Dr-Gregg-Schellack

Dr. Gregg Schellack

Dr-Gregg-Schellack

Dr. Gregg Schellack is a well-known orthopedic surgeon who practices in Crescent City, California. His work at Sutter Coast Hospital has given him the opportunity to help patients with many different conditions experience a pain-free life. He treats everyone from children with orthopedic injuries to elderly people with arthritis complications. He is dedicated to compassionate care, and he treats his patients like family.

Dr. Schellack was a resident at Loma Linda University. Before that, he attended Des Moines University in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then served an internship at the Naval Medical Center at San Diego. He was inspired to get into orthopedic surgery thanks to his work with a surgeon when he was an injured high school football player.

Dr. Gregg Schellack uses advanced techniques like arthroscopy to reduce patients’ healing time and make procedures as simple as possible. Together with his excellent colleagues at Sutter Coast Hospital, he is able to offer his patients the best in medical care with a compassionate heart.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is the food. I do my best to stay in shape, but when I travel, I like to indulge in the finer things. My wife and I both enjoy finding the best traditional and new cuisine in each city we visit. We use restaurant guides to plan our trips, and when we do have time to watch television, which isn’t often, we watch a lot of travel and food programs.

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

Traveling is a hobby for me because I am very busy with work. I find it hard to slow down and take time away from my patients. It is important to get away now and then. It helps to reset your focus and helps you realize where your priorities lie.

I got started traveling while I was an undergraduate in college. A few friends and I got together one summer before we started internships and went to London, Paris, and Rome. It was the quintessential backpacking tour through Europe, and I made some lasting memories.

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

We are headed to China this year. I am very excited for this trip. We are learning a little bit of Mandarin to get us by while we are in the country. My wife and I have a friend in Shanghai, and we will be spending some time with her while we are there. I am also excited to get to the Great Wall. My wife is looking forward to the panda research center.

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

One travel tip that I would give to an inexperienced traveler is that it’s absolutely crucial that you keep track of your passport at all times. It is best to wear your passport around your neck in a travel wallet. This is the most secure way to carry your passport because you don’t have to worry about it falling out.

Where would you like to go?

There are so many places I would like to go. China is at the top of the list, but we are going there this year. I have also dreamed about going to Antarctica. That trip would take quite a long time, so I haven’t been able to put it on my schedule. I would also love to visit Australia.

Where would you like to revisit?

I always love to go back to Rome. I know the city quite well, and I like to show people around. In the United States, I would like to go back to Yellowstone. My wife and I usually take trips to major cities, but we had a great time in Yellowstone. It was good to be away from all of the electronic distractions of daily life.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I only travel alone when I have to. Sometimes I go to conferences alone, but I’m always bored when I do. I would much rather travel with my wife. Long airport layovers are terrible without anyone to talk to. I can only read for so long before I get restless.

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

When people ask me where they should go on vacation, I always recommend London. It is expensive, but there is so much to do within a short radius and the public transportation system is great. People sometimes get sticker shock from a trip to London but it is worth it penny for penny. The other places that I think everyone should visit are Washington, DC and San Francisco.

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

I am a light packer. Besides the basics like travel documents, a few changes of clothes, and medications, I try to bring as little as possible. I am always in conflict with my wife when she wants to bring too much, including multiple choices of outfits and shoes. I prefer to leave room in our suitcase in case we want to bring anything back for the kids.

Dan-Doyle-Queens

Dan Doyle

Dan-Doyle-Queens

Dan Doyle Queens resident is an event and studio photographer based in Jackson Heights. In his studio, he photographs portraits, weddings, and families. Outside the studio, he has special interests in landscape and architecture.

Doyle grew up in Pleasantville, Ohio and attended the Ohio State University at Columbus. In college, he majored in art with a concentration in photography. His instructors encouraged him to pursue a professional career in photography. After graduation, he took a gap year and traveled to Europe. As he traveled throughout several countries, he enjoyed photographing the cities and the countryside wherever he went.

While he was in Europe, Doyle started a photo blog, which became popular while he was abroad. He was able to receive some important professional assignments based on the strength of his photo blog. When he returned from Europe, he briefly settled in Columbus, Ohio, but he realized that he needed to be in New York City to pursue his dreams of being a photographer.

