October 16, 2010 | Seatings at 11am and 2:30pm
J Vineyards & Winery, Bubble Room
Event open to: All Welcome

Join us in the Bubble Room for a special seated wine and food tasting with local food artisans Justin Miller and Karin Warnelius, owners of Terra Sonoma and producers of Verjus and Saba. Learn how these grape-based culinary creations are made and the art of using them in a variety of recipes. Spend time with Justin and Karin and sample their products alongside J’s signature wines.

Executive Chef Mark E. Caldwell will prepare an exquisite 2-course guided wine and food pairing based around Verjus and Saba and library selections from J Vineyards & Winery.

Verjus is made from un-ripened green grapes and is an excellent alternative for recipes that call  for vinegar or vinaigrette. Saba is a thick, sweet syrup made from the “must” of fermented grapes and makes a delicious topping on ice cream or can be used to sweeten cookies, polenta or yogurt. Justin and Karin produce these chemical and pesticide-free products following current sustainable farming standards.

Seatings at 11am and 2:30pm, limited to 20 people per session
$60, $45 for Club J members
Contact Jackie Friend at (707)431-5430 for reservations and more information

AIA San Francisco’s popular San Francisco Living: Home Tours weekend is the first tour series of its kind in the Bay Area to promote a wide variety of architectural styles, neighborhoods, and residences—all from the architect’s point of view.

The annual program provides design enthusiasts and the general public with an inside look into the world of distinctive residences in San Francisco. Projects are showcased with the designer(s) via an open house format, and tour participants have the opportunity to see some of the city’s latest residential projects from the inside out, meet design teams, explore housing trends, and discover design solutions that inspire unique San Francisco living.

The San Francisco Living: Home Tours program is an exclusive program of the Architecture and the City festival. The official festival celebrates architectural films, lectures, tours and more and takes place September 1-30, 2010. Programs also take place each month. Visit www.aiasf.org/archandcity for more information.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT FEATURED PROJECTS

CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS

“Cycling is an important charitable fundraising tool in the fight against cancer,” said Founder and President, Judy Jordan. “When you combine this with the fact that Sonoma County has become an important global destination for cycling enthusiasts, it seemed only natural for us to be involved.”

One of J’s cycling jerseys has been designed to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which supports bike races and public cycling tours in California and across the country. The other, a bright pink jersey, benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, an organization that sponsors numerous national “bike rides for life” to raise funds for breast cancer research.

This is the fourth year that J Vineyards & Winery has produced a cycling jersey for charitable purposes. Each features the winery’s distinctive brushstroke “J” logo, as well as the charitable organization’s logo.

The jerseys are made for cycling enthusiasts and are quite stylish, yet functional.  Designed to evaporate moisture, the jerseys feature a mid-level collar, a 20” hidden zipper, and three spacious rear pockets.  The jerseys are available at the Winery’s Visitor Center, or online at www.jwine.com.  They are $115 each, with 10% of the proceeds going to the respective organizations.

Visit J Vineyards & Winery
Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently owned producer of elegant Russian River Valley sparkling and estate varietal wines. The winery will celebrate its 25th harvest in 2011.

The J Winery and Visitor Center is just a quick bicycle ride south of downtown Healdsburg at 11447 Old Redwood Highway.  For more information, please call (707) 431-3646, or go to www.jwine.com.

Click here to watch the interview!

CordeValle Golf Club – San Martin, CA

Golf Foursome – $2,500 (includes cart, green fees, BBQ lunch, tee prizes, contests,dinner, golf awards)

Individual Golfer – $750
Meet Northern California Olympians, Sports Celebrities & Media personalities

Great opportunity to network and invite clients & friends

10:30 – Registration Opens (Driving Range & Putting Contest)
11:30 – BBQ Luncheon & Celebrity Draft
12:15 – Shotgun Start
5:00 – Reception, Entertainment, golf awards, short live auction

Wines by Clos La Chance

Sponsorships Available! – Click here
Golf Registration Form – Click here

SIGN UP TODAY at www.basoc.org or call (650) 323-9400 x16

Luxury Marketing Council members sponsor or host your holiday celebration at the City Club of San Francisco & receive 10% off their standard food & beverage offerings.

