Miami Haute 100

Leonard Abess Jr.
Category Philanthropists
Company City National Bank of Florida
Industry Banking
What Makes Him Haute: The world still recognizes Abess for his incredible gesture of appreciation to his employees when he generously divvied up some $60 million of the $945 acquired when he sold the majority stake of the City National Bank of Florida; but today Abess continues to give back in different ways. The Trustee of the University of Miami has donated millions to establish the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, acts as chair of UM’s finance committee and is a member of the executive, investment and medical affairs committees. He also serves as a trustee of Fairchild Tropical Garden and The Nature Conservancy/ Florida Chapter.

Edmund Ansin
Category Billionaires
Company Sunbeam Broadcasting
Industry Media
What Makes Him Haute: Inheriting his family’s shoemaking fortune allowed this Miami-based billionaire, along with his father Sidney, to buy a Miami television station for $3.4 million in 1962. Today, Sunbeam Broadcasting operates WSVN Channel 7 Miami and WHDH Channel 7 Boston, two of the most prominent stations in the country. He is a big supporter of the United Way, so much so that the Broward County location is housed in a building named in memory of his parents, Sophie and Sidney Ansin.

The Ardid Family
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Key International
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: The Ardid Family owns the real estate development firm, Key International. Within the Ardid family at Key International includes Vice Presidents Diego and Inigo Ardid and President and CEO Jose Ardid. Jose Ardid, the prominent architectturned- developer, is behind Florida’s most luxurious properties like South Beach Marriott, Eden Roc, financial Federal, Sunset Plaza and Brickell Mar. Key International has developed South Florida’s high-end real estate properties since the 1970s.

Micky Arison
Category Billionaires
Company Carnival Corporation,
Miami Heat
Industry Cruise
What Makes Him Haute: According to Forbes Micky Arison weighed in as Florida’s wealthiest resident; this Carnival Corporation chairman and CEO whose estimated net worth was about $4.7 billion as of March, is also managing general partner of the Miami Heat. Carnival, which operates 11 cruise lines, claims that at any given time, some 225,000 people are sailing on one of its 95 ships around the globe.

Adrienne Arsht
Category Philanthropists
Company Adrienne Arsht Center
Industry Performing Arts
What Makes Her Haute: For 10 years, Arsht served as Chairman of the board of TotalBank of Miami, which under her leadership, grew to have some $1.4 billion in assets. She sold the bank to Banco Popular Español in 2007 and has since dedicated her life to philanthropy. Here in Miami, Arsht became the first woman to join the Million Dollar Roundtable of United Way of Miami-Dade in 2004, and in 2008, committed more than $6 million to the University of Miami. But nothing tops her pledge of $30 million to Miami’s then-struggling Performing Arts Center, which thereby became known as the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Michael Bay
Category Entertainers
Company Bay Films
Industry Film
What Makes Him Haute: He is one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors, producing action flicks that put him in the limelight and in the black, with global ticket sales surpassing the $3 billion mark. Bad Boys, Pearl Harbor and Transformers are among his list of credits, and each film is loaded with his special brand of over-the-top effects. The Hollywood power player uses his home on North Bay Road in Miami Beach as a much-needed sanctuary after the draining filming process.

Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz
Category Power Couples
Company Berkowitz Development Group
Industry Retail Development
What Makes Them Haute: The former attorney founded one of the premier retail development companies in South Florida. His wife, Yolanda also comes from a real estate background and is known for her community involvement as a board member for foundations such as Voices for Children and as sponsors for Miami Children’s Museum annual gala.

Michelle Bernstein
Category Originators
Company Michy’s, Sra. Martinez
Industry Hospitality
What Makes Her Haute: This Miamiborn James Beard Foundation Award winner is known for her Latin-inspired cooking and dedication to community outreach. A graduate of Johnson &Wales University, she garnered widespread acclaim for her work at Tantra and Azul at Mandarin Oriental, which was deemed the “Best New Restaurant in America” its opening year. Bernstein owns and operates a trio of restaurants with her husband/partner David Martinez, including Michy’s, Sra. Martinez and Crumb on Parchment, a quaint café in the Miami Design District. Bernstein regularly appears on a slew of national TV shows, from The Today Show to Top Chef and is currently enjoying her new role as mother to a beautiful baby boy.

Roy and Lea Black
Category Power Couples
Company Black, Srebnick, Kornspan &
Stumpf, P.A.
Industry Law/Philanthropy
What Makes Them Haute: He made a name for himself as one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the country, representing superstar athletes, political pundits, and Hollywood celebrities. She is a powerhouse fundraiser for at-risk youth, a businesswoman in her own right, heading up her eponymous company, Lea Black Enterprises, and the star of the latest installment of the Real Housewives franchise, The Real Housewives of Miami. This March, the couple hosted the 18th Blacks’ Annual Gala to raise money for the Consequences Program. Together they fight for social justice and have raised well over $12 million for the cause.

Wayne Boich
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Boich Group
Industry Mining
What Makes Him Haute: As CEO of Boich Group, Wayne Boich works alongside FirstEnergy as equal partners in Signal Peak Energy, a mining project with an annual coal of seven million tons—enough to fill seven trains every day with each train composed of up to 150 cars when running at full capacity. Aside from spearheading a movement that positions coal as a competitive fuel alternative, Boich is also known for hosting some of Miami’s most impressive affairs. Recently, his rooftop party at his penthouse apartment was the place to see and be seen, where music sensation AVICII performed as a special guest DJ.

Chris & Adrienne Bosh
Category Athletes/Power Couples
Company Miami Heat
Industry Basketball
What Makes Them Haute: Chris Bosh has become one of the NBA’s most beloved players. He is a three-time NBA All-Star and helped bring home the gold medal for the USA National Team in the Beijing Olympics. Since joining the Miami Heat this past season, things have really been heating up for Bosh. Aside from being part of “The Big 3” with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, he married his beautiful wife Adrienne in one most extravagant weddings in Miami in July of last year. Adrienne Bosh is a permanent fixture on the social scene, most often involved in events that aid in the betterment of the community. She acted as chair for the Dress for Success gala and is very much involved in Bosh’s eponymous charity, the Chris Bosh Foundation, which promotes social enrichment, education and physical fitness among youth, all while sitting religiously courtside to support her husband. The couple is expecting their first child together, a baby boy, this year.

Norman Braman
Category Billionaires
Company Braman Enterprises
Industry Automobile
What Makes Him Haute: Braman Motors is where many of the Haute 100 members turn to for their luxury rides, such as Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Bugattis, BMWs, Minis, and Cadillacs. Braman not only owns some 23 auto dealerships in Florida and Colorado, but is also an avid art collector. His portfolio of works by Picasso, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and others is what put him in the billionaire category in late 2008.

Jonathan and Criselda
Breene
Category Power Couples
Company The Setai Group
Industry Real Estate
Development, Philanthropy
What Makes Them Haute: He is the cofounder of luxury hotel and residential property management company, The Setai Group, while she is a socialite and philanthropist with a wardrobe to envy. Together the Breene’s are regular fixtures in the Miami circuit, playing integral roles in the development of the city on many levels.

