TPTMAG.COM

3016 E Colonial Dr Orl, Florida 32803 407.894.9055 • diamondsale.com

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T H E P L A T I N U M T ime s Publisher Platinum Times Media Group Co-founder/CEO Ace Ernst Co-founder/BRAND DIRECTOR Shawna DeRolf Associate Editor Jennifer Sheppard Associate Editor Marissa Foglia Senior Advisor Rick C. Ernst, Ph.D Regional Sales Larry Heart Richard Owen Bill Sanderson Senior Art Director Matt Cerra Online Managing Editor Jennifer Sheppard Director of Web Development Maxwell Gonzolez

Assistant Online Editor Gary Rhodes Gary@theplatinumtimes.com Director of Online Advertising Dennis Gomez Dennis@theplatinumtimes.com Director of Real Estate Chris Burkshire Chris@theplatinumtimes.com Associate Art Director David Henderson David@theplatinumtimes.com

Maria@Theplatinumtimes.com (New York correspondent) Diana@Theplatinumtimes.com (Los Angeles correspondent) Contributing Authors

Limited Edition Hublot King Power

Richard Riess, Taylor Cleary, Marissa Foglia, Heather Lyles,

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Contributing PHOTOGRAPHERS Matthew Jezak, Art Faulkner FOR Advertising or editorial information call .407.602.7272 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written consent of the publisher.

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T H E P L A T I N U M P U B L I S H E R ’ S N OT E

WelcomE

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elcome to the inaugural edition of The Platinum Times, Florida’s most exclusive publication.

A bi-monthly journal, The Platinum Times provides readers with a peek inside the life and times of some of the most interesting people doing the most interesting things.

Our reporters dig deep - identifying trends by understanding the trendsetters - sharing what they like and what they like to do.

The Platinum Times connects readers with the best that Florida has to offer in fun, entertaining and engaging ways.

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/PlatinumTimes and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/PlatinumTimes.

And, when you come across something worth sharing, send us your ideas. We listen.

Thank you for reading. We hope you enjoy The Platinum Times as much as we enjoy being a part of this wonderful place we call Florida.

All the best, Platinum Times Media Group

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Luxury Home

BUYER! Just ask corporate vice president will parker

and his wife, kathy. they were in a tight situation. will was a seasoned and successful executive. as often happens, without warning, he received notice that he was being transferred in 90 days. will and kathy had built their beautiful 7,500-square-foot luxury dream home just two years before and were now facing the prospect of making double house payments if they did not sell fast. they had no idea how to get interested buyers through the stringent banking rules for approval and did not have enough equity to pay a real estate agent’s commission. they had been trying to sell it for two months when they responded to an ad and contacted Neighborhood properties. when Neighborhood properties agreed to buy their luxury house for full value, will and kathy could not believe their ears! their credit would be safe, they could buy a house at their new location and, best of all, Neighborhood properties agreed to pay their mortgage payments until they closed. they also charged the sellers no fees or commissions for their services.

Neighborhood properties is a private real estate investment company, not a realtor or real estate agency, with several unique buying programs that allow homeowners to instantly sell their home, without any of the usual time delays and hassles of traditional home-selling methods.

Neighborhood Properties

cashofferquick.com 866.837.0008

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T HE P L ATINUM T IMES

8 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEASURE ON THE PAVEMENT

6 Rolling with Royce and Bantering

with Bentley. Champagne produces one

level of serotonin – the complex compound in

the brain that produces pleasure – and cars like Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce another.

STYLISH COUTURE

14 FOR SEA and SHORE Nothing is more

certain than a woman’s desire to claim the most stylish, sexy and sophisticated swimwear of the season.

CHRISTINI’S

18 COMES UP ROSES Walking into Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, a premier fine-dining establishment in Orlando, you might spot a celebrity or two sitting at one of

the tables.

MAGNIFICENT

20 HOMES IN MEGA MARKETS Whether

sitting on a ranch surrounded by acres or sprawled

out on the beach somewhere secluded, the search

for a magnificent home is heating up.

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SODO HOME DESIGN CENTER 28 full service kitchen design from the ground up Today, more than ever, the home is the centerpiece of domestic life. It is the ultimate expression of self and the headquarters of a homeowner’s personality.

KENNEDY’S

32 ALL AMERICAN BARBER CLUB.

This is a real man’s barber shop. Lore of the barbershop dates back to the 1800s. Stories of it are as fabled as the 1972 Miami Dolphins, Sophia Loren’s curves and, when men recall tales of them, their eyes look upward in reminiscence.

INFORMED ENTREPRENEURS THRIVE

35 BIG WINNERS The nature in which most

entrepreneurs and investors handle their business

is being analyzed now more than ever.

PARADISE FOUND

39 WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI From art deco hotels to multiple-star restaurants to a nightlife that never stops, Miami is practically synonymous with luxury.

THE PLATINUM NEWS

42 INDUSTRY INFORMATION Kobe and Hublot, mega yachts and lightning fast cars.

WATER STYLE

44 YACHT, SIR! A good yacht finds its equivalent in the craftsmanship of a Steinway or Bosendorfer.

TRENDS IN TRAVEL

50 JET SET: BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

Private jet travel is the epitome of panache;

it can upgrade a vacation from exotic to downright decadent and turn a messy business trip into a fast, efficient show of professionalism.

SOCIAL SETTINGS

54 NEW HOPE FOR KIDS FUNDRAISER

AT FIELDS BMW Record-breaking event

raises six figures for local nonprofit.

Suggestions? Comments? info@theplatinumtimes.com 5036 Dr. Phillips Blvd Suite 108 Orlando, FL 32819

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T H E P L A T I N U M NEWS

NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Named New Hublot Ambassador

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ublot, the Swiss luxury watch brand, is proud to announce that the Los Angeles Lakers’ star shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, is its newest ambassador. Bryant joins the ranks of elite Hublot athletes including fellow basketball star Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, famed Olympian Usain Bolt and soccer legend Diego Maradona.

To commemorate the partnership, Hublot released Kobe’s

The

signature timepiece, the limited edition King Power Black Mamba. “Bryant is the perfect choice for Hublot – a brand known for its precision and excellence, traits that have characterized the basketball icon’s celebrated career … Kobe’s achievements are an inspiration to all of us here at Hublot and we look forward to a wonderful partnership,” Guadalupe added.

(Los Angeles, CA – March 20, 2013)

largest motor yacht

in the world

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ürssen, a German luxury boat builder, has just released the Azzam, officially the largest motor yacht in the world. According to the company, the Azzam is, at 590 feet long, most challenging yacht that has ever been built.

The former world record holder, Roman Abramovich’s 536-yacht, is named the Eclipse. It is not yet known who owns the Azzam. According to sources, the likely owner is the royal

family of the United Arab Emirates.

To date, not many details of the “luxurious and sophisticated” ship have been released except for its top speed of 30 knots and 94,000 horsepower, which is powered by jets rather than propellers, and its ability to navigate in shallow waters.

The mega-yacht will be tested this summer and will launch later this fall.

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Pleasure on

T H E P L A T I N U M AU TO D E S I G N

the PAVEMENT BY

RICHARD A. REIS

Rolling with Royce and Bantering with Bentley

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hampagne produces one level of serotonin – the complex compound in the brain that produces pleasure – and cars like Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, another. Both vary, greatly. As greatly as the palate discerns the bottle of sparkling wine purveyed at the supermarket from that much anticipated 1999 Dom Perignon one day, just because.

Just because it is rare. Because it’s extraordinary. Because it’s ridiculous. And so it goes for cars.

For most Americans, if a car gets you from A to B, the vehicle passes minimum standards. It might be heavily advertised on TV, as ubiquitous as a McDonald’s or Starbucks. There might be President’s day sales or sell-a-thons. A car might have a name like Kia or Ford or Honda or Toyota. It’s probably seen on I-4 or I-95. It might be called Dodge or Chevrolet or Nissan. We see so many standard vehicles that our demand for luxury becomes pronounced and we consider it a fundamental freedom to drive a nice car.

Luxury is a word that gets tossed around a lot, so let’s be clear about luxury cars: luxury cars are on the charts. Luxury cars include Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Volvo or Audi and similarly classed vehicles. Luxury cars, like non-luxury cars, are advertised, seen23

and driven. There is nothing wrong with owning a luxury car; they are brilliantly engineered, costly and convey excellence and taste. Luxury cars are within reach.

But ultra-luxury cars are a different story. They are off the charts. Few exist in the world for even less people who can afford (or dare) to drive them. Those who drive them rarely do.

