Rusty Tweed

In his role as the president and owner of Tweed Financial Services, Rusty Tweed has spent the past quarter-century dedicated to providing clients with access to a comprehensive, full-service firm specializing in both financial and estate planning. Mr. Tweed, a fixture of the Greater Los Angeles Area who has devoted his career to sharing his professional insight and expertise in any way possible, is also the publisher of Tweed Economics, a digital publication updated on a daily basis featuring news and information pertaining to the current economic climate.

Mr. Tweed, a graduate of the University of Waterloo and a third-generation financial services professional, has recently expanded his entrepreneurial efforts to include Mold Zero and TFS

Properties, Inc. In his newest endeavor as the owner of Mold Zero, Mr. Tweed is responsible for the oversight of a company offering mold elimination services featuring both non-toxic and non-demolition processes. As the president and CEO of TFS Properties, Inc., Mr. Tweed has found yet another way to leverage his unique combination of professional experience and expertise by focusing on identifying and brokering off-market properties, all of which feature above-average cash flow and cap rates.

An award-winning estate planner and frequently published financial services expert, Mr. Tweed’s professional experience also includes lobbying before Congress and earning recognition from the National Association of Financial and Estate Planners (NAFEP) as Estate Planner of the Year. Although the highly accomplished and frequently sought-after financial services and estate planning expert is indeed proud of the many awards and accolades he has earned over the course of his more than 25-year career as a wealth management professional, Mr. Tweed is most grateful for the opportunity to work closely with clients to develop an individualized financial plan or retirement plan designed to achieve the specific short- and long-term goals outlined by the client.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling is one of the great educational tools we have at our disposal; over the years I’ve learned so much about botany, zoology, and geology just by traveling to different places all over the world.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s mostly a hobby for me since I’m so dedicated to my work with Tweed Financial Services and my other companies. It was actually because of my work that I began traveling more often and ultimately became more interested in exploring more of the world through travel.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The two locations I’ve been fortunate enough to call home will always be the most beautiful in my eyes: Ontario, Canada, and Los Angeles, California.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I still travel to DC as well as Ontario often, but I don’t yet have any future plans set outside of that.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I’ve found that the best travel experiences are the result of a concerted effort to really get to know the locals of the area, so wherever you go, take the time to get to know the people and learn as much as possible about the local culture.

 

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to go to Scandinavia and travel through Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

The Hawaiian Islands are always worth revisiting.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Sometimes, but it’s mostly a matter of the situation or circumstance.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Ontario, Maui, and Los Angeles.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I do enough advance planning that I am always able to travel as light as possible.

Krishen Iyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krishen Iyer is the founder of Managed Benefits Services, an entrepreneurial endeavor that draws on its founder’s extensive experience and expertise in digital marketing, technical development, and client relations. Mr. Iyer’s most recent endeavor actually began as Quick Link Marketing, but the dynamic digital marketing expert felt it was appropriate to rename the company in order to reflect a retooled strategic approach as well as the newly developed multi-layer marketing platform’s ability to handle greater volume.

A longtime resident of California who currently lives and works in the Fresno area, Mr. Iyer attended San Diego State University as well as Grossmont College as an undergraduate. With a naturally inquisitive mind and a healthy degree of intellectual curiosity, Mr. Iyer enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate courses spanning the full spectrum of academic disciplines during his time at San Diego State, essentially laying the groundwork for his future professional endeavors requiring a varied skill set featuring elements of entrepreneurship, marketing, and technical development, among other things.

In 2004, Mr. Iyer graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in public administration and urban development. Following his graduation from SDSU, Mr. Iyer developed an interest in the insurance industry, an interest that ultimately inspired him to pursue and secure his certification as an insurance agent. It was during this time that Mr. Iyer recognized an opportunity to leverage his unique professional skill set for the purpose of founding an entrepreneurial endeavor: Quick Link Marketing.

