Realtor: Kimberly Knausz

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

kimberlyknausz.onesothebysrealty.com

kknausz@onesothebysrealty.com

954-579-8860

The Property

Address: 3901 NE 31^st Ave, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Neighborhood: Venetian Isles

Interior living space in square feet: 5,188 SF Living Area

Total square footage: 6,141 SF Total Area

Lot size in square feet: 10,049 SF Lot (100’ waterfront)

Bedrooms/baths: 5 bedrooms/5.5 baths

Listing Price: $4,500,000

The post A Luxurious Waterfront Estate Awaits in Venetian Isles appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

What’s inside, though, is a company whose revenue is running over $200 million a year and with roughly 1,200 employees at any given time. Moreover, there’s a vibrant corporate culture that offers great lessons on how to operate and grow a business while treating employees well.

You may not know Champion, or confuse it with the sportswear retailer, but it’s likely you benefit from its work every day. About half of its business is installing specialized coatings (paint, corrosion control, fireproofing, flooring and marine industry). Those workers painting the soaring overpasses at I-595 and I-95? That’s Champion. It also worked on CB Smith Water Park, iThink Financial Amphitheater, cranes at PortMiami, Rybovich Shipyards, Seminole Hard Rock Stadium and FPL’s tanks and pipes at Port Everglades.

Flip a light switch on and the power may come from an FPL generating plant that Champion helps maintain, whether it’s gas, wind or nuclear power. Brush your teeth and the water may have come from a water treatment plant that it helps maintain. Flush the toilet and Champion may have a role in maintaining the sewer plant.

“I don’t think there’s another organization that matches our service offerings and our industry diversity,” says Kyle Hough, chief operations officer, who purchased the company in 2012 with Champion CEO Carlos M. Hernandez. It was started in 2006 by Raul Llopis, who is a close friend to Hernandez and Hough.

A common thread among the trio is their interest in martial arts, which explains the company name. Llopis is a highly accomplished fighter, including being a three-time WKF World Muay Thai Champion.

Accelerating growth

Hough was ready to leave a previous employer and do things his own way when he joined Llopis, which led to a business transformation.

“They would paint houses. They would do small jobs, and Raul was very happy with that,” Hough says. “Well, that’s not my M.O. I came in and right away we’re on I-595 blasting and painting bridges. We’re painting the new ballpark that they were building in Miami for the Marlins.”

The company ran into some financial constraints, which led to its purchase by Hough and his friend, CEO Carlos M. Hernandez, a former Marine with a background in law enforcement who owned a specialty coatings business.

Hough’s wife, Tracey, and brother, Duane, already had the business rolling down the tracks, but it really took off when Hernandez came aboard, Hough says.

Total revenue is close to $300 million since 2010.

They bought Llopis out, but he still has a contracting business that works with Champion on some projects and isn’t a stranger at Champion’s HQ.

Duane is a combat-decorated Marine and led the company into Department of Defense business, such as fuel storage and tank restoration globally.

The brothers practiced Okinawan karate when they were younger and moved into more mixed martial arts later on. “I always enjoyed punching and kicking people,” Hough quips. For many years, a gym near the office was open to disadvantaged youths.

Setting the culture

The fighting sports culture played a key role in forming Champion’s corporate culture.

“There’s an inherent respect for the people who have achieved,” Hough says, “and you can visually see that achievement. I’ve taught all the kids that you can’t demand respect. You can only temporarily command respect. The only way to keep it is to earn it.”

You can do a lot of studying on martial arts strategy, “but there’s nothing like spending time in a ring and learning that lesson in the ring, because when you don’t learn it, you pay for it and you feel it. It’s immediate,” he says. “Oh, you make a mistake — ‘I should have done this.’ So, I take that with me in business as well.”

Martial arts teaches you the patience it takes to be in business, he says. “There’s times where being an entrepreneur, you get your butt kicked from the time you wake up in the morning to the time you go to sleep. And then, guess what? You can’t go to sleep because your mind won’t stop working. And it’s easy for someone to say, ‘This is too much. This is why most businesses fail.”

Martial arts also teach humility, which is important because many business failures are related to ego, he says.