These are not their daily vehicles; these are pleasure palaces on wheels. One does not take the Bentley to Home Depot or leave it unguarded in a mall for hours on end, usually. One drives an ultra-luxury car to Howey-in-theHills to play golf or to Ocala to ride horses. To put it pointedly: an ultra-luxury car is for cruising, not commuting.

Nestled in the historic section of Longwood sits Fields Motorcars Orlando, Central Florida’s Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini dealership. Owners Dan and John Fields, legendary automobile dealers with showrooms in four states and one Canadian province, represent an impressive array of brands: BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini Cooper, Range Rover, Volkswagen and Volvo. Cars with names like these are sold and purchased.

When the triumvirate Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini come into play, words like “buy” and “sell” seem to falter. If one

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There are only a handful of things outside of the bedroom that produce that level of serotonin Few exist in the world for the few who can afford them or dare drive them.

reaches the point in life deserving and can afford of an ultra-luxury automobile, then a different paradigm of language develops.

First of all, most of these vehicles are custom- made and take weeks of selecting fabrics and unique specifications, if not months, to personally craft for you. Such an item is not “purchased” as much as it is “created.” Working with an ultra-luxury automobile guide is like working with a close architect friend ushering you to the echelons of ultimate fantasy, fun and exclusivity.

Steve DeHarde, general manager of the dealership on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, is hardly a salesman. Such people are mavens who live, eat and breathe cars.

DeHarde grew up with cars in Pennsylvania. Cars are in his blood. Servicing his friends (“client” does not fit the part) is not a job. It’s a calling. DeHarde does not sell you a physical item. He provides you with service. For life. If you are capable of entering into a permanent relationship with one of these vehicles, DeHarde and a few others guide you

on the journey like you’d want a guide to navigate your first safari in Kenya.

You decide color (cars like these have 20 coats of paint), leather (do you want an exotic animal species?), floor mats (would lamb’s wool suffice?), paneling and countless other details. Do you want your initials woven into the fabric of each seat? Do you want the car to be bullet proof? Do you want a genuine gold grate? What was your deepest car fantasy?

If you can imagine it, DeHarde will work ceaselessly to make it happen. Ultra-luxury is about dreams. You work with a dream weaver not a salesman.

A Rolls-Royce is a dream. Even the names of most Rolls-Royce vehicles through the century (the company was founded in 1907) always have to do with spirits: Phantom; Shadow; Cloud; Ghost.

The V12 RollsRoyce Ghost Today the V12 Rolls-Royce Ghost, a massive and gorgeous piece of craftsmanship, can come standard (starting around $260,000) or extended for more room in the back 9

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T H E P L A T I N U M AUTO DESIGN

“One drives an ultra luxury car to Howey in the Hills to play golf or to Ocala to ride horses.”

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T H E P L A T I N U M AU TO D E S I G N

“ultra luxury carS ARE BEYOND ZEBRA, They are off the charts.”

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Ultra-luxury cars are a different story. They are off the charts.

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T H E P L A T I N U M AU TO D E S I G N P

“He does not sell you a physical item…he provides you with service.”

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New Rolls-Royce Wraith

“They’re for showing off. They are for arriving. Any of these cars a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley or a Lamborghini.” (starting around $295,000.)

The company’s next venture will be the Wraith, a Scottish word for a mystery spirit. It will be designed to capture the spirit of absolute ecstasy, and product previews might come as early as June.

If a Bentley is more your speed, the Continental G2 convertible provides it. With 600 horsepower, it can go from 0 to 60 in four seconds. Can you find a website in four seconds? The W12 engine has four banks of cylinders for absurd levels of power and prestige. The G2 starts around $235,000. But next to it in the showroom is the Mulsanne, the distracting yet alluring sexy Siren of a car. Named after the curve at Le Mans, a Mulsanne can cost between $300,000 and $400,000 (depending, as always, on personal specifications.) Bentley Motors’ next endeavor is a slightly smaller, four-door sedan to be named the Flying Spur, which will be more fuel efficient and cost about $210,000.

Lastly, if you just never got over Speed Racer as a kid,

there’s always the Lamborghini Gallardo. Sleek, lithe and uber-powerful, these cars come as a coupe or a spider and run around $200,000 to $225,000. Such fanciful items are not for schlepping boxes around town. They’re for showing off. They are for arriving. Any of these cars a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley or a Lamborghini are about arriving at that special juncture in life where you’ve outperformed and outsmarted everyone’s expectations, and then did it again. These are your victory laps.

The Longwood showroom, while peaceful in a secluded wooded area, is admittedly out of the way for many friends in places like Winter Park or Dr. Phillips. A move for Fields Motorcars Orlando is in the cards, but in the meantime, events are planned: charitable galas; free Saturday hand washing with lavish attention to shine (you just do not take an ultra-luxury car to the local carwash); an espresso bar opening for the Lamborghini room (can you look at an Italian masterpiece without sipping espresso or cappuccino?); along with parties.

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S

T H E P L A T I N U M WO M E N ’ S G U I D E

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tylish

Couture for Sea and Shore

ith warmer weather on the incline and vacation plans on the inviting horizon of far away picturesque places, nothing is more certain than a woman’s desire to claim the most stylish, sexy and sophisticated swimwear of the season.

Luxury speaks volumes about a woman’s attention to detail as she spends her summer days sauntering down sugar-sanded beaches or dangling her legs over the edge of a vessel she calls her home-away-from-home. It is only appropriate to expose some of the most favored swimwear designers for the much anticipated island-hopping and yachting season.

La Perla - The name itself triggers images of temptation, playfulness and sophistication. As one of the most elite nighttime attire and lingerie brands on the planet, La Perla does just as well with its swimwear. La Perla has the perfect bikini, swimsuit or cover up for all desires this season. But take note, this is not a brand for those afraid of awkward tan lines as the designs are unique in the use of creative cuts. Notably following the ‘less is more’ mindset as of the lingerie designs, the swimwear is still cautious of a woman’s curves and leaves some to the imagination.

Prada - We’ve all heard the devil wears it, so why not the rest of us? Synonymous with style for what seems like centuries, Prada swimsuits may not stand out in a crowd, but the signature, clean lines and sophisticated black pallet

BY

MARISSA FOGLIA

(always the most popular) are undoubtedly luxe. There is no denying the distinct and luxurious nature of Prada swimsuit and, much like the coveted messenger bag and loafers, a Prada swimsuit is a staple in any woman’s summer wardrobe. Perfect for pairing with longer maxi dresses for after the sun sets. Any woman with a flair for luxury inside of her sand, sea and sun wardrobe knows Lisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve all too well. You can’t go wrong with her classic Strappy Bikini, perfect for a dose of sun-worshipping or a daytime frolic along the shore. For 2013, Lisa sMarie Fernandez Genevieve boasts high-waisted bikinis, front-zipper one pieces as well as vintage styles to hug curves and accentuate a woman’s confidence.

And now for an insider’s secret: every woman should own a Luli Fama bikini.

Plain and simple. While the brand itself is a tad more “affordable” than the others, Luli Fama has single-handedly designed what is said to be the bestfitting bikini bottom ever made. The signature “back scrunch,” results in a seemingly-perfect lift of a woman’s most lovely asset. This season, very La Perla colorful designs and patterns are king as the 2013 La Dolce Vita collection is very Versace-esque with deep royal blues, golds and whites.

When it comes to swimwear, you truly do get what you pay for. Couture swimsuits offer the perfect accent to your 2013 vacation wardrobe, acting as a playful friend during the day and a partner in crime after the sun sets.

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Lisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve

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Adaptable and transitional in nature, these luxury suits will leave any woman looking and feeling like a pristine Queen of the Sand and Sea as you make your way through the enticing landscapes of Monaco or St. Tropez this season.

PRADA

LA DOLCE VITA

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P L A T I N U M M A G N I F ICE N T H O M E

MAGnificent Homes in mega markets

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hether sitting on a ranch surrounded by acres of land or sprawled out on the beach somewhere secluded, the search for a magnificent home is heating up. From saltwater pools to multiple walk-in closets, our special section of reputable realtors lists the area’s most impressive mega homes from Tampa to Orlando. Keep checking back as we expand our special section of luxury realtors.

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Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

321 Indian Rocks Road North Belleair Bluffs, Florida, 33770 Price $9,900,000 Bedrooms: 5 Full Baths: 6 Partial Baths: 2 Interior: 12,935 Sq. Ft. Under Air

Listed by Cheryl Franzese 727.744.4782 Diane Swainston 727.688.8875 Office:941.364.4025 | f 941.827.9044 premiersothebysrealty.com

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his extraordinary residence was custom built in 2001 and is situated on 1.7 acres of waterfront paradise.

