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At EmpireCLS, merely being “on time” isn’t good enough for us, which is why our chauffeurs always arrive 15 minutes before pickup to accommodate your schedule. Your watch should be the same way: a luxury experience that puts your priorities as a busy person first. Today, we’ll share five of our favorite watch brands, perfect for staying ahead of schedule.
Audemars Piguet was established in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, two horologists with a dedication to craftsmanship and technological mastery. Its pedigree as one of the oldest and finest global watch brands has remained undiluted ever since. Since its inception, Audemars Piguet has been synonymous with innovation, from the development of the world’s first minute repeater wristwatch to its most recent improvements onthe carbon case and movement. This watchmaker is known for elegant classics like the Perpetual Calendar model as well as haute joaillerie like this season’s daring Diamond Punk cuff watch.
2. Hublot
The watchmakers at Hublot know better than anyone else that being distinguished doesn’t necessarily mean being staid or conservative. Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot is a brand that combines Swiss engineering with sartorial flair, Italian-style. Watches like the iconic Big Bang, sophisticated Classic Fusion and striking King Power have won multiple awards for their bold, unusual designs that incorporate technological vigor with aesthetics that are at once bold and playful. Their most recent creation is the Big Bang Full Magic Gold, the only scratch-resistant gold watch in the world.
3. HYT
Innately mysterious, time has been the subject of both philosophical and scientific inquiry. Most recently, quantum physics describes time as a fluid process. A revelation in our understanding of time requires a revelation in our means of capturing it, and the designers at HYT have brought just that to the luxury market. HYT’s H1 Titanium and other models jettison traditional watch engineering and replace them with exclusive hybrid engineering. To wit: this is the first watch brand in history to run on water. Since 2012, these hydro-mechanical watches have won multiple awards for innovation and design. Though the use of fluid is iconoclastic, a long tradition of Swiss precision and luxury flows through these timepieces.
Leave it to an American to whip Swiss business into shape. In the 19th century, Boston watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones left for Switzerland to found the International Watch Company. Not only was he successful in his goal of marrying Swiss engineering with American industrialism, but he also brought prosperity to the town of Schaffhausen. Four generations of watchmaking later, IWC continues to produce stately luxury timepieces like their celebrated Portugieser and Pilot’s watches. And their lineage of good works, too, remains unbroken: currently, IWC partners with altruistic initiatives like the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, and it practices sustainable production.
5. Apple Watch The Apple Watch will not be released until late April of this year, but it is destined to change our perceptions of what a watch can be. The first wearable Apple product was designed with the person in mind, and will, according to Apple, adapt to multiple facets of your life. The Apple Watch syncs with your phone and customizes time displays to your lifestyle. And it seems that FaceTime was just the beginning of increased personalization with mobile communication: with Apple Watch, you can send a loved one the impression of your heartbeat. For those who want the best of the best, the only option is the ultra-luxurious Apple Watch Edition. This watch comes in eight iterations of one luxurious design, which includes an 18-karat rose or yellow gold case and sapphire crystal display.
For our west coast readers, visit our friends at Westime to see many of the brands listed above and more. These watch aficionados will help select a timepiece that’s perfect for you.
To learn more about luxury travel experiences with EmpireCLS, explore our website or talk to a reservation specialist today.
Photo credit: Manuel Rebic via flickr
EmpireCLS constantly seeks to improve our guests’ travel experience. For that reason, we complement our level of personalized service by working with aviation companies and five-star hotels to provide exclusive services for our guests.
We are excited to announce the immediate launch of EmpireCLS Airport Concierge Service, offering our guests the next level in travel hospitality. Our exclusive VIP concierge program services all major airports worldwide, which means expedited, white-glove airport assistance to or from your gate.
Here are some highlights of the exclusive features offered by EmpireCLS:
Awaiting your Arrival
Whether you’re checking in curbside or fresh off the plane, your dedicated airport specialist is standing by to meet you the moment you arrive at the airport. They stay by your side to assist you to wherever your final destination may be. Now you don’t have to stay in the airport hotel to expect five-star concierge service: it’s right there for you in the airport, from check-in to boarding.
