Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/84881
THESE 10 MEN ARE CHANGING THE WAY THE WORLD SEES BOSTON—AND HOW WE SEE OURSELVES. BY MICHAEL BLANDING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC LEVIN the NEW GUARD T hey're the guys you turn to for guidance, for inspiration, for connections, for the Next Big Thing (capitals intentional). These are the guys in town who are pushing the envelope in their respective fields—whether it be the newest luxury hotel, software innovation, or a hassle-free way to get to Nantucket. Most of all, these are the guys who are leading the way to make Boston great. Meet the new go-to guys. The Lifestyle Brokers M aybe it was the Maserati that AJ Rich and Andrew Haddad picked up one morning while its owner—their client—was in class that made them real- ize they had the coolest job in the world. Rich, 29, founded Boston Collegiate Consulting Group in January 2009 and brought in business partner Haddad, 30, whom he'd known for years from previous partnerships in event promotions, to serve an untapped market: international college students and their parents who are seeking a seamless transition to life in Boston. "We look at ourselves as lifestyle brokers," says Rich. "Clients want someone to be there in the morning for business"—whether that means help- ing them find an apartment, register a car, or refer them to an investment opportunity—"and they want someone to be available in the evening for entertainment," adds Haddad. Rich is usually in the office early, meeting 100 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM with clients about home purchases, start-up businesses, and organizational needs, while Haddad is out and about night and day, networking and building relationships. "We can offer a nearly 24-hour experience to the kids or their parents," he says. The service comes with a $300-per-month membership fee and an hourly fee for post 9-to-5 requests. The pair has done everything from making day-to-day reservations throughout the city and arranging homes for clients in Jordan and Egypt to "being a liaison to the US for new graduates as they begin to invest in local businesses and real estate," says Rich. "These are not your ordinary 19- and 20-year-olds." And Rich and Haddad are not your ordinary concierges. ON AJ, OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT : Charles shirt ($195), Catalonia waistcoat ($325), skinny striped tie ($125), and Jermin trousers ($325), Rag & Bone. 111 Newbury St., 617-536-6700; rag-bone.com. Sterling silver tie clip, David Donahue ($60). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660; neimanmarcus.com. Reversible leather belt, Salvatore Ferragamo ($295). Neiman Marcus, SEE ABOVE. Speedmaster professional watch, Omega ($5,400). Shreve, Crump & Low, 39 Newbury St., 617-267-9100; shrevecrumpandlow.com ON ANDREW, OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT: Checked wool blazer, Brioni ($4,995). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660; neimanmarcus.com. Aiken sweater ($228), dress shirt ($98), and suit pants ($228), Elie Tahari. Copley Place, 617-536-5851; elietahari.com. Silk pocket square, Salvatore Ferragamo ($120). Neiman Marcus, SEE ABOVE. James Bond limited-edition Seamaster watch, Omega ($5,000). Shreve, Crump & Low, 39 Newbury St., 617-267-9100; shrevecrumpandlow.com