The foundation of Champion’s workplace culture acknowledges that people often spend more time at work than they do with their own family. “Why should you spend more time at work under a stressful situation and be unhappy when we can just not do certain things and do other things to create a place in which you can feel achievement, you can feel a sense of community and you can walk around here and feel free to talk to anyone you want,” Hough says. Once a month, he fires up the grill and has a cookout for everyone to celebrate that month’s birthdays. The company also brings together 350 people from all over the country for a three-day leadership meeting, which is not a cheap undertaking.

“The point is to bring everyone together to remind each other that we’re humans first,” he says. Sure, it’s a competitive world and there’s a job to do, but “one of the things I always hate is when people say, ‘It’s just business.’ … Because most times people use that term after they’ve done something terrible … right after they’ve done something everyone knows is wrong.”

Unions and safety

Another interesting aspect about Champion is its unionized workforce, which means employees have health care and a pathway to retirement. There are members of just about every building trade union, including painters, electricians, pipefitters, boiler makers and iron workers.

Union labor is often in short supply, so Champion finds recruits and then brings them to the unions so they can participate in apprenticeship programs, Hough says.

Safety is also a major concern since the work Champion does is extremely dangerous. Before he joined Champion, Hough was working in Philadelphia when a piece of high-pressure equipment broke and knocked him 30 feet into a wastewater treatment tank, smashing the back of his head. He was evacuated in a helicopter. His wife knew he often worked hundreds of feet in the air and thought she was coming to identify his body as she came to the hospital.

Fortunately, he wasn’t permanently injured, even though he had staples in his head and soft tissue damage along his back. No wonder then that Hough thinks a lot about families when it comes to safety.  The metrics are good, too. On a scale used by insurance companies, anything below a one is good and Champion is 0.42.

“Most of our competitors struggle maintaining something below a one,” he notes.

That’s something when a chunk of your workforce has the gritty complexities of decommissioning nuclear power plants in New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York state. A big part of its business is also related to handling asbestos, lead and mercury.

Hough, who shared many great philosophical and management points during the interview offers some final thoughts at the end.

“Remember humanity and remember that as you run your business or you’re part of a business that you can create change. Have the gumption to do it and don’t be scared — do it! If it’s for the betterment, it starts with us. If we rely on larger institutions or government or  other folks for change, they’re going to change us to their benefit. But, if we want to change to our benefit, we have to start with us. We can’t just take the status quo and roll with it.”

That’s the Champion way.

The post The Art of a Champion appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

The Lahouds say revenue has exceeded more than $4 million in the last two years and they now have a staff of seven. The company primarily helps bedazzle residences in the $5 million-plus range but has been known to offer furnishing services within residences less than $1 million and even the mega-est of yachts.

In early 2025, the now home-based business will open its first physical location at some super-prime real estate. Lavara will occupy a 3,600-square-foot space at 550 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, across the street from the ever-popular RH West Palm home furnishings store.

On the store, Warren Lahoud says, “it will have an atelier feel, like you’re walking into a home rather than a retail business. It will be a place to explore our services, samples and to have appointments. It is literally putting us on the map and will allow us to showcase our products even easier.”

Lavara primarily collaborates with Italian artisans, sourcing some of the most rare and exquisite brands for its clients. Lavara is an exclusive furniture seller of Elie Saab, a Lebanese-born fashion designer who’s become a household name in the haute couture space. Additional brand partners include the likes of Turri Furniture and Arte Venezia.

A testament to the intricate details that Lavara dabbles in: It is the exclusive supplier of Inoxstyle showers in the United States. Inoxstyle has outdoor, wall-mountable and yacht showers that may be purchased and installed in the $5,000-plus range – they are becoming that much more of a norm within the finer South Florida back yard spaces. Additionally, Lavara offers services including laying out the design elements of a home, encompassing staging, finishes and elegant touches in between.

“We like scenarios that are a challenge,” says Nicole Lahoud. “We can redo an entire yacht, work within different architectural elements and with ideas in someone’s imagination and more. We are not people who say no and walk away. We are always willing to find a solution, and sometimes it’s a different one, to get things done.”