Romero Britto
Category Artist
Company Romero Britto
Industry Art
What Makes Him Haute: After moving to the United States from Brazil and opening a public studio in Miami, Britto was commissioned by Absolut Vodka to design an artwork from their well-recognized logo, placing him in the ranks of past Absolut collaborators such as Warhol and Haring. Today, Britto’s work is recognized around the world–over twenty cities have his sculptures as permanent installations. He was even invited to display his iconic works of art at the Salon Nationale des Beaux-Arts exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. Recently, Britto was commissioned to paint a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in honor of the 60th anniversary of her reign. An artistic activist for charitable organizations worldwide, Britto also donates to over 250 charities a year, including this year’s Brazil Foundation gala, where he was an honoree, which was held for the first time in Miami at the W South Beach Hotel and Residences and The Miami Children’s Museum.

Paula and Bob Brockway
Category Power Couples
Company Bill Ussery Motors
Industry Automobile
What Makes Them Haute: She is a philanthropist and 2007 “Woman of Spirit” award winner; he is chairman of Bill Ussery Motors in Coral Gables, which has been operating for more than 50 years, making it the secondoldest Mercedes-Benz dealership in the nation. This couple is highly dedicated to philanthropic endeavors through support of local institutions like the Red Cross of Miami and the Florida Keys, CHARLEE Homes for Children, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and more.

Michael Capponi
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Capponi Group Corporation
Industry Real Estate / Nightlife
What Makes Him Haute: While his nightlife ventures may have put him on the map, it was his other businesses (Capponi Group Luxury Properties, Capponi Building Company, and Capponi Casa) that caught the fickle attention of Miami’s luxe-seeking crowd. From revamping Miami Executive Airport to major home renovations—including JR and Loren Ridinger’s Casa de Sueños—Capponi is at the center of the city’s entrepreneurial scene, as well as the philanthropic one. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, he went to the island nation and ended up building a proper camp for hundreds of families on a soccer field. Similarly focused journeys to impoverished nations such as Cuba act as his testament to the difference one person can make.

RAUL CASARES
CATEGORY Entrepreneurs
COMPANY RC Aluminum Industries
INDUSTRY Construction
What Makes Him Haute: He not only shelters us from the storms by providing hurricane shutters for Florida homes, but his company’s highend glass products adorn luxury structures like Apogee, ICON South Beach, Acqualina Resort, American Airlines Arena, and Trump Tower. Casares arrived in Miami from Cuba in the 1950s and founded RC Aluminum in the early 1990s. He spent the subsequent two decades building RC Aluminum into a powerhouse with more than $100 million in revenue each year. Today, under Casares’ brilliant direction, RC Aluminum continues to invest in researching the very best in aluminum and glass technology so that every shutter, window, or door stamped RC promises safety and style. His most recent projects include: William Island, Bellini Aventura Optima Plaza and The Children’s Court House, Miami Dade

Robert and Brenda Nestor Castellano
Category Power Couples
Company Choice Therapeutics & Victor
Posner Enterprises
Industry Medical & Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: Brenda is a former model and actress who is now chairman of Victor Posner Enterprises, a Miami-based real estate development firm. Robert’s Choice Therapeutics develops, manufactures, and commercializes innovative medical devices such as TheraBond, an antimicrobial barrier system that helps prevent infections in hospital settings. Their involvement for the betterment of the community reads like a laundry list. The Easter Seals Florida Derby Day, Fairchild’s Gala in the Garden, Miami Science Museum’s Building the Future Gala, and the American Red Cross Ball are only a few of the philanthropic events that this couple is involved in.

Helio Castroneves
Category Athletes
Company Penske
Industry Formula 1 Racing
What Makes Him Haute: Castroneves has driven and danced his way into the hearts of people around the world. As the only active driver to have earned the distinction of being a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the only racecar driver ever to become a “Dancing with the Stars” Champion, the Fort Lauderdale resident was also a Haute Living Miami cover star in 2009. In 2010, Castroneves also released a popular book about his life entitled Victory Road – The Ride of My Life, which chronicled his rise to stardom and how he handled his high-profile tax case and triumphant return to racing. Recently, Castroneves spearheaded the Brazil Foundation’s annual Gala at the W South Beach Hotel and Residences.

The Cayre Family
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Midtown Equities/Core Group
Marketing
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: Joe Cayre founded Midtown Equities LLC (MEQS) in 2000 to expand his real estate holdings. He went on to develop Midtown Miami – a $2.3 billion mixed-use community, and acquired five million square feet of retail and office space in Washington, D.C., amongst other properties. A leading philanthropist, he serves on the boards of several institutions including his own, “The Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation.” His sons Jack and Michael also currently work in the family business. Jack, currently serves as a Principal, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firm’s investment platform. Michael is responsible for commercial acquisition and leasing activities.

Wayne Chaplin and Arlene chaplin
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Southern Wine & Spirits of
America/YogArt
Industry Liquor & Wine Distribution
What Makes Them Haute: Wayne Chaplin serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for Southern Wine & Spirits of America. In addition to being a savvy businessman, Chaplin is active in the social and philanthropic circuits as well, volunteering in various leadership activities at his alma mater. He serves on the University of Miami’s Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee, and acts as the current Chairman of the Master Planning and Construction Committee for the University. His wife Arlene is also involved in developing community-bettering initiatives such Yo- Gart, a concept offering sunrise and sunset yoga sessions so that people could “Take a Breather during Art Basel.”

Myles Chefetz
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Myles Restaurant Group
Industry Restaurant
What Makes Him Haute: Chefetz, a Miami native, can be credited with helping turn South Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood into the luxury enclave it is known as today. His many successful restaurants, which include Prime One Twelve and Prime Italian, are located within a block of each other and Miami’s elite crowd descend upon the establishments night after night for a taste of the good life. Since 2009, diners didn’t even have to go home after over-indulging, as Chefetz debuted Prime Hotel & Lounge, a new boutique hotel South of Fifth. The James Beard Foundation recognized his efforts in 2009, as Chefetz was a semifinalist for the prestigious Outstanding Restaurateur award.

Shayne & Felix Cohen
Category: Power Couples
Company: Oygene and Mini Oxygene
Industry: Retail
What Makes Them Haute: This duo is behind one of Miami’s most expertly curated retail destinations, Oxygene and Mini Oxygene in the Bal Harbour Shops. Truly a family affair, both sides of this power couple have been instrumental to the stores that dress Miami’s most discerning customers. Recently, Felix was the mind behind 3 Indian Creek Drive, a premium 30,000-square-foot residential property that could easily be mistaken for a resort. The impressive piece of real estate is being represented by none other than fellow Haute 100 members, The Jills.

Ugo and Sara Colombo
Category Power Couples
Company CMC Group/NEST
Industry Fashion, Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: Ugo has created some of Miami’s most recognizable structures as President of CMC Group and founder of Glasswall, LLC, which specializes in impact-resistant window systems for high-rise properties. Colombo is recognized the world over for his Midas’ touch, bringing exceptional luxury properties and high-res residential buildings to the city of Miami. His stunning wife Sara’s 2,200- square-foot interior design shop, NEST, specializes in high-style products for the home presented with a coveted European flair that is reflective of her innate sense of style.

Sean P. Diddy Combs
Category Entertainers
Company Bad Boy Entertainment
Industry Entertainment
What Makes Him Haute: The Grammy award-winning artist, whose impressive estate on Star Island is a must-see stop on all of the celebrityhome boat tours, is as well known for his business ventures as for his music. The Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide umbrella includes Bad Boy Records; the clothing lines Sean John & Sean by Sean Combs; a movie production company; Ciroc Vodka; and two restaurants. This year, P.Diddy took home his first Oscar for Undefeated, the Best Documentary winner that he helped create as Executive Producer.

Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz
Category: Power Couples
Company: CC1 Companies
Industry: Consumer Goods, Art
Collectors
What Makes Them Haute: He is the chairman of the board of CC1 companies, Inc. which includes subsidiaries of the Coca-Cola Company and has $1 billion in annual sales, while she is known as one of Florida’s most prominent art collectors. Recognizing the significance of their incredible collection, the pair periodically opens their home to anyone who wishes to view their outstanding collection, including during Art Basel when the couple let 3,000 V.I.P.’s into their Key Biscayne home.

Brett David
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Prestige Imports
Industry Automobile
What Makes Him Haute: When his father, Irv David, passed, a 19-year-old Brett was left with the responsibility of running the family business that includes Lamborghini Miami, Lamborghini Palm Beach, Prestige Audi, and Prestige Imports. Under his leadership, Prestige has obtained No. 1 rankings in the world for both its Lamborghini Miami and Prestige Audi dealerships, no small feat for this young entrepreneur. In honor of his late father, David teamed with the American Heart Association to develop the Prestigious Heart Fund, a non- profit dedicated to promoting heart health and awareness. Recently, David also partnered with Haute Living Miami for an exclusive driving event at The Setai on South Beach that gave VIPs the opportunity to get behind the wheel of Lamborghini’s newest model, the LP 550-2 Gallardo Spyder.

Gil and Lorena Dezer
Category Originators/Power
Couples
Company Dezer Properties
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: Under his leadership, Dezer Properties has formed a monopoly over luxury development in New York, Las Vegas, and Miami by managing more than 1,000 oceanfront hotels. The accomplished businessman and humanitarian is also the youngest developer of luxury high-rise residential and condo-hotel developments in the United States. Gil’s gorgeous wife Lorena is a fixture on the social scene and a generous supporter of charitable causes in the community. The two live in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

David Edelstein
Category Originator
Company Tristar Capital
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: David Edelstein’s deeply rooted relationships within the real estate and banking community are key to the success of his company, Tristar Capital. His construction expertise comes from ground up high-rise development in Manhattan as well as many large- scale gut renovations throughout the New York Metropolitan area, South Florida and the West Coast. Edelstein has been the driving force behind high-profile projects like the Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas and the redevelopment of the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall in Miami Beach. He opened his most recent venture, W South Beach Hotel & Residences, in July 2009 in conjunction with RFR Reality, and it quickly became one of the most successful hotels in the W brand portfolio. The real estate giant resides in New York City.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan
Category Power Couples
Company Estefan Enterprises
Industry Entertainment
What Makes Them Haute: She’s the Queen Of Latin Pop, has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and has won seven Grammy Awards. Inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, the superstar and her husband Emilio are also actively involved in the betterment of our community and that of their home country of Cuba. Emilio is a musician and producer credited with sky rocketing the success of many famed music artists. As authors of a bestseller, and minority owners of the Miami Dolphins, the duo has their plates more than full.

George & Oscar Feldenkreis
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Perry Ellis International
Industry Fashion
What Makes Him Haute: George is Chairman of the Board and CEO of Miami-based Perry Ellis International, while Oscar acts as the company’s Vice-Chairman, President and COO. The company purchased Rafaella Apparel for $20 million, which included warrants to buy 106,564 shares of common stock from private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Since then, the company has also acquired textile brands such as Original Penguin and golf brand Ping Collection. George Feldenkreis was recently bestowed the honor of being inducted into the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business Hall of Fame. There is no doubt that this father-son team is positioning Perry Ellis International at the very top of fashion’s totem pole.

Jim Ferraro
Category Entrepreneur/Philanthropists
Company The Ferraro Law Firm
Industry Law
What Makes Him Haute: Ferraro has focused his law practices in the areas of asbestos litigation, products liability, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death, medical malpractice and family law, and has successfully tried many cases that resulted in multimillion dollar jury verdicts. His firms now handle nearly 50,000 asbestos cases, and are known nationwide for their environmental toxic tort practice. Jim has also earned recognition in Miami’s philanthropic circuit with his donations to charity, including the Makea- Wish Foundation, Children’s Home Society, United Way of Miami-Dade and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. He was inducted into the Hope Stout Society in 2008 and named one of the Twelve Good Men by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida in 2010, and is a member of the University of Miami’s Bowman Foster Ashe Society.

Flo Rida
Category: Performing
Artist, Songwriter
Company: Atlantic
Records
Industry: Entertainment
What Makes Him Haute: Grammy Award nominated Tramar Dillard, better known by his stage name Flo Rida, is a celebrated rapper, singer and songwriter. His debut single spent ten weeks as the #1 hit in the U.S. and found continued success most recently with his hit single “Good Feeling.”

Ella Fontanals-Cisneros
Category Thinkers
Company Cisneros Fontanals
Art Foundation
Industry Art
What Makes Her Haute: She began collecting Latin American art in the 1970s, and founded CFAF in 2002 with the goal of fostering understanding and appreciation for contemporary artists from Latin America through grants, commissions, exhibitions, and bilingual publications. She is a trustee of MAM, Patrons of the Tate, the Cintas Foundation, the United States Artist, and the International Women’s Forum, and is an active humanitarian and environmentalist.

Nelson Fox
Category Entrepreneur
Company Koviner Stern
Group
Industry Real Estate/Hospitality
What Makes Him Haute: As a commercial real estate broker, Nelson Fox has pioneered the ever-growing culinary reputation South of Fifth on Miami Beach. Fox has been working alongside Lyle Stern of Koviner Stern Group for some 15 years, developing some of the most successful properties in the city. Fox is currently anticipating the opening of Milos, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant that is set to open in Miami this summer.

Laurent Fraticelli
Category Thinkers
Company Soho House Group
Industry Hospitality
What Makes Him Haute: Laurent Fraticelli graduated from the prestigious Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland. Currently, Laurent Fraticelli is the Soho Beach House General Manager. He replaced Mark Somen who returned to his native Kenya to run a new hotel there called Tribe. Fraticelli oversees design and operation of hospitality properties, and began his career in luxury hotels in France, Switzerland and Spain. He has also previously been recruited by Andre Balazs and was appointed Vice President of Palisades Homes. Laurent Fraticelli supports the Miami Beach Education Foundation and is part of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Phillip & Patricia Frost
Category Power Couples
Company TEVA Pharmaceuticals
Industry Pharmaceuticals
What Makes Them Haute: He is the CEO of IVAX Corporation, which was acquired by TEVA Pharmaceuticals, and she served as chair of the Smithsonian National Board. The couple is a huge supporter of the arts, evidenced by their $33 million donation to the University of Miami that led to the Frost School of Music—the largest gift ever made to a university-based music school in the United States. The couple’s additional donation to Florida International University resulted in the school’s art museum being renamed The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. Adding to their list of eponymous museums is the new Miami Science Museum, which was dubbed the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, thanks to a $35 million donation by the philanthropic couple.

Russell Galbut
Category Originators
Company Crescent Heights
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: Acting as Managing Principal of Crescent Heights, a company heralded as the leader in high-rise residential construction and hotel development, Galbut has real estate in his blood. He comes from a Miami Beach family who at one point was the largest landowner on the beach. Today, Crescent Heights is amongst the nation’s largest residential condominium companies with properties across Miami, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many other cities. Currently they have over a billion dollars in ground up construction projects, all in various stages of development.