Need an escort for your connecting domestic flights? We’ve got you covered. Simply let your EmpireCLS reservation specialist know the particulars of your itinerary, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Kick Back on Your Way to Take-Off
Once upon a time, airline travel was a leisurely affair. In today’s world, however, airline travel has become a stressful chore. Whether you fly first-class or coach, increasing security measures and crowded airports frequently take all the fun out of flying.
Return to the days when airline travel was a luxury experience with airport concierge service from EmpireCLS. Enjoy complimentary carry-on luggage assistance, expedited flight check-in and priority boarding for all departing flights. Our professional airport specialists are there to make your trip stress-free.
Hospitali-TSA
There are two types of lines at any airport security checkpoint. The first line snakes back and forth all the way to the entrance and is full of fussy kids, frustrated parents and impatient flyers. The second is the one we all want to be in: it’s the short, efficient line for VIP travelers.
EmpireCLS knows that the only line you should be in is the quickest one. Take advantage of expedited access through all security checkpoints. With our airport concierge service, you’ll be through security in no time, leaving you free to relax before your flight.
Go Clubbin’
Speaking of relaxing: there’s no better place for it than the airport lounge. With EmpireCLS’s airport concierge service, you don’t need an annual membership to enjoy exclusive access to all major airline VIP lounges in more than 100 countries and over 300 cities.
In the lounge, you are free to relax in peace and quiet and enjoy complimentary food and drink. Some lounges even offer showers and beds so that you can feel refreshed for your flight. Whether you need a quiet place to call the office or want to get a head-start on your vacation, EmpireCLS provides full lounge access.
Custom-ized Experience
Long flight ahead? International flights are long enough, even without the trip through Customs. Besides, we’ve never met anyone who enjoys the Customs process, much less waiting in line for it. Our airport concierge service includes expedited access through airport Customs, which allows you get to your Point B quicker.
Less Customs time means more you time, whether your final destination is an important meeting with a client in Manhattan or a rendezvous with friends in a Parisian bistro.
Learn more about our airport concierge services here or speak to an EmpireCLS reservation specialist. Ask how we can extend your chauffeured experience beyond the car.
Photo credit: Nick Harris via flickr
New York, arguably the epicenter of the art world, plays host to huge annual art events. At these fairs and expositions, visitors view thousands of contemporary artworks by big names as well as up-and-comers. These events are rich cultural experiences, and most also allow art buyers to seek out their next big investment. If you plan to attend one of these events, here’s the EmpireCLS guide to traveling in style to the best of New York’s art fairs.
Whitney Biennial, Meatpacking District, TBA 2016
The Whitney Biennial is one of the most famous—and frequently most controversial—art events in the world. Art aficionados and insiders from around the world know that if you want to stay savvy about upcoming art trends and issues, the Biennial is a can’t-miss event.
Dates for the 2016 Whitney Biennial are yet to be announced, but we do know the event will take place at the Whitney Museum’s brand-new downtown location in the Meatpacking District. Close to the High Line Park and the Chelsea galleries, this will be a prime location for visitors who want to explore the trendiest areas of Manhattan. Avoid the crowded subway by arranging travel with EmpireCLS, and arrive with enough style to rival the neighborhood.
Frieze New York, Randall’s Island, May 14-17, 2015
Manhattan isn’t the only island worth visiting. Nestled between Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens, Randall’s Island is the urban oasis you’ve never heard of. Every year, this island park, traversed by pedestrian and bike trails, hosts hundreds of events, including the Frieze New York Fair.
Frieze New York Fair is hosted annually by Frieze Magazine, a leader in contemporary art news and thought. Here, you’ll find an enormous open-air art show featuring work by cutting-edge artists.
By car, Randall’s Island is accessed by the Triborough Bridge. If you plan to visit, avoid dealing with unexpected traffic jams—it’s New York City, after all. Arrange transportation with EmpireCLS. Our trained chauffeurs will safely navigate you to the island, and, in case of a necessary detour, our fleet is equipped with the technology to plan an alternate route.
