Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/715608
PhotograPhy by ben Porter As Austin Way becomes more of a part of this city, I become more aware of how Austin is viewed outside of Texas. People I know around the country often tell me how much they love Austin, even if they have never been here. But I wonder whether people around the country really appreciate how unique this city is and what the entrepreneurial energy is really like here. This is a town of true entrepre- neurs. They are the visionaries and trend forecasters. There is no place where the entrepreneurial spirit is more alive than in Austin, and it goes well beyond the dominant players like Whole Foods Market and Dell Inc. Consider Vicki Roberts and her glamorous new dealership, Lexus of Lakeway. It is spectacular and we can only hope a vision of what luxury car dealerships will look like in the future. Restaurateurs Stuart Thomajan and C.K. Chin have set the bar for downtown dining with Swift's Attic and Wu Chow, and will open a third eatery at the new Lamar Central development. There is Jose Buitron and Bill Pitts, who are about to open their third Jose Luis Salon, this one at Domain Northside. They have recognized opportunities in these up-and-com- ing areas of Austin, and Domain Northside—the new entertainment and shopping district by Endeavor Real Estate Group—is certainly positioned to be the trendiest place in town. Visionary entrepreneurs, however, can take many forms. Dr. Bruce Levy is a definite visionary with his introduction of HyGleaCare, making colonoscopy prep easier. In addition, Marlene Jorge is a visionary with her trend-setting murals around Austin. And let's not forget Ted Oakley, founder of Oxbow Advisors, who is a definite trend-setter not only in capital management but with his vision for his charity, Foster Angels, which he created in 1999. For them, it's good business. For us, it all contributes to the energy and quality of life that make Austin so special. . clockwise from left: In the H-E-B art gallery at Austin Way's Art of the City fundraising event at the Waller Creek Boathouse with with Kelly Grajeda, A.J. Bingham, M. Ato, and my wife celebrating our Art of the City initiative; with my good friend Marcia Levy on the docks of Waller Creek Boathouse; greeting guests at Art of the City on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. lou delone 20 AUSTINWAY.com LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER