WorldCity Business Magazine

Sky Warrior

by WC

Brazilian Claudio Stivelman is rarely home. Among the reasons: As a partner in Aventura-based Shefaor Development, he is always on the road meeting with architects and other developers or scouting for prospects outside South Florida. Aside from the cluster of projects in northern Miami-Dade County, the group has a development under way in the Dominican Republic. And with more than 20 business trips a year, Stivelman is always hustling for more work. With that many miles on the clock, Stivelman has experienced a few mishaps on the way such as lost luggage and accusations of forgery ironic given his devotion to charity in his spare time.

Where do you most often travel?

I visit Brazil, mainly Rio de Janeiro, at least six times a year, I go to Europe a few times, New York at least five times a year and travel twice annually to Las Vegas. In the past year, I have also stopped in Aspen and Dubai. Obviously, I vacation as well, always to a different place. I have been all over the world.

Your favorite among them?

It has to be Rio de Janeiro. Home is where the heart is.

Do you have a favorite business hotel?

I usually look for hotels from the Starwood chain including the Sheraton, the Westin and the W.

Why?

The rooms are always reasonably priced and the hotels provide good service and are business-oriented.

What about the restaurants you patronize?

I have been known to enjoy Asian fusion food. It is nice to relax with a glass of sake or a Scotch at the end of the day.

And how do you pass the time in flight?

I try to get some work done because there are never enough hours in the day.

What about in the airport between flights or waiting to depart?

Boring as it sounds, my time waiting for flights is spent much the same way: working.

Do you have a favorite airport? A favorite airport lounge?

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is at the cutting edge.

What’s the most innovative service you’ve seen at an airport?

I was impressed many years ago when I traveled to Europe and I saw people from the European Community going through airports without passports and being checked through by the eye. It reminded me of James Bond. Then again, I have a fondness for Europeans.

Is there an airport you really dread?

Any of the airports in the smaller South and Central American countries.

The most unexpected thing that’s ever happened on a trip?

Once, when I was traveling from Brazil to Europe, an airline lost my suitcase. Mysteriously, it turned up three days later.in Japan. I am protecting the identity of that less-than-innocent carrier.

What’s the hardest thing bout traveling on business?

The biggest challenge is trying to catch up on work in airports and in-flight. The upshot is that you end up arriving very tired from lack of sleep, among other things.

Do you have a pre-flight routine?

I have a few check lists already prepared and I go over them while packing.

Any strange experiences at Customs or airport security?

Once, when I was in Sao Paulo, Brazil, an agent scrutinized what was a rather tattered passport and he accused me of forgery but, naturally, I managed to sweet talk my way out of the situation.