Please contact the sales & catering team for more information:
(415) 362-2480
catering@cityclubsf.com
www.cityclubsf.com

Summary …

Part 1 What’s going on in the luxury market

• Recession created resentment of wealth
• Consumers are shying away from overt displays of status
• There is willingness to spend on luxury if it is toned down and genuinely deserves its luxury status
• Bling was already on its way out before the recession
• The market crash accelerated the association of overt luxury with the fast-buck culture
• People are making more discriminating luxury purchases and will often compensate by budgeting elsewhere
• There is a new emphasis on the personal relevance of brands
• Status is still important – but it is only to be recognised by those in the know
• There is a new consumer mindset: more discriminatory, making integrity an important factor

Part 2 How to address the new trends

• Brands must truly fulfil luxury criteria to justify purchase
• A marketing ‘message’ is no longer enough; brands now require stories that imbue a purchase with greater meaning
• Stories set a brand apart, but they need to resonate with values and experiences
• It is no longer enough for a brand to tell one story which it projects to consumers
• Brands need to involve consumers who relate on a more level playing field than ever before
• Brands can use online as a tool, not a hindrance, to connect with their consumers
• Luxury brands need to provide multiple stories for their consumers to blend and colour with their own

Part 3 What are the brand stories to tell?

• The story of superior performance: substantiated by how and why it is the best, reassures the consumer
• The story of sophistication: a subtle language that assures the consumer of a shared taste and aesthetic
• The story of craftsmanship: upheld by expertise, time spent, tradition and beautiful design
• The story of collaboration: gives a brand an exciting hybrid story, co-opting the creative partner’s brand attributes, for a collective experience
• The story of exclusivity: imbuing an item with a sense of rarity and exception, which justifies the expense
• The story of involvement: the rising demand for bespoke items builds the status and exclusivity of both brand and consumer
• The story of innovation: keeps brands relevant, particularly those with a heritage story; and a really significant innovation can create a luxury brand
• The story of heritage: not just a name and a date of inception; but a proper history, whether a story of longevity or a cultural immersion
• The story of provenance: if a brand comes from a location famous for that product, that place’s story becomes its own
• The story of ethics: a green or fair trade badge isn’t enough – there must also be an authentic, inspirational or heartwarming tale

This report is only available to members of The Luxury Marketing Council

Gentry Magazine says, ” A new website has San Francisco asking, “Did you see what was on Bergine today?”

And Pursuitist.com lands exclusive interview with Patricia Calfee of Bergine…

“As The Pursuitist continues to interview the leaders of luxury, next up in the series is our interview with Patricia Calfee, the Founder and Present of Bergine. Bergine is the first luxury-focused private sale destination on the Internet for local services and experiences. Founded in San Francisco by Patricia Calfee and Ian Picache, Bergine came to life through a devoted team filled with many perspectives and one common vision: local luxury services made available at exclusive prices.”

To read the full article, click here

Visit www.bergine.com to discover for yourself what everyone’s talking about.

The nation’s largest newspaper quoted Sealey in a recent story on Apple’s public relations response to problems with antennas on the iPhone 4. Sealey said Apple CEO Steve Jobs has so far done an adequate job of diffusing the problem.

“It is inexcusable that this problem was not found out in advance,” Sealey told the newspaper…

Read the full article here

11:30-1:30 p.m. Grape Stomp

5:30-6:30 p.m. Special Limited Seating 2000-2006 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting in the Vineyard

6:30-10:30 p.m. Dinner & Live Music

Join us for a magical day and evening in the Peju gardens as we celebrate the 2010 Harvest by bringing the romance and history of wine to life!

Your day begins with a good, old-fashioned grape stomp!  Kick off your shoes and take part in the traditional grape pressing ritual that has become a festive competition at Peju each fall. After getting your feet wet in winemaking, rest up for an educational and elegant evening extravaganza that begins with a rare limited seating vertical tasting in our vineyard led by a panel of wine enthusiasts, including winemaker Sara Fowler. Peju’s wine gods and goddesses will then welcome you to the evening’s festivities with an interactive sensory experience encompassing wine, cuisine, art and entertainment. You will enjoy tasty treats created to showcase our wines, special event-only purchasing opportunities, plenty of Peju Family fun, and a savory sit down family-style feast followed by dancing to a live band under the harvest moon.