The Goldman Family
Category Originators
Company Goldman Properties
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: Goldman Properties, founded by Chairman Tony Goldman, is responsible for transforming the Art Deco District from its deteriorating state to the esteemed sanctuary that it is today. The Goldman family has advanced into a more superior status in the worlds of both real estate and historical reconstruction through the efforts of Tony’s daughter and son, Jessica and Joey, both Principals at the firm. The family business is one of impeccable taste, innovative developments and quality improvements in the community.

Tom Gonzales
Category Entrepreneurs
Company TG Investments, The World Port
Group, Commerce One, Inc.
Industry Real Estate/Investment Development
What Makes Him Haute: Prior to relocating to Florida, Tom Gonzales made significant contributions to businesses within key markets that include technology, agriculture, land development, yachting, and the hospitality industries. As Founder and CEO of Commerce One, Inc., Gonzales was responsible for the company’s exponential growth that would eventually lead to one of the most successful IPO’s in NASDAQ history with a market cap peak of $21 billion. Building upon his success at Commerce One, he formed The World Port Group, a real estate holding company that would go on to assemble one of the largest holdings of commercial real-estate on Las Vegas Blvd. Gonzales currently manages his current business & philanthropic pursuits through his holding company TG Investments.

Miky and Leticia
Grendene
Category Power Couples
Company Casa Tua
Industry Hospitality
What Makes Them Haute: This power couple owns the Mediterraneaninspired Casa Tua, an exclusive boutique hotel and restaurant in Miami that has seen names like Cher and Madonna. They met while cruising through South Beach, when Mickey Grendene mistook Leticia for an old friend. The Grendene’s have now expanded their boutique hotel to Aspen.

Dave Grutman
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Miami Marketing Group
Industry Nightlife
What Makes Him Haute: The Naples, Florida native has been on the Miami Beach scene for quite a while. Beginning his career at SoBe mainstays like Tantra and The Opium Group, where he headed up marketing, Grutman became equipped to tackle the beast his own way. Armed with an enviable Rolodex and a knack for wrangling the right crowd, he opened Miami Marketing Group (MMG) with partners Brian Gordon and Ryan Schinman. MMG deals with full-service, experiential marketing platforms for everything from red carpet events to the hottest nightclubs around. Today, Grutman’s LIV nightclub at the Fontainebleau has taken Miami’s night scene by storm, with acclaimed DJs like AVICII and group sensation Swedish House Mafia passing through regularly. Needless to say, next time you’d like to hit the hottest party, he’s who you need to know.

H. Wayne Huizenga
Category Billionaires
Company Miami Dolphins
Industry Sports
What Makes Him Haute: This Ft. Lauderdale resident is constantly lauded for his business acumen, and rightfully so. Huizenga is the only person ever to be responsible for six companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange and to build three Fortune 1000 companies, one of which is Blockbuster, which he sold to Viacom in 1994 for $8.5 billion. Beyond that, he is the man responsible for bringing professional baseball to South Florida, when he was awarded the then Florida Marlins in 1991. He followed that up by introducing the NHL to South Florida via the Florida Panthers in 1992. For around 15 years, he was also the majority owner of the Miami Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium, making him the only man to have owned all three professional sports teams in a region. He sold all but 5 percent ownership of the Dolphins to Stephen Ross in 2009.

LeBron James
Category Athletes/Power Couples
Company Miami Heat
Industry Basketball
What Makes Him Haute: Nicknamed King James, The Miami Heat forward has already cemented himself as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Off the court, James and his LRMR marketing group brokered a deal with Fenway Sports Group to become the sole marketer of James’s global rights. As part of the deal, James and manager Maverick Carter became minority owners in English soccer team Liverpool FC. James has also garnered attention with the procurement of stellar endorsement deals, including one as the face of luxury timepiece manufacturer Audemars Piguet. James also recently became engaged on this past New Year’s Eve to long-time girlfriend, Savannah Brinson.

The Jills: Jill Eber & Jill Hertzberg
Category Originators
Company Coldwell Banker Residential
Real Estate
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: With recordbreaking sales throughout Miami, the Jills represent the region’s most prominent properties—and therefore most prominent individuals. Haute Living Real Estate Network members Jills Eber and Hertzberg are surveying the most luxurious residential areas in Miami. Their top location picks include oceanfront homes on Golden Beach, Sunset Island gated community, deluxe waterfront houses on Palm Island, and the exclusive Indian Creek Island. The prices of the speculative homes range from $12.5 to $18.5 million, though houses on Indian Creek Island can go up to $60 million.

Nasir Kassamali
Category Entrepreneur
Company Luminaire
Industry Design
What Makes Him Haute: Nasir Kassamali, along with his wife Nargis, is the creator of Luminaire, a design store that specializes in lighting, furniture and home accessories. Luminaire’s first showroom opened in North Miami Beach in 1974 as a 500 square-foot kiosk, which grew into a 4,500 square-foot space in two years. Trailblazers of design, the Kassamalis idea is to bring the best designs from around the world to the American public; and as such, many major projects tap Nasir’s talent as a design consultant.

Naeem Khan
Category Thinker
Company Naeem Khan
Industry Fashion
What Makes Him Haute: His precision-cut dresses, classic gowns and chic separates are the definition of luxury. After launching his brand in 2003, high-end retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus clambered to offer his line to their discerning clientele. The collection has since grown wildly popular and is sold at more than 100 specialty stores across the globe. Some of his loyal fans include style-set notables like First Lady Michelle Obama, Penelope Cruz, Beyonce and Queen Noor of Jordan. Born in India, Khan is continuing the family tradition of creating beautifully intricate frocks for the most fashionable of customers; both his father and grand-father are also well known for designing clothing worn by royal families around the globe.

Timo Kipp
Category Entrepreneur
Company Whalous Properties
Management
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: With a passion for fine dining, Timo Kipp is the owner of the high-end restaurant Villa Mayfair. He is also a banker and investor and is the owner Whalou Properties Management, a residential managing company focused on commercial real estate. In 2010, Kipp sold retail and office complex Mayfair in the Grove for $37.8 million to WMP, LLC.

Thomas Kramer
Category Originators
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: Thomas Kramer played quite a role in the revitalization of South Beach. His developments (Portofino, Yacht Club, Continuum, Murano, Murano Grande, Icon, Apogee) transformed the once-blighted community into a sophisticated, world-class destination. In fact, his own Star Island home is a coveted playground that he’s generous enough to lend out for worthy causes. The Thomas Kramer Foundation has benefited many local and national charities.

Romain Zago & Joanna Krupa
Category Power Couples
Company Mynt Lounge
Industry Nightlife
What Makes Them Haute: They say experience is a privilege that can’t be bought. In Romain Zago’s case, they weren’t far off. Zago’s Mynt lounge on South Beach, which was the chosen venue for Dwyane Wade’s recent 30th birthday blowout, continues to be the go-to locale for lovers of luxurious nightlife in a sophisticated setting. Romain’s supermodel fiancé Joanna Krupa graces the covers of magazines, appeared on “Dancing with the Stars,” and is often a guest on late night talk shows, making this couple the reigning king and queen of Miami’s haute crowd. She is also actively involved in PETA as the face of a traffic-stopping ad campaign for their ingenious “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign, and will be one of the stars on the next season of Bravo’s hit reality show, The Real Housewives of Miami.