The gated French Country estate is engineered to perfection using block, brick, stone, steel, copper and a 100-year Vermont Slate roof. Perched on a Natural Bluff with a westerly view, the estate overlooks the wide open waters of Clearwater Harbor, the Intracoastal Waterway, spoils of Sand Key and, in the distance, the Gulf of Mexico. The private boat basin of Willadel is in eyesight of the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf. The magnificent grounds have been designed for outdoor enjoyment and encompass koi ponds, tranquil pathways and a resort-inspired pool with a bath house, waterfall, underground waterslide, diving board and multiple fountains. Dramatic design elements, striking architectural features and the finest finishes are evident throughout the interior of the residence. This home is located within the town of Belleair and only a short drive to the Belleair Recreation Center, which offers childrens’ camps, tennis, exercise and personal enrichment classes. Only a short drive to two golf clubs: Belleair and the Belleview Biltmore country clubs. The Belleair Bluffs shopping/dining district and the world famous Gulf beaches are just a short drive over the causeway bridges. The town of Belleair offers its own police force, town services and community events. This is one of the most exclusive and distinctive properties on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

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Located On Millionaire’s Row

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ommanding nearly five acres on the famed Butler Chain of Lakes, this privately gated modern estate offers a variety of exceptionally appointed and distinctly decorated living zones enhanced by captivating views of Pocket Lake and western sunsets. Spanning 22,867 square feet, this residence features seven bedrooms and 14 baths furnished with custom-designed furniture and accessories. The façade impresses with a courtyard-style entrance flanked by four garages on either side, a magnificent porte-cochere and brushed stainless steel doors that open to a foyer graced by dual curved staircases. An entertainer’s dream, this residence is designed for grandscale entertaining with multiple venues for hosting guests, including a dramatic living room with 30-foot ceilings and a colossal marble fireplace, a formal dining room large enough to accommodate a 22-seat table and an entertainment wing with a full kitchen, indoor rotisserie grill, a spacious bar and a lanai with stone grotto. Sold price includes furnishings.

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StockWorth Realty www.stockworth.com Listed by Reeta Casey & Julie Bettosini 407.909.5900 9972 Kilgore Road Orlando, FL 32836 Price : $7,900,000 Bedrooms: 7 Full baths: 14 Acres: 5.55 Interior: 22,867 Sq.Ft.

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ne-of-a-kind master crafted estate on “4.5 acre lakefront park setting.

This 11, 314 sf, 7 bedrooms, 8.5 bath estate was designed and built by one of Florida’s premier custom home builders in 2006.” The residence is designed for large formal events in addition to offering a very casual lakefront lifestyle. It is well situated on the north shore of beautiful Lake Eloise, allowing refreshing summer breezes and protected from northern breezes in winter.

The estate includes a spacious detached guest house, 6 car garage, entire residence generator, in-ground bugslayer’s pest system and a commercial grade dock with boathouse and lift and a separate jet ski dock. Enter through large over-sized entry doors and be immediately overwhelmed by the quality craftsmanship, hand-selected building materials and finishes, in addition to a breathtaking lake view. Interior finishes include amazing marble, wood, and porcelain tile floors. The customcrafted spacious kitchen designed by Jack Busby Cabinets has granite countertops, island, hidden walk-in pantry, top of the line appliances, adjoining eating area and spectacular views. Included are 5 fireplaces, elevator, central vacuum, game room, high-end light fixtures and sound system throughout, movie theatre and custom draperies. The estate has been designed around a beautiful private pool and spa with summer kitchen, covered dining area, unforgettable lake views. A movie, in addition to a TV episode, were shot on location in this magnificent lakefront estate.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty www.stirlingsir.com Listed by Nonie Slaalien - 407.754.7447 Michelle Hochfelder - 407.221.5073 1700 Lake Eloise Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884 Price : $3,975,000 Bedrooms: 7 Full baths: 8 Partial Baths: 1 Acres: 4.5 Square Feet: 11,314

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asa De Leon, a rare combination of value seamlessly built using the finest craftsmanship. Located only 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Disney, Universal and the international airports, this residence is ideal for the discerning professional needing access to international and domestic gateways privately situated on a nearly two-acre peninsula lot with 700 feet of waterfront on John’s Chain of Lakes with boating, skiing and sea plane access. Situated within the exclusive gates of historic Deer Island, this magnificent brand new six bedroom all insuite includes two lavish master suites that share inspiring waterfront views.

The European estate boasts seven full and two half baths while the five car garage is impeccably finished with private caretaker quarters. Aesthetically balanced from floor to ceiling, no detail was overlooked when creating this masterpiece. The stunning great room is complete with dual front fireplace, a bar with step down seating overlooking the 70 by 16 foot infinity edge pool with gas fire bowls and spa - all Intellitouch remote controlled.

StockWorth Realty www.stockworth.com Listed by Reeta Casey & Julie Bettosini 407.909.5900 17819 Westbay Court Winter Garden, FL 34787 Price: $3,999,999 Bedrooms: 6 Full baths: 7 Acres: 1.75 Interior: 11,650 Sq.Ft.

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his massive one acre Mediterranean estate located on the much sought after Millionaires Row in Dr. Phillips is a breathtaking seven bedroom, six bath home featuring an unmatched combination of location, acreage and privacy. As you step through the front doors, you’re immediately greeted by the splendor of imported Italian marble, a large winding wrought iron staircase, hand painted art work, stone columns, beautiful arched windows and soaring three-story ceilings. Encompassing 9,380 total square feet and 6,670 square feet of heated living space, this property is an entertainers dream from the dream kitchen with its handmade custom cabinetry, double ovens, two dishwashers, built-in coffee maker and steamer to the palatial master suite with its beautiful venetian plaster, his and hers closets and a luxurious spa bath. Interior amenities also include a theater room, exercise room, massive game room and maids quarters with a separate entrance. The home’s courtyard design is perfect for entertaining with its large wrap around covered patio, private garden, outdoor kitchen and sparkling pool with a hot tub, beach area and soothing rock waterfall.

Regal Real Estate Professionals Listed by Chris and Julie Christensen 407.312.8003 9157 Kilgore Road Orlando, FL 32836 Price: $2,150,000 Bedrooms: 7 Full Baths: 6 Partial Baths: 1 Interior: 6,663 Sq.Ft.

Located On Millionaire’s Row

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T H E P L A T I N U M M AG N I F ICE N T H O M E

B Y Taylor

Cleary

SODO HOME DESIGN CENTER: FULL-SERVICE

kitchen design from the ground up

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oday, more than ever, the home is the centerpiece of domestic life. It is the ultimate expression of self and the headquarters of a homeowner’s personality.

A home speaks to its owner’s tastes and ultimately serves as a base of entertainment, relaxation and functionality.

That being said, not many would argue that the focal point of any home is the kitchen. The kitchen is where comfort is created and the room itself often speaks for the whole house. The kitchen is king in today’s homes, and SODO Home Design Center in Orlando, has taken each aspect of creating this critical space and tailored the process to affluent

clientele from all walks of life. By bringing together top-end designers, high-quality products and only the most reputable contractors, SODO Home Design Center can offer a truly custom start-to-finish remodel experience backed by more than 60 years of local reputation and experience. A small, close-knit operation, SODO Home Design Center is run by the Hill family and the O’Brian family, construction experts in the Central Florida area for decades.

The design center is located in an industrial district just outside the City Beautiful. Its owners, Mike Hill and Sean O’Brian, have transformed what seems to be a small,

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unassuming building into an impressive gallery of remodel and new construction showrooms. Clients are welcomed by a charming and modern reception area, complete with a charming and modern receptionist, and can make their way through four separate showrooms that display endless arrangements of cabinetry, countertops, sinks, faucets, appliances and flooring. SODO’s design center is far removed from the typical warehouse-style remodel supplier and is growing every day.

The showrooms display pre-fabricated examples and installed appliances for inspiration but in the back of the building are racks upon racks of products, all with topnotch displays that allow for quick and easy comparison.

Woods, stones, laminates, hardware and cabinetry are all readily available and easily customized by the responsive and knowledgeable staff.

As if that wasn’t enough, under construction is a unique outdoor showroom that will house the company’s neverbefore-seen roofing and outdoor entertainment products.

Always looking for more ways to impress clients and offer a better service.

Hill explained: “We set the bar pretty high. We’re trying to set a real quality standard.” A quick glance at the back showroom proves that this standard is absolutely being met. SODO offers products from the best suppliers in the U.S. alongside prestigious international names like Plato, HomerWood and Bernier, to name

“SODO’s design center is far removed from the typical warehouse-style remodel supplier and is growing every day.”

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just a few.