Even though the endeavor was an unqualified success, Mr. Iyer was relentless in his desire to improve the company in any way possible. Mr. Iyer’s new platform — a multi-layer marketing platform plugged into AWS that contains a wealth of advanced features designed to improve client outcomes — holds a great deal of promise in this regard, so much so that the expert entrepreneur and digital marketer decided to christen the enterprise anew with the name Managed Benefits Services.

 

1. What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love the feeling of freedom that accompanies traveling, even if it’s only a short distance or a brief period of time.

2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s become more of a lifestyle in recent years, and I intend to travel even more frequently as my company continues to grow and becomes more established in the marketplace. I got serious about traveling right around the time I realized how easy it is to work remotely from just about any location in the world.

3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes are two of my favorite destinations, and I am so grateful that they are both within easy driving distance of Fresno.

4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

No, but I’m sure I’ll think of something in the near future; I actually prefer a little spontaneity when it comes to traveling.

5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I’ve traveled all over the world, but there are still so many beautiful places right here in California that I’ve yet to experience. My advice is to focus on those local areas that so many of us overlook before venturing too far from home.

6. Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal and Spain. Maybe that’s where I’ll go next time I travel.

7. Where would you like to revisit?

I’d like to revisit Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes, hopefully before the summer ends.

8. Do you travel alone? Why?

Sometimes, but I do enjoy taking trips and sharing experiences with family and friends.

9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Barcelona, Yosemite National Park, and Mammoth Lakes.

10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Again, it really depends on the destination. I like to travel light when heading to a national park, but I’m just as likely to pack up much more than I could ever need when traveling to an unfamiliar location, especially if I’m planning on staying for an extended period of time.

Peter Jacoves – CEO of Nationwide Debt Reduction Services

Peter Jacoves has countless entrepreneurial successes under his belt, beginning with the dramatic transformation he oversaw while taking his restaurant, Simply Fondue Restaurant, from a single restaurant to a chain that was ultimately acquired by a national competitor — all within the span of three short years. To underscore Peter’s accomplishments as the founder, owner, and manager of Simply Fondue Restaurant, his restaurants experienced a combined revenue increase from $500,000 to $4 million in a matter of 36 months under his leadership.

Although such immense early career success might provoke a sense of complacency in some entrepreneurs, Peter was energized by the idea of taking on a new challenge. After shifting his focus to endeavors involving marketing concepts, Peter created, developed, and launched the Fuel Rewards Program, which ultimately expanded into the wildly popular and instantly recognizable Fuel Rewards Network. Peter holds several patents stemming from the revolutionary marketing program he created, developed, and launched.

With two once-in-a-lifetime entrepreneurial achievements to his credit, Peter set out to again build a business capable of achieving significant growth over a short period of time. To this end, Peter founded Richmond Title Services, which he quickly grew into a 50-state title-insuring solution that would ultimately go on to be acquired by ISGN after topping $18 million in annual sales. Peter achieved this remarkable level of growth within an 18-month span of time. Today Peter offers his community and beyond, debt relief services for their betterment.

After so many successes as a strategic entrepreneur, Peter now serves at the helm of Nationwide Debt Reduction Services, a debt settlement company that utilizes an innovative front-to-back-end solution for consumers in need of assistance reducing or eradicating any outstanding debt obligations. As CEO, Peter has overseen Nationwide Debt Reduction Services’s rapid rise within a highly competitive industry that expects to undergo a sustained period of growth for the foreseeable future.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy learning about different cultures.  I will often hire a driver to take me through an area so I am not trapped into tourist venues.  I want to experience a county as the locals.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s a lifestyle for me, and it started shortly after I achieved my first success as an entrepreneur.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The Tuscany region of Italy will always be my favorite place to visit.  It has the most beautiful landscapes.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

We like to take trips throughout the summer with our children.  We will be in Martha’s Vineyards with the whole gang for a week.  However, the trip I am looking forward to is a private house in Punta Mina, Mexico with just my wife.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I recommend that people hire a private tour guide who will steer them away from tourist traps and allow you to really see a county.