Ira Lang
Category Entrepreneur
Company 2054 Management Corp
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: Lang’s impressive career began in New York when the entrepreneur founded several car dealerships, which eventually expanded to Delray Beach. After selling most of these dealerships but one, Lang began investing in commercial real estate and currently owns numerous properties in New York, Florida, Arizona and Colorado. Outside of the workplace, Lang is recognized for his selfless efforts to aid the homeless at the Outreach Center and his strides with St. Judes’ research center.

Lennox Lewis
Category Athletes
Industry Boxing
What Makes Him Haute: This Heavyweight Champion not only defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999, but he also KO’d Mike Tyson just three years later to solidify his undisputed reign in the boxing ring. Since being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the British boxer born to Jamaican parents has hung up his boxing gloves. Lewis, an avid amateur chess player, funded an after-school chess program for disadvantaged youths, one of whom earned a university chess scholarship to Tennessee Tech. The champ will also be honored during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Diane & Alan Lieberman
Category Power Couples
Company South Beach Investment Realty,
South Beach Group
Industry Real Estate, Hospitality
What Makes Them Haute: Together, Diane and Alan form a real estate powerhouse. Diane’s SBI Realty is behind the sales of some of the biggest profile listings in the region. Alan runs the show at South Beach Group, operating 10 properties, including the Catalina, SBG’s flagship property on Collins Avenue, and the new Riviera. The Lieberman’s’ hotels have been fixtures on South Beach for the past decade thanks to a business model that is based on innovation, outstanding marketing tactics, and an innate understanding of the customer. Chic designs don’t hurt either, and The South Beach Group’s portfolio is full of them, all courtesy of Alan himself who renovates his properties every three to five years.

George Lindemann
Category Billionaires
Company Southern Union Company
Industry Natural Gas
What Makes Him Haute: This Wharton grad made his first fortune from selling a contact lens company to Cooper Labs for $60 million in 1971. He then became the president of cable television pioneer Vision Cable Communications. Lindemann is also chairman and CEO of Activated Communications, Inc., a diversified communications firm headquartered in New York City. In 1983, he founded Metro Mobile, which merged with Bell Atlantic in 1992, netting Lindemann a cool $2.6 billion. In 1990, the diversified entrepreneur began his current role as the chairman of the board and CEO of Southern Union Company, which is one of the country’s largest natural gas-line companies.

Howard Lorber
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Prudential Douglas Elliman
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: In addition to being the Chairman and a principal owner of New York real estate powerhouse Prudential Douglas Elliman, he is the chairman and CEO of Nathan’s Famous, the fast-food company that started on Coney Island in 1916 and expanded around the world. As if that wasn’t enough to keep his schedule packed, he is also the director of United Capital Corp., a real estate investment and management company with a portfolio of 150 properties throughout the U.S. On a local front, Lorber is president and CEO of the Miami-based Vector Group Ltd., a publicly held company listed on the New York Stock Exchange that makes and markets high-quality tobacco products.

Jeffrey and Julie Loria
Category Entrepreneurs/Power
Couple
Company Miami Marlins/Jeffrey H.
Loria & Co., Inc.
Industry Sports/Art
What Makes Them Haute: Jeffrey Loria is the owner of the Miami Marlins baseball team who won the 2003 World Series, and his wife, Julie Loria, is the author of Diamond Dishes: From the Kitchens of Baseball’s Biggest Stars – a book about baseball players’ favorite recipes. Jeffrey Loria graduated from Yale in 1962 and Columbia Business School in 1968. He is an avid art dealer and collector and even has a building in his name, the Jeffrey Loria Center for the History of Art at Yale. Loria also owns Jeffrey H. Loria & Co., Inc. – a private art dealing business based in New York.

Diego and Gisela Lowenstein
Category Originators
Company Lionstone Development and The
Glow System
Industry Hospitality
What Makes Them Haute: He comes from a family of generational successful entrepreneurs and is the CEO of Lionstone Development, which began acquiring an impressive portfolio of properties in South Florida about five decades ago. The group is behind signature developments in Miami like the Ritz- Carlton South Beach, and the EPIC Hotel and Residences, plus a slew of international resort properties. Diego recently partnered with Sir Richard Branson in his newest venture to bring Virgin Hotels to a global audience, beginning in cities across North America and London. She, a hospitality guru in her own right, launched a home improvement system aptly named The Glow System to aid the masses in living an organized life. Together they run a “glowing” household.

Al & Nancy Malnik
Category Entrepreneurs/Power Couple
Company The Forge Restaurant | Winebar
Industry Hospitality
What Makes Them Haute: Al and Nancy Malnik are lifetime benefactors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and have hosted the organizations’ annual Garden Party for six consecutive years. Al Malnik received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington University, went on to serve in the US Army, and finally graduated from the University of Miami of Law, receiving his JB and LLB Degrees. After 10 years of practicing law, Al went into the real estate development and finance businesses. He also opened up the second-oldest restaurant in South Florida, The Forge Restaurant. He has four kids with his first spouse and six with Nancy Malnik.

Shareef Malnik and Gabrielle Anwar
Category Power Couples
Company The Forge Restaurant
| Winebar
Industry Hospitality/Entertainment
What Makes Them Haute: He is the owner of The Forge, a Miami restaurant that has taken the culinary world by storm, creating a dining destination that is rich in style and offers world-class food, wine and entertainment. She is the star of USA’s Burn Notice and has had leading roles alongside Hollywood’s biggest names, like Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman. Together, the two are the pinnacle of skill and first-class style.

Martin Z. Margulies
Category Thinkers
Company Margulies Collection at the Warehouse
Industry Art
What Makes Him Haute: After amassing one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art in the world, Margulies began showcasing his pieces, which run the gamut from contemporary art and vintage photography, to video, sculpture, and instillations, to the public in 1999. The collection continued to expand over the last decadeplus, leading to the need for a larger home. The Margulies Collection is housed in a 45,000-square-foot renovated warehouse in the heart of Wynwood. The Martin Z. Margulies Foundation is a non-profit that is focused on presenting exhibitions and educational programs.

David and Christy Martin
Category Originators
Company Terra Group
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Them Haute: David Martin is Chief Operating Officer of Terra Group, which specializes in downtown Miami development projects such as 900 Biscayne Bay and Quantum on the Bay. These new locales started a trend, and other condo buildings began popping up just north of The Grand. With his recent acquisition of the Grand Bay hotel in Coconut Grove, David plans to create a unique residential project with the help of landscape architect Raymond Jungles, the mind behind the New World Symphony’s impressive rooftop garden. He and his wife Christy are also active players on Miami’s social and philanthropic circuit.

Keith Menin
Category Originators
Company Menin Hotels
Industry Hospitality / Development
What Makes Him Haute: The descendent of a long-time Miami Beach family, Menin is well entrenched in the scene. He’s a member of the Galbut family, which provided him with both the means and the know-how to open his first hotel when he was just 24. But his heritage didn’t guarantee success; that was Menin’s doing. He parlayed that venture into additional hotel projects, including the Raffaello Hotel in Chicago and the Mondrian South Beach, where he partnered with the established Morgans Hotel Group (the brand behind the Delano and Shore Club) for the company’s first residential project. Menin’s newest projects, the newly-remodeled Shelborne hotel and its American Brasserie, Vesper, have earned due acclaim.

