Name: Larry Rosen
Occupation: Chairman and CEO of Harry Rosen
Twitter: @harryroseninc
Bio:
Eldest son of Harry Rosen, Larry Rosen has worked for the company for more than 25 years in many different areas: on the sales floor, as a buyer, in operations and corporate development. After practicing corporate law in Toronto, Larry joined Harry Rosen as a buyer in 1986. He then became involved in store operations at a senior management level, and then became buying director.
In 1997 Larry was named president and chief operating officer. He was appointed chairman and chief executive officer in 2000. Larry is a member of the Ivey Advisory Board, the Ivey Entrepreneurship Advisory Council and the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Board. He spearheads Harry’s Spring Run-Off, which has raised over $3 million to date.
Q: Most visited destination for business
A: Milan
Q: Local knowledge tip
A: La Risacca is a personal favourite – they serve some of the best seafood in the world. The Mediterranean sea bass cooked in salt is worth the trip to Italy alone.
Q: DIY vs. travel agent
A: Definitely DIY but my assistant is invaluable.
Q: Most impressive airport
A: You can’t beat the efficiency at Frankfurt Airport.
Q: Preferred luggage
A: A carry-on by Tumi – recognized as the world’s leading brand of luxury travel accessories: I always avoid checking bags.
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Q: Preferred airline
A: Air Canada for international flights.
Q: Aisle or window
A: Always aisle.
Q: What three things are on your must-pack-or-will-suffer-a-meltdown list?
A: My gym gear, a navy blazer, and a pair of rubber-soled loafers that can easily be dressed up or down.
Q: Jet lag strategy
A: When going to Europe I quickly acclimatize myself to local time. I work for the day, go out for a late dinner and then head back to the hotel. By day 2 my sleep schedule is set. Returning home, I try to stay awake till 11 p.m. to adjust back to Toronto time.
Q: Staying in shape on the road
A: It’s imperative. I aim for an early morning workout every 2nd day.
Q: Preferred in-flight activity – i.e. sleep, work, read, watch movies/TV
A: I like to get lost in a good book.
Q: Best hotel bar for networking with other entrepreneurs
A: YEW bar at the Four Seasons Vancouver has a great scene.
Q: Time & money saving tips
A: Few realize how excellent the laundry service is at most hotels. For extended stays, pack lighter and take advantage of the services offered.
Q: What hotel has truly lived up to the hype?
A: The Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton never disappoint.
Q: What do you enjoy finding most in a mini-bar?
A: The over-priced pistachios are a weakness.
Q: Describe your guilty pleasure when traveling
A: If there’s a casino nearby . . . I’ve been known to drop in.
Q: What foreign phrase do you most enjoy tossing about?
A: Certo – Italian for “certainly.”
Q: Brushes with greatness: Most famous or interesting person you have spotted or bantered with on your travels . . .
A: I’m fortunate to enjoy the company of a legion of amazing designers and business leaders like John Varvatos, Kean Etro, Brunello Cucinelli, Ermenegildo Zegna, the Canali family and more. Their talent is inspiring.
Q: Tell us about a great little place you recommend to friends
A: There are some wonderful places around the hills of Chianti near Florence. Il San Pietro di Positano along the Amalfi coast is another retreat that I highly recommend.
Q: Confess to one thing you’ve nicked from your hotel room
A: The sewing kit – it’s a handy tool to have around.
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Q: Favourite island
A: Aruba
Q: UNESCO World Heritage Site that blows your mind
A: Machu Picchu. The 9-km hike along the Urubamba River to the Inca Trail is one of life’s most enthralling adventures.
Q: The coolest hotel you’ve ever stayed in
A: Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur California – undisputedly one of the best-kept secrets in the world (until now).
Q: A travel themed film that has really moved you
A: The Way starring Martin Sheen.
Q: A beloved travel book, fiction or non-fiction
A: In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson.
Tags: business trips, harry rosen, larry rosen, travel tips, health
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