Charles L Martin has spent a lifetime experiencing hard won sales and marketing battles in the fashion (7th Avenue), film (Hollywood), food & beverage (Worldwide), and social marketing (SoCal) industries. He enjoyed working as an assistant to Liz Ortenberg (Claiborne), Tommy Hilfiger, and producer Scott Rudin, among others. He has worked for Esprit, D.F. Sanders & Co., more than 25 other A-List actors and producers, Rhino Chaser's Beer, EarthLink, United Tranz Actions, OpenTable and now LivingSocial, which is the coolest gig around.
The concept of Anticipation Marketing is his specialty. He loves marketers and sales hacks. He loves (or dislikes) your company. His rants on hotheadblog.com may inspire you. They may ignite you. Either way, it's all good. Follow Charles on Twitter @vendorcloud
Charles is a 4-time marathoner with a 3:58 PR. He also enjoys loads of time with his awesome family as well as advocating in modernist architecture, fine wine, craft beer, master Japanese gardens, xeriscape, politics, and music. email him at vendorcloud@gmail.com
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Protected: Letters from Belize…
[click pic to see the big shot]
Welcome to the Hothead's Blog... see... you thought I couldn't make fun of myself now did you? Anyway, this is a section called Love Lines which is like the old blog where all I did were posts like this. I moved the personal stuff to a private section -- now you have the history.
I wanted to reflect on a week or so with you all. This is the toast I never got to. I didn't want to follow Jose -- he was too funny. The film was enough. I wanted to reflect on all the glory, the fun, the love, the laughter, the sheer hilarity,and of course... Empress.
We arrived like you -- or if your name is Oneal, then not like you. Trains, planes, and fuckin' automobiles is what I say when people ask of the Belize trip. Fun like no other.
Belize ::
The people were so incredibly wonderful from start to finish. Whether working head down to make my white ass comfortable or always smiling as I ordered the umpteenth ChiChi, they never wavered no matter the time of day. It seems there aren't many customer service agents in Belize becuase they apparently don't need them. The people there are beautiful and henceforth we now know the basis for the goddess Beliza. Also the environment from the jungle to the shore and back were strictly memorable. It was nice my cell phone didn't work too.
Her family took dancing awards the first night. We scared them the next.
The rain stayed at bay more than it does in Belize and that's probably a nod to Geno and his good karma. As many of you have already written, the wedding was a stunner by all accounts. Look at that Goddam picture up there... Vanity Fair hasn't had a pic so incredible. Sure, we've all been to the one in Greenwich, the one at St. Patrick's, the one in Santa Barbara... but this one had the simplicity of an ancient time and the grace of a wedding you might attend on Hawaii maybe 100 years ago when it was a young island people-wise. Add to that the 14:34 time from end to end and I think it's the quickest hitch I've experienced -- even in Vegas. Good on you Geno! Just by that, you might get some more single guys to take the plunge.
My Toast Continues :: [don't delete yet...]
When I met Geno way back at EarthLink, I knew I had met a super guy. In the filming process most of you noted his "solid guy" status. Mike Fowler's comment made the cut but I ditto it again. Having Geno as a partner in business and then a partner in life is one of the finest parts of me I can think of. There aren't many, but that's surely one of them. There wouldn't be a thing anyone could come up with that I wouldn't do for you.
When Lars gets to go to Disneyland we, like many of you parents, get up real early and jam down the freeway to the Orange Curtain. Lars can't sleep the night before and on the day we stop for his favorite donuts. Well, when I go to Geno and Beliza's house and head down the 134 to Eagle Rock, I stop by and get my favorite most expensive Peets and I feel just like Lars does going to see his favorite guy Mickey. When the door opens at 1374 Hill Drive it's always a super fun time. It could be early in the AM pajama time and I'm met by groggy, but still beautiful Beliza or it could be at one of the many pool gigs that I see all of you at. I've never had a bad time with Geno and suspect we never will. He being at the phones at eFresh with his "... this is Eugene!..." phone mantra was heartening and a foundation for us everyday. It is the reason we lasted so long. If you've had the pleasure of selling or buying a house with him aboard, you know the same applies.
Beliza is that wonderful gal who makes our Geno so very happy and that's about all you need to consider. But, over time, and through this wedding stuff, I have fallen in love with a gal that isn't all just beauty and semper fi. She actually has a great heart and a thorough understanding of the world at large -- that's saying a bunch for a 20 something today. I love you Beliza and I'll always answer your call.... and you better keep our number on redial when the kids come.
You Impressed The Hothead...
