ICONIC HOUR

• The Art of Hospitality

  On today's episode, we sit down with legendary Chef Christopher Gross and hospitality visionary Bill Nassikas as they explore the intersection of cuisine, creativity, and guest experience. From Michelin-level kitchens to world-class resorts, they share stories from decades at the top of the culinary and hospitality industries—along with candid conversations with chefs, winemakers, and entrepreneurs redefining what it means to serve. Insight, humor, and behind-the-scenes wisdom—straight from two masters of their craft. Website: https://wrigleymansion.com/christophers westroc.com  Instagram: christophersatwrigley   BACK STORY The president and COO of Westroc Hospitality since its founding, William J. Nassikas boasts decades of successful national and international experience in the hospitality industry. Like CEO Scott Lyon, William gained early exposure to his career path as the son of hotelier James A. Nassikas, founder of the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco. Prior to joining Westroc, William served as senior vice president of operations at Grand Bay Resorts, joining that organization as part of the merger-acquisition of Carefree Resorts. There, he was responsible for all accommodations, restaurant, spa, golf, and other guest service operations for properties including The Boulders Resort, The Buttes in Tempe, The Peaks at Telluride, Carmel Valley Ranch, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, The Grand Bay Miami, and the famed Golden Door Spa. Among his many achievements, William was instrumental in the conception and development of Deer Valley Resort in Utah. He gained invaluable experience through executive management positions within Hyatt Hotels, as well as training throughout Europe, including the famed Restaurant Girardet in Switzerland. A graduate of Cornell University's Hotel School, William earned a Diplome Finale des Etudes from Ecole Hoteliere de la Societe Suisse des Hoteliers in Switzerland. His numerous honors include "Hotelier of the Year" by The Chaine des Rotisseurs, being inducted into The Arizona Republic's Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, the Ivy Award from Restaurant & Institutions magazine, the CSX Award of Excellence, nomination for the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art's Contemporary Catalyst Award, the 2006 Industry Leadership Award from Arizona Hospitality Industry Professionals, and AZLTA's 2019 Hotelier of the Year award. William fulfills a commitment to give back to the hospitality industry, helping train future professionals as a visiting lecturer to the Inaugural Master of Real Estate Development Class at Arizona State University, Cornell University's Hotel School, and University of New Hampshire's hospitality management program. He also serves on various boards, including the Royal St. Corporation, AZLTA and The Mission B1 Foundation.   Based in Phoenix, AZ, Christopher Gross is a James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef who has been recognized among the best in the United States. Famed for its modern twists on classic French fare, Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion earned a 2022 James Beard Outstanding Chef nomination. It was rated 18/20 by Gayot Guide which named it Best French Restaurant, Best 10 Restaurant Wine Lists, Best 10 Restaurants with a View, and Best Romantic Restaurants. In its five-star review, Arizona Republic called the restaurant "Phoenix's most innovative, enticing dining experience for its exclusive tasting-menu experience where the chefs also serve each dish." Named to the Scottsdale Culinary Hall of Fame, Chef Christopher has also been honored by Food & Wine magazine's "America's 10 Best New Chefs," was the first chef in Arizona to be honored with the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence and also created the nationwide "Flavors" fundraiser for the American Liver Association.     SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.  

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• Legacy & Lifestyle: Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. on Fine Wine