Doyle opened a small studio in Queens and began with small assignments like portraits and headshots. As he grew more skilled, he was able to take on larger work like weddings and events. He explored a wide variety of artistic styles and techniques.

Dan Doyle Queens has a great reputation in the New York area as a versatile photographer and videographer. He can help preserve the memories of any special event through his portrait and outdoor photography.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is the pictures I take along the way. I love to explore new places in the world and capture them for my portfolio. I see the world through the lens of my camera, and I have taken trips to many beautiful locations.

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

Traveling is a hobby for me. My studio work in New York keeps me home most of the time. I do take day trips to hike whenever I can, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays because the wedding business keeps me busy each weekend.

I got my start in traveling when I had just graduated from college. I toured Europe on my own and took an amazing number of pictures of the landscape, architecture, and people. I learned to see the world in a different way thanks to that memorable trip.

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

I am taking a vacation next fall and going to Yosemite National Park. I am thrilled to be able to experience those amazing landscapes firsthand. I am looking forward to hiking in the wilderness and photographing everything I see.

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

Make sure you bring plenty of memory cards for your camera. Bring more than you would ever think you would need. I would also advise that everyone who travels frequently have all of their vaccinations updated. You really don’t want to get sick in a foreign country. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance in case you do get sick, or in case your trip is canceled on you.

Where would you like to go?

There are so many places in the world that I want to explore. I have never been to Asia, and I would love to go to Tokyo. I’ve heard that it is even busier and more exciting than New York. I also love Japanese food, so I would like to explore restaurants and street food while I am there.

I would also like to see Egypt. I have been reading about Egypt since I was a little kid and watching specials on PBS. The pyramids and temples would also make amazing photographs.

Where would you like to revisit?

I would love to revisit Switzerland. The last time I was there, it was cloudy for part of the time so I missed the stunning views of the Alps. I would like to be there on a cloudless day.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I generally do travel alone, but I would be open to bringing a friend. I would be worried that my travel companions would get bored every time I stopped to take a picture, because it takes me about half an hour to get all the shots that I want.

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

I recommend New York, of course. You can see such a wide variety of people and architecture in New York. Most people won’t travel to my neighborhood in Queens, but they can enjoy everything that Manhattan has to offer. I also recommend that people go to Germany because the food is outstanding and the people are friendly. The castles and architecture are also stunning. Finally, I would recommend that people visit Spain.

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

I travel light except for camera equipment. On my hiking trips, I have to bring just one camera, but when I travel by train or car, I have a pretty large camera case with me at all times.

Dr. Schlomo Schmuel

Dr. Schlomo Schmuel

Dr. Schlomo Schmuel is a podiatrist with more than two decades of experience in the industry. His practice is located in Los Angeles where he works with local residents and those who live in the surrounding regions. Prior to entering the field, Dr. Schlomo Schmuel went to Kent State University where he obtained his doctorate. Also, he completed an internship and a residency at the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center. Additionally, he is fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew. When he is not working, he likes to spend time sailing. 


What is your favorite thing about traveling?

It helps me unwind and take time to myself. When you work in a service-based industry, you are bound to interact with hundreds of people on a weekly basis. Although I enjoy the interactions and thrive in meeting new people, I like to take a few days off and just spend some time with my thoughts. Doing so helps me step back and take a look at my career as well as everything that I have accomplished. Additionally, getting a chance to do things outside of podiatry is when I get to grow as a person and expand my knowledge base.


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

I think it is a little bit of both! I consider it more of a hobby in the sense that I cannot exactly dedicate myself to traveling on a full-time basis. Nevertheless, I enjoy taking advantage of every opportunity that I get to travel to a new destination that I may not have visited before. Those experiences help me meet new people, learn about different cultures, and gather memories that last a lifetime. Not to mention that it is a perfect chance to learn new languages, norms of other societies, and so on.


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

Make sure that you spend enough time planning your trip. Although this seems pretty self-explanatory, people who have not done a lot of traveling tend to overlook important aspects of their venture. For instance, booking your flight and a hotel is not where your research should end. On the contrary, you should also be looking at local attractions and coordinating them with the weather that is forecasted. That way, you will be able to make a mini-plan for every day and avoid being in a situation where you are wasting time trying to figure out what to do next.


Where would you like to go?