For fans of Lavara’s high-end Italian vibe, the company isn’t stopping here. The Lahouds are currently partnering with developers in the luxury space to offer “turn-key, walk-in solutions to allow clients to buy fully-finished residences.” The Lahouds say a 20-condo/apartment property they are collaborating within West Palm Beach is slated to break ground this November.

The ultimate goal is to further build the Lavara brand, extending into other avenues of decór and possibly, one day, even into lifestyle elements like fine soaps and bath towels. Perhaps Nicole Lahoud explained it best when saying, “This is just the beginning for us.”

The post Lavish and Lavara appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Yet, with so many choices in our cities, it’s hard at times to travel from county to county to try out any new adventures and experiences. Sometimes, we just want to try out that new restaurant, that new hotspot or museum.

And, at times, you just don’t want to drive. At times, we want to be pampered with a ride there and back. And a ride that’s not of the usual kind.

I’ve always counted on rideshares at times when I’ve wanted to head somewhere, such as a restaurant or to have drinks with girlfriends. To me, safety on the road is not just about the ride experience, but it’s also about personal safety when it comes to taking care of yourself when enjoying a night out, and of those with you.

And it’s ok to treat yourself. Why not? For a special night out, or even a fun event with a plus one or a group, Limo Miami might just we the way to go. And we recommend it, especially when you want to feel like a VIP as your roll up to your spot of choice.

Recently, I had the chance to ride with Limo Miami to head on over with my husband, and on another time, with one of my best friends, to try out some indulgent Miami Spice dinners. I was appreciative for the invite, and it surely made me feel like royalty.

The cars offered by Limo Miami are comfortable, but they are also classy and make you feel pampered as you ride. They feel like a luxury transportation service, and their level of care when I experienced the rides proved that this is a fact.

When my husband and I, as well as my friend and I, had the chance to ride with Limo Miami, it was truly a special treat. We had a chance to hop on a Cadillac Escalade for our ride.

The Cadillac Escalade, as well as the other ones offered by the company, are roomy and comfortable. As soon as you step in, you will be greeted with water bottles and chargers on the backseat. Also, the friendly driver is happy to choose your radio station of choice. It makes a huge difference as you sing along and chat with your close one or close group of revelers joining you for a night out.

Towards the end of the night, as we were heading back from Miami to Broward, where we reside, we felt truly like the experience made visiting a special restaurant more memorable. We were relaxed, happy and felt like we were always in great hands. And, what better to navigate that South Florida traffic than in style? A perfect ride there and back with a company that is professional and dedicated with their services.

For more information on Limo Miami, their services, their cars and to book a ride, visit https://limomiami.net/booking/, their official website https://limomiami.net or call 1(305) 878-1720.

The post Limo Miami’s Upscale and Stylish Transportation Service Impresses appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

The new Coral Gables location is on the 2nd floor of The Plaza Coral Gables, a 2.25 million-square-foot development owned by the Jose Cuervo family and located just minutes away from Merrick Park. It offers ten dedicated treatment stations and one private room with top-of-line skincare products and equipment. The plaza’s next-door neighbors include Solidcore, Rumble, and Lash Lounge, among the country’s top premium fitness and beauty brands. This creates a health and wellness hub for active locals. Silver Mirror is proud to be a part of this community.

“As a South Florida native, bringing affordable and luxury skincare solutions to Coral Gables residents has always been a personal goal of mine,” Matt Maroone says, CEO of Silver Mirror Facial Bar. “We’ve received an overwhelming response from locals and visitors after the opening of our Brickell location, and cannot wait to bring our personalized approach to beauty to the City Beautiful.”

Silver Mirror Facial Bar offers a range of high-end facial treatments, including acne-fighting, brightening, and anti-aging facials, along with premium add-ons like LED therapy, dermaplaning, chemical peels, hydra dermabrasion, and decompression massages. The facial bar is renowned for its monthly membership plans, which allow customers to enjoy regular treatments and discounts on services and skincare products, as well as exclusive access to new skincare technologies and more. Prices for 30-minute facials start at $99, while 50-minute facials start at $155.