  On today's episode, we sit down with Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. — entrepreneur, hospitality visionary, and member of one of the most ICONIC fashion families in the world — for a rich conversation that blends heritage, hospitality, and the evolving landscape of luxury living. Website: www.ilborro.it Instagram: salvatore_ferragamo_jr ilborro    BACK STORY The Italian Association of Arizona is thrilled to announce its 10th annual Italian Festival at Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront, where attendees can experience Italy in the Valley on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day festival will bring back its theme "La Strada del Vino", translated directly as the street of wine, offering visitors new opportunities to experience Italian cuisine, wine, live entertainment and a special Italian guest star in honor of the festival's 10th anniversary. "We are pleased to welcome fashion leader and wine owner Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. to the festival," said Italian Association of Arizona Founder Dario Soldan. "As part of the iconic designer family, Mr. Ferragamo Jr.'s attendance highlights the strong unity of the Italian community, and we look forward to celebrating our wonderful culture in Scottsdale." Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., the grandchild of Salvatore Ferragamo, the fashion designer and founder of the renowned Italian luxury fashion house known for its shoes and accessories since 1927, will be this year's special guest. Ferragamo's grandson owns part of the family wine company out of Tuscany, Il Borro, a super Tuscan wine producer, and Pinino, a Brunello wine producer. There will be a Ferragamo wine station open throughout the entire weekend of the festival, offering wine bottles and tastings. Ferragamo Jr. will attend the event briefly on Sunday afternoon. The two-day festival will feature over 30 wines from various regions in Italy, new Valley food vendors such as Luna by Giada and Elephante, along with returning favorites like Pomo Pizzeria, Mamma Lucy, Marcellino Ristorante and several others. Merchant vendors such as Outrageous Oils, Italian Harmony and Mamma Letizia will offer a selection of curated Italian products at the event. Additional items available include ceramic pottery from Lome, handcrafted apparel from Tea n Lace, jewelry, leather handbags and original artwork. This year, the festival will feature two stages with live entertainment along the waterfront. Programming includes cooking demonstrations from the festival's title sponsor, Greco & Sons, music performances by Ripalta Bufo, Sima and her All-Star Quartet, the Steve Ansel band and various street performers, including a group of 15 flag twirlers from Asti, Italy. Children can also enjoy face painting and balloon making at the event. The festival provides three ticket packages. The Salvatore Ferragamo Experience is available for $99.99 during the presale period from now until Tuesday, Sept. 30, offering one general admission ticket, six wine tasting tickets, four Ferragamo wine tasting tickets, as well as a wine glass and lanyard. After the presale, the price increases to $125 and does not include the wine glass or lanyard. The "La Strada del Vino" package consists of one general admission ticket, six wine tasting tickets, a wine glass and a lanyard, priced at $49.99 for presale and $65 at the regular rate. General admission tickets cost $15 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Children aged 12 and under receive free entry to the festival. The celebrations don't stop there. Ferragamo Jr. will also have an exclusive meet and greet experience on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of the Ferragamo store in Scottsdale Fashion Square, right next to the festival. For $150, guests can personally meet Ferragamo Jr. and select a bottle of either the highly rated Super Tuscan Il Borro or the Brunello di Montalcino from Pinino. Following the festival, Ferragamo Jr. will host an exclusive dinner on Monday, Oct. 27 at Virtu Honest Craft in Scottsdale. Limited to 50 guests, this event will feature a seven-course menu paired with wines from Il Borro and Pinino, offering attendees the opportunity to dine alongside Ferragamo Jr. A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to the Italian Association in support of building a future Italian Culture Center. Tickets are priced at $400 per person. The Italian Association of Arizona wants to thank its title sponsor, Greco & Sons, and the City of Scottsdale, for making the event possible. For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.italianassociation.org/annual-italian-festival. About Italian Association: The Italian Association (IA) is a private, non-profit 501c (3), non-political membership organization for Arizona Italian and American communities interested in developing their understanding and knowledge of Italy. Guided by the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, the Italian Association's mission is to establish Arizona's premier Italian Cultural Center, a vibrant hub celebrating Italian heritage, traditions and community. SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much! ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE! JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.

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• From Vines to Vision: Jesse Katz on Crafting Next-Level Wine

  On today's episode, we sit down with Jesse Katz, the visionary founder and winemaker behind Aperture Cellars—a label that's redefining the future of fine wine through precision, storytelling, and stunning design. From collaborating with A-list celebrities to building one of the most architecturally striking wineries in California, Jesse shares his journey of blending innovation with tradition in an industry steeped in legacy. Website: aperture-cellars.com Instagram: aperturecellars BACK STORY EARLY ADVENTURES to legendary vineyards and wineries around the world with his father, photographer Andy Katz, gave Colorado-native Jesse Katz a profound respect for the creative art of winemaking. Jesse creates distinct, nuanced wines for his brands Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards; while serving as a consulting winemaker for some of the world's most prestigious wines.   Inspired from an early age, Jesse dived into the wine industry and has since became one of the most exciting — and accomplished — winemakers in the world. Jesse's diverse experience spanning 25 harvests at wineries, along with his desire to travel, fed his aspiration to learn from the best in the industry, including Pétrus in Bordeaux, as well as time on the winemaking teams at Screaming Eagle Winery and Robert Foley Winery in Napa Valley, and Viña Cobos and Bodega Noemia in Argentina. In 2010, Jesse was the youngest-hired head winemaker in the U.S. at Lancaster Estate where, during his five-year tenure, he orchestrated the building of the new Roth winery, production facility, and tasting room, and received 90+ scores on every wine scored by the Wine Advocate, and garnered Lancaster Estate's inclusion on the list of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines. In 2013, Wine Enthusiast named Jesse one of its 40 Under 40 Tastemakers and he was also the first winemaker on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2014. As a consulting winemaker for some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Von Miller, Tony Hawk and Justin Timberlake, in 2017, Jesse's wine collaboration with Shep Gordon, The Setting, earned acclaim as the most expensive wine in the world. Jesse enjoys putting his craft to work raising funds for good causes, non-profits, and charity events. All large format bottles of Devil Proof and Aperture are donated to charitable auctions along with numerous cases of wine and custom winery experiences each year. Through travels with his photographer father, winemaker Jesse Katz developed a profound passion for wine and winemaking that has shaped his career. As a child and young adult, it was through his father's work that Jesse was first introduced to the art of winemaking, where he quickly recognized the importance of terroir and balance of the winemaker's influence, landing him on a path he has followed ever since. Jesse's winemaking philosophy is a combination of diverse hands-on experience and knowledge passed on to him from some of the greatest winemaking legends while working at some of the most renowned wineries around the world. One core ethos has always prevailed though: evolution. Jesse is always learning, always evolving and constantly trying new things to achieve greater excellence.  When it comes to the production methods, Jesse and his team are constantly modifying their fermentation applications based on different vineyards and fruit quality year to year. Each vintage calls for a tailored barrel fermentation approach on both Aperture reds and whites. Early extraction brings fleshy, ripe characteristics; while extended maturation ensures structure and length from each grape variety. A combination of warm and cool fermentation is completed on all varieties.   SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much! ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE! JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com  Instagram: @iconiclifemag  Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.