I would like to visit some international places like Greece and Spain. I have been planning to do so for a long time now but have not had a chance to. Additionally, I think that there are some incredible cities in the United States that everyone should visit at some point. For instance, going to New York City, Miami, Houston, and Chicago should be mandatory for everyone who is a fan of traveling. The reason why is that these places are so monumental to the nation that it pays off to go and get to know the culture, see some attractions, and meet the locals.


Where would you like to revisit?

I would love to go back to some European countries that I visited years ago. This took place during a cruise and I stepped foot in Croatia, Bosnia, Italy, and a few more beautiful places in the Balkans. I remember the weather being extremely nice and the water was very warm. Additionally, since this was my first experience with salt water, I would love to go back and enjoy the countless sand beaches that are decorated with friendly faces.


Do you travel alone? Why?

I usually do. Mostly because a lot of my trips are short in nature and never go over a few days. In the past, I used to invite various members of my family and some friends to come with me. Although they loved doing it in the beginning, they eventually got tired of how short all of my ventures were because I had to be back in L.A. to take care of my patients.


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


As much as I hate to admit it, I usually pack the house. I do not have a rational explanation for this. Somehow, even though I try to control myself, I always end up putting a plethora of things in my bag and it results in me having to take extra luggage. Regardless, the silver lining is that I never once forgot something important!

Michael Coleman

Michael Coleman

Traveling while working multiple jobs is one of the most challenging aspects of operating in the era of globalization. Fortunately, people like Michael Coleman have figured out how to get around these issues. After many years of acting, directing, and producing a plethora of films, series, and cartoons, he has built a borderline fail-proof system which is the closest thing to an irreversible guarantee of success. 

He also owns multiple businesses where he focuses on helping others as well as growing his own projects from scratch. For example, his post-secondary art school “Story Institute” aims to accomplish a lot of good in the local community by offering talented students a platform to gather applicable knowledge. Not to forget that Michael Coleman owns and operates the “Rebel West Pictures” which has a history of successful projects.


What is your favorite thing about traveling?


The ability to unplug from the world and only worry about oneself for a few days. When you are a working professional in the industry of acting and directing, you are going to practically depend on interactions with others. This is because the entire sector is organized so that actors have to fight for their privacy rather than attention. When you take a vacation, however, all of this goes away, and you can feel and behave like an average citizen once more. 


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


At this point, I would have to say that I consider it a hobby. Acting, directing, and producing is a lifestyle for me. Traveling, on the other hand, although it is something that I enjoy doing a lot, it is not my most prioritized objective in life. That being said, I do want to note that this is very likely to change in the future. I personally witnessed a lot of people whose priorities change as their circumstance evolve. So, even though traveling is a hobby for me at this moment, I would not be surprised if it became my main outlet for expressing myself in the future.


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


I am going to be visiting some states around the country soon to attend a few auditions and talk to prospective donors who could help the brand. Other than that, no major trips have been scheduled yet. 


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


Start packing early. Leaving this step of the process for the last day will almost guarantee that you are going to be late and overall timeliness could be disrupted. Additionally, do some planning before the actual venture so that you can account for everything that could go wrong. That way, safety will not be a concern and you will be eligible to enjoy the trip instead of worrying about unexpected circumstances arising. 


Where would you like to go?


I have never visited the Chicago area and I always wanted to. Also, I do intend on taking some long-distance trips in the future. At the moment, however, all of those plans are contingent upon the direction in which my career unfolds. 


Do you travel alone? Why?


Generally speaking, yes. Sometimes, I enjoy taking one or two people but that is probably going to be an extremely rare situation. This is because I prefer to enjoy the peace of mind and calmness without any unforeseen disruptions.


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


I used to travel very light. Nowadays, however, I am very careful and make sure that I bring everything that I will need to stay in touch with people.

Aaron Gorin

Aaron Gorin of Cedar Grove Partners, LLC

Growing a business in New York is arguably one of the toughest feats an entrepreneur can take up. The reason why is the fact that this market is filled with aspiring businessmen and women that drive the competition levels up. Nevertheless, an individual that was able to overcome these barriers to entry and still establish a respectable venture is Aaron Gorin. His company, Cedar Grove Partners, LLC, specializes in real estate investment. 

As an experienced professional who has worked in economics, finance, and venture capital, Aaron Gorin brings a diverse body of experience. His skills and versatility allow him to effortlessly navigate the market and build fruitful relationships that culminate in profitable transactions. Hence how he was able to thrive even when facing tough competition. 

