By Greg Clemens

Top of the World

Area15

Wakuda

Carson Kitchen

The Fireside Lounge at the Peppermill Restaurant

Reach out to a local real estate agent today!

• Restaurant Guy Savoy, with LV’s most deluxe French-inspired menu
• Delilah, a quickly rising Vegas hotspot with award-winning British fare
• EDO, where Spanish tapas small dish plates achieve perfection
• The Golden Steer Steakhouse, since 1958 a must-visit and infamous local gem

Created by Morgan Lemaitre, CFP, owner and founder, Park City Wealth Advisors was born from the idea of helping families, executives, and entrepreneurs capitalize on their existing wealth and assets, and assisting high-net-worth individuals to make the most of what they have. We sat down with Morgan to dive deeper into the world of wealth management.

What are some of the services provided? 

M: Wealth Management, Income Generation (this is helpful for Realtors and professions with inconsistent income to make up for slower periods), Life Insurance Consultation, Property and Casualty Insurance,  Financial Planning, Philanthropic Strategy, Tax Strategy.

What kinds of people need wealth advisors? 

M: Anyone with a desire to grow and preserve their wealth — families, Realtors, individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, et cetera.  

How did you get into the industry and what are some of the best parts of your work? 

M: I got into finance because I wanted to learn how to become financially secure. I couldn’t  think of a better way to learn than by rolling up my sleeves. Now that I’ve been in the business a long time I’m driven at PCWA by the belief that my clients and community deserve unpretentious, transparent, honest financial guidance. When you work hard for every dollar you earn — the way I watched my parents earn and save — you warrant having solid financial guidance and support.  

What sets PCWA apart? 

M: Park City Wealth Advisors goes beyond the balance sheet. Let me give you an example! I just had a new client consult with my office. This person has several real estate investment properties, retirement accounts, and a new job where she is paid as an Independent Contractor. She recently sold a property and was distraught because she was going to have a large capital gain as a result of the sale but was weary of the income tax impact. 

She felt paralyzed by the prospect of what to do with the $500,000 in proceeds until she knew what the tax liability would look like — that is what brought her to consult with my team. Through a financial audit, my team was able to determine and find ways that this client would only owe 63% less taxes than they thought. 

Realtors — think about how many hours you need to work (about $300,000 in commissions) just to owe the $100,000 in taxes that I was able to save my (now client) with just a one-hour conversation, as this client did.  

Any advice or words of wisdom specifically for high-end Realtors? 

M: Seek expert financial guidance, the way you’d hope your clients would seek your expert real estate  guidance. 

By Roger Grody

Mahogany-clad private city clubs, the quintessential domain of lions of industry a century ago, gradually fell out of favor among contemporary business leaders, but sleek new aesthetics and more relevant amenities are contributing to renewed interest. Reimagined city clubs are resonating with a new generation of entrepreneurs and civic leaders discovering the enduring appeal of exclusivity.

Reforming dress codes — making them more consistent with how members dress for the office and dining out —is a simple measure that can ensure these venerable institutions are not viewed as obsolete. Relaxing strict prohibitions on cell phones is another nod to a contemporary lifestyle, and interior design is being reevaluated. Successful city clubs are introducing fresh, modern aesthetics while still honoring the traditional architecture typical of well-established clubs.

Founded in 1895 as a modest social organization, the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles evolved into a prestigious institution attracting prominent business leaders and politicians. Thanks to its willingness to reinvent itself, including elevating the cuisine and emphasizing its beach facility, the Jonathan Club has not only avoided the perception of obsolescence, but has flourished. With several Soho House locations and trendy venues such as The Britely and Gwyneth Patlrow’s soon-to-open Arts Club, L.A. has a vibrant members-only scene. Nonetheless, the Jonathan Club has endured in a city with a famously short attention span.

The Union League Club of Chicago was founded in 1862 as an organization supporting the policies of President Abraham Lincoln and evolved into a prominent business and civic club. Its members were instrumental in bringing the 1893 Columbian Exposition world’s fair to Chicago and founding some of the city’s major cultural institutions. General manager Mark Tunney explains members appreciate the club’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy and that for many of them, it provides the sense of community they long for.

Tunney, who notes the downtown Loop location of the Union League Club of Chicago makes it convenient for bankers, attorneys and judges, has increased the curb appeal of the institution’s Beaux-Arts building. “We used to have just a plaque identifying the location of the club, but a few years ago we created a street level café visible from the street,” says the general manager. “Now people walk by and wonder what’s going on in there,” he explains.

While plenty of mahogany, leather and marble remains, Tunney reports that many spaces have been refreshed with contemporary aesthetics that appeal to younger members. “Nobody wants to walk into a place that
looks or feels stodgy,” says Tunney, who notes the Union League Club of Chicago’s board is approximately 50 percent women and that younger members are active in committees.

“We don’t have a stuffy dress code,” assures Tunney, who recounts, “Members were telling us their banks and corporate offices were allowing jeans, so we adopted a ‘smart casual’ dress code.” While the club’s dining, overnight accommodations and athletic facilities are enticing, Tunney insists new members are most attracted by the opportunity to become part of a community.

In New York, private city clubs continue to thrive, including the storied Knickerbocker Club, still a gentlemen’s only retreat whose membership has included Paul Mellon, J.P. Morgan and FDR. The Union Club has been hosting the Big Apple’s movers and shakers since 1836 and still imposes a strict dress code and prohibition on cell phones.

Occupying a stately Romanesque structure, the Duquesne Club is Pittsburgh’s most prestigious social club. However, modernized interiors and relaxed dress codes draw younger professionals in a city now more dependent on technology than steel.