Stuart Miller
Category Originators
Company Lennar
Industry Construction
What Makes Him Haute: Using his years of experience and entrepreneurial wisdom, Stuart Miller’s company, Lennar, the third largest homebuilder in the nation, has been able to beat Wall Street’s estimates of its growth. Miller predicted that his company would make profit even if the economy did not strengthen. His confidence is due to careful planning and strategic building, which means knowing where to build and for whom. Thanks to Miller’s business sense, the shares of his rivals have also increased in value, which in turn helps grow the economy.

Tracy and Alonzo Mourning
Category Power Couples
Company Alonzo Mourning Charities
Industry Philanthropy
What Makes Them Haute: He announced his retirement from the NBA in 2009, and it was shortly thereafter that the Miami Heat, where he played the majority of his all-star career, proclaimed that No. 33 would be the first number retired at the American Airlines Arena. While no longer making moves on the court, he and his wife are still making a solid impact on Miami. He founded Alonzo Mourning Charities in 1997, which has since raised more than $7 million to benefit children and families, with a focus on youth enrichment centers, including the Overtown Youth Center. His wife Tracy is a mentor, designer, broadcast journalist and motivational speaker. For the charity, she focuses on the Honey Shine Mentoring program for at-risk girls. The couple also operates Zo’s Fund for Life, which was born after Alonzo was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease during a routine pre-season physical.

Tom Murphy Jr.
Category Originators
Company Coastal Construction Group
Industry Construction
What Makes Him Haute: To have the bragging rights to say you were Florida’s youngest-ever licensed general contractor at the ripe age of 19, is no small feat. To have co-founded a company like Seaboard Construction at 21 is even more impressive. But to be able to buy out your partners and sell said company to one of the largest builders in the world puts you on the Haute 100 list. Along with his brother, Murphy founded the Coastal family of companies, which includes Coastal Construction, Coastal Condominiums, Coastal Interiors, and Coastal Homes. In total, the company has more than $1 billion in projects in the works, and Murphy oversees it all as chairman and CEO. Recently, Coastal completed St. Regis Resort and Residences in Bal Harbour, which also happens to be home to the only Jean-Georges restaurant in the city.

Gary Nader
Category Thinkers
Company Gary Nader Fine Art
Industry Art
What Makes Him Haute: Avid art enthusiast and gallery owner Gary Nader has played an integral role in the formation of Miami’s growing presence in the art world. His gallery, situated in the heart of Wynwood, presents a number of solo and group exhibitions and provides extensive professional services to assist private clientele, corporations and museums with the acquisition or sale of Latin American, Modern and Contemporary art. As the largest fine art gallery in South Florida and the biggest gallery in the world with 55,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, Gary Nader Fine Art showcases an expertly curated selection of impressive works by leading artists from across the globe.

R. Donahue and Katrina Peebles
Category Originators
Company The Peebles Corporation
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: As the CEO and chairman of the Coral Gables-based Peebles Corporation, R. Donahue “Don” Peebles is the owner of the largest African-American real estate development firm in the country. Peebles Corp. has teamed up with Mardi Gras Hotel and Casino and the JV, renaming themselves Mardi-Gras Inn Ltd. to develop a $2 billion hotel and resort development project in Las Vegas. His wife, Katrina serves on the board of directors of The Peebles Corporation and brings more than twenty years of experience in real estate.

Jorge Pérez
Category Originators
Company Related Group
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: Pérez’s company has a tagline of “redefining cities and skylines,” and it lives up to that reputation. Since its inception, Related Group leads South Florida as the top multi-family developer. With big projects under his belt like the ICON Brickell, and South Beach, Apogee, Murano Grande, Murano Portofino and new projects like Apogee Beach, Pérez is a detail-oriented developer, architect and avid design enthusiast in a league of his own. In addition, The University of Miami’s School of Architecture is home to the Jorge M. Pérez Architecture Center, an 8,600-square-foot building made possible by his donation. Recently, Pérez also pledged some $35 million in cash and art to the new Miami Art Museum, which will also bear his name upon opening. Pérez acts as Vice-Chairman/Partner of the Miami Dolphins.

Alicia and Mike Piazza
Category Power Couples
Company Retired from the New York Mets
Industry Baseball
What Makes Them Haute: This former Mets star and the best-hitting catcher of all time Mike Piazza and his wife Alicia are integral parts of the Miami social scene. But their contribution to the community is more impressive as the duo is actively involved in the betterment of their South of Fifth community. Mike attended the University of Miami on a full baseball scholarship, but after one year decided college ball was not for him. Piazza transferred to Miami-Dade North, and lived around 125th Street near Bal Harbour where he spent a lot of time wandering around looking at the things he couldn’t afford. Now, years later, he is back in Miami, and the progression of his success has led him to heights he never dreamed possible.

Larsa and Scottie Pippen
Category Power Couples
Company Chicago Bulls
Industry NBA
What Makes Them Haute: Scottie was Michael Jordan’s right-hand man on the Chicago Bulls, which won an outstanding six championships thanks to the unstoppable duo. His wife, Larsa, is a former model who married the basketball great in 1997. Together, the Pippens are a model couple.

Donald and Lisa Pliner
Category Power Couples
Company Donald J. Pliner
Industry Fashion
What Makes Them Haute: Donald Pliner is a visionary designer who launched his namesake design line for luxury men’s and women’s footwear and accessories with his first retail location in Beverly Hills, California in 1967. His luxury products quickly garnered the attention of Hollywood stars, with nearly 65% of his customers working in the entertainment industry. His wife Lisa works, who works as creative director, trained at Parsons School of Design in Paris and launched her signature collection in the fall of 2010.

Brett Ratner
Category Thinkers
Company HSI Productions
Industry Film
What Makes Him Haute: With deep roots in Miami Beach, Ratner’s success story hits close to home. Well recognized as a blockbuster directing, camera wielding talent—Ratner has not only appeared on the cover of Haute Living, he’s been a cover photographer as well—has racked up a list of films that have grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide. At 13 he had a cameo as a background extra on Scarface, was accepted into NYU’s prestigious film school when he was only 16, and his story has evolved in a similar manner since. Flash forward and today, the Hollywood great continues to turn out blockbusters while also operating Rat Press, a publishing company that re-releases out-of-print books about Hollywood.

Loren and JR Ridinger
Category Power Couples
Company Market America
Industry Internet Shopping
What Makes Them Haute: In the 90’s, the Ridinger’s birthed a marketing concept that would revolutionize the world of online shopping. Flash forward and Market America is one of the world’s top internet sites. The acquisition of SHOP.COM last year facilitated the company’s 2012 expansion into the UK. Next on the agenda, Mexico, as MA brings its revolutionary business plan to yet another market. Other new initiatives include Yours by Loren, a jewelry collection which debuted to rave reviews on HSN; Motives for La La, a spinoff of the existing Motives Cosmetics brand in collaboration with La La Anthony which provides products for women of every shade; and Meeton.com, a social video streaming concept where subscribers can interact via live-video with A-list celebrities and public figures through multi- platform integration.

Pat Riley
Category Thinkers
Company Miami Heat
Industry Basketball
What Makes Him Haute: Riley led the Miami Heat to its first NBA championship in 2006 as the team’s Head Coach. As its president, he was the force responsible for bringing some of the biggest names in the NBA to Miami, including Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Antoine Walker, as well as other all-stars. Riley’s NBA career spans 38 years as a player, assistant coach, head coach, administrator, and broadcaster and he has produced seven NBA championships. He has more wins than all but two other individuals under his belt. This impressive list of accomplishments earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which is the NBA’s biggest honor.