Silver Mirror Facial Bar offers a wide range of medical-grade skincare and beauty products, such as iS Clinical, Skinceuticals, Revision, Sanitas, Dr. Dennis Gross and Supergoop. They provide 30 and 50-minute options for their services. The Coral Gables location of Silver Mirror Facial Bar is slated to open on January 18, 2024, and will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. This flexible schedule is convenient for clients with busy schedules.

Silver Mirror has been named the No. 1 Affordable Spa Treatment by Time Out New York and a top five new spa by the New York Post. The facial bar chain has locations in Brickell, the Flatiron District, Bryant

The post Silver Mirror Facial Bar Expands Its Presence in the South Florida Market appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

“Bringing this legendary restaurant group to South Florida is right on brand with Black Lion’s grand vision to transform the way Miami does hospitality,” Rivani says. “RosaNegra will add an incredible energy to the area’s social scene and elevate the luxury restaurant experience in Brickell.”

RosaNegra offers a unique experience that pays tribute to the vibrant Latin American culture and cuisine. RosaNegra breaks away from traditional formalities and creates an unforgettable atmosphere by combining gourmet culinary delights with top-notch entertainment and personalized attention. The restaurant is deeply committed to bringing only the best products and freshest ingredients to its eclectic menu. They pride themselves on exploring gastronomic traditions worldwide, focusing on Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. Their signature dishes are meticulously designed to be both authentic and daring, featuring unique ingredients like Tasmanian smoked trout, Spanish carabineros, and Wagyu from Japan. Their artisan cocktails are as carefully crafted, using signature infusions and natural ingredients to create beautiful and delicious drinks. The atmosphere is just as vibrant and exciting, with live music, a resident DJ, and high-level entertainment to create truly unforgettable experiences.

The recently closed deal involving Fabio Faerman and Sebastian Faerman, who FA Commercial represented, marks the latest addition to Black Lion’s impressive dining portfolio. This acquisition brings the value of Black Lion’s portfolio to over $200 million in South Florida alone, boasting a remarkable collection of popular restaurant tenants spread across key districts like Miami Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and Downtown. Some of the notable names in Black Lion’s portfolio include Gekko in Brickell SLS LUX, Philippe by Philippe Chow at One Ocean South Beach, Catch Miami Beach at the Continuum high-rise, Amara at Paraiso with chef Michael Schwartz, Wynwood Jungle with a newly opened Fable rooftop restaurant, GAIA on the ground floor of the Marea condo building, and Delilah at Brickell Bay boardwalk.

The post Brickell Welcomes RosaNegra for its U.S. Debut appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

“The Port d’Hiver’s history is integral to the settlement and development of the Melbourne Beach area,” Talerico says. “I knew that it was the perfect location.” It has history and a classic charm.” “This property is a hidden gem and the place to stay in the area.” “He wants to Keep a level 5-star rating.” 

Located on a barrier island just 200 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast is a boutique hotel that offers an elevated stay in paradise. Guests can choose from various luxurious rooms and suites with luxury amenities like ocean and courtyard views, a bubbling spa pool, a hot tub, a fitness center and an outdoor fire pit. In addition to these amenities, the hotel offers complimentary gourmet breakfast, afternoon happy hour, and light bites, where guests can enjoy their choice of beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage in their room, on the porch, or in the garden under blooming bougainvillea and allamanda. The hotel also includes a twenty-four-hour snack room with complimentary sodas, water, chips, and ice cream. Guests can also indulge in freshly baked chocolate chip cookies offered throughout the day. Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary beach gear, including cruiser bikes, to ensure guests have everything they need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Stacie Reed, General Manager of the Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast, researched different bed and breakfasts in the area and the beauty and history of the Port d’hiver, which drew her to want to run the property.

“You do not know what is behind the golden gates until you arrive and are inside this quaint and historic property,” she says.

The post South Florida Owner Takes Over Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

The Pet Spa – Powered by D is for Dog offers a luxurious spa experience for furry friends, providing DIY and professional wash, groom, and blow dry services. The hotel warmly welcomes pets of all sizes, ensuring a comfortable and pet-friendly environment for both small and large breeds.  

