

May

2

2012 10:30am

The Spring Membership luncheon was held at the lovely Rancho Bernardo Inn, in honor of 20 year volunteers Peggy Peck and Nan Werner, where lovely ladies joined in on the fashion and fun to indulge in boutique shopping and enjoying a catwalk fashion show by Maggie B boutique in Rancho Santa Fe. From the food to the fashions, this event was unforgettable and adorned with class from head to toe. Visit www.thecountryfriends.org to become a member today!

Upcoming Events: Help Little Hearts Heal

May

12

2012 5:30pm-9:00pm

Please join us at the 4th Annual Help Little Hearts Heal fundraising reception and dinner benefiting Pediatric Cardiology Genetics Research at the University of California, San Diego/Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego.

Mark your calendars to join us May 12, 2012 in Rancho Santa Fe for an exciting evening filled with gourmet food, fine wines and live entertainment – all to help little hearts heal.

Tickets start at $225.

For more information, please contact Michelle Ogata at mogata@rchsd.org or Melissa Fitzgerald at mrfitzgerald@ucsd.edu or call 858-534-6223 Visit www.ucsd.edu

be held on June 2, 2012 inside the Center’s Pavillion. The event features dinner and dancing as well as live and silent auctions. More than 20 of the top restaurants in San Diego will provide delicious fare to taste and enjoy!

All proceeds benefit the pets and programs of Helen Woodward Animal Center. Tickets begin at $250 Contact Nedra Abramson at 858-756-4117, email at nedraa@animalcenter.org Visit www.animalcenter.org

Spring Fling Benefitting June Helen Woodward 2 2012 Animal Center 6:00pm-10:00pm The 24th annual Spring Fling black tie fundraiser at Helen Woodward Animal Center will RSF MAGAZINE

“ For The Love of a Child...�

The Annual Childhelp Masquerade Ball held at the Rancho Bernardo Inn was a great success this year, and guests joined in honor of the organization for the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

Gayle Fulbright and David Linde RSF MAGAZINE

Michelle Teran and Marc Jurusz

Daran and Ray Grimm, Tammy Boonstra

Tim Anders, Marti Avila and Rory McMahon

S

Locally, the Southern California auxiliary is managed by a compassionate team of individuals who believe in the mission and work diligently to continue awareness and raise funds to support the efforts of the life changing organization.

Since the 1980’s, Childhelp has continued to open new facilities and expand its programs. In 1999 it established the National Day of Hope® for abused children, which seeks to mobilize everyone across America to stop child abuse which takes the lives of more than four children each day in this country.

If you missed out on the fun and the opportunity to make the world a better place by donating to this special cause, stay tuned for next year’s ball, and don’t join for yourself, do it for The Love of A Child.

ince 1959, co-founders Sara O’ Meara and Yvonne Fedderson have dedicated their lives to helping children in need. Today, they continue to provide vision and passion as the CEO and President, respectively. In 1978, Childhelp opened a facility exclusively for severely abused children. The women were also instrumental in designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

In 1982, Childhelp began operation of the first 24 hour national toll-free child abuse hotline 1-800-4A CHILD.

Because of their efforts to protect and improve the lives of children at home and abroad, Sara and Yvonne have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jacqueline Maddison and Jill Babb

Co-Chairs for the Annual Phantom Masquerade Ball include Rory McMahon, Ivonne and Abraham Sarraf with honorable mention of President: Cynthia price, Vice President: Daran Grimm, Secretary: Tammy Boonstra, Treasurer: Nancy Korchick, Fundraiser: Ron McMillan, Membership: Danica Cuilli, Village Laison: Cindy Orr, and Media Manager: Marti Avila.

To learn more about Childhelp, visit www.childhelp.org. Make your donation today.

Jacqueline Maddison, Lynn Elder, Cynthia Price

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Focusing on ‘Happy, Healthy & Healing,’ Liz Lieberman is a San Diego based Corporate Health & Fitness Professional, and President of H3 Body Training/H3 Jewelry.

you achieve your goal, you add the charm as a symbol of your hard work.

