Happy New Year and Cheers to a wonderful 2016!
As I reflect upon the conversation I am about to write about, I have to mention how much fun it is to talk with friends about their careers and passions. So often do we see friends and family members on a regular basis, but really don’t discuss what they spend so much of their time doing. I know, I know…it’s not always “fun” to talk about work. But what I am finding as I talk to more and more people is, that for the lucky ones, work doesn’t feel like work. It is actually the extension of a real passion and genuine interest and it leads to great personal satisfaction. Of course, where there is success there is usually an equal, if not greater, amount of failure, mixed with a touch of magic, but that’s what makes each journey interesting…
I can’t think of a better topic to start the year off than to talk about the splendor of New York and one of its most magical places, The Carlyle. And, while we were tucked away in a cozy corner at Bemelmans, here is what my friend and NYC realtor David Salvatore and I were talking about the other day…
HV: Since we “met cute” at a business event and became friends almost instantly, I’m not sure I ever asked you why you went from the fashion industry into real estate?
DS: My roots are in fashion. I went to both Parsons School of Design and FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) here in NYC in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I then worked at Bonwit Teller, the legendary Fifth Avenue fashion emporium. Lucky me, my Mom decided to open her very own fashion house when she was 50 years old. I was her brand ambassador for nearly 25 years; bringing her brand and designs around the globe. When my Mom passed away, I felt I needed a new start and a life of my own. Hello Real Estate! It’s the same but different. It’s all about relationships, as the fashion business was. My very first sale was Bruce Willis’ Upper West Side home. A very nice way to start!
HV: What was that transition like?
DS: I think the hardest thing for me to wrap my head around what that I was no longer standing behind a product; I was the product! It is much easier to speak about someone else’s attributes to say the least, but I have fine- tuned a message befitting my own brand, The Red Jacket, which has served me well and welcomed lots of attention from new clients. (HV: Yes, I agree – it’s all about the branding, of course (we share a familiar laugh at this, as of course, I am a brand marketer by day).
HV: If you were to pick a/some particular (current) career highlights, what might they be?
DS: I think my exclusive relationship with The Carlyle has been a highlight of my career. After all, the last time The Carlyle had such a relationship with a real estate broker was with Douglas Elliman; not the firm but the actual Douglas Elliman!
HV: I just find your personal history fascinating, you are the son of a very well-known fashion designer (Blair Delmonico) and come from a NYC lineage dating back to the 1800’s, what motives you?
DS: I love that my family’s New York history is so rich from both of my parents. My Mom’s clan reaches back to the early 19th century, while my Dad’s parents were immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. This, combined with extensive world travels on behalf of my Mom’s company, have confirmed to me what my parents taught me about what happiness really is. I’m motivated when I’m happy, and I’m happiest around my dogs and doing good things for others. I know it sounds like something Miss Universe would say in order to get the crown! But, I have always been a pleaser and finding it immeasurably rewarding when I have the opportunity to help people achieve their goals.
HV: As a multi-generational Manhattanite, what do you see as the biggest changes to the city over the past year?
DS: While I do miss some of the things that have disappeared along the way (who doesn’t love being nostalgic every so often) New York has evolved from being a very local city to being for its very first time an international city. Growing up in the late 60’s and 70’s, New York was not at its best. It was run down, lacking proper funding, and not a very safe place. I remember nearly having my final project stolen while being mugged on my way to class at Parsons. I wouldn’t give him my project; it took too long to make! Today’s New York is focused on looking forward and outward. We still have lots of work to do to become the best that we can be, but we are well on our way.
HV: If you could step into your grandparents or great-grandparents shoes for a minute – what do you think they would say about today’s Manhattan?
DS: Interesting question. I think if we were talking about my Mom’s great-grandparents, they would obviously be amazed at how international the city has become over the past century, but I do think they would cast judgement over how casual the dress code and manner level has become. They were very proper to say the least; please and thank you and pardon me in discreet tones.
My Dad’s parents, who were immigrants and arrived on Ellis Island in the early 20th Century, would be so thrilled to see that New York continues to represent what has always made America so appealing to people around the world; it is truly the land of opportunity. You can still land here with a great idea and a dollar in your pocket and make magic.
HV: In your professional life, you have not only created your own unique brand (Red Jacket) and work with the very prestigious real estate firm Warburg, but represent The Carlyle (ahhhh, so lovely), one of the most iconic and luxurious buildings in not only Manhattan, but the world, what is that like?