The Fitler Club in Philadelphia, founded in 2019, promotes itself as a new interpretation of the private city club, employing the slogan “Tradition Rewritten.” Founder David Gutstadt states, “This is a next-level club that reflects a new generation of urban sophisticates,” characterizing his members as leaders, innovators, influencers, and changemakers.

“They want to spend time with a like-minded community of other fearlessly creative people,” maintains Gutstadt. From interiors to cuisine, even the artwork displayed, the venue conveys a sense of modernity that resonates with a trend-conscious membership.

John Fornaro, CEO of Distinguished Clubs and CEO/publisher of The BoardRoom magazine, insists that city clubs are well suited to a younger demographic in spite of outdated images of cigar-smoking fat cats. “Young people already belong to more ‘clubs’ than we ever did,” suggests Fornaro, citing Facebook groups as self-selected memberships akin to private clubs. “Where do young professionals gather and meet people with similar interests, especially when they’re not working in a traditional office setting?” queries Fornaro.

Elaborate clubs in luxury residential buildings represent an emerging alternative to old school city clubs, and New York’s 100,000-square-foot Waterline Club is a prime example. Integrated into Waterline Square, a complex of high-rises from acclaimed architects, the venue combines elements of a traditional city club with those of a top-
drawer athletic club. The diverse spaces are tied together by compelling design from Rockwell Group, hospitality industry masters whose portfolio includes Nobu Hotels and The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

Swimming, tennis and squash — even a climbing wall and half-pipe park for skateboarders — are offered at the Waterline Club, as well as premium spa facilities, bowling alley, well-equipped business center, and extensive resources for children and pets. Enhancing social functions are Waterline Square’s various dining opportunities, including an upcoming venue from the famed Cipriani family of Venice.

James Linsley, president of GID Development Group, the developer of Waterline Square, reports, “Luxury buyers and renters today are demanding personalized services for a well-rounded, hassle-free lifestyle where everything is available at their fingertips.” He suggests that residents’ desire to connect socially with neighbors echoes the role of more traditional clubs.

“Striking, thoughtful design was just as important to us as selecting which amenities would be included,” states Linsley of architecture that is welcoming to all ages. “The moment you step inside the Waterline Club and see the soaring ceilings and stunning pedestrian bridges, you immediately know this is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in New York.”

By Roger Grody

The democratization of Wall Street through disruptive platforms like Block and Robinhood has made it easier for people with relatively modest means to pursue opportunities previously limited to blue-blooded clients of esteemed financial institutions. In addition to stocks, bonds and options, small investors can now participate in creative startups before they are ever listed on major exchanges. In fact, with a few clicks of a mouse, anyone can be a so-called “angel investor.”

Most viewers of Shark Tank, the ABC show on which celebrity investors buy into nascent companies created by cash-strapped entrepreneurs, have dreamed of having such access to talent. Now those opportunities are available through StartEngine, promoted by one of the Sharks himself, Kevin O’Leary, who serves as the firm’s strategic advisor. On StartEngine, one can invest in fledgling companies whose products range from ultra premium spirits to drones, fintech to cosmetics.

StartEngine celebrates investment paths for the “little guys” who have no access to the initial public offerings (IPOs) reserved for VIP clients of prestigious Wall Street firms. On this platform, a mere $100 can purchase a piece of a promising new enterprise that might someday be a household name. “At StartEngine, our mission is to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, and we’re doing that by democratizing access to capital,” states StartEngine co-founder and CEO Howard Marks, who suggests that when companies have a close connection to an excited fan base, they have greater success in raising capital and maintaining commitments to those fans-turned-investors.

Republic is a multifaceted firm best known for its investments and advisory services in cryptocurrency and digital enterprises, including the recently launched Republic Realm, a metaverse real estate portfolio. But real-world businesses are also prominently featured, and among current listings are upscale artisanal confectioner Sugarfina, Congreso Park condominiums in Mexico City, and Kaiyō, a trendy rooftop restaurant in San Francisco. Republic’s Cityfunds allow retail investors to participate in hot real estate markets like Austin or Miami.

Opportunities listed on the Republic website are thoroughly vetted, with only 2% of companies seeking participation accepted, and Republic itself is a co-investor in all of them. At any time, 75 to 150 companies are listed on the platform, which claims more than 1.5 million individual users. Chuck Pettid, who heads Republic’s retail division, reports investment opportunities begin at as little as $100 and observes, “People are looking to invest in what they believe in and what they’re familiar with.”

“This is the first time startup investments have been brought to the public in scale and open to virtually anybody, anywhere regardless of wealth,” says Pettid of Republic’s role in democratizing investment opportunities. Approximately 30% of investors are women and 10% are minorities, well above the industry average, while residents of more than 100 countries are represented among Republic’s participants. “I believe retail investors are much more sophisticated than people give them credit for,” insists Pettid.

Wefunder is another platform allowing small investors to participate in promising entrepreneurial enterprises. Opportunities currently listed include Gamestar+, an interactive video game streaming platform, and Arqlite, a company deploying new technologies for plastic recycling. Aptera Motors, which manufactures solar-powered vehicles, raised $2.9 million on the site and CEO Chris Anthony states, “Wefunder has been a great platform to expose our brand to millions.” He adds, “We’ve been able to offer people an opportunity for equity in our company, making them instant brand ambassadors.”

Yet another company offering crowdfunding is SeedInvest, where even novice investors can create an entire portfolio of emerging brands, while Yieldstreet provides investment opportunities previously available only to an elite clientele. “Yieldstreet is a pioneer in providing retail investors with access to alternative investments to help them build a modern portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds,” explains company founder and CEO Milind Mehere. He adds, “Its award-winning technology platform provides access to investment products across a range of asset classes such as real estate, commercial or consumer credit and fine art.”