Do you enjoy traveling?

I do! It is one of my favorite hobbies that allows me to relax and refuel. Unfortunately, I do not get to do it as much as I would like due to my schedule. For instance, the last time I traveled for leisure was a year or two ago. Nevertheless, I still get to see new places within the USA as a part of my business model.

Does your work ever require you to travel outside of New York?

Yes, since many of my properties are located across the US, I am travelling frequently. I also travel frequently for out-of-state conferences, investor summits, and other industry events as well.

What was your favorite location that you visited recently?

My favorite location from these past few years would have to be Charlotte, North Carolina. As a natural-born New Yorker, most of my traditions and upbringing habits are completely different from some of the common ones in the South. So, I always enjoy getting to visit those regions and learn about our differences.

Moreover, going to Charlotte was fun simply because of the fact that the city itself is extraordinary. From the rich downtown area all the way to the gorgeous surrounding regions, there are innumerable attractions that people can visit. Not to mention that this part of North Carolina in particular, is slowly growing into the latest business epicenter where some of the largest companies are building their headquarters.

Where would you advise people to travel at least once in their life?

Although I may be a little biased, I genuinely think that everyone should visit New York City at least once. Whether it is for business or pleasure does not matter. Getting the opportunity to come to the Big Apple and witness our style of life is a one-of-a-kind experience. Additionally, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique destinations that exist in the world. So, even someone who is a seasoned traveler will be able to see things that they have never seen before.

Besides New York, I think that people who are in a position to do so should visit some of the popular cities in Europe. A great example would be the capital of France, Paris. I doubt that Paris needs much introduction, however, as most people are well aware of the things that it has to offer. Other notable destinations, in my opinion, are Barcelona, Rome, and Zurich.

Do you have any trips planned in the near future?

Not at the moment. Cedar Grove Partners, LLC is currently cycling out of a busy period that it has been under for almost a year. In fact, it seems unlikely that business will slow for long, as the number of projects just keeps increasing. So, given how busy my schedule has been thus far, I cannot say that planning for travel is easy. 

Nevertheless, I do intend on taking a few days off this year to go somewhere within the U.S. The most realistic scenario for accomplishing this is to take some time off during the summer and go to the West Coast. I have never visited Portland, for example, and I have been interested in going there for many years now. So, I think that my next trip will be to Oregon. 

rakesh-sarna

Rakesh Sarna

Rakesh Sarna is a travel industry professional with nearly 40 years of experience in hospitality. His unique perspective on travel makes him a valuable resource both for consumers and for industry members. Sarna’s father served in the Indian Foreign Service, giving him a broad experience of the world starting at a young age. 

After graduating from high school in India, Sarna went to Algonquin College in Canada to study Hospitality Administration. He then entered the field of hospitality by getting a job with Hyatt. With Hyatt, he traveled around the world and gained a wealth of experience. He worked for Hyatt for over 35 years and was able to hone his skills in management and customer service. 

Rakesh Sarna shares his thoughts on travel with readers, bringing to bear his many years of hospitality experience. 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy experiencing different cultures. I have been traveling the world since I was quite young, and experiencing a new culture never fails to amaze me. I enjoy the challenge of adapting a hotel or restaurant’s services to fit in with the local culture. 

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

Traveling is most certainly a lifestyle for me. I have spent much of my life going back and forth between cities and regions of the world. My work has taken me to many unique locations spanning North America, the Caribbean, Middle East, Pacific, Asia, Europe and South Asia to name a few. I got started traveling at a young age because my father was in the Foreign Service. We moved often, and while this could be upsetting for a young child, I grew accustomed to the changes. My parents were careful to help me adapt to each new place, reducing the chance of culture shock. 

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

I am headed to Australia in the coming months. It is a beautiful country with amazing topography and incredible food. My wife and I have always enjoyed traveling to Australia. 

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

Don’t be afraid to engage with the local culture. It’s sad to visit a new city and stay within the confines of your hotel or resort. If you can, engage the services of a local guide to help you explore the city. The local guide will help you get past the cultural barriers and help you enjoy your trip. 

Also, it is important to make sure that all of your travel documents are up-to-date. International immigration standards have only gotten tighter in the past several years. 

Where would you like to go?