Art Dealers Association of America Art Show, Upper East Side, TBA 2016
The most luxurious of Manhattan’s art shows has to be the Art Dealers Association of America Art Show. For serious art buyers with an interest in contemporary art, this show is an opportunity to snatch up works from artists sponsored by leading galleries, and the preview gala allows art lovers to mingle and network before the official opening of the show.
The show takes place every year at the Park Avenue Armory, in the Upper East Side, a neighborhood synonymous with luxury and style. Keep the upscale mood and avoid the tourist-trap fees of garage parking at the same time: Take an EmpireCLS car to the show, and don’t skip nearby Museum Mile, where you can see breathtaking classic works of art at the Met and the Frick.
Bushwick Open Studios, Brooklyn, June 5-7, 2015
The most recent addition to the New York art event roster, that’s also gained the most traction, is Bushwick Open Studios, a three-day exhibition by young and experimental artists from the nearby Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick.
For unusual and adventurous art by the students and art world outsiders who have flocked to Brooklyn, Bushwick Open Studios is a must-see event. It also gives art investors an opportunity to see works by artists who might become the next big name in the art industry.
Though Bushwick has come a long way from the bleak industrial landscape it once was, the area has few subway stops and still has a dicey reputation. The chauffeurs at EmpireCLS put our guests’ security first and will ensure your safe arrival and departure. Furthermore, some Manhattan taxi drivers will refuse to take you to Brooklyn, but EmpireCLS will take you anywhere you like.
An art fair tour of New York City doesn’t have to involve hailing cabs, suffering the subway or walking for miles. By reserving a car with EmpireCLS through our online reservation system, you can travel from hotel to art show to dinner with the utmost assurance of security and service that EmpireCLS is known more. For more information on our history, team and fleet, visit our homepage at http://empirecls.wpengine.com.
photo credit: Charline von Heyl at the Whitney Biennial via flickr
Secaucus, NJ — (ReleaseWire) — 03/17/2015
Every year, Limousine, Charter & Tour (LCT) Magazine hosts the world’s biggest trade show for the ground transportation industry. Those in the know gather from all over the world to share wisdom, learn business growth secrets and network with the industry’s best and brightest. This year, the 2015 International LCT Show happens at the Venetian & Palazzo Resort Hotel Casinos in Las Vegas, from March 16 through 18. EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services, a leader in luxury, chauffeured transportation for over 30 years, has announced that it will be in attendance.
(SECAUCUS, NJ) – On January 16, 2015, EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services Chairman and CEO David Seelinger was featured on the sixth season of CBS’ “Undercover Boss.” After participating in “Undercover Boss,” he attributes the company’s success and growth to its dedicated and talented employees.
“Going undercover was a unique experience that provided an unobstructed view of our company and ways we can improve,” said Seelinger. “EmpireCLS has grown in leaps and bounds, and it was important for me to connect with our employees and learn how the growth we’ve experienced has impacted them, our brand and our customers.”
EmpireCLS provides luxury, chauffeured transportation services throughout the world for Fortune 1000 companies, five-star hotel brands, VIPs, dignitaries and the entertainment/music industry elite, driving nearly one million customers each year.
An entrepreneur with a passion for hospitality and a love for motorcycles, Seelinger has been responsible for the direction and growth of EmpireCLS, formerly Empire International, since 1990. He developed the company’s global affiliate network and proprietary reservation system. In 2005, Seelinger orchestrated the company’s merger with one of its largest competitors, CLS Transportation, creating the largest transaction of its kind within the chauffeured transportation industry.
Seelinger stresses that the opportunity to go undercover as a chauffeur, dispatcher, and assistant fleet director has been “invaluable,” learning new ways to improve and expand the EmpireCLS brand. After sharing his finding with EmpireCLS leaders, the company is implementing several initiatives to simplify company processes, stay connected with its employees, and ensure their needs are addressed.
“Admittedly, I’ve been out of touch with some aspects of our business,” said Seelinger. “EmpireCLS wouldn’t be the company it is today without its hardworking employees—making sure their needs are fulfilled is a priority and an important lesson I took away from this experience.”
