Center Blog

Guest Post by Center Volunteer, Mark Schulte:

Gay men are stereotyped as being members of certain professions, among them artists, fashion industry, flight attendants, hair stylists and interior designers.  Also included are actors and the those who work in the hotel industry.  Guests at the Center’s Speakers Series this past Tuesday, February 15 were treated to a program featuring Michael Fazio, author of the book, ”Concierge Confidential,” in conversation with interviewer Ernest Ortiz. 
 
Michael, a self-described “people pleaser,” spoke about how he took his passion for making people happy and parlayed it into a position as personal assistant to actor Charlie Sheen, then subsequently to that of head concierge at the Intercontinental Hotel.  In this role, it was his job to take care of rich and famous, celebrities and those who think they are.  Everything from a dozen roses to a dozen hookers, front row seats at Lady Gaga’s concert to reservations at NYC’s hottest restaurants to first class seats on an overbooked flight to Paris, it was his job to get them, and reap the monetary benefits when he was able to deliver what the guests wanted.
 
Attendees were treated to an inside look at a world alien to many and given tips on how to operate within that world.  Especially insightful was the advice on tipping, though perhaps bribing would be a more accurate term.  When does the concierge get “tipped” and when does he need to do some “tipping” himself?  How essential a role does attitude play?  How does one make the necessary connections?  These questions and more were answered with aplomb and anecdotes, though Michael was careful not to name names, just give enough clues to drive a truck through.
 
If all this leaves you feeling that you need a concierge yourself, then you can turn to Abigail Michaels, the new personal concierge company that Michael has founded.  For a mere $350 an hour, Michael will be happy to offer you the same service that Jennifer Lopez and other super-celebrities have been able to avail themselves of.  Otherwise, be sure to pick up a copy of Michael’s book and learn to do it yourself.