That gets me to you guys. First, and something I truly believe in, and that's in the power of you moms out there. Cory, Debbie, Yuri, and Wendy. I watched in Belize as you managed your families with grace and poise. In most cases, I know your husbands longer than I've known you and even if I've only known them a short time, the best parts of them come from you -- it's clear to me now. I noticed in Tahoe between lap dances that they were comfortable with the world they left in your hands back in LA. There are all levels of fame and fortune in this group but you blend together so well at parties like these and I saw the greatness in all that in BZE. Locally, in my family everyone knows Kristin is a saint for keeping me in line and Lars and Auge happy day to day -- she's the super mom fer sure so I know the feeling. I think you all have beautiful kids and families and make a great example for Geno and Beliza. Congratulations and well done.
Mom Rules...
As for the greatness of MOM and what it represents in this crazy time, I have to give a nod to the MOMs of it all -- Lenore and Beliza's mom.
Ever since I've known Geno, I've known Lenore. You don't get him without her and that's just fine with me. The power of Geno and Malcolm and what they represent starts somewhere and that's with Lenore. One of the days out snorkeling there she was making do. She did well too. My 70-something parents wouldn't have thunk it (can they swim?) and I applaud her for the great accomplishment of these two wonderful guys. They took her guidance and made something with it. Many in their shoes would have done otherwise. Oh by the way... she did the single parent thing before Kramer vs Kramer and when single parents weren't so en vogue. Those of you that hold it together each day with your mate and manage multiple kids know what I mean. Of course Uncle Herb and Maryann had a play in that too and thanks for coming all that way in your cool safari gear Herb!
As far as Beliza's mom Tey goes I don't know her very well but it was evident at the wedding that her love was ever-lasting and that Beliza was the star in her life. If you know the story of Beliza's beginning you know that her mom did a lot with less and brought us the great gal we have today. I salute both of you for the beginning of what we see today in that picture -- two very happy beautiful people.
As far as the newly married, parents without kids, and the single ones we met, I think we are excited to know you and have a long list of new best friends or what we like to call NBF's to party with. Kristin and I get a ton of these at every friggin' wedding and I cannot tell you how this all falls off the wagon in like week 3 from the wedding day.
I especially want to give a nod to Scott Groves for keeping me in stiches. The guy is about the catchiest catch for that special someone and if you know a hotty in SoCal get him her number. He also has his shit together and that's saying a lot these days. Empress [Scott's Belizean girlfriend] is a different story and I hope you did a giant scrub when you got home. I know I know... she was cute after about 10 chi chis.
The List of Players is Long...
Of course, we all love to be around Malcolm and it goes without saying that Eugene having a twin brother amplifies all you love about Geno into another similar but not so similar being as Malcolm pointed out on the wedding night. You're definately a strong part of Geno's world and we enjoy your company in LA whenever you get the chance. Thanks for letting us turn your world upside down in Tahoe too.
A nod goes out to Kirk Gerou for the pleasure of getting to know him more. You have some of the best pictures taken and added a nice hand to Geno and Beliza on the wedding day. I know Geno feels solice in having you keep the cards straight as he sells more houses. Another related friend in real-estate is Paul Pagnone. Paul was the quiet one over in the corner if you didn't know. For a guy so successful you are the humble one and that's very cool. I know Geno looks to you as well for the spirit of what lies ahead in business and that's saying a lot. Your kids are awesome too and yes, I will be Bradley's booze supplier when the time comes (day 1 of 21y... don't worry).
The one thing I like about Eugene is that he has a diverse list of friends. He has the unemployed friends and he has the millionaire friends. He spans racial lines and he can muck with fraternity brothers and elementary school chums all in one day. Folks like Mike and Amy, Todd and Karen represent the SC days and do it well. There's a chance you'll know those guys from Fortune magazine one day.
Mike Wheeler is another single guy who shouldn't be single. He loves baby's cries (ask Auge) and I don't think I ever saw him NOT smiling -- even when Continental said he would live in Houston for a day.
Diane you're a doll and if you're not another catchiest catch, I lost my license to predict hookups...
Erik, Oneal and Sarah, Andrew, Ian, Kevin, and of course Chris have been with Geno for years. They struck me as the cornerstone for Geno's beginnings. Most of us can't put one elementary buddy at our wedding and Geno has a busload -- good on you guys for sticking it out and remaining so close.
For Paulie V I salute you brother. Your photo shoot will be better than the paid gal and Kristin and I enjoyed your company bar-side. Your stories are the best and we WILL be in Naples one day. Hang in there and I bet you'll find your niche... if you'll just shut up for a minute! -:)
There are some of you I didnt get to speak with like Andrew Besirof & Murjani (sp?) and I hope to see you at the pool this summer. Let's all make sure and keep the lines open as we go back to our crazy lives.