Created by Stephen Lambert and produced by Studio Lambert/All3Media America, “Undercover Boss” is a two-time, Emmy Award-winning reality series that follows high-level executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own organizations. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations, and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering and rewarding the unsung heroes who make their companies run.
Visit CBS here to see the full episode of EmpireCLS on “Undercover Boss.” Click here for bonus clips from the episode.
Out with the old, in with the new—website, that is. We’re excited to officially announce the launch of the new EmpireCLS.com
Our objective was to capture the experience of being transported in an EmpireCLS vehicle while highlighting the level of chauffeured service we offer our customers every day. With more than 30 years of luxury, chauffeured transportation experience, your arrival is more than just a destination. It’s our signature.
What new features can you expect to see while exploring the new website?
For reserving trips online, did we mention building a profile in EmpireCLS’ reservation system makes booking a trip even easier?
Sure, the website may be new, but we’re still the same luxury, chauffeured transportation provider our customers rely upon to transport them safely and memorably every day. We look forward to continuing to delight you.
Good leadership requires more than just telling people on your team what to do. It requires responding to different situations with different tactics. The approach you adopt with one person may be totally different than the next. However, if you treat every person and every situation the same way, your company could be suffering because of it. Researcher Daniel Goleman studied 3,000 managers and described the six most common leadership styles in the Harvard Business Review. His findings are what follow below. The next time you ride in your car service to JFK, consider which of these types best describes you, and see how you could tweak your managing style to adopt a little bit of each, when needed.
Visionary
This leadership style is needed when the team needs to go in a new direction. The leader will set an end goal for the group, but leave the implementation up to group members. This person will inspire the people around him or her to get excited about the new goal. While some employees may appreciate the freedom to work toward the goal as they see fit, others may have a hard time with the lack of specific directions. The visionary leadership style may also not work as well in situations where subordinates know more than the manager.
Coaching
Giving people individual attention is the focus of this leadership style. Employees will receive a lot of interaction and advice from their manager, making it a good choice for those who want further professional development. If a worker is set in his or her ways, however, this type of leadership won’t be as effective. Furthermore, the manager’s approach might not be looked upon favorably if someone sees it as micromanaging, instead of coaching.
Affiliative
Affiliative leaders nurture the team, and they’re a source of positive feelings in the workplace. So, if morale suffers because things in the company take a major downturn, the affiliative leader can be a great asset. However, because it’s so focused on harmony, this style of leadership is not ideal at all times. If a person takes this amiable approach continuously, workplace standards will start to slip. Use it when the situation calls for it, but be sure to use other types of leadership, too.
Democratic
The environment under a democratic leader is one of consensus. The executive will ask the group for their opinions and draw on their individual sets of expertise to help make a decision. This style works when there is no pressure from a tight schedule, but if the decision needs to be made quickly, democratic leadership can be a poor choice. Other times it may fail? Situations where the team does not have enough knowledge to help the leader make a well-informed decision.
Pacesetting
This leader expects better performance and faster results. In other words, he or she sets a brisk pace. Workers who are experienced and motivated will work well with this person. If an executive takes a pacesetting approach all the time, however, it can be harmful in the long run. Why? The high expectations will eventually be too much for employees, and they may feel they fail more often than they win.
Commanding
As its name suggests, this style of leadership is like the commander of an army: He or she gives orders and expects them to be followed. Unlike democratic leadership, this style works best when time is of the essence and the decision needs to be settled immediately. However, its biggest shortcoming is that it can lead to unhappy workers and discourage creativity.
Leadership can make or break a company. If your company is experiencing low morale or high turnover, that may be a sign that employees aren’t getting the guidance that they need. Consider ways that you could change your style of leading, and try taking a new approach for a week or two. The results may be a pleasant surprise.
“Work hard, play hard” is a common philosophy of many companies, but as an executive, do you really play as hard as you work? In fact, when was the last time you took a vacation? If you can’t remember, that’s a sign that you’re well overdue for one. If you’re not sure where to go, check out this list of some of the best luxury resorts in the world, based off the top hotels rated by Travel+Leisure.