 

Where would you like to go?

I would like to visit the Orient, but do not have any plans to do so just yet.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

I would definitely like to go back to Italy but with all the kids and my parents to experience the beauty together.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do a great deal of traveling for business, so I am comfortable traveling solo.  The alone time gives me the opportunity to reflect on the course of business and even any life changes I would like to make.  I enjoy the solitude.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Italy, South of France and Portugal.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I definitely pack light.  I fine-tune and streamline my business operations and that mentality carries over when I pack for travel.

Charles Lubbat

Charles Lubbat has spent his career-defining himself as one of the leading swimming pool consultants in the business. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he graduated from his degree program and started his own business as a consultant.

How did Mr. Lubbat come to get involved in swimming pools?

His experience largely comes from his passion for travel. World travel has brought him into contact with this business, so one day he wondered how he could turn his experience of staying in hotels across the world into a viable business.

And he did.

Today Mr. Lubbat is an eminent swimming pool consultant for everyone from the average middle-class family to wealthy investors with their second and third vacation homes. As a bachelor, he continues to travel and to expand his knowledge of the industry he specializes in.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling for me is about exploring the diversity of the world and opening my mind to new possibilities. As a bachelor, I have more opportunities than most to really sample what the world has to offer.

I would say it’s also vital for my work as a swimming pool consultant. It keeps my knowledge fresh and better promotes new ideas.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I would say it’s both. It really depends on why I’m traveling at the time. My original reason was simply to explore what the world had to offer, but it’s definitely evolved since then as my swimming pool consultancy gig has grown.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The Amazon Rainforest, without a doubt.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

A European backpacking trip is definitely on my list. Europe is perhaps my favorite continent to travel for density alone.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Target each of the five senses and try to nourish them wherever you are. I’ve learned so much personally and in business just by engaging all my senses.

Where would you like to go?

I’ve also wanted to visit Madagascar and other areas of the African coast. I suspect I’ll learn a lot thereby challenging myself in this way.

Where would you like to revisit?

As a bachelor, one of the most rewarding places I’ve visited was South America. It’s easy to get sucked into the region and spend years there if you want to.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do for pleasure and for business. I feel this way it encourages you to socialize and to take yourself out of your comfort zone.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Easy. The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, Western Europe, and the redwood forests of Northern California.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Honestly, when you don’t have kids and you’re a self-employed nomad it’s easier than you think to travel light. I try to travel with as little as I can.

 

Brian Speier Portland Artist

Brian Speier is a professional artist and entrepreneur. He recently started his own Portland company and has been traveling for pleasure and for his design work for over ten years. Here are some of his thoughts on traveling as a self employed business owner.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling would have to be the amazing things I get to see. When I travel I am constantly inspired by the scenery, art and cultures that I experience. It can be compelling for an artist to find themselves in these new situations which entirely new designs.

Is traveling a lifestyle or a hobby for you? How did you get started?

I would have to say that traveling is a lifestyle for me. I can’t see myself without it, and I definitely plan my life, work and travel plans accordingly. It is healthy for me to travel, especially considering my job. New places inspire new art and new design ideas every time I travel. Whether it is to somewhere I have been before, but especially when I travel somewhere new.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The most beautiful place I have been so far would be Iceland. It was the most magical place i had ever seen, with valley s that were thousands of years old. There were hot springs and deep green valleys, and beautiful ocean side views where there are rock crags out in the distance for miles.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Always do your research. It is important to research a new country before going to it so you can be prepared for many thing. Sometimes there are cultural differences to be aware of, or specific guidelines to follow. You may also need certain shots and vaccines. Make sure that you have a plan in place or at least some good safe contact in the area in case you need help.

Where would you like to go?