Craig Robins
Category Originators
Company Dacra Development
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: From South Beach to Lincoln Road, Española Way to the Design District, Craig Robins can be credited as the visionary behind some of the city’s biggest transformations. His Dacra Development Group combines art and architecture to create avant-garde projects, revitalizing neighborhoods. In the Design District, Dacra brings in big name retailers like Christian Louboutin, Maison Martin Margiela, and Marni to a neighborhood that was all but forgotten. Another of his projects, Design Miami has had similar success, drawing attention to the city as a cultural hub, and rivaling Art Basel as one of the most popular art fairs in the city.

Stephen Ross
Category Billionaires
Company Related, Miami Dolphins Industry
Real Estate, Football
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: Ross’ Related Companies has been a force in the industry since its inception, with trophy developments across the nation. In 2008, he purchased 50 percent ownership of the Miami Dolphins and the stadium for $550 million, and followed that up in 2009 by becoming 95 percent owner. Ross’ mobile technology company FanVision is developing a smartphone-compatible version of the service synonymous with the instant replay. Formerly known as Kangaroo TV, the company has operated at sporting events using a wireless device that provides replays, alternate video angles, radio broadcasts, fantasy football content and statistics in real time.

Jason and Jennifer Rubbell
Category Thinkers
Company Rubell Family Collection Industry Art
What Makes Them Haute: In 1964 in New York Don Rubell and his wife Mera began amassing their personal art collection. The idea to share that collection with the world led these pioneers of the art scene to Miami in the early 90’s, and they opened the Rubell Family Collection in its current 45,000-square-foot warehouse in Wynwood. Don and Mera’s children, Jennifer and Jason, have honored the family’s legacy while leading Miami’s art scene and operating the non-profit Contemporary Arts Foundation. The Rubell Family Collection features 27 galleries, a research library, a film and lecture theater, a new media room, a bookstore, a gift shop, and sculpture garden. The family was also involved in a collaborative effort with famed French fashion brand, Lanvin, which included an installation in their space. We look forward to what these pioneers will deliver next.

Eric Milon, Roman Jones and Mitchell Rubinson
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Opium Group
Industry Investment
What Makes Them Haute: The British-born Jones helped put South Beach on the nightlife map when he partnered with Eric Milon to open The Living Room on Washington Avenue, and thus South Beach’s reputation for extremely exclusive nightlife was born. Today, Opium Group, a joint venture between Jones, Eric and Eric’s brother Francis, sets the standard when it comes to nightlife. Rubinson is a principal and adviser for The Opium Group to founding Armor Inspection Services and Drill Magazine, to being former chairman of the International Fast Food Corporation and of Capital Brands. He is able to attend to these ventures thanks to his investment firm, Integrated Equities Inc., which he founded in 1985.

Alejandro Sanz
Category Entertainers
Company Warner Music
Industry Entertainment
What Makes Him Haute: Alejandro Sanz d has won a total of 15 Latin Grammy Awards and 3 Grammy Awards. He has won the Latin Grammy for Album of the Year three times and has released a total of 10 albums and 6 DVDs. Collaborations with Kelly Rowland, Shakira, and Alicia Keys helped him win American hearts. His single, “Looking for Paradise,” was conceived on the mega-yacht of Haute 100 members, Loren and JR Ridinger, Utopia III, and you can find Loren, JR, and Haute Living CEO Kamal Hotchandani making cameos in the song’s music video. Sanz also recorded with Tony Bennett for his album Duets II that featured such stars as Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Carrie Underwood.

Stephanie Sayfie-Agaard
Category Philanthropists
Company The Miami Project
to Cure Paralysis
Industry Philanthropy
What Makes Her Haute: Miami-based socialite and author of Miami Herald column, “Steph Sez,” Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard keeps more than busy. The wonder woman uses all of her wonderful community ties to raise funds for causes dear to her heart. Topping her list of important charitable causes is The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund, the world’s largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center.

Lee Brian Schrager
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Southern Wine & Spirits
Industry Alcohol
What Makes Him Haute: An executive at Florida-based mega adult beverage distribution company, Southern Wine and Spirits, Schrager is responsible for the brands marketing. But a savvy Schrager took things to the next level when he created the Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which brings the most celebrated names from the world’s finest culinary institutions and revered wineries to the sands of Miami Beach for one weekend each February, all to benefit FIU’s school of hospitality and tourism management. Following in the same pattern, Schrager launched a similar festival in New York. The NYC version benefits food banks in the city.

Karim Masri, Nicola Siervo and Rony Seikaly
Category Entrepreneurs
Company KNR Food Concept
Industry Restaurants & Nightlife
What Makes Them Haute: This trio are partners in KNR Food Concepts, which is behind Quattro Gastronomia Italiana and Sosta. They lent their know-how to Joia, Hotel Astor, Mynt, and Mokai. They operate the food, beverage and nightlife establishments at the W South Beach— The Dutch, WET and WALL. Seikaly also played for the Miami Heat. Quadrant Investment Group, of which Seikaly is CEO, has created and managed three separate funds with $128 million in investor equity and $350 million in real estate.

Alina and Anthony Shriver
Category Power Couples
Company Best Buddies International
Industry Philanthropy
What Makes Them Haute: In 1989, Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded Best Buddies International. It has since grown to have some 1,500 chapters around the world and 700,000 people are positively impacted by Best Buddies every year, a number that is set to grow in 2010 thanks to an international expansion effort led by Anthony. Alina is the Vice President of art and merchandise for the organization. She also runs Shriver Art, an art consulting and marketing business that is responsible for the 35-foot Britto sculpture that was unveiled at the 5th Street entrance to Miami Beach.

Michael and Nicki Simkins
Category Power Couple
Company Lion Associates/Leon J.
Simkins Charitable Foundation
Industry Real Estate/Philanthropy
What Makes Them Haute: Michael is President of Lion Associates, a Miami based company, which includes Simkins Industries, Westfield Financial real estate and Lion Financial. Nicole’s family owns Charles Kaufman Enterprises, an 80-yearold diamond company located indowntown Miami. Michael and Nicole are continuing the families’ philanthropic interests with the Leon J. Simkins Charitable Foundation, as well with diabetes research and work with Jackson Memorial Hospital, Women of Tomorrow, Miami Beach JCC and the Love and Hope Ball. The Miami Beach residents have two children, Jaden age 5 and Eli age 3.

Don & Jeff Soffer
Category Originators
Company Turnberry &
Associates
Industry Real Estate/
Hospitality
What Makes Them Haute: Don opened his first shopping mall with his father when he was 24 years old. He then came down to South Florida and purchased almost 1,000 acres of marshland in northern Dade County in 1967, filled the area, and created what is today Aventura. His son Jeff followed in his footsteps into real estate and hospitality with the $500 million makeover of his world-renowned Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Timbaland
Category Entertainers
Company Mosley Music
Group
Industry Music
What Makes Him Haute: Timbaland is the Grammy award-winning artist and producer behind hits for artists like Jodeci, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Ludacris, Destiny’s Child, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z. He released his second solo album in 2007 titled Timbaland Presents Shock Value, featuring Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Nina Simone, OneRepublic and Elton John. Timbaland recently worked with Justin Bieber on his new album Believe.

Donald Trump
Category Originators
Company The Trump Organization
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: Trump purchased Palm Beach’s magnificent Mar-A-Lago estate in 1985 and used it as his home before turning it into one of the most exclusive private clubs. It is the last remaining Palm Beach estate that is almost identical to the day it was built, albeit with modern comforts and upgrades, which led it to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to his various properties in South Florida, including one in Hollywood, two in Sunny Isles and the Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Trump also recently purchased the Doral Golf Resort and Spa for $150 million.