“These are companies that make billions of dollars worth of product,” Hill said. “So the materials that come out of that line are held to a higher standard. That’s what makes a customer’s value real. The thing is we’ve been around long enough to see the failures of popular product lines. Others will let you purchase the worst available option, just to make a sale.

But we won’t.”

In the product display showroom, clients are able to select the perfect floorings and cabinetry by way of a number of different attributes. For example, a customer can choose wood-based on species, color or texture.

Cabinetry and stone can also be selected this way and, if a desired product doesn’t fit with a budget or style, comparable options are always close at hand. But what puts this selection process ahead of the curve is the customization offered. If the desired flooring, for example, is too thick, or not quite the right color, SODO’s contractors will actually modify the product to meet the client’s expectations.

It’s always impressive to see a business willing to bend over backward like that.

“It’s a customization option that a lot of people don’t know exists. Most mills will chuckle at you if you ask for that,” O’Brian explained. “They’ll say, ‘No, it just comes this size.’ But we’ll do it.”

The catalyst that paved the way for SODO’s ultra-custom service was the merger of three separate businesses into an all-inclusive home design powerhouse. SODO Home Design Center is comprised of high-end industry-leading businesses that offer full kitchen design from the ground up: Orlando Kitchen and Bath works with Sink Supply to provide clients with a sea of options when it comes to faucets, sinks and bath accessories. US Design Source, a leading distributor of fine flooring and cabinetry, will provide well-rounded advice and experience in regards to floors, cabinets and counters, and then SODO Home Design Center brings it all together and adds a team of designers, engineers and artists - providing clients with extensive resources and a hassle-free design experience.

The unique appeal of SODO Home Design Center is this “all-in-one” method. The cross-marketing strategy that Hill and O’Brian use has resulted in a space where all aspects of kitchen

design are seamlessly integrated: SODO’s clients are presented with innumerable options in every detail of their kitchen space and are supported by a design and installation staff with decades of knowledge and experience. From floor to ceiling, SODO Home Design Center offers creative solutions and fresh design strategies to its clientele, all while staying within a customized and flexible budget. Of course, when money is no object, SODO offers only the highest quality products from the most reputable manufacturers in the global marketplace.

“We’ll lose business at times because we don’t sell [lowend products]...but I’m not going to put our reputation on the line for that extra buck,” O’Brian said.

To give readers an idea of how the design/install process is implemented, Hill acknowledged a key flaw in the remodel industry: there are too many people required to remodel a kitchen. A client normally has to select a designer, find a supplier for each different product, locate a reputable and insured contractor to do the install and maintain the product themselves. SODO Home Design Center has “bundled” these tasks together, allowing them to subsequently offer clients a smooth, goaloriented project.

As Hill put it, “The stability of our operation is really the essence of it. The whole theme is cross-marketing with our vendors and our suppliers. The electrician, the plumber, the architect, the engineer, they’re all in this building.”

O’Brian added: “We don’t want clients to spend time running around making decisions and getting lost in Home Depot or Lowes or wherever. For lack of a better word, this is a one-stopshop.”

As far as style and taste are concerned, O’Brian and Hill run SODO Home Design Center with complete focus on the client.

“When a customer comes in,” Hill said, “we don’t want them to feel like it’s confusing - we want the process to be seamless.

We have several [designers and contractors] that we work with, and we’ll kind-of pick and choose depending on the client and who would fit them.” SODO contracts designers from all schools and styles of taste - everything from traditional and eloquent with high detail and filigree to ultra-modern and practical with strong lines and sharp angles. Of course, there 28

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are endless combinations of the two, and SODO’s team of designers knows just how to tailor the perfect kitchen space to each customer.

Unfortunately, the fact remains that the contracting business is rife with scams and low-quality work. Nowadays, it’s extremely important to know who you’re letting into your home and many clients are concerned, and rightly so, about who is allowed access to their “nest” (especially when said nest has a high value.) For a response to these concerns, Hill and O’Brian rely on their local reputation. More than 60 years of experience and an impeccable track record as safe, reliable individuals have given SODO a continuous stream of satisfied clients. O’Brian again mentioned the quality standard that SODO strives for, and both owners have adopted an unwavering stance on independent workers.

“Every subcontractor that I bring to your house, I would let work at my house. Otherwise, I’ll find somebody else. It’s as simple as that.” Working with only the most reputable contractors and ensuring that each employee is licensed, bonded and insured are core tenets of SODO’s independent contractor relationships.

Separately, SODO Home Design Center’s subsidiary businesses beat out competition and offer exceptional products.

But when combined and offered as a one-of-a-kind full service experience, SODO blows other companies out of the water with its consistently high level of customer service and willingness to customize, install and maintain everything they sell.

“We’ve installed millions of square feet - done hundreds of homes,” Hill said. “This is not our first shot at this.” You don’t have to take our word for it. SODO Home Design Center and its owners can be contacted through any of the subsidiary websites or directly through the main portal: SODOHomeDesign.com,

and the showrooms are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Allow Mike Hill and Sean O’Brian to show you why they’ve had exceptional jobs and a satisfied clientele for more than 60 years, and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

SODO Home Design Center 440 W. Grant St. Orlando, FL 32806 407-999-7636 SODOHomeDesign.com US Design Source 440 W. Grant St. Orlando, FL 32806 407-496-2770 USDesignSource.com Sink Supply 440 W. Grant St. Orlando, FL 32806 321-304-0324 Sink-Supply.com Orlando Kitchen and Bath Gallery 440 W. Grant St. Orlando, FL 32806 407-422-6420 OKBGallery.com 29

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P L A T I N U M D I N I N G A WA R D

B Y JENNIFER

SHEPPARD

Roses

Christini’s COMES

UP

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elebrating nearly 30 years as Orlando’s royalty restaurant.

Walking into Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, easily one of Orlando’s premier fine-dining establishments, you might spot a celebrity or two sitting at one of the tables.

“Almost every night we have a celebrity,” owner Chris Christini said with a thick Italian accent through the telephone recently. “It has become a routine.”

The atmosphere inside the 200-seat restaurant on Dr. Phillips Boulevard, featuring Italian cuisine, steaks, seafood and the meticulously white-gloved wait staff, is only part of the charm.

“I want everybody to be treated the same way,” Christini said, emphasizing his good fortune. “The celebrity for me is a person who has a good time regardless of who they are and where they came from. That’s the most important thing in my life.”

Weeks before, TPT sat down for a late lunch with Christini and enjoyed an incredible meal that exceeded our expectations. The owner spoke of his upbringing, working up through the ranks in different kitchens around the world, rather than attending culinary school. The experience afforded him inspiration for his own recipes and, after 56 years in the restaurant business, Christini’s developed his plates to perfection. Yet, Christini said he doesn’t know where he acquired the ability to cook; he thinks it’s his God-given gift.

“I was fortunate,” he said. “If you don’t have it, you don’t have it. It’s not something you can borrow or buy.”

Menu favorites range from enormous portions of veal or chicken scaloppini (Quattro Formaggi) for $29.50 to filet mignon (Bistecca Al Barolo) for $57.50, along with a long list of assorted Italian desserts and one of the finest wine lists in the world, offering selections from Italy, France, California, Australia, Chile and Germany.

The family-run restaurant is also the perfect place for a date night or a classy yet comfortable business dinner. Inside, the walls are lined with photos of Christini’s famous clientele, including professional actors and athletes, as well as celebrities with private jets have been known to fly in just for dinner. In addition to the luxurious atmosphere and exemplary service, Christini’s also features music from world-renowned accordionist Dariusz Grabowski, a Poland native and highly skilled classical and jazz artist.

On any given night, customers can often catch a glimpse of Christini as he is “almost always” at his restaurant. “The owner has to be on the premises,” he said. “My restaurant means a lot to me. It’s my baby.” Like a fine wine, Christini’s, which opened in 1984, must be getting better with age.

“I’m always happy because I love people,” he said, noting that “business is doing very well.” In fact, repeat customers account for more than 92 percent of the clientele. “It’s just a phenomenon. I have very good people working for me.”

But, much to the out-oftowner’s dismay, there will never be another Christini’s restaurant, except the Central Florida location. “You cannot have a second restaurant and give the same quality and service,” he said. “I’m not the investor. I’m the owner. I’m the chef. You know what I mean? It makes a big difference.”

That’s why people keep coming back.”

“I want everybody to be treated the same way,” Christini said, emphasizing his good fortune.

Christini’s is open daily for dinner from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Visit christinis.com or call (407) 345-8770. Reservations are recommended.

“I’m always happy because I love people, ” he said, noting that “business is doing very well.”