The Beliza list is no shorter but without Apryl and Chip along on any adventure, we would have been toast. You guys are so easy to chill with and Lars thinks he has a new uncle. Kiyomi, without you we are nothing -- that's the reason you and Kamil were at BZE airport and delayed... we needed another laugh or two to keep our luck alive. Dinky don't be hatin' me forever girl - Dan will win Dancing With the Stars and you'll need a good agent like me to get you into the best spas and bars... you guys are a riot to be around.
Here is the movie on YouTube. We will fix the sound levels once Kristin gets back to work. Also, I have put in a few more segments with some heartfelt stuff from Lenore & Co.
Lenore's Interview Continues
And here is a shortie from Lamanai -- Paulie V's head gets it 15 seconds of fame...
[click pic to see the big shot]
Welcome to the Hothead's Blog... see... you thought I couldn't make fun of myself now did you? Anyway, this is a section called Love Lines which is like the old blog where all I did were posts like this. I moved the personal stuff to a private section -- now you have the history.
I wanted to reflect on a week or so with you all. This is the toast I never got to. I didn't want to follow Jose -- he was too funny. The film was enough. I wanted to reflect on all the glory, the fun, the love, the laughter, the sheer hilarity,and of course... Empress.
We arrived like you -- or if your name is Oneal, then not like you. Trains, planes, and fuckin' automobiles is what I say when people ask of the Belize trip. Fun like no other.
Belize ::
The people were so incredibly wonderful from start to finish. Whether working head down to make my white ass comfortable or always smiling as I ordered the umpteenth ChiChi, they never wavered no matter the time of day. It seems there aren't many customer service agents in Belize becuase they apparently don't need them. The people there are beautiful and henceforth we now know the basis for the goddess Beliza. Also the environment from the jungle to the shore and back were strictly memorable. It was nice my cell phone didn't work too.
Her family took dancing awards the first night.
We scared them the next.
The rain stayed at bay more than it does in Belize and that's probably a nod to Geno and his good karma. As many of you have already written, the wedding was a stunner by all accounts. Look at that Goddam picture up there... Vanity Fair hasn't had a pic so incredible. Sure, we've all been to the one in Greenwich, the one at St. Patrick's, the one in Santa Barbara... but this one had the simplicity of an ancient time and the grace of a wedding you might attend on Hawaii maybe 100 years ago when it was a young island people-wise. Add to that the 14:34 time from end to end and I think it's the quickest hitch I've experienced -- even in Vegas. Good on you Geno! Just by that, you might get some more single guys to take the plunge.
My Toast Continues :: [don't delete yet...]
When I met Geno way back at EarthLink, I knew I had met a super guy. In the filming process most of you noted his "solid guy" status. Mike Fowler's comment made the cut but I ditto it again. Having Geno as a partner in business and then a partner in life is one of the finest parts of me I can think of. There aren't many, but that's surely one of them. There wouldn't be a thing anyone could come up with that I wouldn't do for you.
When Lars gets to go to Disneyland we, like many of you parents, get up real early and jam down the freeway to the Orange Curtain. Lars can't sleep the night before and on the day we stop for his favorite donuts. Well, when I go to Geno and Beliza's house and head down the 134 to Eagle Rock, I stop by and get my favorite most expensive Peets and I feel just like Lars does going to see his favorite guy Mickey. When the door opens at 1374 Hill Drive it's always a super fun time. It could be early in the AM pajama time and I'm met by groggy, but still beautiful Beliza or it could be at one of the many pool gigs that I see all of you at. I've never had a bad time with Geno and suspect we never will. He being at the phones at eFresh with his "... this is Eugene!..." phone mantra was heartening and a foundation for us everyday. It is the reason we lasted so long. If you've had the pleasure of selling or buying a house with him aboard, you know the same applies.
Beliza is that wonderful gal who makes our Geno so very happy and that's about all you need to consider. But, over time, and through this wedding stuff, I have fallen in love with a gal that isn't all just beauty and semper fi. She actually has a great heart and a thorough understanding of the world at large -- that's saying a bunch for a 20 something today. I love you Beliza and I'll always answer your call.... and you better keep our number on redial when the kids come.
You Impressed The Hothead...
That gets me to you guys. First, and something I truly believe in, and that's in the power of you moms out there. Cory, Debbie, Yuri, and Wendy. I watched in Belize as you managed your families with grace and poise. In most cases, I know your husbands longer than I've known you and even if I've only known them a short time, the best parts of them come from you -- it's clear to me now. I noticed in Tahoe between lap dances that they were comfortable with the world they left in your hands back in LA. There are all levels of fame and fortune in this group but you blend together so well at parties like these and I saw the greatness in all that in BZE. Locally, in my family everyone knows Kristin is a saint for keeping me in line and Lars and Auge happy day to day -- she's the super mom fer sure so I know the feeling. I think you all have beautiful kids and families and make a great example for Geno and Beliza. Congratulations and well done.
Mom Rules...