There aren’t very many corners of the world that I haven’t yet explored. I feel very fortunate to have visited such a broad spectrum of countries. That being said, I haven’t explored South America in great depth. This is something my wife and I need to correct soon.  

Where would you like to revisit?

I have a wide variety of cities that I would love to see again. Interlaken in Switzerland is a little gem of a city in the midst of the Alps. It provides a perfect base of operations for travelers who want to experience the Swiss countryside. It has beautiful hotels and a wide variety of quality restaurants. 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I rarely travel alone these days. My wife comes with me on all of our major trips. I frequently traveled alone while I was working. I am used to traveling alone and I don’t mind it, but every trip is better with my wife by my side.

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

It is challenging to narrow this list down to three. I believe that everyone should see Hong Kong, London, and San Francisco. Hong Kong has an amazingly vibrant blend of cultures and a food scene that has to be seen to be believed. London has centuries of history available to be explored. San Francisco is the gem of the Pacific coast with a laid-back yet sophisticated world view. 

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

I have always traveled light. It is an ingrained habit learned in early childhood. We moved so much, there was never time to acquire a lot of belongings, so I learned to carry only the essentials. Sometimes I do run into a situation where I need to buy something on my trip.

mark hanrahan

Mark Hanrahan

Mark Hanrahan is the founder of Markmel Co. and a career-long businessman with experience in accounting, finance, and real estate. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting. Afterward, he immediately went to a graduate program and obtained his master’s degree in 1994 from Drake University. 

Although Mr. Hanrahan’s career began in accounting once he passed the CPA exam, this is not the field where he achieved the peak of his success. Instead, he eventually switched to the real estate market and left Carney, Alexander, and Marold CPAs. As soon as he started working with passive income sources, Mark Hanrahan realized that investing in properties is his second nature. Thus, he was able to learn the ins and outs of the industry relatively fast. 

Naturally, one of Mr. Hanrahan’s primary focuses revolves around business objectives. Nevertheless, he is a family man who enjoys spending time with his wife. Additionally, as a father of one, he often has to balance work-life responsibilities through complex scheduling. Fortunately, a long track record of organizational skills and planning has allowed him to multitask to a point of perfection. 


How hard is it to balance all of your real estate responsibilities with your at-home life?


Right now, it is not as hard. The reason why is the fact that I have been doing it for a long time. In the beginning, however, I used to struggle as I did not know how to prioritize my time properly. Well, unfortunately, there are only about 10 to 12 hours that you can spend working every day. From my experience, anything above that reaches a point of diminishing returns as you are too exhausted to have good output and your efficiency falls. So, I tend to limit my working hours to about 12 per day at the absolute max. 

The problem with this approach is the fact that I sometimes have much more work than I can truly complete within the aforementioned timeframe. So, I used to make the mistake of taking time away from my family and using my time at home to address business issues. Now, I never do that as it leads to things like conflict and depression. 


Do you ever have time for yourself and if so, what do you like doing?


Definitely. If I did not, I would not be as productive as I am. Whenever I do find the time, I like to travel. The great thing about doing that is the fact that I can take my family with me! So, my personal time turns into family time and that is even better. 


How common is depression in business?


It is more common than most people think. People from all industries often struggle with depression because they set their expectations too high. As a consequence, they repeatedly fail to reach their objectives and end up thinking less of themselves. I personally saw incredibly smart businessmen and women whose careers fell into a rut due to issues with confidence and positivity brought on by severe depression. 


What is one way to treat depression that has proven successful for those around you?


I think that traveling is a very good way to focus on something other than the factors that led to depression. The reason why is that going to a new place and meeting people is a great way to escape reality for a little bit. Additionally, traveling is a great way to experience adventures and make life-long memories that can be revisited through photos. That way, one might be able to escape their depression again at a later point by remembering the experience. 


Where should people who might be struggling with these types of issues travel to?


Well, I do not exactly have a specific list of locations that one can visit on their journey to recovery. After all, everyone is different, and they will have varying preferences. Some people, for instance, enjoy going to warm regions where they can swim, tan, and so on. Others, however, may prefer hiking on mountain tops. In the end, the key is to go somewhere where the person can find comfort. Those who still do not know what that place would be can simply research what would be a good fit for their personality and desires.