DS: Real estate is one of the most personal and emotional of businesses. I am so fortunate to work with Warburg, the oldest and most respected of New York firms. The fun (at times) things about real estate is that you never know where you day will take you, but it is always a treat when my day brings me to The Carlyle. Everything about it is special. The attentive staff, the gorgeous Dorothy Draper lobby, the exquisite fragrance, the exquisite suites. I am very lucky to be able to work in such a luxurious atmosphere. It is truly a New York treasure!
HV: Yes, it sure is. And while so many New York treasures have faded into our collective memories or changed pretty drastically, like The Plaza, Rizzoli, FAO Schwartz… The Carlyle has remained in rare air, what do you think that is attributed to?
DS: The Carlyle is one of the most discreet places in New York. As it is not a very visible in your face type of institution, it values things a bit differently than others do. While some think it would change their business to give the lobby a facelift or update their logo or the menu at their restaurant, The Carlyle is like coming home, where being greeted by name and being surrounded by a consistency that evokes family. Some have called it clubby and elusive, but I prefer to refer to the atmosphere as an extension of my client’s own home. It is so special and we are blessed to have it still be the crown jewel of New York hotels.
HV: We all know that Manhattan real estate is extremely pricey, especially in that absolutely beautiful and very special part of the Upper East Side. What characteristics, if any, do the people that come to look and hopefully buy (from you) at The Carlyle, share?
DS: My clients are as unique as New York and very much representative of it. I work with an amazing array of individuals each with a different story. They range from taste makers and interior designers to bankers and corporate types to celebrities from many industries. All require something different, but they all expect and enjoy the best possible service as well as the highest level of discretion and quality.
HV: Are there buyers out there who just want to be in The Carlyle and nowhere else?
DS: While some clients start their search with a laser focus, it is my job to show them the Best of New York, whether it happens to be located at The Carlyle or not. While I would love nothing more than to live in suite #1506 at The Carlyle, however hotel life may not suit someone after they experience it firsthand.
HV: Does an appreciation of the history and old world elegance of the hotel play a part in their decision to buy there?
DS: While it is so easy to fall in love with The Carlyle’s rich history, I think the biggest reason is that easy feeling of being home that surrounds you when you stay at The Carlyle. It is a very special place where all your needs are catered to, making your typical responsibilities vanish.
HV: I’m sure you don’t have to…but how do you talk about, per se, that the most famous and infamous people from all walks of celebrity have walked those halls?
DS: While I can’t comment on who is in residence currently and can usually only talk about dead people, I can tell you that most every President has stayed at The Carlyle, along with Dukes and Duchesses, Princes and Princesses, Hollywood royalty and actual Royalty; most stay just a few days, but some move in and stay nearly forever. (http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/live-george-amal-carlyle-new-rental-homes-article-1.2246437)
HV: Okay, totally understand the “mum’s the word” situation you’re in, but say in the past year or so, who might I be surprised to hear has stayed there?
DS: Nobody died. (Wink Wink) (HV: This took me a minute, then I laughed hysterically!)
Cheers, my friend and thanks for the chat.
David Christopher Salvatore can often be described as delightful, dynamic and dedicated by his clients. He is the founder of Red Jacket Realty and licensed salesperson with Warburg Realty. His success can be directly attributed to these qualities, but it is his integrity, loyalty and manners that have truly set him apart in the world of New York real estate. David comes to real estate from a long and distinguished career in the fashion and interior design industries. Starting at the legendary Bonwit Teller and Barneys New York, David became the Managing Director at Blair Delmonico, bringing his Mom’s design house to new levels of international acclaim and financial success. The Delmonico Collection was heralded by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Tatler, and carried by uber retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. In his role, he was responsible for the design of the retail locations of Delmonico throughout the US and Europe, while personally directing its branding, advertising and marketing. As a result, his exceptional staging and repositioning background lends tremendous value in working with both developers and owners alike, to bring an insiders eye to every project.
Born, raised and educated in New York City, he brings extensive knowledge of the city’s most unique neighborhoods and finest buildings. His family’s deep New York City roots date back to the early 1800’s and offer a wonderful platform for his many community and charity works.
Hilarie S. Viener is Founder of Viener&Partners, a brand and marketing consultancy based in Manhattan. Her career has afforded her to work with over 100 brands from start-ups to Fortune 100’s. Her prior experience includes roles as Executive Vice President, North America of The Value Engineers, global brand consultancy and President of branding and digital agency, WONDER. Ms. Viener is a graduate of American University’s School of Communication in Washington, DC. She began her career at Wells Rich Greene Advertising, then moved on to roles at Griffin Bacal, Lowe & Partners and BBDO.
For more information or to find out more, please go to www.vienerandpartners.com
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