This also works as a constant reminder to stick with your goals, and ensure that you earn the next charm.

Liz Lieberman, originally from Hanalei Kauai, now resides in San Diego.

Health and fitness are her passion and number one priority. As a health and fitness professional she has helped several of her clients overcome challenging life obstacles, including depression, obesity, injuries, and even cancer.

The charms include the H3 Charm (Happy, Healthy, Healing) positive charm, water charm, sleep charm, exercise charm, nutrition charm, weight charm, energy charm, stressfree charm, and the final charm in the program is the happy charm.

Liz has a BS in Sport Management; with an emphasis in Fitness and Wellness, and has also been certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine for personal training. Her in-home personal training business has been hugely successful in the North County region of San Diego serving Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, La Costa, and Del Mar areas.

This product makes an ideal gift i.e.

“Give the Gift of Health” or is great for the person who just needs guidance and support while getting their health and happiness back on track.

It comes as a complete package ready to go; box, bag, ribbon, and book. The book also has a bar code on the back so it is retail ready.

Visit the website for more information about the program, charms, and the story of how H3 Jewelry was created: www.h3forme.com

Now she has expanded her personal training company - H3 Body Training (Happy-Healthy-Healing), to cover In- Liz’s overall goal is to spread health to Business training or corporate health as many people as possible, and imand fitness training. pact their lives in a positive way.

In addition to training, Liz has taken a whole new approach to getting the masses healthy, and that’s through her healthy jewelry line called

H3 Jewelry is gaining momentum and has been recognized in several different local and national magazines.

Liz has been recognized as a trainer for her abilities within the sports medicine field. She was featured in a H3 Jewelry is a health and wellness workout DVD with professional surfer program developed and designed Taylor Knox. You can see a short clip for women of any age to get healthy by visiting www.surfexercises.com. and stay healthy, in all aspects of life; Liz has also been recognized by Qualmind, body, and spirit. The program is ity of Life Magazine as a panel expert. goal oriented and reward based. The She wrote monthly articles and was program includes 10 charms and a dialso featured in radio interviews, disrections book. Each charm represents cussing the charms in the H3 Jewelry a health/wellness goal! health and wellness program.

In the directions book you will find a chapter explaining the charm, and at the end of the chapter there is a goal So Order Yours Today…Give the page and space in the book dedicated Gift of Health or Start Living Happy, to writing down your own goal. When Healthy, Healing!

H3 Jewelry. (Happy, Healthy, Healing)

Improve y our quality of life, and save your health, one charm at a time!

Happy, Healthy, Healing WITH LIZ LIEBERMAN

There’s No Place Like Work, There’s No Place Like Home…

In The Ranch With John Vreeburg, President of the RSF Historical Society

The sun is shining and the birds are chirping…Aaahh it’s a wonderful life in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe. We sat down with John Vreeburg, who is not only a wealth manager with Crowell & Weedon but who also leads the way as President of the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society.  RSF Magazine: Tell us how you got started in your industry?

John Vreeburg: Well, I studied economics in college with a focus in business. So I always had an interest in the financial world. I decided early on I wanted to be RSF MAGAZINE

a wealth manager, and with my education it was a great fit.  RSF Magazine: What do you do?

John Vreeburg: I provide individual investors with comprehensive wealth

management tax aware strategies and I am a certified financial planner. What I do is look at the financial picture of an individual to put plans in place to deal with any life changes or unforeseen circumstances, for example, relocations,

a close watch on both operations, by spending my time between both locations. The Society is located at 6036 La Flecha and is open and available for viewing and tours for those who are interested in seeing where Rancho Santa Fe really began. It’s quite a beautiful story of transformation that today has grown to be known as one of the most beautiful places to live. We preserve that history and honor that process, by maintaining and archiving valuable photographs, keepsakes from a collection of Indian materials and belongings, as well as articles pertaining to “The Rights Collection,” which actually gave the Flecha House to the Society in 1984.

retirement, divorce, etc. I proactively look forward to position my client to be prepared to address their future financial goals and objectives.