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T H E P L A T I N U M M E N ’ S GUIDE

Kennedy’s

All American Barber BY

HEATHER LYLES

“THIS IS A REAL MAN’S BARBER SHOP”

Lore of the barbershop dates back to the 1800’s. Stories of it are as fabled as the 1972 Miami Dolphins, Sophia Loren’s curves and, when men recall tales of them, their eyes look upward in reminiscence.

A

fter all, the barbershop was where men congregated on a regular basis. It was a respectable place where men would gather and talk about local politics and catch up with friends while brushing up their appearance.

A trip to the barbershop was almost a daily occasion and was a place where young boys learned the ways of wise men within their four walls. In a sense, it was a hub of civilization.

Fast forward to modern day U.S. It is no secret that women have now permeated various aspects of a man’s life. They are reporting from the sidelines during Monday night football, sitting next to you at the gentlemen’s club and now, with the craze of palatable craft beers, a man’s six pack isn’t even safe in the fridge anymore. These days nothing is off limits. Where can a man go just to be a man? To talk with other like-minded men about current events, to engage in a little friendly debate or just recap yesterday’s game?

Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club is exactly where.

Kennedy’s is determined to bring back the old-fashioned barbershop experience that everyone thinks of and, most importantly, the individualized attention to detail for their guests. When you walk into Kennedy’s, you’re automatically a gentleman. It’s a term not used too often these days but, thankfully, there has been a resurgence of men out there bringing back these characteristics to simply make them stand apart from the crowd. Let’s be honest. There is something decadent, sensual even, about a man who takes care of himself. It’s why women fall in love with the likes of Don Draper and James Bond.

Though he may not feel the same way when his woman is off for her mani-pedi-facial, thinking about their significant other taking the time out to not only look good but the act of relaxing and truly enjoying himself, is what makes any woman happy.

There is an undeniable magnetism to these men.

Barbershops were vastly common from the later 1800s through the 1950s, although they faced several hardships along the way.

King C. Gillette introduced the first disposable safety razor in 1901, which took out the need for a skilled barber to sharpen a dulling blade. The U.S. government included a safety razor in every enlisted man’s supply kit during World War I. Upon their return, soldiers found that the safety razor was something they could easily use at home, thus overruling the desire for lengthy and tedious straight razor shaves. During the Great Depression, receiving a shave and a haircut was simply reserved for those who could still afford one outside of the home.

The final blow to the barbershop came with a shift in culture. As the 1960s and 1970s sauntered in, men started growing out their hair. Crew cuts and clean shaves were the enemy, and freedom from a razor was just as prominent as the artistic and sexual freedom synonymous with the era. As fewer and fewer men chose the barber as a profession, many states began consolidating the licenses issued and simply handed out a cosmetologist license.

Cosmetologists could cater to both men and women, but their training lacked the skill to perform a straight razor shave. That didn’t matter once the 1980s rolled around. Men and women preferred more unisex coifs, and salons that catered to both sexes 32

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“When you get services here, you walk out and feel like a million bucks.” through quick service were eager to hire.

Nowadays, when you do happen to stumble across a barbershop, you see an optimistic light shining down on vacant chairs. That’s not the case at Kennedy’s. It was long after close of business on a Friday and one of their barbers was just finishing up a guest. A cheerful receptionist bustled around on the floor, and there was energy in the air that signaled this had been a busy day. Business owners John Wurst and Alex Ferrer are two former customers turned Kennedy’s franchisees. They were compelled to bring a service-oriented, full-service barbershop to Central Florida; a slice of Americana that you just do not see anymore.

“When you get services here, you walk out and feel like a million bucks. Before we owned this, we were regular customers,” Alex

explained. “Our intent when we bought in was to share what we experienced with others. I want them to know what it’s like.”

John added, “You look at your business differently when you’ve been a customer.”

As we see men with more discerning tastes and an interest in their individual style, there is no better time to become a regular at Kennedy’s. “Men want to look better now than they used to.

It makes you stand tall,” John said.

“There is a very unique bond that develops between you and your barber,” Alex continued. “You feel like you’re being treated like royalty. It makes you feel important. It’s something you don’t get any other place. It’s a break from work, home, and life in general.”

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Granted, you can get impeccable service and quality at several fine spas. But that’s the problem. Typically, there is nothing ‘manly’ about going to the spa.

“We like to have our own place to go to,” Alex said. “You can talk about sports here. You can feel at place and have a spot of your own.” And he’s right. You’re greeted with a beer if you’d like. The walls are painted a rich red. The floors are deep brown wood. Leather upholstered seating is everywhere. When you sit back into one of the buttery black leather and polished wood chairs, it’s like slipping into the seat of a fine luxury sedan. Then your barber leans you back.

Manager and barber Jorge Moreno took me for my test drive this evening. He walked me through Kennedy’s signature 30-step process of a straight razor shave. There is certainly more to it than splashing some warm water on your face and applying a chemicalladen lather into your palms. Reclined with your face nestled in warm, steaming towels, one can easily doze off amidst having a man holding a lethal blade to your neck. There is something very soothing, however, about Jorge’s presence throughout the process. He quietly explains to me step-by-step what he would be doing to a guest. Like a Caesar salad made tableside, your barber whips shaving creams and pomades into usable lathers. There is much pomp and circumstance. He indulges me in a head, neck and shoulder massage. I’ve never desired facial hair until walking into Kennedy’s.

Jorge first got his start in the barbershops of New Jersey where he would shine patrons’ shoes for a quarter as a child.

His humble beginnings spanned into a career, something he is proud to share today.

“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years,” he said. “I did it to provide service and to change people’s appearances and their lives. Every day is different. Every customer is unique. They aren’t just your customers, they become your friends.”

Aside from the 1,200 hours of training you rack up in barber school, once you join Jorge and his team, you receive additional training in the Kennedy’s method of facials and shaves.

“You can go to Kennedy’s here in Winter Park or to the one in Thornton Park and you know you’ll experience the same quality service,” Jorge elaborated.

Since Kennedy’s employs a vast majority of licensed barbers (opposed to cosmetologists,) you can be assured that if you decide on a shave in addition to your haircut, they can accommodate you. As for what kind of a man comes to Kennedy’s, John said that there is no particular type.

“Tourists even love coming. Tourists don’t really have this type of service where they come from.” Jorge agreed. “It’s something very unique, something you don’t see every day.

It’s an attraction.”

People are often seen even snapping pictures with Kennedy’s jovial shoe shiner Herman at his post outside of the shop.

The overwhelming bulk of patrons, however, are members and regulars without memberships. People are making this a lifestyle, not just visiting for a special occasion.

“We have those people that come in and say, ‘I now know why my father went every Saturday,’” Alex said, and their patrons are happy to bring along their own sons for that tradition of father-and-son bonding in the barber chair. In fact, three of the four membership packages include haircuts for your young gentlemen-in-training, encouraging this kind of behavior.

“We have customers come in around twice a week for clean ups, shaves and facials. They enjoy the spirit. They enjoy the service.” Jorge said, just like the old days.

As for being business owners, John and Alex couldn’t be more pleased. “We always come in and cut up with the employees,” John said. “We’re like a little family. Once you get the right people, your business will take off.”

And indeed it has. Currently, you can find Kennedy’s All-American Barber Clubs in affluent neighborhoods in Connecticut, Maryland and soon in New Jersey. Guests in Florida can stop into a Kennedy’s in Orlando (Winter Park, Thornton Park, and Baldwin Park, Lake Mary or Delray Beach.)

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T H E P L A T I N U M G O L F R E S O RT

INNISBROOK Discover The Difference At This Award-Winning Tampa Golf Resort

N

estled on 900 pristine acres of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the award-winning Innisbrook is one of America’s premier golf destinations. Awaken each morning in comfortable accommodations. Relax with a treatment in the luxurious 11,600 square foot spa. Or, play a round on one of the four spectacular courses, and see why they are regarded as the finest among Tampa Florida golf resorts. Allow Innisbrook to transform a family getaway, special event or corporate function into an unforgettable Tampa golf vacation filled with the comforts expected and the luxuries deserved.

The finest Tampa Florida golf courses, all located at one resort conveniently just minutes from Tampa International Airport, America’s finest, white-sand beaches and Florida’s favorite attractions, Innisbrook is a Tampa resort like no other and one guests will want to visit again and again.

Located in Palm Harbor, Florida, Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and boasts 4 championship golf courses, home to the PGA’s Transitions Championship.

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aradise PF ound M

T H E P L A T I N U M G E T A WAY

B Y MARISSa

iami is practically synonymous with luxury. From its art deco hotels to its multiple-star restaurants to a nightlife that never stops…the Magic City is home to some of the world’s top places to stay, eat and unwind. Check out some of the ideal places to add to your itinerary based on our first-hand experiences in Miami that are sure to leave you sun-kissed and pampered…always the perfect combination.