Grape Stomp & Harvest Party: $150/person, $130/wine club members

Special Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Tasting in the Vineyard: $75/person, $65/wine club members (limited pre-reserved seating)

Reservations can be made by calling Jessica, Steve or Patti at 800-446-7358 or emailing Jessica@peju.com.

FIRE & ICE — Seminar series for single, engaged and/or married men 18 years or older.

Join Simayof Jewelers & Joy of Romance, Inc. for this free, fun, informative & uncensored experience with local experts.

WHEN: The second Tuesday of every month

TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM and 5:30 – 6:30 PM

WHERE: Simayof Union Square, lover level, 295 Geary Street, San Francisco

RSVP Required: Call 415-343-4169 or email us at simayofnews@simayof.com

About Simayof Diamond Cutters and Jewelers & Joy of Romance, Inc.
Simayof Jewelers & Joy of Romance, Inc. are dedicated to helping men successfully navigate their way through dating; proposing and marrying the woman they love. Located in Union Square at 295 Geary St. corner of Powell.

Website: www.simayof.com
Email: simayofnews@simayof.com
Phone: 1.888.SIMAYOF
Contact: Irv Spivak

Wednesday, August 18, 2010
5:30 PM TO 8:30 PM

Presented by Jess Chamberlin

Jess writes about home design and eco‐friendly living for Sunset magazine and firmly believes in the contagious quality of enthusiastic environmentalism.

She appreciates thoughtfully‐made products, believes in supporting local businesses whenever possible, and she supports creative ways to reuse cast‐off materials.

Jess also writes for the Home by Sunset blog (homebysunset.com), loves discovering new designers and innovative products, and feels it’s imperative that people make the connection between eco‐friendly values and personal health.

This program qualifies for .1 CEU credit.

Location:

Sunset Magazine
80 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Note: All chapter meetings, where formal programs are presented, are approved for CEU credit through NKBA.

For Registration & Directions go to: www.nocankba.org
Registration/Dinner 5:30-6:45 PM

Business Meeting 6:45 PM

Program 7:00-8:30 PM

Members $36.00/ Non-Member $42.00 Student Member $10.00/ Student Non-Member $20.00

Registration: Judy Foley, CKD, Treasurer
(650) 248-1124 Email: Judithfoleyckd@gmail.com
Information: Jessica Cabrera, VP Programs
(650) 333-4785 Email: jessicaj@riggsdistributing.com

LuxeSF: Let’s start with your background.

Juestel: I was born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, and I come from a family of artists, craftsmen and musicians.  I grew up in a hotel which my parents owned and where I was also working and helping out as a child and as a teenager.  Then I went to hotel management and culinary school.  Upon graduation, I worked in the hospitality industry and then ran a small jewelry store.  In 1984 I came to the United States, straight to San Francisco.

LuxeSF: Why did you decide to do that?

Juestel: I wanted to study art.  I went to the Academy of Art University here in San Francisco and got a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Following graduation, I worked in galleries and then at Ralph Lauren for a number of years in Home Collections.  After that I was hired by an interior design firm by the name of Candra Scott & Anderson, which specializes in the historic restoration of landmark hotels.  In 1999, after four years with that firm, I opened my own residential design firm.

LuxeSF: Your design aesthetic – how would you describe it?

Juestel: Eclectic, cosmopolitan with touches of the exotic, a blend of new and old, warm and inviting.

LuxeSF: That covers a broad territory.

Juestel: If you see my portfolio, that’s pretty much what it is.  Generally it’s client-specific; so it ranges from traditional to modern, from casual to elegant, depending on the architecture and the client’s taste.  I feel that my approach to design is more that of a set designer.  I built stage sets for my clients’ lives, all driven by the structure, the surrounding, and most importantly by the clients’ personalities.  As a result my design is quite varied.

LuxeSF: If you were designing for yourself…

Juestel: If I were to design for myself, my own house, definitely exotic touches from all over the world and a mixture of modern and traditional designs… with custom pieces that are a little bit quirky and different.  And warm, rich colors.

LuxeSF: To that point, what have been the external influences that have driven you to your current design?

Juestel: My upbringing and living in Europe.  I definitely have a European touch to my design.  My love for travel gives it the international bent.  Also, I originally wanted to study fashion.  So I am always inspired by textiles and fashion in general.

LuxeSF: When you say “European context,” how does that manifest itself in your design?

Juestel: I really appreciate historic architecture, antiques and items that have a “lived-in” quality … interiors that have been created over time.  That’s something I’m used to, growing up in Europe where people don’t move as much and pieces are inherited and passed on.  Often you take over the parents’ home.  You can live in a building thats perhaps 500 years old, but you add modern touches.  So, for me, it’s about a harmonious and stimulating combination of old and new, and the appreciation of history while still updating it and not turning it into a museum.

LuxeSF: What would the ideal assignment be for you?

Juestel: A nice client with a healthy budget and an open mind.

LuxeSF: Today’s clients – what are that they’re seeking in design?  Are there certain trends that are very vogue-ish and “hot” right now?

Juestel: I personally try not to follow trends because when I design I really aim to create a lasting interior.  I first find out how long the client is planning to live there.  Are they going to take the furniture to another place?  Is this going to be their dream home in which they’re going to raise their children and grow old?  I try to think ahead.  In 10-20 years would they still love what I have designed, perhaps with minor updates over time?  So, I don’t follow the trends that much.

LuxeSF: But what do you do when they come to you and say, “Well, my neighbor’s got granite countertops in the kitchen.  I’ve got to have granite.”

Juestel: That’s true, and in that case I would advise them first if the material is appropriate for their style of home, and then as to whether the trend is passé or new.  If it’s something as permanent as stone, bathroom or kitchen tiles – that kind of thing – then you really have to think about it, and I will say to them, “Just because the neighbor has it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right thing or the best choice.”  I would advise them according to the architectural style of the home and what would have longevity, rather than what’s trendy.  It’s like clothing: you’re not going to buy an investment piece in some bright color or crazy style.

LuxeSF: What do you consider are the very core basic elements of great design?

Juestel: Quality, longevity, comfort…

LuxeSF: Let’s take those one at a time.  What does quality mean?

Juestel: Quality – buy the best you can afford; and that will vary from client to client.  You can have a museum-quality antique, and that’s wonderful if you can afford it.  And then there may be something less expensive that’s still of good quality.  I don’t believe in temporary fixes.  Here’s an example for a nursery.  A client wanted to buy Pottery Barn furniture – a dresser with a changing table and all the matching stuff.  Instead I recommended a really beautiful hand-painted chest of drawers with a custom changing top that could be removed when the child gets older.  We paired it with an iron crib painted in a child-friendly painted finish that befitting the house in style.  Both pieces have gone through three children now, and I know one of these kids will take that dresser with them into their first apartment, and the crib could be sold or passed on since it will last a very long time.  The clients got much more out of finer furniture, as neither fell apart.

Longevity means that a piece wouldn’t go out of style.  It is unique. It’s a classic.  I aim to have all the investment pieces to be more timeless and classic.  We create a lot of custom-design furniture.  The smaller things, such as pillows that can be replaced at a lower cost, so those could be quirky and little bit trendier.  But for fabric for a big sofa, for example, I may use something more neutral and durable, and then put the splash into the smaller items such as pillows,throws and other accessories.

When it comes to comfort, some people may not care about look or style, especially at times the husbands.  They want their sofa and chairs to be comfortable, the room to feel relaxing.  And that’s been kind of my reputation.  When people look at my portfolio, and at the residences I’ve designed, they always remark that the environments look inviting and comfortable.  Even if a room is considered elegant, I never want anybody to walk in and be afraid to sit down and have a glass of wine because it’s just too stuffy and too formal.  Even in the more formal rooms I create an environment that feels as if you want to entertain, you want to share, you want to be with people.  It feels more lived in.

LuxeSF: How do you find your clients right now?

Juestel: Generally, our business is based on referrals because it is such a personal business.  Clients, contractors and architects who have worked with us recommend the majority of our clients.  In addition, I have had people come to us based on our website.  Also, we do “green” design and we have gotten clients who have been looking for green designers and found us online.  My firm is listed on different sites that advertise green products and design.

LuxeSF: How else?

