Life Guard
“We aim to build lifelong relationships with our clients that guides our actions and the level of service we provide every day.”
“When I walk into the office each morning,” says Alejandro Perez Duque, “I have one goal: To protect my clients from risks and help them do so as efficiently as possible.” As an advisor at Key Biscayne Insurance, he knows that another crucial part of his work is providing peace-of-mind to clients after they have suffered a loss, and getting to know them well enough to avoid losses wherever possible. The insurance industry is not ripe with funny moments, Perez Duque adds, but he’s also come across some interesting characters. “I once interviewed a captain on behalf of a client who was considering hiring him for his yacht,” he recalls with a laugh. “When I asked him if he ever had an accident such as a grounding (which is common in the islands), he replied that he’d never had a grounding and he will never have one again!”
Quick Facts
Taking responsibility is crucial. “I believe that successful professionals in any industry should be accountable for everything they do in life.”
Career jaw-dropper: “I was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the Chief Of Staff to the CEO of a prominent investment bank in NY before I had my college diploma…needless to say, I took it!”
What’s in his fridge: “Right now, approximately 500 gallons of milk, which are consumed daily by my kids!
Text by Cristina Zuazua; Photo: Chantal Lawrie
Alejandro Perez Duque is an advisor at Key Biscayne Insurance; 200 Crandon Blvd., Ste. 360, Key Biscayne; 305.365.1280; KeyBiscayneInsurance.com.
Media Artist
“I wanted a profession that allowed for creativity and variety…now, no 2 days are ever the same!”
When asked to describe her job at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Tatiana Lora just smiles. “I’m the Public Relations Manager…also know as the circus juggler,” she says. “In PR, it’s all about juggling many projects at one time.” As a jill-of-all-trades, Lora says that the most fulfilling aspect of her work is promoting spectacular events for the eminent hotel’s guests to enjoy while being able to see the product of her efforts in an article or television segment. “I love sharing knowledge with others,” she says. And share she does, through interviews, media training, talking to clients and a myriad of other channels. But what if she weren’t a leader in her chosen profession? “I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else,” she says. “I savor the challenge of working in a profession that allows me to push myself and work hard.”
Quick Facts
Guilty pleasure: “I’m actually a huge fan of reality TV…even including Jersey Shore!”
Choice concoctions: “Vodka on the rocks with lemon or a smooth Argentine Malbec.”
Guiding life philosophy: “To be the best, you need to surround yourself with the best and even better. Never settle. Life and work is an ever-changing, ever-evolving process.”
Winning combination: “Ace of Spades Champagne, Grey Goose Vodka and a jar of Prego. Yup, that’s what’s in my fridge right now!”
Text by Cristina Zuazua; Photo: The Ritz-Carlton
Tatiana Lora is the PR Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne and The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove; 305.365.4500; RitzCarlton.com.
Signature Charm
“This is a family business to the core. I grew up learning about design from my parents, and now I’m working with my daughter.”
Although she may have grown up around her parents’ retail business, Violetas owner Patricia Anton Himmel admits she never grew out of it. “I was always fascinated by their work, and am so lucky to have the opportunity to do what I love,” she says. While at the helm of Violetas, a Coral Gables boutique specializing in home expressions, furnishings and gift items, Anton works around the clock managing each aspect of the 2,000-sq. ft., showroom-like store’s operation. In keeping with the family tradition, she and her daughter currently organize the buying, merchandising, marketing and selling of gift and home décor items while bringing fresh design concepts to their clients. To that end, Anton is planning to open more stores, in addition to her latest location in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and selling on a wholesale level to stores in Latin America.
Quick Facts
Looking back: “My first job was in a bank and I hated it! I’m so happy I can be creative in my current career and every day is different.”
Celebrations need flare: “I always enjoy a little bit of champagne when I’m celebrating a personal victory. It just adds some luxury to the occasion, and I love toasting with good friends and family!”
Words of wisdom: “Have God in everything you do in life.”
Text by Cristina Zuazua; Photo: Chantal Lawrie
Patricia Anton Himmel is the owner of Violetas; 223-A Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.381.0711; VioletasHomeDesign.com.