FOGLIA

Where to Stay: Ah, the Setai As it sits quietly along Collins Avenue with its very unassuming entryway with a quaint valet area, you would never know the luxury that awaits behind its beautiful doors. The Setai offers its guests a healthy dose of serenity, class and the most pristine service on the beach. It was recently voted the number one hotel in Miami Beach in 2013 by U.S. News and World Report, and other countless accolades can be

THE BEST PLACES FOR THE BEST TIME IN MIAMI

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BAL HARBOR SHOPS

found scattered among of handful of reputable publications Perhaps it is the art deco fusion design that blends together so perfectly with an Asian influence and an international aura making you feel absolutely saturated in comfort from the moment you step inside. The Setai boasts an original art deco building, as well as a stunning 40-story glass tower next door. To say the views are breathtaking would be an understatement. One, two and three-bedroom oceanfront studio suites may range in size, but lack nothing in luxury. The finest linens drape the sleeping quarters and the hotel’s attention to detail cannot be overlooked. The bathrooms are any woman’s dream. The hotel also has taken care to provide the finest technology with Wi-Fi, state of the art sound systems and sleek entertainment centers.

Just when you think you’d been pampered beyond belief inside the hotel, you will discover the pool. Or should we say, pools. Of all the hotel pools, this design is one of the most unique in Miami. A 90-foot bar stretches the entire pool area. And, perhaps most notable, the Setai boasts three separate pools designed to allow guests to take in full sun

the entire day. As the sun begins to set, guests may move from pool to pool to enjoy every last bit of sunshine prior to its setting…in which case phenomenal sunsets are always on hand from the property as well.

The Setai is located at 2001 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida.

Where to Play: Bal Harbor Shops Gucci, Prada. Dolce & Gabbana. The gang is all there at Bal Harbor Shops. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbor Shops are located within one of the highest income areas of Miami Beach. It is a land of perfection from its meticulously-landscaped grounds, to what can only be described as five-star service from the moment you valet your vehicle, to the sauntering through each store choosing from the latest designs of fashion and jewelry on the planet.

Bal Harbor boasts the very best in elite shopping experiences. The Shops are designed as an outdoor mall with full protection from the elements. Gorgeous cascading 37

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SETAI

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fountains and bricks line the walkways, and glass elevators make for ease of exploration from floor to floor.

The Shops are located at 9700 collins Avenue in the lavish Bal harbour, Florida. for THE finEsT PALETTE: PriME 112 it is the place to see and be seen…and did we mention the best cuts of meat in Miami? Prime 112 is nestled within a yellow and white beach-house-esque property complete with outdoor dining that accents the multiple indoor rooms. The crowd is pretty. The air is loud. The overall scene is bursting with the scent of the finest filets and chops you’ve ever set your eyes on. The menu itself offers seafood and huge side orders not to be missed. For dessert, deep fried Oreos are a must, and the drinks are made with precision, something many restaurants tend to overlook. And, as an insider secret, ask for the deep fried red velvet cupcakes. They are not on the menu but will leave you speechless!

Prime 112 is located at 112 Ocean Drive in beautiful Miami Beach, Florida.

AfTEr THE sun sETs: THE dELAno & Liv Remember Studio 54? Well, the founder of one of the most sought after velvet ropes of the 1970s has been busy the last 30-something years, becoming one of the most successful real estate gurus in the world. The famed ian Schrager is to thank for Miami’s own Delano hotel.

No one should visit Miami without stopping into the iconic Delano hotel for a pre-game beverage or two. The Delano is stunning in its all white attire, its sheer white drapes cascading, its meticulously designed unique furniture pieces scattered throughout the lobby. immediately to the right is one of the most photographed chairs in the world, according to the concierge. in fact, so may people are photographed in the Alice in Wonderland-

PRIME 112

esque vintage high back that it has to be reupholstered many times a year.

Make your way through the lobby and out to the patio area...step down the mountain of stairs to the vibrant lawn area where a giant chess board awaits play. A few more steps and you’ve reached one of the most famous pools in Miami. Stunning in designed and always surrounded by some the city’s most beautiful faces, both famous and not. The pool bar offers any cocktails you’d desire (we recommend the mojito) and in the evening, the stars almost seem drawn to the scene, resting comfortably overhead of visitors as they enjoy the ocean breeze.

The Delano is located at 1685 collins Avenue on the white sands of Miami Beach, Florida.

Liv voted the Best club in the World for umpteen years in a row, no one in their right mind should visit Miami without experience liv. located inside the prestigious Fontainebleau hotel in North Miami Beach, liv is The place to be. Saturday night is best, but really, every night is best. Quite honestly, the crowd is so diverse that all ages and demographics can be seen having the time of their lives on any given night.

Bottle service is the best in the city and world-renowned DJs, celebrities and other notable figures are seen here on a nightly basis. liv is actually the location of where the popular Pepsi commercial starring Sofia vergara was filmed. The staircase has become a staple of grand entrances in Miami. yes, the line at liv will be long, but reserving a table is worth every penny. you will have the best view in the house, as viP tables are either set along the second floor overlooking the dance floor or downstairs amidst the excitement of the crowd. liv is located inside the Fontainebleau hotel at 4441 collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida.

THE DELANO

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T H E P L A T I N U M WAT E R S T YLE

“For any boat enthusiast, our peninsula provides opportunity and temptation both inland and on the high seas.�

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YACHT, B Y RICHARD

RIES

SIR!

T

here is something to be said for a love affair with the sea. To be out on the open sea is to leave the stresses, pressures, deadlines and demands of life back on shore for a spell. It is to connect with the spirits of Francis Drake and Captain Cook; of Magellan, Sinbad, and Ahab. With far fewer rules than the roads, the water allows you to momentarily control your own destiny. For some reason a cigar is better on a boat; a rare wine at sunset is more precious; a fine meal is finer. And there is probably no state more associated with boating than Florida.

Florida is officially called the Sunshine State, but it might also pass itself off as the Water State. It boasts more coastline than any other state (except Alaska,) and has more square miles of interior water than any states (except Alaska and Michigan.)

It is not just the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the warm waters of the Florida Keys that make for great boating, but dozens of rivers like the famed Suwannee, the lazy Manatee, the picturesque St. John’s, or the lengthy Kissimmee, wending its way for well over 100 miles. Florida is dotted with creeks, rivers, canals and waterways which empty either into large basins like Lake Okeechobee, Lake George or Lake Apopka – or slowly become brackish as they reach the seas. For any boat enthusiast, our peninsula provides opportunity and temptation both inland and on the high seas.

But what exactly deciphers a boat from a yacht?

Platinum readers would want to know the differences in proper conversation. You neither wish to purchase a yacht nor discuss yachts uninformed. First of all, “boat” is a fairly generic term encompassing any seaworthy vessel from a luxury ocean liner to Maxwell Smart’s repeated quip about “two cops in a rowboat.” From a one-seat kayak to a Jet-Ski, there is simply no shortage of terms for crafts atop waves.The two factors that generate the moniker of a vessel are generally its size and its use. A sailboat might be sleek for speed; a fan boat designed to muddle through the

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“To reach beyond G-rated friskiness you will need more than a skiff a rowboat or a gondola.”

Everglades; and a simple rowboat might get you into your local lake to snare some bass or blue gills. A gondola in Venice is designed for maximum sight-seeing. It will be long enough to allow a pair of honeymooners to snuggle behind the gondolier – but not get much friskier than that.

To reach beyond G-rated friskiness, you will need more than a skiff, a rowboat or a gondola. You will need a cabin cruiser or a yacht. Cabin cruisers are smaller – generally 25 to 40 feet in length – and can be manned by its owner. They do provide the basics of a deck, facilities, one or two sleeping cabins and probably a small dining area with a bar. Cabin cruisers are popular in Florida and are more of a starter boat, best for the novice or someone who might spend the night on the waters on a fishing excursion. Typically they run about $50,000 or less.

Sport yachts run from about 40 to 65 feet; a true yacht usually ranges from 65 to 160 feet; anything beyond that might

become a “ship” or a “super yacht” or “mega yacht.” Yachts are characterized by their crew (an owner may need a mate or two to truly man the operation) and their luxury chambers.

Different manufacturers use different names; it’s not like the World Yacht Organization has defined exactly when a yacht become a mega yacht, it’s like the old saying “you know it when you see it.” The Marquis 630 is a powerful and popular sports yacht at 66 feet; its 2012 base price was $2,650,000. The Viking 52 (as in feet) begins at $1,873,000. The Riviera 5800 sports yacht is 65 feet in length and runs $1,614,200.