Eric Dalius

Eric Dalius

Eric Dalius is a retired real estate and marketing professional based in Miami, Florida but with homes throughout the U.S. His philanthropic organization, the Eric J. Dalius Foundation, helps to relieve some of the inequality surrounding higher education. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a marketing degree in 1992. His financial success enabled him to retire early and to start his foundation. 

Eric Dalius believes that all students should have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. His strong principles ensure that his scholarship recipients will have successful lives in the future. 

Dalius is a seasoned traveler who enjoys journeys around the world. He shares his travel experiences with readers and relates some of his favorite destinations and activities. 


What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love to see all of the different sights and landscapes around the world. I am especially inspired by nature and by great architecture. The journey itself is not always enjoyable, but it’s always worth it when I get there.


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

Travel is a hobby for me. The Eric J. Dalius Foundation  keeps me busy in Miami Beach much of the time. I like to get away from Florida’s heat in the summers. Last summer, I took an Alaskan cruise with friends. That was a nice change, but I was glad to come home.

I got my start in traveling right after I graduated from Penn State. I took a few months during the summer after graduation and traveled around Europe by myself. I took the train most of the time and stayed in hostels. It was a fun trip and I made friends along the way. 


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

I am hoping to get to Hong Kong at some point in the near future. I have friends in the area, and they have wanted me to visit them for a while now.


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

Make sure that you make copies of your passport, driver’s license, and other important travel documents. It’s much easier to get them replaced if you have photocopies. I lost my wallet and passport on two separate occasions. I had bad luck that year. I also recommend carrying a neck wallet for your passport. That would have kept me from losing mine, though I suppose it wouldn’t have helped with my wallet.


Where would you like to go?

I am excited to travel to Italy this summer. I thought that would be a nice change from Florida. I’m fascinated to be in a place where the sun never sets at night. I would like to try the food in some of the smaller towns in Italy, I’ve heard it is great.


Where would you like to revisit?

I would like to go back to Seattle. The seafood and coffee are outstanding. It’s a fun and relaxed city with so much natural beauty close by.


Do you travel alone? Why?

When I travel, I generally travel alone. Often, I meet friends at my destination. I like the quiet of traveling alone, and I like to read or sleep on planes. I am a sociable person, but I do need time to myself.


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

I would recommend that everyone visit New York City, especially if they are interested in food. The variety is amazing. There are also so many places in Asia that are worth a visit. Miami, as well, is another place I would recommend.


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

I am a light traveler. I try to pack as few clothes as possible. I don’t like checking bags, so I have a compact roll-aboard suitcase. Since I fly first class, I never have a problem finding a place for my carry-on. I know that can be very frustrating when you are flying coach. Sometimes I don’t pack enough and end up having to buy things at my destination. Someday I will learn the right balance between underpacking and overpacking.

Nate Armstrong of Home Invest

Nate Armstrong of Home Invest

Nate Armstrong is a career-long investor who specialized in real estate. He currently works as the chair for Home Invest in Illinois. Before rising to this position, he worked at Target. Whilst there, he focused on managing north of $2 million worth of various improvements to the company. More importantly, he led a team that contained 120 members and achieved the highest productivity level within the building in less than seven months. 

Nate Armstrong got his bachelor’s degree from Saint John’s University where he also co-founded the Premium Painting organization. His efforts were recognized when he received the Minnesota Collegiate Entrepreneur of the Year award. Thus, his business-based ideas came to life long before he even entered the entrepreneurial industry. 


What do you think are some of the main reasons for your success as an investor?


I think that my career has been a perfect combination of patience and discipline mixed with a lot of luck and dedication. In other words, there is no clear-cut list that shows all the factors that played a role in my success. After all, I have been in this field for many years now and every accomplishment was a byproduct of something different. For instance, my success at Target was directly related to my leadership and communication skills as I managed a large team. Here at Home Invest, however, I have to focus more on my investing intuition and knowledge of the market. Regardless, if I had to pick a few skills that I value the most, it would certainly be the four that I mentioned. 


Would you agree with the statement that investors are made, not born?


Absolutely! Frankly speaking, I do not believe in investors that are simply born with a talent for this job. The reason why is the fact that investing quite literally changes from year to year and it is borderline impossible to know what you are doing absent a lot of education and training. So, although one can definitely have some killer instincts that make them capture profitable deals fast, I do not see any skills that cannot be taught. 


