THE RESIDENCES AT W HOLLYWOOD rest on one of the most iconic street corners in southern California – the world famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine. This $350 million Transit Oriented Development (TOD) includes the 305-room W Hollywood Hotel, 143 condominiums, bliss spa, retail stores, restaurants, and the hottest nightclubs in Los Angeles – Drai~s Hollywood. The Residences at W Hollywood come luxuriously appointed with Poliform cabinetry, Kuppersbush and Sub-Zero appliance packages, en-suite laundry, and gracious floor plans. Many have views that most people only experience through photographs and postcards. Complementing the many benefits of home ownership at the W Hollywood is our legendary signature concierge service – Whatever/Whenever. A bathtub filled with your favorite champagne, no problem! Whatever you wish, a staff of more than 500 are available to cater to your every need

Listed with Russell M Filice (w/ ), Sotheby’s Int’l Rlty-Sunset

The Newest Feature in Haute Living Los Angeles

It’s the start of a new year and here at Haute Living, that also means that it is time to bring our readers a fresh start on our feature articles. In 2010, we are enlightening our audience with a look inside some of the most powerful industries dictating the trends of our times and going behind the scenes with the power players who rule those industries.

We started with our Los Angeles issue where we delve into the world of real estate. In the January/February issue, Stephanie Wilson brings us Q&As from the agents who are dominating the market in Southern California and reveals some of the secrets of their lasting success.

Russ Filice, Jeff Hyland, Joyce Rey, Suzanne Perkins, Bob Chapman, Myra Norman, Tom Iovenitti, Gary Legrand, and Bennett Carr share their dream properties to list, predictions for the local market this coming year, their idea of a perfect Friday night, treasured gadgets that they never leave home without, and much more.

These unstoppable agents continue to dominate southern California’s luxury real estate market. Here, they share the secrets to their lasting success.

Russ Filice
The Visionary

Russ Filice, a realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty, is one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated real estate agents. His successes have been vast; for years, Russ has been the No. 1 earning realtor at the prestigious Sunset Strip office, with career sales totaling in excess of $1 billion. The media often turns to Russ as a trusted source, and he has been named one of the “Top 100 Realtors in America” by the Wall Street Journal. With a degree in accounting and a work history that includes the successful launch of a line of sportswear, Russ has always had an eye for real estate. It was his vision that turned the Sierra Towers in West Hollywood from an unfashionable high-rise to a world-renowned luxury building with units priced upwards of $5 million. His success as a high-rise specialist didn’t go unnoticed, and after a worldwide search, the development team of the new W Hollywood Residences chose Russ as the director of residential sales for their $350 million development on the iconic corner of Hollywood and Vine.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Russ Filice I was born and raised Silicon Valley.

HL How long have you lived in Los Angeles? What neighborhood do you live in?
RF I moved to L.A. in 2001. I currently live at the Sierra Towers in West Hollywood, but am looking forward to moving into the new W Hollywood Residences when it opens in early 2010. Many people have asked why I would leave such a glamorous and famous Los Angeles address for a more urban one. See for yourself: www.WHollywoodResidences.com.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
RF I have always been interested in residential real estate. I received my real estate license at the age of 18 while attending Santa Clara University as a way to earn money for school. I never lived in a nice home growing up, so other people’s homes and the way others lived intrigued me to no end. This translated into a drive to help people buy and sell some of the most amazing properties imaginable.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
RF In the early years of my career in Silicon Valley, I sold an estate that was listed for $2.5 million. This was in the late 70s when only one other residence was listed above $2 million. Back then, I had never been in a home worth so much money. Interestingly enough, last year I closed the largest sale in Los Angeles. That property was listed at $50 million. How times have changed!

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
RF Although I had mentors and have worked with some of the best in the business, much of my career success has largely been based on intuition and instincts, and a personal obsession with marketing. I am a self-proclaimed workaholic and residential real estate is my passion. There is no doubt I’m doing what I was meant to do.

HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
RF I love extremely contemporary properties. Quality is important. I also have a special affinity to high-rise living, because I find views to be inspirational. Homes without spectacular views are rarely a turn-on for me.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the Los Angeles real estate market?
RF Without a doubt, my success in the L.A. market (I knew no one in L.A. when I moved here in 2001) has been due to my specialization in high-rise properties. Last year, the Wall Street Journal and Lore Magazine ranked me as one of the Top 100 Realtors in America. No one has sold more high-rise condominiums in southern California than I have in the last several years. I am very proud of that accomplishment. Realtors without a niche are like doctors without a specialty, they are a dime a dozen. When you control your niche, you control your destiny.