To own a yacht is to essentially own the water. Yacht derives from the Dutch, and denotes luxury, length, comfort and pleasure in a way that no other privately-owned boat can match.

One’s yacht is one’s pleasure palace on waves for escaping, entertaining and hedonism. A good yacht finds its equivalent in the craftsmanship of a Steinway or Bosendorfer. The grand

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piano displayed in the lobby of the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando. Sure cars can be in the six figures, but yachts can easily reach seven or eight.

Buying a yacht is an investment. For some, it is like buying a home or second home; for some, it is a marriage. Typically the intention is to have a yacht for life.

There is much dedication involved to designing your personal boat, evoking time and energy. It involves engineering, interior designing, picking fabric and material and creating exactly the type of space you want while at sea.

Before getting on the water, understand a few things: the water has laws and regulations just as land does. There are accidents and deaths at sea every year; if you are in the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico, you stand a good chance of sailing by smugglers, criminals, pirates or Cuban refugees – not to mention serious tropical storms, hurricanes and water spouts. Risk abounds. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has an excellent website about boater education, safety, hypothermia, rip currents, hurricanes and other issues: visit it first. The Department of Homeland Security also provides an indispensable Boat Safety Resource Center on its website.

An important step is to familiarize yourself with the yacht clubs of Florida; most of them are linked into the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs and have reciprocity membership. If you are not already a member, get yourself invited to a dinner or function. The Council’s homepage allows you to click on each club’s flag to find the link.

As a starting point into the world of exclusive yachting, visit the Yacht Council’s homepage. These federated clubs are excellent sources of information for education, docking, membership, networking, weddings, safety and more.

Deciding on purchasing a yacht starts with talking with friends and dealers, arranging for trips and test trips and educating yourself on the Internet prior to strolling into a dealership. You simply

can’t understand high-high end yachting without getting acquainted with Northrop and Johnson. N & J is a world class, multi-national corporation dealing in super luxury boats in the tens of millions of dollars (some are price listed in Euros.)

They have a state of the art interactive website easily found on Google or Bing.

Northrop and Johnson provide exceptional information about creating a personal, custom designed masterpiece to sail to the Keys – or the Seven Seas if you choose.

It is only for the most discriminating of sailors. Regal Boats is an international company that boasts a sleek website with an excellent calendar about boat shows and events in Florida. Regal Boats are not the floating mansions that some discriminating boaters may want, but their products tend to lean toward sports yachts.

Marine Max has recently bought out Parker Boats, who had been in business since 1927, according to a spokesman at the company. They have at least a dozen showrooms all over Florida and feature luxury boats by Azimut, Sea Ray, and Hatteras – three names you want to remember. Larger boats can be contracted – “spec built.” Typically, a sailor or a couple will decorate their own boat with an interior designer much as they will do their own home. Such vessels are used for cruising, deep sea fishing, long trips and sight-seeing the Caribbean, the Keys and traversing the intercoastal waterways.

Fraser is an international name of great repute featuring crafts by Maybach, Hublot, Asprey and others – and is endorsed by the Ritz Carlton. You can charter a Fraser boat (e.g. for a wedding or family reunion) or have one custom built.

Fraser is one of the most prestigious yacht manufacturers worldwide and the most discriminating perspective captains need to familiarize themselves with Fraser, as Fraser has sold more global super yachts than any company on Earth. Some of their gorgeous, massive ships can run a cool $75 million.

Fraser features Proteksan Turquoise – the crown jewel of boats. In Florida, Fraser is located in Fort Lauderdale.

If you are in South Miami, perhaps meeting South American clients for the first time, or have a business or social meeting there, you might want to consider renting a large yacht for the day. Luxury Yacht Charters can offer boats from 45 feet to over 200 feet in length – but feature airplanes and helicopters for good measure. I like their website because clicking on boats allows you to see many photos of what the cabin rooms look like. Luxury Yachts can set you up to explore the Keys and Caribbean on your own terms. You may opt for one of their captains or stand at the helm.

As you might expect, some of the most opulent objects that float are owned

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“Buying a yacht is an investment. For some, it is like buying a home or second home, for some, it is a marriage.” by either Russian oligarchs or ultra wealthy Arab oil sheiks. Huck and Jim took down the Mississippi. Paul Allen, the coEven when Americans flaunt – and we do – we seem content founder of Microsoft, has several mega yachts docked around the country, each worth in the hundreds of millions enough within our own skins to maintain modicums of dollars. of modesty and taste at sea. Russian tycoons like Please note that in upcoming issues, Platinum Roman Abramovich are alleged to have some of the will assess specific yacht dealers around Florida. costliest yachts on water; his ships are estimated Until then, we recommend taking advantage of to be worth about $500 million apiece. The Saudi the warmer weather, getting on a friend’s yacht or Royal Family owns the world’s largest private chartering one and uncorking one of your finest yacht, dubbed Project Azzam. It is an astonishing wines or champagnes on the high seas. Bring along 590 feet in length and is estimated to be worth $622 your favorite foods, perhaps light a fine cigar, and million.

David Geffen enjoying the majestic vista of the open seas. To see In contrast, media mogul David Geffen has a yacht with 82 cabins for lavish celebrity parties, probably the stars at night at sea, or to glimpse the sunrise from the deck, worth about $200 million. The 453-foot cruise ship generates is to rekindle the spirit of Homer and to remember why you 50,000 horsepower and should not be confused with the raft arrived in life.

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P LTAHTEI NPUL M M E N S S T YLE A T I N U M E X E C U T I V E T R AV E L

B Y Taylor

Cleary

JET SET

BUSINESS & PlEASURE B Y Taylor

Cleary

Lore of the barbershop dates back to the 1800’s. Stories of it are as fabled as the 1972 Miami Dolphins, Sophia Loren’s curves, and when men recall tales of them, their eyes look upward in reminiscence.

No matter what the occasion, could there be a better way to arrive than by jet?

Imagine you are planning an exotic, no-holds-barred vacation.

Your hotel is booked. Your itinerary is set. Your destination could not be more exciting.

Or, maybe you’ve got a critical business meeting approaching and it’s being held at an international location and you need to make the best possible impression on those attending. No matter what the occasion, could there be a better way to arrive than by jet? A long-time favorite of the affluent, and slowly rising back to prominence in the business world, private jet travel is the epitome of panache; it can upgrade a vacation from exotic to downright decadent and turn a messy business trip into a fast, efficient show of professionalism.

But just how does one go about living what many consider the air travel dream? We set out to provide readers with a concise frame of reference for the concept of private air travel. We’ll give you the info you need to purchase your very own jet and, if you’re more spontaneous, we’ll show you how to charter one anywhere, anytime.

Mike Long, president of AirOrlando Sales, Inc., emphasizes that knowing exactly what you want to do with an aircraft is critical in choosing the right method of using one.

“The first thing you have to do is find an aviation professional who can help you find what you really need,” he said. AirOrlando is a major aircraft dealer and FBO (fixed-base operator) at 46

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Orlando’s Executive Airport. If you’re like 80 percent of private air travelers, your primary use for a private jet is business. “With most jet sales, the airplane is for business purposes.”

Business-related trips are fairly consistent and, for the most part, they carry the same number of people each time. In cases like this, it makes more sense to actually own an aircraft. Long explains in terms of efficiency: if a CEO’s salary were translated to an hourly

wage, “getting [that CEO] in and out and letting him go on to another job function is very important, and it makes it far more efficient for you to fly in your own airplane, just due to the time saved. It’s much more efficient than deciding to take the airlines. With a small private jet, you can land yourself wherever you need to be.” Businesses also take more flights per year than individual owners, lowering the cost of ownership.

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As far as the actual purchase goes, Long said, “It requires quite a bit more research than buying a car.” He consults with anywhere between 50 and 80 buyers a year, selling jets to individuals as well as businesses. Average prices for new aircraft cover a huge range, but normally fall between $2 and $12 million, depending on the aircraft.

But there’s more to take into consideration than just price and maintenance.

“You have to look at what that airplane costs to operate.

You’re going to have to park the plane somewhere. You’re going to need fuel for the aircraft, to have insurance, to have to have trained crew members, and your pilot’s going to have to have initial training and recurrent training as time goes by.” Of course, the extra work is rewarded with the benefits of ownership: instant availability, control of crew selection and pilot selection and the ability to leaseback the aircraft to flight schools and other businesses, which keeps the plane maintained and lowers the cost of use. Also, should you decide to take classes, you can fly your own plane.

According to Long, aircraft ownership is a serious and expensive hobby with definite emotions involved.

Despite the adrenaline rush and obvious benefits of purchasing a private jet, there is another way to enjoy that level of air travel without the task list that comes with ownership. Twenty percent of private jet travelers use their aircraft for vacation and lifestyle purposes. This means their flights are not business-related and usually have varying trip lengths and passenger counts. One of the easiest ways for these individuals to fly privately is through a charter service.