Mayi de la Vega
Category Entrepreneurs
Company ONE Sotheby’s International
Realty
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Her Haute: After founding ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Mayi de la Vega expanded the company with four office locations in the South Florida area and 200 full-time agents. Specializing in luxury properties, Mayi utilized her relationships derived from formerly working in the aerospace industry and has formed partnerships with the Sotheby’s brand in Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Peru. Mayi is an active member of the community, sitting on the Advisory Board to the Dean of College at Florida International University and working as a committee member of the University’s College of Medicine.

Dwyane Wade
Category Athletes/Power Couple
Company Miami Heat
Industry Basketball
What Makes Him Haute: The Chicago native came to Miami in 2003 when he was selected fifth overall in the NBA draft. He has been a force for the Heat ever since, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team his first season. He went on to lead the team to its first NBA World Championship in 2006 and got crowned MVP, and then led Team USA to a gold medal in the Olympics. Today, Wade continues to wow the crowds with his athletic prowess. Equally impressive off the court, he has earned respect for his strong community involvement helping at-risk youths through his Wade’s World Foundation.

Susie and Walid Wahab
Category Entrepreneur
Company Wahab Construction
Industry Construction Management
What Makes Them Haute: Walid Wahab founded Wahab Construction in 1992. He earned degrees in Civil and Architectural Engineering from the University of Miami and a Masters in Business Administration in Logistics, Operations and Materials Management from the School of Government at George Washington University. He supports organizations such as the Art Basel Miami Beach and The National Tropical Botanical Garden wWalid Wahab is Venezuelan-born and is fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic. Susie and Walid Wahab live in Miami with their two sons.

Gary and Dana Shear
Category Power Couple
Company Shear Construction
and Development
Industry Real Estate
Development
What Makes Them Haute: Gary Shear founded Shear Construction and Development in 1984, and the company has since gained a stellar reputation in South Florida’s real estate realm. His projects include such pristine properties as Cocoplum, Tahiti Beach, Gables Estates, Journey’s End and Old Cutler Bay. Currently, the pair are focusing their attention on the restoration of South Beach’s Art Deco building. The couple are also actively involved in Miami’s social and philanthropic circuits.

Norman Wedderburn
Category Philanthropists
Company Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Southern
Florida
Industry Philanthropy
What Makes Him Haute: A philanthropic leader in high society, Wedderburn’s annual InterContinental Miami Make-AWish Ball generates more dollars and headlines each consecutive year with its “who’s who” guest list of affluent South Florida VIPs. In 2009, the 15th annual ball raised $1 million to support the foundation’s mission of granting wishes to terminally ill children.

Robert Wennett and Mario Cader-Frech
Category Originators
Company 1111 Lincoln/MTV Latin America
Industry Development/Marketing
What Makes Them Haute: Wennett has spent 25 years conceiving and developing landmark structures in urban environments across the country. 1111 Lincoln Road, an experiential parking garage structure chock full of high-end dining and retail establishments, is a Herzog & de Meuron-designed building that has changed the face and dynamic of Miami Beach’s famed Lincoln Road. Mario, the Vice President Public Affairs & Corporate Social Responsibility for MTV Networks Latin America has done wonders to create awareness not only for the MTV brand but for the charitable organizations he aligns himself with. The two are well-known art collectors and currently live in one of the coveted residential units located inside the 1111 building.

Matthew Whitman-Lazenby
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Bal Harbour
Shops
Industry Retail Development
What Makes Him Haute: Matthew Whitman-Lazenby is operating partner of the Bal Harbour Shops, next to Stanley Whitman and Randy Whitman, and represents both the third generation and the company’s future. Prior to working at the Bal Harbour Shops he worked for a New York real estate broker and Detroit-based real estate developer. He is now working to expand the famous Shops.

Pharrell Williams
Category Entertainers
Company The Neptunes/I am Other
Industry Music
What Makes Him Haute: The music scene isn’t Grammy award-winning artist Pharrell’s only interest; he keeps busy with other projects like a furniture collaboration with Domeau & Pérès. In addition to his band, N*E*R*D, the style-set Williams is also making waves for emerging artists with his new record label I am Other, which showcases up and coming talents like Cris Cab, the local Miami prodigy that is slowly taking the music world by storm. What could be considered Pharrell’s greatest achievement occurred just this year, when the mogul was asked to curate the music for the 84th annual Academy Awards alongside Hans Zimmer.

Sean Wolfington
Category Entrepreneurs
Company The Wolfington Companies
Industry Technology, Real Estate, Film
What Makes Him Haute: Wolfington, chairman and CEO of The Wolfington Companies, is a serial entrepreneur with businesses in the technology, marketing and film industries. His accomplishments include being a finalist in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the age of 34, building and selling four digital marketing companies for a combined enterprise value of 500 million dollars by the age of 40, and recently selling his company VinSolutions to Autotrader. Wolfington’s digital marketing companies have worked with 15 automotive manufacturers and over 5,000 retailers in 18 countries, marketing feature films like Bella, Narnia, Blind Side, Charlotte’s Web and the Mighty Macs and creating digital marketing strategies for Grammy Award-winning musician Shakira. Wolfington’s Charitable Foundation aids the poor and enables bright futures for children through sports and the arts. Wolfington received the Legacy Award from the National Council for Adoption in 2007, the President’s Service Award in 2008 and the Tony Bennett Exploring the Arts award this year.

Michael and Bobby Yampolsky
Category Entrepreneurs
Company East Coast Jewelry
Industry Jewelry, Timepieces
What Makes Them Haute: The father-son duo is the No. 1 retailer for Audemars Piguet and Hublot timepieces in America. Bobby made Palm Beach history by becoming the youngest storeowner on Worth Avenue at age 19. Today, their 20-plus year reputation in the industry means that East Coast Jewelry is the go-to establishment for gold and exquisite, rare timepieces. This reputation was further cemented when Bobby, along with Morten Nielsen, founded SCI Innovations, the company behind the Ulysse Nardin Chairman luxury hybrid smart phone.

Engin Yesil
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Core Development Holdings Corp.
Industry Real Estate
What Makes Him Haute: He is a diversified entrepreneur to his core. After making his fortune by innovating the eyewear industry through a contact company now known as 1.800.CONTACTS, Turkish tycoon Yesil launched Iprepay, a pioneer company that delivers store value products such as prepaid wireless airtime, calling cards, bill payment, and more. He founded Core Development in 1996, and his Turkish real estate company, Yesil Insaat, is developing a grand-scale project near Istanbul and is also involved in Trump Istanbul. He has been chairman and director of SK Realty Ventures since 2007, and he also became president of Wilson Mining Corporation in 2008.

Alan and Ruth Zelcer
Category Entrepreneurs
Company Isaco International
Industry Apparel
What Makes Them Haute: Alan is President and CEO of Isaco International Corp, a leading designer, distributor and licensee of a broad line of high quality men’s underwear, hosiery, sleepwear and ties. Ruth is Vice President of Merchandising of the company. It manufactures for major retailers and branded labels such as Perry Ellis. In addition to their own band, Papi, which has earned had lofty levels of success, the couple recently launched two new brands, Undertech and Feel It. Alan and Ruth Zelcer live in Bal Harbour, Florida with their three children.

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