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.
