I had the idea to have a group birthday trip several years ago. It was always a matter of planning and money that kept it from happening until now. This year however was different. I sent the invitation out to a bunch of friends, and my lucky me, my favorites were able to attend.
The Colorado Group consists of Greg Garman, Max Clark and Clay McRory. I met Greg 5 years ago at his 21st birthday party at Pure in Las Vegas. He caught my eye right away (turns out he was eyeballing the Duff Sisters next to me, and the cast of Entourage at the next table). I managed to convince him to ditch his already drunk friends and join me on the stage. We hung out the rest of the night, and stayed in touch for the next 1.5 years till we saw each-other again in Los Angeles. Greg’s now one of my very very best friends.
Through Greg I had the pleasure of meeting Clay and Max. The three of them grew up together in Vail, Colorado and have know each other since kindergarten. I don’t have anyone in my life that I’ve known for so many years. I feel privileged to have gotten so close to the group in such a short time.
The Los Angeles Group consisted of Stephanie Estes, Tom DeSanto, Adam Press and myself. I met Stephanie through my old assistant and great friend Davis Priestley. When she first interviewed for the position, I was over it. I thought she was just another dumb pretty Texas girl with attitude. Four years later she’s an indispensable part of the company, my business partner and friend. I’m a very lucky guy, none of my great ideas would see the light of day if Stephanie wasn’t around.
Tom DeSanto I met when I was 14, that makes 12 years now and qualifies as one of the people I’ve known longest in my life that I’m not related to. We met at a dinner in Hollywood with my fellow classmates to learn about film making. I went on to make a movie and Tom was right there the entire time with words of wisdom and support. Tom has proven to always be there for an ear, a shoulder, strong hands, and a pool. :)
Adam Press I met through Tom. On the first day at his house, July 4th 2004, I managed to get drunk and leave the party with his then boyfriend (I had no idea they were dating), for another event on the beach in Hermosa. Strike one for sure. Shortly there after, I pulled a dick move on Tom (I’m forever grateful that our friendship survived) and I could feel the protective friendship of Adam kick in. Strike two. Six years later and no strike three. Whew. I wont lie, he’s still kinda intimidating. Smart, successful, sexy, world traveled, connected, and one of the best party houses The Hollywood Hills has to offer. Not to mention everyone in LA knows him. Over the last few years, I have gotten to know Adam much better. Like Tom, he’s now someone I consider my friend, can look to for and guidance.
This trip came together as most things do, though luck and circumstance. In 2009 AP Consulting LA booked an event at LoftSEVEN for C-Two Hotel Group. We worked with Chris and Josh from the company and liked them both instantly. As it so often happens, they’re event was canceled due to circumstances beyond their control. Instead of paying they remainder of their booking in cash, they offered credit at their hotels in San Francisco. This was the spark.
I’ve been talking to Adam for at least two years about a group trip to Napa. I knew with our mutual friends it would just be so much fun. This was the fuel.
My birthday was coming up, and I had nothing planned. I was sick of events here in LA, as it’s what Steph and I do for a living. I adore so many people in the city, that I can’t have something local and keep it small. This was the flame.
I sent out an invitation to at least 15 great friends, knowing that not many of them would be able to either afford it, or take the time off work. This was true for most. However, the group that luck and circumstance put together for this amazing April weekend happened to be just right.
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