For more information about this method, we turned to Joshua Hebert, founder and CEO of Magellan Jets, an international charter company with a large presence in the Sunshine State.

“Florida is a market we have a lot of customers in,” he said. “Miami is our second-largest destination worldwide.”

Many of Magellan’s clients “commute between offices and homes, or from full-time homes to vacation properties” in Florida.

Hebert explained that charter services are popular because they allow clients to pick and choose their desired aircraft, passenger count, amenities, flight dates, etc., without actually having to purchase a plane. “Aircraft are fixed assets that come with fixed costs,” he said. His company provides planes to clients only when they need them, creating a win-win situation: “We win because we’re paid a commission for each flight we charter, and the consumer wins because he doesn’t actually buy a plane.”

“It’s essentially a membership program,” Hebert said.

Customers can purchase prepaid cards with a certain amount of hours and travel freely until those hours have been used up. That way the payments are handled in a onetime transaction and clients can choose to add services like catering and ground transportation. They also may pay for a one-time charter if they don’t regularly fly - either way, the level of service provided is very high. Charter services like Magellan are known for offering amenities like concierge services, bookings at hotels and venues, personal cars, inflight Wi-Fi, pet services and more. Whereas ownership is an engaging hobby that requires attention and effort, chartering is ideal for those “hands off” types that just want to make a phone call and fly.

At press time, jet charters were more popular than jet purchases, presumably because they offer turnkey services that include the bonuses that wealthy personal fliers prefer.

If you’re a major corporation with specific needs, a purchase is the way to go. But if you’re an individual with exotic tastes and a myriad of destinations, you may be better off using a charter program. Whichever you choose, the world of private jet travel is brimming with options and amenities that attract hundreds of thousands of flyers per year.

Whether you’re setting off on a grand vacation or meeting upper-level business goals, a private jet will ensure you get there and back in top style.

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Whether you’re setting off on a grand vacation or meeting upper-level business goals, a private jet will ensure you get there and back in top style.

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T H E P L A T I N U M BU S I N E S S

Big BY

WellInformed

Entrepreneurs Thrive as

T

he nature in which most entrepreneurs and investors handle their business is being analyzed now more than ever…due to depleting economic situations such as that of Cyprus. It is normal for the average investor to keep an eye on the dailies so that, as market trends change, they can react quickly, hoping to either capitalize on a growth trend or unload their holdings in a declining trend.

This method is dubbed “chasing the market.” If successful,

Rick C. Ernst, PhD

Winners

part of an investor’s success can be attributed to waiting until an upward trend has already occurred and then trying to catch up…though they may have already missed the opportunity to maximize profit. Likewise, if they wait until the dailies tell them that a decline has begun, they are again behind the curve and consistently end up selling after the decline is already underway.

Typically, declines are often more dramatic than rises.

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“We all must develop three success rules to sustain long-term success.”

Seasoned entrepreneurs and investors learn that, in order to prosper, they must be prepared to seek out those investments and business opportunities that are unpopular but show the high promise of significant long-term gains.

In coaching, I share the game of using the above-mentioned thinking. We all must develop three success rules to sustain long-term success: we must develop an ability to think independently of the daily movements of an investment and focus on the long view—the overall potential.

Second, we must learn to ignore the input from others.

Lastly, we must learn to think independently of the news.

Rather than “chasing” the news, be a-step-ahead of the news.

What we then see on the news still has a value as it informs

us as to the timing of events.

We can use the “dailies” to keep score of what is, in a sense, things we already know are on the way. If we do these well, events such as the recent ones in Cyprus tell us to look beyond the now to the next big play that is about to happen.

You may be a high-net-worth entrepreneur or business owner but the fact is, at times, even these people struggle.

However, these types of entrepreneurs struggle in ways that others do not. My experience has proven consistently that most high net-worth entrepreneurs have three main struggles.

The top two include: 1. Misuse Of Time – Many entrepreneurs are not living what 51

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I call their “Perfect Life.” A Perfect Life is doing what you want, when you want and for as long as you want. They overcome this by working on their business instead of working in their business.

2. Most struggling high net-worth entrepreneurs suffer from either half-baked ideas or half-baked efforts.

More often than not, people have an ideal of what their “Perfect Life” looks like, but don’t know the highest/best, most effective path to pursue and attain it. They don’t know how to get started living their “Perfect Life” and, if they do get started, once it becomes challenging, they become derailed because they have no one to set them back on the right track, no one to believe in them or support them enough to keep them progressing until enough success momentum and velocity take over.

A client once criticized me a bit for being more philosophical and ideological than transactional. I explained that nothing could be further from the truth. I explained that I’m merely trying to invoke, engage and install the high performance “supercharged-thinking” that you may be missing. Without all the success elements I’m focusing on here fully installed/instilled/engaged, you can’t transform mediocrity into magnificence.

Once you begin to change your thinking and behavioral patterns, you are on course to becoming a self-reliant person. By self-reliant, do not become confused as some do in misunderstanding what I’m saying. I am not saying that, as a self-reliant person, you can do everything. Most successful people in the world (especially high networth entrepreneurs) never try and figure out the best way to success all by themselves (most of them have a mentor or coach.) However, they all have a spirit of personal self-reliance.

Having a self-reliance attitude is to say to yourself: I should give it my best, no matter what it is.

I am given 24 hours of unblemished opportunity each day and it should not be wasted. I will rise up and move forward with the completion of my goals. I will ask no favor, nor expect any. I will misuse no man, nor allow myself to be pushed aside.

Self-reliance is boldness for life, a personal power, and the courage to pursue excellence–to live outside of the box and never to be satisfied with less than your best.

When I suggest that you possess personal power, the phrase itself can be confusing for many. If self-reliance is personal power, you may think: “I am a long way from having self-reliance in my life.”

You are actually much closer to being a self-reliant person than you think. Self-reliance can be your destiny. There are

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three axioms and absolute truths related to becoming a selfreliant person. To becoming a self-reliant person, you must: dream your own dream, seek your own destiny and acquire the success you desire.

This declares that your first waking thoughts, as well as your last thoughts for the day, should be: “God has made me a very special person. I am unique and one of a kind. I am designed for success. I am determined not to let anyone or anything take success from me.”

Additional positive affirmations and thought patterns should revolve around other pertinent ideas such as: “I am developing a vision for my life. I will be specific and throw out my old ways, thoughts and habits that have held me back.

I will dream my own dream and move forward to possess it.” Success begins when you finally throw away the negative thoughts and lies you have told yourself or have been told by others as to why you are not already a success doing what you really want to do.

You must take control of your thoughts. New positive

thoughts must overcome old negative thoughts. Faith must overcome fear.

These conflicting views will fight for the dominant role in your life, but you hold the final decision. You can assume control of your destiny in life by taking control of your thoughts. The words can’t, might, and maybe are replaced with can, will, and sure.

Remember this: success, prosperity, peace of mind and financial security - all these attributes of the good life exist without prejudice. These attributes do not care about your past failure or age, sex, education or nationality. True success comes to those who have the courage to leave the supposed security of the masses and strike out on their own, no longer conforming to accepted practices. The bottom line is the real battle for success takes place in the mind.

Dr. Rick C. Ernst is the founder and CEO of The Coaching Institute and bestselling author of Richer Life Secrets. For more information, contact: TheBestCoach.com or call 407.245.8500.

“I AM DEVELOPING A VISION FOR MY LIFE.”

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NEW Hope FOR KIDS FUNDRAISER aT FIELDS BMW

Photo credit: Matthew Jezak

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The WINNER of the BMW was announced by Tony Martin and John Mantione of Fields BMW.

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Devon and Lexi Fulmer “The Chalk Twins�

Pictured right to left: Kelly Herzberger, Mark Anderson, James Hunt and Guest

vince and nelly lombardi

The live auction featured a top-notch auctioneer!

Andrea Sider and Juanita Addedo

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T H E P L A T I N U M NEWS

World’s fastest car now American-made

B

eating out the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the Venom GT, with a top speed of 265.7 mph, was unveiled recently by Hennessey Performance as the fastest street-legal supercar on the market setting a new Guinness World Record.

The stock Venom GT, which boasts 1,244 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, was designed and

built in Sealy, Texas and is powered by a 7-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine. One Guinness representative who rode in the car said, “The acceleration is absolutely amazing.” Costs for the rearwheel-drive 2,743 pound Venom GT are estimated around $1.2 million. Five cars have been built for select clients though only 29 will be made. Each supercar is custom-made for each buyer and requires six months of completion.

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