Someday I would really like to visit China. I have heard there is so much to see there. Of course it is a really big country with a long history. If I did travel to China I would have to take at least a month long trip. There are so many things I would like to see there, like the Great Wall of China, or the famous Terra-Cotta Soldiers. Not to mention the culture there is so much different than America. It is a perfect learning experience and I plan to visit China very soon.

Where would you like to revisit?

I have been to France only once, but that is the place that I would most want to visit again. There is a certain romance in the air that is hard to describe. The people, and the cafes, and the ambiance made it one of the most memorable places I have traveled so far. I would love to go back and stay for a while. Perhaps get a small apartment or rent a room for a few months and really learn more about the culture.
Do you travel alone? Why?

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

The top three places would have to be France, Brazil, and the Greek Isles. These place all have one thing in common, a romantic and ancient beauty. The architecture alone is enough to make each of these worth the visit, but get to know the people and you may never want to leave.

Do you travel light and efficiently or do you pack up the house?

I usually travel light. Depending on where I am going, and for how long. The big difference is in the amount of clothing I bring with me.

Brian Speier has been to over ten countries and he plans to visit more. As a Portland freelance artist he is able to incorporate his travel and work. It was wonderful to speak with him and hear a bit about his personal travel experiences.

Jason Vander Griendt

Jason Vander Griendt is an entrepreneur, innovator and a seasoned mechanical design engineer with expertise in 3D CAD design, 3D printing, prototyping, manufacturing, animations, virtual tours, visualizations, virtual reality, virtual reality real estate walkthroughs and 3D architectural renderings. His other areas of specialty include aluminum extrusion process, sheet metal work, steel smelting and rolling. His firm, Render 3D Quickly operates on a global scale from its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. The client centered and detail oriented approach espoused by Jason through Render has seen the company endear itself as a leading design entity. Today, the firm serves a broad market as evident in its client portfolio that includes contractors, architectures, designers, 3D Renders Quick, and real estate entities. The company clients come from the US, Europe, Canada, China and Australia. The rapid expansion is all thanks to a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who are always ready to assist clients.

Jason Vander Griendt also owns J-CAD, Inc a firm that specializes in providing 3D CAD design services along with 3D printing and prototyping. Established in 2005, the firm is highly adept at converting hand written drawings into CAD format of various file types, including Microstation, Inventor, AutoCAD and Solidedge. Jason’s work experience also includes serving as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Hatch from September 2006. His duties here include designing key components of smelting furnace used for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Jason also served as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Gerdau Ameisteel from February 2004 to September 2006. During his tenure, he was tasked with designing, replacing and improving re-heat furnace components. Jason is a graduate of Fanshawe College. The renowned Canadian engineer and entrepreneur is passionate about building successful online businesses and mentoring up and coming entrepreneurs.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?
Travel always enriches my soul because of the various experiences I encounter along the way. Indeed, the experience I get from visiting places I could only previously imagine often enhances my sense of well-being and inspires me to go further.

Is traveling a lifestyle or a hobby for you? How did you get started?
I know people travel for various reasons, chief among them include work assignment, family and holiday. I always liked the feeling of complete freedom and dreamed of it one day. Location free, financially free, complete freedom from anything that restricts what I want to do so I designed my life to achieve this. I always admired people who had lives like that so I learned from them in what they were doing. A key ingredient was that they had online businesses.


What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?
There are so many it’s hard to pick! Some excellent memories that come to mind quickly though are Sardinia, Italy, Western Canada in the Rockies is also very gorgeous! The turquoise lakes surrounded by massive mountains is stunning. I’m also very partial to Northern Italy close to the Switzerland border. Very pretty there too!