HL What is it about L.A. that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
RF Los Angeles has always been the land of excess. From clothes to cars to homes, every brand-driven luxury product has a place in the aspirations of Angelenos.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
RF Any of the unlimited number of red carpet events that one could attend in L.A. almost nightly.

HL Where is the first place you would take an out-of-town visitor and why?
RF The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater for sure. These places are iconic worldwide. They never fail to please and excite visitors.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in L.A.?
RF I like Neiman Marcus and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, although I must confess, I am not really a shopper.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
RF Mr Chow in Beverly Hills.

HL You never leave home without…
RF My BlackBerry.

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
RF My favorite Friday night out is a Friday night at home with my dogs, without exception!

HL Describe Los Angeles in three words:
RF Bustling, intoxicating, motivating

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
RF A photographer. I am fascinated by a photographer’s ability to tell a story without speaking.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
RF I love to travel. When not traveling, I am a voracious reader.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
RF That I strongly dislike garlic. No vampire jokes, please!

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
RF Without a doubt, 2010 will be the beginning of a slow recovery in residential real estate. If you didn’t buy in 2009, you most likely have missed the bottom.

Real Estate Royalty

FROM LEFT : Crosby Doe ; Chris Cortazzo; Russ Filice

Crosby Doe
COMPANY: Crosby Doe Associates
COMPANY’S SPECIALTY: Architecture and historic properties
REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY: Architecture is to general real estate as [famed Abstract Expressionist] Sam Francis lithographs are to gift wrap.
HIGHEST SALE: $9 million
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS: 35
FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT: It was the simple joy of seeing the [Richard Neutra-designed] Barsha Residence restored from near-total destruction. Like the Kaufmann Desert House by Neutra, the house ad been significantly degraded by alterations and additions that almost completely hid the quality and magic of the residence.

Chris Cortazzo
COMPANY: Coldwell Banker Previews International
COMPANY’S SPECIALTY: Malibu real estate sales
REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY: If you don’t have integrity and a strong work ethic you shouldn’t be in the business. It’s the backbone of my success.
HIGHEST SALE:Representation of both buyer and seller of a Malibu bluff property listed for $27.5 million
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS: 16
FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT: My first sale—it was a $5 million property that I sold to a celebrity client. I realized then no matter what the price is, buying and selling a home is a diffi cult and trying time for everyone involved. I felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction when I handed over the keys. I knew then this was the career for me.

Russ Filice
COMPANY: The Filice Group at Sotheby’s International Realty
COMPANY’S SPECIALTY: Luxury high-rise buildings
REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY: I believe to be successful in real estate, you must not only have an area of expertise, you must make every effort to be the very best at it. Follow your passion and make your brand synonymous with it. Control your niche, and you’ll control your destiny.
HIGHEST SALE: $32 million
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS: 27
FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT: Being asked to spearhead sales at the W Hollywood Residences

FROM LEFT : John McMonigle; Jeffrey Hyland; Stacy Gottula

John McMonigle
COMPANY: McMonigle Group
COMPANY’S SPECIALTY: Luxury residential sales
REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY: “In a successful organization, no detail is too small to escape close attention.”—Lou Holtz, legendary college football coach
HIGHEST SALE: $32 million
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS: 17
FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT: Hearing my 11-year-old son say he might want to be a “realestator”

Jeffrey Hyland
COMPANY: Hilton & Hyland
COMPANY’S SPECIALTY: Luxury estates from Beverly Hills to Malibu
REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY: It’s not location, location, location, it’s timing, timing, timing.
HIGHEST SALE: $35 million
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS: 25-plus
FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT: Sale of a 122-acre estate in Beverly Hills to Paul Allen, cofounder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers

Stacy Gottula
COMPANY: Coldwell Banker Previews International
COMPANY’S SPECIALTY: High-end luxury homes and estates
REAL ESTATE PHILOSOPHY: If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it. Hard work, drive and being authentic seem to be the keys that open many doors.
HIGHEST SALE: $18 million for the Hugh and Kimberley Hefner estate, a sister property to the Playboy Mansion
YEARS IN THE BUSINESS: 5-plus
FAVORITE CAREER MOMENT: Listing Le Belvédère— one of the most expensive homes in the US—for $72 million and selling the Hefner estate