As for the greatness of MOM and what it represents in this crazy time, I have to give a nod to the MOMs of it all -- Lenore and Beliza's mom.
Ever since I've known Geno, I've known Lenore. You don't get him without her and that's just fine with me. The power of Geno and Malcolm and what they represent starts somewhere and that's with Lenore. One of the days out snorkeling there she was making do. She did well too. My 70-something parents wouldn't have thunk it (can they swim?) and I applaud her for the great accomplishment of these two wonderful guys. They took her guidance and made something with it. Many in their shoes would have done otherwise. Oh by the way... she did the single parent thing before Kramer vs Kramer and when single parents weren't so en vogue. Those of you that hold it together each day with your mate and manage multiple kids know what I mean. Of course Uncle Herb and Maryann had a play in that too and thanks for coming all that way in your cool safari gear Herb!
As far as Beliza's mom Tey goes I don't know her very well but it was evident at the wedding that her love was ever-lasting and that Beliza was the star in her life. If you know the story of Beliza's beginning you know that her mom did a lot with less and brought us the great gal we have today. I salute both of you for the beginning of what we see today in that picture -- two very happy beautiful people.
As far as the newly married, parents without kids, and the single ones we met, I think we are excited to know you and have a long list of new best friends or what we like to call NBF's to party with. Kristin and I get a ton of these at every friggin' wedding and I cannot tell you how this all falls off the wagon in like week 3 from the wedding day.
I especially want to give a nod to Scott Groves for keeping me in stiches. The guy is about the catchiest catch for that special someone and if you know a hotty in SoCal get him her number. He also has his shit together and that's saying a lot these days. Empress [Scott's Belizean girlfriend] is a different story and I hope you did a giant scrub when you got home. I know I know... she was cute after about 10 chi chis.
The List of Players is Long...
Of course, we all love to be around Malcolm and it goes without saying that Eugene having a twin brother amplifies all you love about Geno into another similar but not so similar being as Malcolm pointed out on the wedding night. You're definately a strong part of Geno's world and we enjoy your company in LA whenever you get the chance. Thanks for letting us turn your world upside down in Tahoe too.
A nod goes out to Kirk Gerou for the pleasure of getting to know him more. You have some of the best pictures taken and added a nice hand to Geno and Beliza on the wedding day. I know Geno feels solice in having you keep the cards straight as he sells more houses. Another related friend in real-estate is Paul Pagnone. Paul was the quiet one over in the corner if you didn't know. For a guy so successful you are the humble one and that's very cool. I know Geno looks to you as well for the spirit of what lies ahead in business and that's saying a lot. Your kids are awesome too and yes, I will be Bradley's booze supplier when the time comes (day 1 of 21y... don't worry).
The one thing I like about Eugene is that he has a diverse list of friends. He has the unemployed friends and he has the millionaire friends. He spans racial lines and he can muck with fraternity brothers and elementary school chums all in one day. Folks like Mike and Amy, Todd and Karen represent the SC days and do it well. There's a chance you'll know those guys from Fortune magazine one day.
Mike Wheeler is another single guy who shouldn't be single. He loves baby's cries (ask Auge) and I don't think I ever saw him NOT smiling -- even when Continental said he would live in Houston for a day.
Diane you're a doll and if you're not another catchiest catch, I lost my license to predict hookups...
Erik, Oneal and Sarah, Andrew, Ian, Kevin, and of course Chris have been with Geno for years. They struck me as the cornerstone for Geno's beginnings. Most of us can't put one elementary buddy at our wedding and Geno has a busload -- good on you guys for sticking it out and remaining so close.
For Paulie V I salute you brother. Your photo shoot will be better than the paid gal and Kristin and I enjoyed your company bar-side. Your stories are the best and we WILL be in Naples one day. Hang in there and I bet you'll find your niche... if you'll just shut up for a minute! -:)
There are some of you I didnt get to speak with like Andrew Besirof & Murjani (sp?) and I hope to see you at the pool this summer. Let's all make sure and keep the lines open as we go back to our crazy lives.
The Beliza list is no shorter but without Apryl and Chip along on any adventure, we would have been toast. You guys are so easy to chill with and Lars thinks he has a new uncle. Kiyomi, without you we are nothing -- that's the reason you and Kamil were at BZE airport and delayed... we needed another laugh or two to keep our luck alive. Dinky don't be hatin' me forever girl - Dan will win Dancing With the Stars and you'll need a good agent like me to get you into the best spas and bars... you guys are a riot to be around.
Here is the movie on YouTube. We will fix the sound levels once Kristin gets back to work. Also, I have put in a few more segments with some heartfelt stuff from Lenore & Co.
Lenore's Interview Continues
And here is a shortie from Lamanai -- Paulie V's head gets it 15 seconds of fame...