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Through traveling, you get the opportunity to enjoy new cuisines, enhance your quality of life and create new job and business prospects. For inexperienced travelers, I say avoid carrying everything you think you need if you want to travel light and efficiently. Pack ½ of what you think you’ll need. Only bring a carry on luggage to really zero in on what you’ll actually need. Realistically you throw on that same t-shirt a few times so you don’t’ need to bring 10. I find it’s helpful to have the mentality that “if I absolutely need it I’ll just buy it when I’m there” really helps to pack light. If you are traveling on a budget, check out discount deals, book special group rates and try to travel off season. Further, find a good credit card that gives you travel points. I have a WestJet card which gives me $500 – $1,000/month in travel dollars so I haven’t paid for a flight for years! Even better is I sell the travel dollars I can’t use to friends at a small discount helping them save money on travel while giving me free cash.

Where would you like to go?
I don’t have any plans currently but I’ll definitely be returning to Northern Italy, Como specifically very soon. Love it there!

Where would you like to revisit?
I just went to 20 countries in 2 months. One place that stood out for me was Serbia. Such a good time there!

Do you travel alone? Why?
I love travelling alone to be honest and prefer it for the most part. I got used to it when I worked for Siemens and was shipped all over the world alone for the company. It’s more efficient, do whatever YOU want all the time and be on your schedule. From time to time I’ll travel with a girlfriend if I have one in my life which is nice but it’s also nice to feel totally free to explore a location I’ve never seen before.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?
Italy, Vegas, Serbia.

Do you travel light and efficiently or do you pack up the house?
I generally travel light, especially by road. With regards to air travel, I always try to travel light because of prevailing luggage restrictions and international security in order to save time and avoid unnecessary delays. To travel light I always ensure I have a small bag or suitcase that can fit all my basic items as a carry on saving time at check-in and having no checked baggage means you just walk off the plane and go!

Summit Shah

Growing up in Central Ohio and enduring asthma- and allergy-related conditions throughout his youth, Dr. Summit Shah expressed an early interest in pursuing a medical career in which he could improve the treatment options available to those dealing with similar issues. As a resident of Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Shah naturally gravitated toward The Ohio State University, and he ultimately went on to earn his degree in medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Dr. Shah then made the decision to complete his residency in internal medicine at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. After completing his residency requirements on the East Coast, Dr. Shah reversed course and headed to the West Coast to take advantage of a fellowship offered by the Scripps Clinic and the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Shah made the most of this rare opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field of asthma, food allergies, and allergic disease through the highly prestigious fellowship program offered by the Scripps Clinic and the University of California, San Diego.

With his fellowship completed, Dr. Shah returned to the home of his youth to found Premier Allergy. As the owner and allergist of the Columbus, Ohio-area practice, Dr. Shah regularly treats patients dealing with the wide range of difficulties commonly associated with asthma and allergies. Due to the exceptional level of care and the efficacy of the treatment made available to patients, Premier Allergy and Dr. Shah have earned a sterling reputation along with countless accolades from patients throughout the Central Ohio region.

As a professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Shah provides his insight and expertise to the next generation of physicians while also contributing to ongoing clinical research relating to allergies and asthma. In addition to running his practice, teaching at The Ohio State University, and performing clinical research, Dr. Summit Shah is also a fellow with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and continues to serve as a medical advisor for the support group known as My Food Allergy.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling always seems to open my eyes to new ways of doing things, but my favorite thing about traveling is the opportunity to completely relax and unwind — at least for a brief period of time.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

Traveling is more of a hobby for me, and it was likely borne out of the many different opportunities I had for completing my residency in internal medicine. I lived in Boston for a stretch before heading out to Southern California, and even though I was incredibly busy, I became enamored with all the opportunities afforded by frequent travel.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

Madagascar and Mauritius were both beautiful beyond description.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

My family and I are planning to spend some time in Washington, D.C., during the summertime.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Inexperienced travelers might find it best to begin by taking several short trips that are not too far from home before trying to plan for a longer or more ambitious trip.

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to visit Hawaii or Alaska.

Where would you like to revisit?