The hotel residence upgrades ensure every guestroom has furniture and amenities that provide a home-like experience. The Penthouse Suites on the fourth-floor offer premium accommodations for those seeking the ultimate luxury stay. A new firepit has been added to the already stunning pool deck to enhance the evening ambiance.

This fall, The Blind Monk, a popular neighborhood restaurant, is relocating to Olive Street’s AKA West Palm. Upon reopening, the wine bar will feature a revamped menu and will be open to the public. Additionally, exclusive programming will be offered to AKA guests, providing a unique experience for those staying at the hotel.

The AKA West Palm will soon welcome the opening of the Body+Beauty Lab med spa. This new establishment will provide a variety of spa and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including facials, chemical peels, body contouring, micro-needling, laser treatments, wrinkle relaxers, and dermal fillers, offering a range of services to help individuals look and feel their best.

The post AKA West Palm Hotel Introduces New Features Following Recent Upgrades appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Rieger brings over 15 years of experience, having worked in operations at hotels, university clubs, healthcare and senior living communities. Most recently, he was the Regional Operation Support Manager at Sodexo, Inc., serving as a Support Manager in Seniors, Acute Healthcare and Sports and Leisure segments. 

Fernando Plazas-Rico also brings over 15 years of experience in food and beverage management. Before joining JKV, Plazas was the Culinary Manager at Silver Palms Health Center, G at HMS Host Corp at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Assistant Director for Dining Services at Thomas Cuisine Corp Harbor Edge in Delray Beach and Food and Beverage Manager at Williams Island Country Club in Sunny Isles Beach.

Enrique Sanchez, referred to as Chef Henry, is JKV’s newly appointed Executive Chef. With over 24 years as a culinary executive in the food service industry, Chef Henry’s work experience includes high-volume food preparation, batch cooking, fine dining, culinary administration and management in such industries as Healthcare, Sports and Leisure, and Restaurant and Catering. Chef Henry has served as Executive Chef at Legacy Healing Detox in Pompano Beach, Culinary Production Manager at Central Market in Houston, Executive Chef at Sodexo Senior Services in Miami, and Executive Chef at Aramark Sports and Entertainment in New Orleans.

The post John Knox Village Unveils New Dining and Hospitality Staff appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

“Fabel is the pinnacle and final piece of our vision to transform Wynwood Jungle into the hottest immersive destination in the area,” Robert Rivani says, president of Black Lion, which owns Wynwood Jungle. “The vibe is magical and we are proud to have brought in world-class brands and experiences to the area.” 

Fabel Miami is owned by Matthew Rosenberg, principal of the award-winning architecture firm, M-Rad. Custom features include handmade furniture, lighting and plate ware. Covered patio seating and three levels of terrace seating surround the central DJ booth, with private cabanas framing the venue. The restaurant will also include a 22-seat travertine stone U-bar and stepped seating around the DJ booth.

“We are thrilled to be launching Fabel in Miami and in the heart of one of the most progressive neighborhoods in the country,” Rosenberg says. “Fabel is a destination where we encourage our guests to experience world-class service and cuisine while simultaneously exploring all five senses across every touchpoint of the restaurant.”

The Mediterranean-rooted menu takes inspiration from around the globe, while Executive Chef Ian Fleischmann presents the dishes provocatively and engagingly. Guests can indulge in signature dips of Fabel Hummus, Muhammara and Aroa’s Labneh with Aleppo Chili Crisp. Shared plates include the 45-day dry-aged Porterhouse with adjika and Iranian oregano, whole roasted heritage chicken with taouk spice and salt-crusted dDorade with kaffir lime and lemongrass.

Black Lion acquired Wynwood Jungle in 2021 and has invested millions of dollars in breathing new life into the property with improvements, including artificial florals, a brand new roof deck and imaginative artwork on the façade, to transform the center into a unique and immersive retail and dining experiences in South Florida. Tenants include The Salty Donut, Osme, OhRaw, 3 Social, Edite Mode, and a soon-to-be-announced 7,000-square-foot Restaurant and Bar.

Fabel Miami, located on the second floor of Wynwood Jungle at 50 NW 24 St., will open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.fabelmiami.com.

Photos Courtesy of Fabel Miami

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