On Why He Loves His Hometown
If you care about ideas, San Francisco is the Florence of our time. From iPhone to Tesla, from Uber to Facebook, the things that are changing the whole world are coming from a small geographic area at a very amazing time in history.
On Why He Works When He Doesn’t Have To
I work for the pleasure of creating. Specific to IfOnly, I’ve always found it easy to bring people together. IfOnly was the extension of that, offering connections and inspiration to a much larger audience.
On the Definition of the “Experience Economy”
The recent economic downturn forced people to reassess what is important to them. They looked in their drawers and cupboards and realized they had ample physical things but that spending money on experiences is a richer, more satisfying way to live. I see a day not too far away when people are primarily focusing their dollars on living experientially versus owning a million things. And I imagine IfOnly at the center of that economy. No one has created such an emporium for experiences. That’s the opportunity I saw.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
On Being a Darling of the Tech Industry with No Tech Background
I think it’s my secret weapon that I have a consumer background. Many tech entrepreneurs can get lost in the weeds in the attributes of products. I focus on the benefits of what we offer and the consumer value proposition.
On the Connection between IfOnly, Napa, and Wine
Napa combines so many aspects of rich experiential living: wine, physical beauty, mild climate, and world-class cuisine. Some of my fondest memories are from growing up in the valley in summers and weekends. I learned about wine, drinking it with Robert Mondavi. I remember when Oakville Grocery was just a general store, and some of the original chefs of the valley were making Napa into a food destination, like Thomas [Keller] starting The French Laundry. I grow grapes myself, and my wife and I have a home that’s one of the original winemaker estates from the 1850s in the center of Oakville.
On How the Napa Valley Wine Train Fits for IfOnly
With the leisurely pace of the train, it’s one of the best ways to see the beauty of that unique destination. And the wine train is an experience in and of itself; the challenge was creating something above and beyond that fit IfOnly. I’m proud of what our team came up with.
Stay
San Francisco
A grand building of exposed brick, Douglas Fir beams, and seaside character, The Argonaut is a boutique hotel in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Housed in the historic Haslett Warehouse, which was built in 1907, this family-friendly hotel features faux leather wall treatments, canvas-wrapped tuxedo-style sofas, and nautically themed wall decor. Mere steps from one of San Francisco’s best-loved sites, this hotel has delightful extra touches, like a yoga mat in every room, that are sure to make your stay remarkable.
Napa
Nestled along the River Trail and the Oxbow Park Preserve of Napa Valley Wine Country, the River Terrace Inn is a relaxing sanctuary for oenophiles. From the complimentary afternoon wine hour to the courtesy cruiser bicycles guests can use to take a jaunt down to local shopping and dining areas, the inn is ready to guide you as you explore the renowned Napa Wine Country. For those looking for the full Napa wine experience, book a seat on the Napa Valley Wine Train and see Wine Country in style.