Juestel: I think it is really important to build relationships with people in our industry and within the larger industry of businesses serving the luxury client.  That is why I joined the Luxury Marketing Council.  It is vital to network with colleagues and within tangentially-related industries from lighting designers to architects and contractors.  I very much value the respect of my peers, and want to collaborate with the best.  But also associating with other purveyors of luxury goods and services has proven to be very helpful.  In the end, whether it is jewelry, fancy cars, or high-end interiors, we are all dealing with the same clientele.

LuxeSF: How many times a week are you out networking?

Juestel: Business with pleasure, three nights a week at least.  And I also just launched a blog http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/, which allows me to reach a wider audience in a communicative and open fashion, as websites are static.  It is another way of sharing what my practice is about and promoting our services to the world

LuxeSF: The current recession has hurt everybody.  The interior design community – how dramatic has the recession been in terms of its impact and effect?

Juestel: It’s been tough all the way around.  We’re a luxury business, and of course when the recession hit people had to think, “Am I going to buy the bigger house?  Am I going to stay here and do nothing?  Or am I going to upgrade this house?”  For a long time it was pretty much “do nothing” for most until people grew more comfortable with their financial situation.  Things are slowly starting to move, but it has definitely been on a smaller scale than in the past.  Every interior design firm, every architectural firm, has been hit.  For the most part almost every firm I know has cut their staff during the last few years.  A lot of design firms, as well as antique dealers and showrooms have gone out of business.  We have managed to push through, thanks to loyal clients and my value-engineering skills of stretching the dollar and making it look like a million bucks on a more limited budget.  All of us who are still here believe that “the strong will survive.”  The people with the resale license and a flair for color are probably going to fall by the wayside, versus the stalwart professionals who have talented and hardworking staff and a smart principle with a sound business sense.  Those are the ones who will survive.

LuxeSF: What changes do you think the recession has forced in terms of how interior designers are conducting business?

Juestel: Well, if you think on the very high-end, there was a certain ostentatiousness associated with interior design.  So, designers on that level were certainly hurt by the clients’ rejection of anything that appeared too “over the top” or indulgent.

LuxeSF: But how have designers changed their mode of operation and their mode of marketing?  What have they learned from the recession?

Juestel: I think any designer, no matter what level they’re on, would be willing to take on smaller projects, whereas before they would turn them down.  A lot of designers have reduced their pricing, which I don’t think is the best thing, because if you were worth it at one point in time, why wouldn’t you be worth it all the time?  The recession has taught us to run our businesses well…have a little put aside for safety, broaden your client base, and maybe broadening your scope of services, such as adding project management, color consultations etc.

LuxeSF: There are a lot of systemic changes going on in the interior design business – the impact of the Internet, different modes of compensation, a much more educated client because they’ve got access to so much design-related information.  If you are a new interior designer coming in to do business today, how would you differ in your approach from somebody who entered the business 20 years ago?

Juestel: Well, you definitely have to keep up with the times and the technology.  As you just said, clients have access to information that they haven’t had before.  However, a little information can also be a dangerous thing.  Watching HGTV does not really give the client an accurate understanding of what it is to design a project, because not everything you see is realistic or credible in terms of the budget and how long it takes to do quality work.  However, they do get exposed to so much more in terms of product and choices.  Therefore, as a designer, you have to keep current with what your clients are reading and viewing.  You also have to keep up online with blogs and social media because clients are exposed to them too. They expect you to know about it because you’re the one who is supposed to be the expert and knowledgeable about trends and such.  It takes a lot more time and effort to keep up with because now everybody has equal access online.  That also one of the reasons I started the blog.  I wanted a forum where clients and potential clients can interact, share and give us feedback.

LuxeSF: What about in terms of the relationship with the client?

Juestel: The client relationships have changed too because we’re doing much more communication through text and email.  Before, we would have had a meeting when we wanted to show them something.  Now we may send them an email with an image of the chair or the table.  In general communications have gotten faster and shorter.  Time is more valuable than ever.  So it is very important to communicate efficiently without loosing the personal touch.  Residential interior design is all about personal relationships.  We are creating living environments that truly must feel like home for their inhabitants, and mutual respect and trust are key in these relationships, perhaps now more so than ever after all the greed and grave dishonesty we have witnessed the past few years.  Sincerity, hard work, good communication, and of course great design within in normal budget is what clients expect now more than ever.

