Meet the Couple Restoring the Soul of Del Mar Plaza
1. Let’s start with your story — how did the two of you meet, and what brought you both to Del Mar?
Marc and I met while in college at UCSD, and in fact, both of us were renters down by the beach at the time when the beach colony area was filled with UCSD students. We eventually bought our own place in old Del Mar up on Klish Way.
2. What inspired you to start or become involved in your respective businesses?
In 2017, the Del Mar Plaza came on the market for sale. It was in a terrible state, lots of vacancies, no personality, it had drifted away from being the community center, to just a real estate asset, with no connection to the community. At that time, I begged Marc to purchase the center, and let me restore it back to its greatness, which we had recalled from the early days of it being built. it was such a special property at the time, in the late 1980s. So we did, and little did we know what a challenge it would present, but we have worked through most of those early challenges now, and the center is thriving once again.
3. How do you support each other professionally and personally while working in or running businesses within the same community?
Marc and I have been in the commercial real estate business for over 40 years now, so it’s what we do, and its what we know. We don’t always agree on everything, but I think our differing perspectives actually help each other and support the end goal. Marc is more nuts and bolts, and value driven, and I am more esthetic and consumer driven. Culture is key, and that is what we had to restore at the DMP and other retail centers that we have. Currently, we are renovating Polo Plaza, in Del Mar, on Via De La Valle, so that should be another fun project to bring to life.
4. In what ways do your businesses or roles complement each other within Del Mar Village?
Our hope was to immediately inculcate the DMP back into the village, and bring it back to being community-centered. That is why we held out for 2 years of vacancy, for a grocery market. We felt a market in our community was imperative. At this moment, we can’t wait for Valley Farm Market to open, and we feel this proven operator is the perfect fit for our town. The market owner is a passionate foodie and fisherman, and those of us lucky enough to live in beautiful Del Mar are in for a real treat!
5. What’s a typical “day in the life” like for the two of you? Any shared routines or rituals?
Marc is extremely busy running several commercial real estate platforms, both in the US and in Europe, and I tend to focus on specialty projects, or distressed assets that need a hands on focus and energy. So work is a major part of weekly life. Weekends always include a long doggie walk to dog beach and beyond.
6. How do you stay grounded and connected as a couple while managing the demands of work and community involvement?
We always catch up with each other, about the day, about the projects, about our amazing three children, and animals. That is really what keeps us grounded. There are lots of demands from the businesses, but I insist on a great family trip or holiday regularly. Something we all have come to love and look forward to. As I write this, we just returned from a trip to Rwanda, to see the Mountain Gorillas. This is a most magical experience that I wish everyone could experience in their lifetime. Sharing these special experiences also helps to keep us fresh, expand our horizons, and give us time together, which is our most precious resource in today’s world.
7. What do you love most about being part of the Del Mar business community?
There are always so many people to meet and admire in town. As long as we have been there, there are still so many people we would like to meet. Each one is an inspiration in their own right. We have made so many great friends as well. It has also been very rewarding when neighbors and community members come up to me and thank us for reinvigorating the Plaza. We have worked very hard on this project, and it has been a labor of love, as we too feel very connected to the community. Del Mar is such a special place, we feel honored to have been able to restore it back to something useful and fun for its citizens.
8. Are there any specific moments or milestones in Del Mar that you’re especially proud of as a team?
I have to say, when we met the Monarch Ocean Pub team, they immediately saw my vision and accepted the challenge to create a fun community hub, with great energy, drinks, and food. Where the community could come together day or night in a casual setting for some fun and enjoyment of the sweeping ocean views. They have really created something special at the Plaza, and we could not be more grateful. They have helped turn up the energy, and that has helped us in all other aspects of leasing.
9. What are your favorite spots or activities in Del Mar when you're not working?
We always walk down to the Plaza, of course! We end up at any one of the restaurants, for a drink or dinner, and now we love going down to The Cottage for breakfast. Another great operator that we are so happy about. There are lots of great options for us locally. We also love the restaurant at L’Auberge, and Sbicca, and now we can’t wait to try Coral. So we love to be on foot, and get around to all of our great spots in town.
10. What advice would you give to other couples considering going into business or working side-by-side in the same community?
I would say divide and conquer! Focus on the needs of the community, and you will have the local support.
11. How do you hope to continue contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Del Mar Village in the years ahead?
We are looking for another project in town. But the opportunity has not presented itself just yet!
12. Is there anything else you’d love people to know about your journey together—personally, professionally, or as part of this community?
The funny thing is, is that Del Mar has always been a part of our lives together, and our history. We were married and lived in Del Mar first, had our three children in Del Mar, and moved to RSF for a bit while we were raising the kids, and when we became empty nesters, we came back to Del Mar. We love being part of the fabric of this beautiful gem, Del Mar. We travel quite a bit for both work and fun, and we always enjoy coming home to this charming town by the sea.