We also host several events by offering speakers at the society, discussing topics such as the history of San Diego, Water in San Diego, The Navy in SD and more. One of my favorites is the Annual Home Tour which consists of 4-5 homes that have some real significance in the community such as the Lillian Rice, La Flecha, and the 1st residence that Lillian ever built in RSF.

 RSF Magazine: What company are you with?

 RSF Magazine: What do you love about Rancho Santa Fe?

John Vreeburg: I work with a fantastic family owned firm that was founded in 1932 called Crowell-Weedon. It’s a great client centric work environment where the atmosphere is very much like a family. The grandson of the original founder is one of the managing partners. So the core values of the business still hold firm, allowing me to work in a noncorporate environment yet still be able to offer top notch personal service in a professional organization.

John Vreeburg: I love the feel of the Ranch, it’s so quaint and close…The people are great and there are some delightful characters who get involved in the community organization. It retains and maintains the feel of a close knit community that still cares about the homeowners experience living here which honors the need to preserve the lifestyle in the Ranch. It’s really a beautiful thing.

 RSF Magazine: What is involved in the day to day operations of your business and responsibilities?

John Vreeburg: My office is located in UTC, California. I’m always staying in touch with my clients, sending emails, having lunches or meetings with them.

It’s great. I love what I do. And I’m glad to be able to help my clients, that’s the most important aspect. But I’m also the Executive Director of the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society, so I have to keep

recently received a generous grant and that allowed us to acquire computers and other technology to fulfill our goals of going digital. It’s really great to see how much people care. The one thing we can’t change is the past and the history that is created by it, but we can preserve it. And that’s what we are here to do.  RSF Magazine: So how can people reach you if they would like wealth management information or simply have questions about the RSF Historical Society?

John Vreeburg: Well, since we like to keep things close knit like a family here; please feel free to call me directly at 858-875-5004. Because there really is no place like work, and certainly no place like home, in The Ranch.

 RSF Magazine: What can residences hope to see the Society do in the coming years?

John Vreeburg: In organizing the archives, the Society hope to digitize all the records and documents we have.

We also intend to reach out for further grants which will provide us with additional resources to expand the society’s ability to preserve the historical materials and continue to make the society open and accessible to residences of the community for years to come. We RSF MAGAZINE

Accidental Encounters with Magic ... RSF Artist

Stephanie Bell May “Through painting, living, and exploring how we experience life I have realized, that I am perpetually attracted and captivated by the balance between contradictions and counter parts. How seemingly polar forces and dualities are interconnected and give rise to each other, define each other, and only exist in relation to one another. In my paintings I explore this paradoxical phenomena by using the sublimely complicated figure of man and woman, and simplifying it to a smooth continuous line. I use what seem like diametrically opposed forces such as light and dark, brilliant and morose colors, glossy and bristly textures, translucent and opaque surfaces, and integrate the lines of the body into an enigmatic harmony and cohesion of colors and textures.

Whether the medium be oil on wood, ink on paper, or chili spices and dirt, each piece is a tense dance between the death or the life of each painting.

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Sometimes I place dark opaque layers that seem to suffocate the life out of it.

Then I will rub or unearth the underlying painting to chance upon a heartbeat. If there is a pulse, it’s a miracle worth investigating. With the placement of each layer and or lines, I don’t seek to replace the previous, but rather integrate it to a perfect balance of ambiguity and clarity. It’s an amorphous journey of intuition that takes on a life of it’s own. And although I am the creator, I am not in complete control of the outcome. I vie, gamble, and recover with each piece until an inexplicable magic is revealed to me; like an alchemist who has an accidental encounter with magic.”

painting…So she was designated to be a paid artist for her natural talent.

Stephanie admits to be inspired by the ocean, and its translucent look and feel which shines through in much of her work. She’s also deeply moved by the notions of Eastern religion depicting yin and yang, dark and light…She feels everything has a balance…Even her work resembles the harmony of this truth.

Having spent time in Mexico City while learning the teachings of world renowned muralists Diego Rivera and Siqueiros, she began to mix paint the way they did and blend the styles of the past and the present to create her work.