To learn more about Adeeni Design Group, visit www.adeenidesigngroup.com

To view Claudia Juestel’s complete biography, click here.

Model Homes To Open at Last Residential Development at Hamilton Field

Barker Pacific Group (BPG), the developer of the 450,000 square foot Hamilton Landing office park at the former Hamilton Air Force Base, has begun construction on a new 27 single-family home community at Hamilton.  The Landing at Hamilton is the last parcel zoned for residential development at Hamilton in Novato.  Due to substantial increases in affordable housing fees imposed by the City of Novato, along with recent sewer and water fee increases assessed on new home construction by the Novato utility districts, the project will quite possibly be the last single family detached home permits granted by the city of Novato for the foreseeable future.

The Landing at Hamilton, designed by award winning Oakland-based KTGY Group, will include three to five-bedroom homes ranging from 2,432 square feet to over 3,000 square feet.  Average lot sizes will be 5,500 square feet.  The community will include three staged models and offer four floor plans. The models are scheduled to open August 13, 2010, with the first homes ready to close escrow as early as September 2010.  Pricing for the homes will start in the mid-$800,000’s.

Architectural rendering

Bank of Marin, which is headquartered in Novato, provided construction financing for the project.  “As the top community and business bank in Marin, it is important for us to support the needs of our local community,” said Russ Colombo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Marin.  “We are proud to be the lender on this exciting new project in Novato.”  Securing the first round of funding has allowed the site work on the new streets, sewers and other utilities to begin.

Pacific Union International will market and sell the homes.  “We fully expect Novato to continue to outperform the rest of the Marin real estate market,” said Mark McLaughlin, President of Pacific Union International.  “And we are proud to partner with Barker Pacific Group on this unique Novato project.”

“The elevations and floor plans by KTGY are fantastic, as is the close proximity to Hamilton Field’s robust amenities,” said Kyle Frazier, Broker Associate at Pacific Union and Community Sales Director for The Landing.  “The Landing at Hamilton reflects exactly what buyers are looking for — well-designed homes in a wonderful community.”  Hamilton amenities include community parks, a newly renovated pool, Bay trails and parkways, a local YMCA facility, a branch of the Marin County Free Library, convenient shopping at the new Hamilton Marketplace, an art center with gallery and much more.

Michael Barker, Managing Director of BPG, said, “We’re very excited about having the opportunity to develop such a dynamic community in one of the most prestigious areas of California.  The property adjoins our 450,000 square foot office park, Hamilton Landing, and we expect a number of our buyers will include employees who work in the park.”  There are 1,200 employees at Hamilton Landing who work for Disney’s Imageworks Digital, 2K Games, Birkenstock and Marin IPA among others who have offices located in Hamilton Landing, all of which are next to the new community.

Additionally, the new home development will border the Bay Trail that runs along the Hamilton levee adjacent to the Bay wetlands restoration project – the second largest wetlands restoration project in the United States.  Some homes will have views of the wetlands.

Barker Pacific Group is a firm comprised of experienced real estate professionals active in asset management, acquisitions, and development of major commercial projects.  The company was founded 26 years ago to specialize in the development and acquisition of institutional quality office, retail, and residential projects in select U.S. cities.

BPG recently acquired the project known as Rowland Plaza in Novato.  Several of BPG’s other notable projects include: Hamilton Landing in Novato, 100 First Plaza in San Francisco, The Fine Arts Building, 626 Wilshire Boulevard and 5055 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and The Miami Arena and Columbus Center in South Florida.  BPG has offices in Los Angeles, Marin County and Phoenix.

For more information about The Landing at Hamilton, visit www.TheLandingNovato.com or call Kyle Frazier, Community Sales Director, at (415) 350-9440.

We are looking for a seasoned sales-professional who can take our mission to the street, delivering compelling presentations that effectively articulate our value proposition and foster win-win partnerships that drive revenue.

The future of newspapers is the free-daily. The San Francisco Examiner circulates the most newspapers in the city, and we are continuing to grow. Our advertising revenue is also growing steadily because we offer real results and creative opportunities for our customers. You can be a part of this growth and our exciting evolution. 2009 was a better year than 2008 for The Examiner, and 2010 is even stronger! In 5 years, there will be a free daily newspaper in most major U.S. cities. The free daily model started in Europe and is relatively new to the United States. Free dailies are already thriving in New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco. This is your opportunity to get in on the action!

