Concierge United
Jessie Carvajal Brings Strength to Service
By Aaron Glickman
Jessie Carvajal is the founder and president of the Continental Concierge Group, an alliance dedicated to providing the best service to the residents of South Miami Beach’s most exclusive condos. The influence that this organization has in the South Beach luxury condo scene is unmatched. Through their networking prowess and ability to pack a location with the wealthiest crowds, the Continental Concierge Group exercises enormous power.
The irony is that Carvajal isn’t even a concierge. He’s the property manager of Il Villaggio -- one of the most exclusive condos anywhere – and he oversees operations in a service oriented environment where oversights are never an option. He had the idea of uniting the concierges from the Continental Group five years ago as he was putting together a strategy to make Il Villaggio the best. “I noticed there was a need for specific services,” he explains, “management was one, and another was concierge service. South Beach didn’t have concierges seven years ago. Now it’s the norm.”
Carvajal’s idea, however, was not immediately met with open arms. Many of the concierges were territorial when it came to their contacts, but they were eventually able to be persuaded. “Overtime,” he says, “we convinced them that whatever information they have is not as valuable as the combined information of a dozen concierges of equal caliber.” And now, through Carvajal’s leadership, the united concierges are able to work together and provide residents with the finest of everything. “We know all of the good vendors, allowing us to provide good services with people that we have good experiences with.”
The Continental Concierge Group currently represents Il Villaggio, 1500 Ocean Drive, Aqua, The Waverly, Murano Grande, Murano at Portofino, Yacht Club, Continuum, Continuum II, and most likely Apogee when complete. “The group continues to grow every year,” says Carvajal, “and the parties that we throw are phenomenal.” The parties to which he refers include concerts by the ocean, barbeques, and fashion shows. These gatherings bring the residents together and enhance the feeling of community. In addition to their aptitude to organize fabulous social affairs, Carvajal is very proud of Continental’s ability to promote local business. “We had a lot of success with Touch Restaurant. We were able to bring many clients their way, which has resulted in repeat business for them.”
And when asked which vendors he recommends, Carvajal takes the high road. “As president, I need to remain neutral.” That said, he does have a couple of favorites. “Delicious Catering has many different menus. The chef offers private cooking classes and is very reasonable. We also love Jason from Sudsies Dry Cleaning.”
Carvajal’s insight has allowed a fragmented group of professionals to align in a powerful union. Through a vast pool of resources, this concierge unity in South Miami Beach should become a model for other areas. Of course, Carvajal’s idea would never have come to pass if not for the support of people like Lilia Vietia of the Continental Group. He is very grateful for the opportunity that she has provided.
By Aaron Glickman
Jessie Carvajal is the founder and president of the Continental Concierge Group, an alliance dedicated to providing the best service to the residents of South Miami Beach’s most exclusive condos. The influence that this organization has in the South Beach luxury condo scene is unmatched. Through their networking prowess and ability to pack a location with the wealthiest crowds, the Continental Concierge Group exercises enormous power.
The irony is that Carvajal isn’t even a concierge. He’s the property manager of Il Villaggio -- one of the most exclusive condos anywhere – and he oversees operations in a service oriented environment where oversights are never an option. He had the idea of uniting the concierges from the Continental Group five years ago as he was putting together a strategy to make Il Villaggio the best. “I noticed there was a need for specific services,” he explains, “management was one, and another was concierge service. South Beach didn’t have concierges seven years ago. Now it’s the norm.”
Carvajal’s idea, however, was not immediately met with open arms. Many of the concierges were territorial when it came to their contacts, but they were eventually able to be persuaded. “Overtime,” he says, “we convinced them that whatever information they have is not as valuable as the combined information of a dozen concierges of equal caliber.” And now, through Carvajal’s leadership, the united concierges are able to work together and provide residents with the finest of everything. “We know all of the good vendors, allowing us to provide good services with people that we have good experiences with.”
The Continental Concierge Group currently represents Il Villaggio, 1500 Ocean Drive, Aqua, The Waverly, Murano Grande, Murano at Portofino, Yacht Club, Continuum, Continuum II, and most likely Apogee when complete. “The group continues to grow every year,” says Carvajal, “and the parties that we throw are phenomenal.” The parties to which he refers include concerts by the ocean, barbeques, and fashion shows. These gatherings bring the residents together and enhance the feeling of community. In addition to their aptitude to organize fabulous social affairs, Carvajal is very proud of Continental’s ability to promote local business. “We had a lot of success with Touch Restaurant. We were able to bring many clients their way, which has resulted in repeat business for them.”
And when asked which vendors he recommends, Carvajal takes the high road. “As president, I need to remain neutral.” That said, he does have a couple of favorites. “Delicious Catering has many different menus. The chef offers private cooking classes and is very reasonable. We also love Jason from Sudsies Dry Cleaning.”
Carvajal’s insight has allowed a fragmented group of professionals to align in a powerful union. Through a vast pool of resources, this concierge unity in South Miami Beach should become a model for other areas. Of course, Carvajal’s idea would never have come to pass if not for the support of people like Lilia Vietia of the Continental Group. He is very grateful for the opportunity that she has provided.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home