Washington, D.C., and Boston, Massachusetts, both provide a lot of educational opportunities my family and I would like to explore further.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I usually travel with my family. My professional responsibilities can be quite demanding, so traveling provides a wonderful opportunity for my family and I to spend some time together.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

  1. Athens, Greece
  2. Madagascar/Mauritius
  3. San Diego, California

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

We prefer to be prepared, so we tend to pack up quite a bit of stuff when we travel.

Rocco Basile

Rocco Basile, the founder of Rocco Basile Photography, is a renowned photography expert whose work as a photojournalist has taken him to some of the world’s most remote locales. Rocco, a native New Yorker who relocated to Southern California following a lengthy stay in the Far East, enjoys that his profession has enabled him to travel so often but equally appreciates the stability he has experienced since founding the eponymous photography gallery and studio located so close to his home in Santa Barbara, California.

In addition to his work as a photojournalist, Rocco has also earned international notoriety for his fine art photography as well as his landscape and portrait photography. Rocco’s photographs have been featured in publications with readerships that span the globe, and the longtime photography expert is proud that his career has been successful enough that he is now able to support the careers of other up-and-coming photographers in the area. In fact, the walls of Rocco’s studio and gallery typically feature the work of other visual artists in need of the kind of initial exposure that helps a career suddenly take off.

As a youth growing up in and around New York City, Rocco benefited from the unwavering support of friends and family, who all worked hard to ensure he always had a spare roll of film for his camera and enough subway tokens to take him wherever in the city he wished to go. This early support helped Rocco secure the scholarships and grants that allowed him to attend Emerson College and the California Institute of the Arts. Recognizing how his own career has been so thoroughly influenced by the support of others, Rocco now dedicates a great deal of his time and energy to providing a similar level of support to anyone hoping to enjoy a successful career in photography.

1. What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Every place I visit has its own unique energy and palette of colors interacting with and affecting everyone and everything in the most fascinating way. I always look forward to uncovering the nature of that interaction and finding ways to document it with my camera.

2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s a lifestyle that started when I accepted my first assignment as a photojournalist.

3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

Okinawa is the most beautiful place I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I’ve been offered a few interesting assignments, but lately I’ve tried to focus on my work at my studio. I’m sure I’ll be jetting off to some far-flung place sooner or later.

5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Photography is a passion of mine, but I’m always careful to make sure my camera doesn’t become a barrier between myself and others. It’s important to be mindful of each specific moment and place, especially while traveling.

6. Where would you like to go?

I’d like to pack up a motorcycle and travel south down the Pacific Coastline until I reach Chile’s southernmost point. Somewhere along the way I’d have to hop on a few boats to check out the Falkland Islands and the Galapagos Islands.

7. Where would you like to revisit?

Okinawa and Tibet were magnificent in every possible way.

8. Do you travel alone? Why?

It depends on the assignment. Sometimes I travel with several others and sometimes it’s just my camera and I.

9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Japan, Chile, and Bali

10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Other than my photography equipment, I try to bring as little as possible wherever I happen to go.

Janet Sirmon

As the owner of Janet Sirmon Fine Art, Janet Sirmon has become a prominent figure in the fine arts industry known for her specific expertise in 19th and 20th century photography, especially American Social Documentary photography and Czech photography of the 1920s through the 1940s. It was Janet’s lifelong devotion to the fine arts that served as the initial inspiration to found Janet Sirmon Fine Art more than 20 years ago, and the success she has enjoyed during the time since is a clear product of her passionate dedication to a beloved medium such as photography.

A longtime student of the arts — with a particular focus on photography and sculpture — Janet actually pursued a degree in economics during her undergraduate years, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the subject from James Madison University. Even though economics was her primary academic focus at JMU, Janet’s interest in the fine arts hardly wavered, and following the completion of her undergraduate degree, she earned acceptance to the Pratt Institute to study photography and sculpture.