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• Rooted in Impact: Change Agents of Arizona

  On today's episode of the podcast, we sit down with Tim McBride, founder of Change Agents of Arizona, to discuss the inspiration behind the movement and the second annual Change Agents of Arizona event celebrating this year's honorees.  This event is an invite-only gathering that recognizes a small, carefully selected class of real estate professionals who lead with generosity, integrity, and purpose. These agents aren't just successful in business—they use their platform to lift others, lead boldly in their communities, and inspire change far beyond the closing table.   For more information and to purchase tickets for this year's Change Agents of Arizona event, visit changeagentsofarizona.com  Website: changeagentsaz.com  Instagram: changeagentsarizona BACK STORY Inspired by the legacy of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Change Agents of Arizona (formerly Change Agents of Phoenix) was created to celebrate a new standard of excellence in real estate—one that honors not just professional achievement, but the ability to use that success as a force for good. The inspiration for this initiative comes from my deep connection to professional sports and the respect I hold for athletes who are recognized for both their performance and their character. In real estate, where authenticity and trust are everything, I believe the same should apply: greatness is not just about numbers—it's about how you lead, how you serve, and the impact you leave behind. Change Agents of Arizona is more than an event. It's a movement to elevate the industry by spotlighting those who are transforming lives and communities through their everyday business. These are the professionals who think beyond transactions—who use their platforms with purpose and lead with heart. Each year, a select few agents are nominated and carefully chosen by peers, past honorees, and industry partners to represent the Change Agents class. This is not an award anyone applies for—it's a distinction that must be earned through leadership, service, and consistent alignment with the core values we hold sacred.   SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully. TAGS: changeagentsofarizona, changeagentsofaz, homesforgoodfoundation, oneteamscottsdale, impact, iconichourpodcast, iconiclifemag, livebeautifully   

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• Under One Healthy Roof

  On today's episode of the podcast, we sit down with Brian Johnson, founder of Senergy360, and Nate Gossage, founder of Living Stone Builders, to explore how design, construction, and wellness intersect in the creation of healthy homes. Website:  senergy360.com  buildlivingstone.com  Instagram: livingstonebuilders senergy360 BACK STORY Brian Johnson, founder of Senergy360, is a leader at the intersection of high performance, environmental wellness, and innovative home construction. With over 22 years in the building industry and a personal background as an elite athlete, Brian brings a unique blend of physical performance insight and environmental expertise to every project he touches. His journey into wellness began with firsthand experiences of adverse health effects caused by "sick" homes and the traditional building industry. This sparked a lifelong commitment to optimizing human performance and well-being through better living environments. Driven by a desire to reclaim and enhance his own health, Brian immersed himself in the world of biohacking, self-optimization, and functional medicine. He discovered how powerful environmental factors—such as air quality, materials, lighting, and energy efficiency—can be in supporting recovery, performance, and long-term health. As a triple-certified Building Biologist, Brian specializes in environmental impacts and building science. He seamlessly integrates non-toxic building practices, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge wellness technologies into the construction process. His goal: to create safe, healing living spaces that support both mental clarity and physical vitality. SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much! ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE! JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com  Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.

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