~ Stephanie Bell May  RSF Magazine: What is the most important thing you’ve learned as an artist?

Born in Mexico City, currently residing in Fairbanks Ranch with her husband and 2 children, Stephanie Bell May is in the midst of a dream world where she creates her magical works of art.

Stephanie discovered her passion for art as a young girl, and even her mother recognized her talent. She amazingly sold her first piece at the young age of 10 years old. Her art teacher submitted one of her creations to The San Diego Museum of Art competition, and she won! Hallmark actually bought the

Stephanie Bell May: I’ve learned that you need to do something a lot…Everyday for your art. It’s what allows you to master your skill, and keep delving deeper into your passion. So much is discovered through this process. I call it accidental encounters with magic. Eventually, the piece begins to transform and take on a life of its own. It’s beautiful. Truly magical. www.StephanieBellMayArtStudio.com

WHEN

TRADITION MATTERS

In a time of DIY everything, fast casual consumerism, and the next big trend, there is something to be said for tradition. One place that tradition truly stands out in San Diego is Donovan’s Steak and Chop House in La Jolla and Donovan’s Prime Seafood, Downtown on 5th Avenue. Donovan’s has revived a staple of the white tablecloth dining establishments of the past – the maître d’. Think of it as dining, Mad Men-style.

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M

any young people today may not even know what a maître d’s role is at a restaurant. The responsibilities of a maître d’ generally include supervising the wait staff, welcoming guests and assigning them to tables, taking reservations, and ensuring that guests are satisfied. When we see fine dining restaurants in San Diego bringing back the art of the maître d’, it’s refreshing. It seems that in so many areas of our lives, “special” touches are being cut (need I remind you of

meals on airlines which are now only a fleeting memory?). It’s a breath of fresh air to see that not everyone is cutting corners and the days of ironed tablecloths, one-on-one attention and a fine appreciation for detail are back.

Who are these well-dressed men? We talked to two of Donovan’s maître d’s to learn more about why they chose this unique field, what they find most rewarding and maybe even learn a tip or two.

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Donovan’s Steak and Chop House – La Jolla Maître d’: Victor Rivero History: Born and raised in Mexico City, Victor Rivero has been working with the Donovan’s family of restaurants for the past 8 years. He studied to be an engineer, but discovered a passion for the restaurant industry that he couldn’t deny.

Special Touches: Victor is constantly on the lookout for new ways to wow guests, and his favorite phrase to say every night before the start of dinner service is “Let’s make it happen!” Always there to capture a special moment, Rivero keeps a digital camera at his side through dinner service, offering to snap pictures of guests and email them copies the next day. Additionally, when children dine with their parents at the restaurant, he is sure to give them toys and puzzles to make their night fun as well - the parents are always appreciative!

Insider Tip: Donovan’s Steak and Chop House loves to be part of special moments.

They once collaborated with a family where the mother hadn’t seen her daughter in many years. They dressed the daughter as a “server” and she surprised her mom at dinner, which brought the room to tears. Also, Donovan’s whole-heartedly supports those who serve overseas. When making a reservation to honor someone in our military, be sure to let the manager know about the special guest and they will help make the evening even more special with a surprise or two.

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Donovan’s Prime Seafood Maitre d’: Jack Mecham History: Jack Mecham has been with the Donovan’s family of restaurants for the past 11 years and has held positions such as bar manager, captain, and restaurant manager prior to accepting the role of maitre d’.

Special Touches: Jack’s gift is his impressive ability to recall guest names. He has been known to have a guest return after a year of absence and immediately greet them by name and remember the drink the guest had originally ordered – talk about wow factor! An ex-Marine, Jack greets military guests to learn their rank and career background. He even has a crystal plaques that he places on the dinner tables of Marines and Navy service members to honor those special guests.

Insider Tip: Monday – Saturday from 4-6 pm, Donovan’s Prime Seafood offers a varying menu of complimentary fish tacos, salmon sliders and fish and chips.

Insiders know this is THE place to grab a delicious bite and a cocktail at the end of a gorgeous day in San Diego.

Story by Amy Ogden

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