Four Seasons Resort: Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
Nature surrounds you quite literally at this scenic island getaway. With some rooms boasting walls made from volcanic stone and other rooms right on the water, the resort makes you feel one with the outdoors while providing the ultimate in luxury. The nearby coral makes for the perfect snorkeling opportunity, and kids can even enjoy their own part of the beach, if they wish. For the most privacy, book one of the overwater bungalows; they give you a great view, and they’re placed along a deck that leads right into the water.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs: Matauri Bay, New Zealand
Golf courses? Check. Tennis courts? Check. Acres upon acres of scenic greenery? Check. This resort has plenty of things that would make it your standard getaway, but where it really stands out is its spa. Praised for its quality, this center of relaxation is located inside of a rainforest. When it’s cold outside, fireplaces both indoor and out will keep guests warm. Travel+Leisure recommends the Owner’s Cottage for its spacious lodgings (4,200 feet) and views of the golf course and forest.
Oberoi Udaivilas: Udaipur, India
To truly get away, there’s nothing better than a resort on its own island. Guests who stay in one of the Premiere Rooms here will enjoy beautiful terrace views and access to their own private pools. A nature preserve will also let visitors see animals like peacocks, deer, and wild boars. But that’s only after they’ve checked in by riding a boat along Lake Pichola and a butler has brought them to their room. As if all this weren’t enough already, you’ll receive special departure gifts if you choose to stay here again in the future. The hotel gives guests either a mirror-work coaster or jewelry box to repeat visitors.
Post Hotel & Spa: Lake Louise, Alberta
The five cabins at this resort are in such high demand that reservations are sometimes made a year in advance. If you know you want peace and isolation during your vacation, however, it’s well worth the wait. In the evening, wine connoisseurs can choose from the extensive wine cellar, which holds 26,000 bottles of wine. During the day, guests may choose to walk up to the peak of Mount Temple and get a great view of the Canadian Rockies. If the excursion leaves you a little sore the next day, you can relax in one of the whirlpool tubs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee sitting by the fire.
Stafford London by Kempinski: London, England
Variety is the spice of this posh resort, with three different houses, each representing different time periods. The main house has traditional decorations that provide a refined setting, while the Stafford Mews boasts a contemporary look, for those wanting more modern lodgings. If you want to feel like you’re getting away from it all, in spite of the urban landscape, stay in the Carriage House. It has an environment lifted straight out of the English countryside. For meals, stop by Lyttelton for entrées such as summer truffle pappardelle and sea bass with heirloom tomatoes.
Though it may be tempting to check your email, voicemail, and other messages during your trip, try to resist that temptation. While it may be hard to break the habit of logging in, updating your status, and making phone calls within the span of ten minutes, you’ll feel all the more refreshed from not doing any of those things—if only for just a little while.
photo credit: Sofitel So Mauritius Bel Ombre via photopin cc
No matter how many times someone has traveled, the process could always be easier. Perhaps your boss has the Los Angeles airport memorized and knows exactly where to go after riding in his limo to LAX. Maybe he’s learned how to pack his suitcase better than any artist has ever painted. He probably has loyalty rewards with several airlines and a standing reservation at the business lounge. Still, no matter how streamlined the travel has become, there are always possibilities for making the travel easier. If you’re ready to impress your boss once more with your knowledge and ability to make corporate trips that much more bearable, it’s time to consider reserving Meet and Greet services at LAX.
What Are Meet and Greet Services?
To be honest, the Meet and Greet services can cover several different possibilities. In fact, the agent who meets your boss at the curb can provide a customized service—whatever your boss needs is what will be provided. The real draw is a friendly face and inside knowledge of the airport. If corporate travelers need expedited check-in services, then the Meet and Greet agent can provide those. If boarding passes are needed, those can be acquired. If luggage assistance is needed, it will be given.
What Other Benefits Are Available?
Imagine throwing together a trip at the last minute for your boss. It’s not easy to organize the car service to LAX, the business lounge, excellent seats, boarding pass printing, pertinent documentation, and an itinerary for the trip. With the Meet and Greet services, you can rely on someone else to take care of some of the load. For instance, the agent can help reserve the best possible seats on the plane, print out the boarding passes, expedite the check-in process, and provide a companion and helping hand through security. In addition to these services, an agent can also procure a spot in one of the VIP lounges so your boss can relax in relative privacy while waiting for takeoff.