With an MFA in photography and sculpture from the prestigious Pratt Institute — not to mention a degree in economics from James Madison University — the pursuit of an entrepreneurial endeavor involving the fine arts seemed to be an entirely logical step. After thoughtful consideration, Janet made the decision to open Janet Sirmon Fine Art in Los Angeles, and her business has thrived in its Southern California location throughout the two decades since its initial opening.

In order to meet the needs of a client base comprised of museum curators and serious art collectors, Janet travels to countries all over the world on a regular basis. Due to her status as an expert in Czech photography, Janet is especially familiar with Central Europe and is a frequent visitor to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

1. What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Artists are inevitably influenced by their surroundings, so I deeply enjoy any opportunity to gain additional perspective regarding a particular artist’s work through my frequent travel.

2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I consider it a lifestyle, at least for the most part. My interest in the arts led to a deep desire to travel and to see the work of the world’s greatest artists in person.

3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

Prague, in the Czech Republic, is the most beautiful place I have ever been to.

4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

Since I mostly travel on an as-needed basis, I don’t plan anything too far in advance.  However, Bali is next on my list.

5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Inexperienced travelers might want to consider choosing travel destinations that possess a unique history or those that might offer a valuable learning opportunity.

6. Where would you like to go?

Sao Paulo, Brazil.

7. Where would you like to revisit?

I’ve only been to Japan once, and I would very much enjoy spending more time in Tokyo.

8. Do you travel alone? Why?

Yes, since I am usually traveling for professional reasons I mostly prefer to travel alone. On the occasions in which I travel for recreation, however, I like to bring along friends and family.

9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Prague, Florence, and London.

10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

My preference is to travel light, but this is usually possible only as I travel to my destination; the return trip often involves traveling with a number of carefully protected packages.

Rachel Kugel – Founder, The Kugel Law Firm

 

Rachel Kugel is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and mom. She is the founder of The Kugel Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm with offices in New York and New Jersey. When she is not defending clients, appearing as a legal analyst on TV, or raising two little girls she loves to travel.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

There have been so many great trips over the past few years. I love to go to new places and see the joy on my little girls’ faces as they experience the world. Our most recent trip was to Riviera Maya, Mexico and it was incredible.

What attracted you to Mexico?

I love all-inclusive resorts for the best family value and for sure Mexico has many to choose from. I also chose Mexico because I love the idea of having adventurous things to do (Rio Secreto for example), cultural things to experience (Tulum), and beachy relaxation.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

We went over the Thanksgiving Break and I took my whole crew husband, two kids, and grandma.

Please share your memories from the trip.

I loved that Riviera Maya combined learning and culture with adventure and relaxation. We had the opportunity to visit Tulum which was amazing and so interesting for the adults as well as the children. The ruins were incredible and our guide was so knowledgeable about the history and politics of the ancient place.

The greatest part of Tulum was taking a dive in the ocean that the whole ancient city sits atop. What an incredible moment if you ever have the opportunity to visit this place take my advice and wear your bathing suit under your clothes.

Another incredible experience was a visit to Rio Secreto, which is literally, and figuratively a secret river discovered underground about a decade ago. The experience was thrilling and something that you can’t even imagine you are seeing. You swim and walk through a cave 2000 feet below ground and experience some of the most incredible crystal waters and views. Words cannot describe. We all partook even my mom and four years old and all of us agreed that it wasn’t easy but it was well worth it.

As with any trip, my greatest memories come from simply being together. It is so rare in our fast-paced double income lives to get to just be together when the parents don’t have work and the kids aren’t in school and the daily grind is far behind you. The ability to reconnect with your family is the reason to make these trips happen year after year.

What other places have you visited?

Dominican Republic, Curacao, Aruba, Costa Rica, Kosovo, Hungary, Israel, Vienna, Italy, Paris

What advice would you give to a first time traveler?

Just do it. Go with the flow and realize that this is an opportunity to see the world and reconnect.

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