Lifestyle

Music & Muscles, How This Young New Yorker Raised The Bar

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2021

Time is the one thing you can never get back. Nobody knows this lesson as well as Oren B. Segal, who has accomplished more in his twenty-one years than most have in their entire lives. While he is currently a full-time student, fitness enthusiast, model, and personal brand owner, he started building towards success from the age of six years old. Oren was taught to play the violin at this age and continues to do so to this day. Taking the lessons of practice and hard work into his adulthood, he eventually saw his string quartet showcase with the famous Kronos Quartet.

His legacy wouldn’t end with this massive accomplishment, although Oren continues to play music to this day, he found himself interested in breaking into the modeling and fashion industries. “I was made fun of and picked on as a kid, but didn’t let that stop me from following my dreams,” says Oren. Although his dreams of becoming a musician and model at a young age seemed far-fetched, he sought out to accomplish just that and more. He eventually found himself often in front of the camera, modeling for friends and local clothing brands, using his network of friends to boost his success.

During the ongoing pandemic, Oren was faced with the difficulty of his life slowing down significantly. Being used to constant work and busy schedules suddenly freezing led Oren to explore options. He picked up a job at TONE HOUSE, while maintaining his role as a full-time student. After he considered joining the US Navy, as a way to keep his mind and body occupied.

In entering the modeling world, Oren was constantly put in a position where he felt he needed to raise the bar. Constantly following fashion trends wasn’t the path that Oren wanted to take, and decided it was best to stay true to his own personal style and build his personal brand off that. By spreading kindness and remaining humble, and from the blood and sweat from the gym to his personal life, Oren’s mindset is that there will always be good things and bad things in life, but it’s more important to look at the light rather than the darkness.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.