Rewards

• Top compensation - bottom line, a career in sales is about earning a great income, yet that often comes at the expense of a base salary and benefits; that is not the case here. Your compensation package will include a solid base salary, a robust commission plan along with a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical/dental/vision plans; a 401(k) plan; and more.
• A multimedia portfolio to meet all needs – you will be able to offer multimedia advertising solutions from a portfolio that includes an array of print, targeted distribution and interactive vehicles including www.sfexaminer.com and www.examiner.com. You will be a ‘brand ambassador’ for our portfolio–projecting a polished, confident presence–and an educator for your clients, helping them to understand the depth of our portfolio and to get maximum leverage and revenue generating potential from it.
• Career development – while other newspapers are experiencing layoffs, we’re growing and your success in this role will allow you to pursue numerous growth opportunities within our dynamic organization.
• Upbeat culture – you’ll join a creative and growing division that takes a positive, upbeat, team-oriented approach. We are extremely responsive to our readers’ and advertisers’ changing needs and you’ll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and actually engage in the creative process as you help design advertisements for your clients.

Requirements

• 2+ years experience in San Francisco Real Estate. If you have not worked in the city please do not apply.
• At least 2 years of B2B sales experience, preferably in a media environment.
• Experience creating and presenting customized programs and packages for customers.
• Outstanding communication skills – creating rapport and assessing clients’ needs through a consultative sales approach.
• Strong organizational skills and multi-tasking prowess to successfully network, accomplish tasks, and achieve results in a fast-paced, dynamic
• work environment with minimum direction and a sense of urgency.
• A valid CA Driver’s License and unrestricted access to a personally insured vehicle.
• Solid Computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite and the Internet.

More About Your Role

This role covers the entire gamut of sales, and you can expect to invest a significant portion of your time in prospecting and cold calling. You also will conduct needs analysis to recommend multi-media advertising campaigns to fit the client’s business needs, and we’ll look to you to track your prospecting efforts, including being able to report the status and how close you are to closing the sale. Specifically, you will divide your time among two main areas:

• Account acquisition; pro-actively researching and qualifying prospective customers; creating and presenting customized advertising programs; communicating pricing, terms and conditions; and following-up to ensure satisfaction as you consistently net new advertising accounts.
• Account retention: retaining and maintaining existing clients by ensuring that your customers’ ongoing needs are consistently being met.

Keys to Success

To flourish in our dynamic environment, you will bring a passion for sales and have both the vision to capitalize on opportunities that others miss and the drive to make those visions a reality. Also, in this relationship-based business, excellent customer service and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills are critical; you’ll position yourself as a knowledgeable Real Estate advertising expert and ally who can help your clients thrive in these recessionary times, instead of another pushy salesman trying to sell something.

In addition, you will rely on the following personality attributes to succeed in this role:

• Constant drive — you’ll be able to move 95 mph in a 55 mph world, showcasing a sense of urgency and solid focus as you push to build relationships and maximize your territory.
• Integrity-as with any sales position, you’ll actively focus on meeting your revenue targets, but more than just chasing the numbers, you’ll focus on building relationships by demonstrating integrity and authenticity to your clients at all times.
• Strong organization & independence — you’ll also need the entrepreneurial initiative to autonomously set goals and follow through to achieve those, while remaining up to date on all reporting and territory details.
• Creativity–in this fiercely competitive marketplace we’ll look to you to get creative in your pursuit of new revenue and to continually come up with new ideas to “go the extra mile.”
• Tenacity-you’ll possess an indefatigable drive to work past resistance and objections.
• Flexibility – you’ll remain adaptive and responsive to client’s shifting priorities or needs.

If this sounds like the right mix of challenge and opportunity for you, and you meet the minimum qualifications, we want to hear from you!

Who We Are

While our roots reach back to the 1860s, the Examiner business model has been completely reinvented following the company’s purchase by Philip Anschutz in 2004. Our parent company, the Clarity Media Group, is one of the country’s fastest growing media conglomerates offering news and local information in some 57 major metropolitan areas and is home to the Washington D.C. Examiner and The San Francisco Examiner.

To apply, send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to advjobs@sfexaminer.com.