Helpful Direction
Perhaps the most overlooked benefit of a Meet and Greet service is the personal guide through the airport. No matter how often someone travels, an airport can be baffling. This is especially true if the signage isn’t posted well or if some is missing. Nothing is more frustrating than following signs through half the airport, only to have that beacon of light go out. With a guide, your boss won’t even need to look for signs. He or she can simply follow the agent through the airport while also taking advantage of the luggage assistance. The guide can take your boss directly to the gate or help locate the business lounge.
Upon Arrival
All of these services previously listed are perfect for departures, but what about arrivals? When your boss lands in an unfamiliar city, nothing could be more reassuring than a friendly face. The guide can help gather luggage, move the process quickly through baggage claim, locate car services, and even suggest places to stop while in the area.
In reality, Meet and Greet services are like a personal assistant for hire. In some cases, they can even act as a concierge service. You’ll know for sure your boss is getting the best possible assistance while on the road, even when you can’t be there to take care of the little things. If you’d like to provide that kind of attentive service at all times, then you should certainly consider finding a Meet and Greet service that you can trust.
Several different companies are available to provide these services, so it’s simply a matter of finding one that fits your particular needs. You may want to audition a few different services before choosing one to stick with. The cost is certainly worth the benefits you’ll receive.
The thought of limousines and chauffeurs often brings to mind thoughts of camera flashes and couture, as celebrities enter and exit vehicles on red carpets. Viewers are certain these celebrities get the very best service possible, with additional safety and security on top of the concierge-style attention the chauffeur gives. The thought of receiving that same service for a simple ride to the airport or for business meetings simply seems out of reach, but the truth is, everyone deserves celebrity car service. If you’re not getting that same service and attention, you may want to rethink your ground transportation.
What service should every chauffeur offer? Here’s a starting list.
Attention to Detail
When you reserve limousine service in New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or any other city in the world, there are certain standards you should expect. These standards should be available to any and all who step inside a chauffeured vehicle, regardless of fame or status. That same attention to detail that comes as an expected part of celebrity car service should be available to any passenger. That means your chauffeur will be on time, every time. Your trip will always be as peaceful or as playful as you choose, with music selections or silence. If you’re collecting several people, the addresses will be memorized, traffic patterns studied, and the passengers picked up without additional information or input needed. In fact, you won’t need to concern yourself with anything except which seat inside the vehicle to choose.
Safety and Security
Even if you’re not a celebrity, you deserve the same privacy. When your chauffeur collects you for a meeting, a dinner, a party, or simply a ride from the airport, no one else needs to know where you are. Truly excellent chauffeurs are trained to keep passenger whereabouts a secret. In fact, many chauffeurs are also trained security professionals, ex-police, former firefighters, and retired military. That means, in addition to discretion, you also get excellent security.
Concierge-Style Assistance
When you work with a world-class limousine service, you can also expect special attention from the chauffeur and the limousine company as a whole. This means you never need to worry about the dress that needs dry cleaned before the big gala, the printer that just ran out of paper before the big presentation, or the dead battery on your laptop. Great chauffeurs will go out of their way for any and all passengers by offering concierge services. Your dress will be delivered fresh and pressed, your paper for the printer waiting when you need it, and your laptop charger already plugged in and charging your computer. These are simply the services available to everyone and not just those seeking celebrity car service.
Consistent Service
Your chauffeur will always greet you by name when you work with an excellent service. You may wonder if he or she keeps a log of pertinent information and studies before picking you up. This may be the case, but the real fact is that your chauffeur—and your car service—will care enough about you to learn what they can. This information will be gathered over time to tailor your car service to your exact specifications. Instead of an invasion of privacy, you’ll understand with each tiny detail that it’s simply because your limousine service cares. If that sounds like something that’s only available with celebrity car service, think again.
As you can see, celebrity car service really is available to everyone, whether you starred in the latest blockbuster or simply need reliable transportation to a business event. You should never have to settle for anything less.