How difficult is it to train oneself in such a volatile industry? Especially for those who may not have the natural instincts that you mentioned?


Well, I would not label it as “difficult” for a few different reasons. The most important one is the fact that those who want to be investors will enjoy the training and education stages. Thus, they should not be bothered by the potential level of difficulty or similar factors. Instead, the training should be something that makes them want to work in this field even more. 


What are some of the main areas of concern for newcomers to this market?


The risk of failure and a potential loss of capital is probably the most worrisome concern. After all, nobody likes to be a victim of an economic downturn and lose a lot of their portfolio’s value. Nevertheless, the sooner that one realizes that they will eventually lose money, the more likely they are to overcome this adversity. Also, people who are just beginning here should beware of a lot of competition that comes from all sides. Just consider, for instance, how many other investors there are in the market. So, you may have to go into bidding wars or tough negotiations in order to earn sizeable returns. 


What do you think is a good starting point before getting into large purchases and complex financing?


Well, obviously make sure to get some college education that teaches you the basics of business. I stress this due to the fact that it will help understand things like financing, taxation, accounting, and similar. Then, look for a mentor who can make the process of entering the field more seamless. Ultimately, simply find a property that you would like to own and look for some of the most common factors that indicate potential profitability. 

These include things like a good location that is in an up-and-coming area, decent price, solid structure, and so on. Be prepared to negotiate with financial institutions who will often have to back you up on your first purchase with financing. In the end, just listen to your gut and back up every decision with a plethora of research.

David Simonini of Simonini Group

David Simonini

David Simonini is a luxury home builder based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His projects in the Carolinas are well known for quality and innovative design. He has been instrumental in bringing the New Urbanism style to Charlotte, as well as European influences. His homes have been built in some of the most prestigious communities in the city. 

His company is currently building a low-income apartment complex in Lancaster, South Carolina. The project takes advantage of the new Trump Opportunity Zones and will bring quality rental units to the affordable housing market. He is also working on a luxury home development called Rea Court. This development features 10 homes with 6 different floor plans, priced from the mid-$500s. David Simonini continues to be an influential figure among home builders in the American South. 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite aspect of traveling is being inspired by architectural ideas. Every time I travel to a new city, I take the time to research local architectural styles and to view special buildings. I take a lot of inspiration from European buildings in particular. 

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

International travel is a hobby for me. Domestically, I am often on the road traveling to see my developments across the South. I believe that putting in face time at construction sites encourages my workers to do a better job. 

I got my start with international travel when I visited Italy in the 1990s. I am of Italian heritage, so it was exciting to see the country in person. I drew much of my inspiration for new architectural styles from the buildings of Italy. I think that international travel is broadening to the mind. I wish I had more time to spend on travel. 

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

I am planning a trip to San Francisco. I will be visiting friends and networking with building professionals and architects. I plan to get out and about in the countryside as well. I hope to get to Napa Valley while I am there. 

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

Don’t be too stuck on your itinerary. Give yourself time and space to explore and follow your inspiration. It is smart to make hotel reservations ahead of time to save money, but within a city, you should definitely take the time to get the lay of the land. It’s more fun that way, and you may find inspiration. 

I would also advise people visiting Europe to stay in small bed-and-breakfasts rather than in chain hotels which are the same everywhere you go. Staying in smaller properties gives you a better idea of how the people live and brings you an insider view of the city. 

Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. I’m fascinated with the history of the island and its amazing landscapes. My wife and I recently took our first cruise to  Alaska  . I highly recommend that as well .

Where would you like to revisit?

I would love to return to Rome. Rome is a gracious city which balances old and new. The food in Rome is amazing. I feel a special connection to Italy since my family came from there. 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I often take work trips alone to concentrate . My family would be bored with the length of

time I spend in research. I  also spend a lot of time in  business meetings while I travel, so anyone who goes with me has to be prepared to spend a lot of time independently. Of course I spend equal amounts of time on family vacations. Family is very important to me.

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

I would recommend that everyone visit Rome, Vienna, and Barcelona. Barcelona, in particular, has the most incredible architecture. Every building is inspired. 

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

I am a moderate packer when I travel. I have to bring business clothes, so I don’t have the option of packing only comfortable travel wear. I like to leave enough room in my luggage for purchases I may make on the road. I often have artwork and decorative items shipped home.