PERSONAL
World Traveler. Runner. iPhone Photography.
Hello, I’m Michael Kamens, and I appreciate you stopping by my website! What started as a creative experiment led me to delve into website design, turning it into a fulfilling hobby. Along the way, I’ve crafted a few other websites, including MK Lux Life, Carolina Custom Millwork, and Beach Chair Buddy.
My deep-rooted passion revolves around travel, and I aspire to ignite a similar curiosity in others to explore the world. Having explored 27 countries to date, with a hunger for more adventures, I dedicated 7 months in 2018 to backpacking through Europe. I firmly believe that travel fosters profound personal growth and fulfillment.
While I’m a globetrotter at heart, I proudly call Washington, D.C., home. Whether I’m jogging along the National Mall, discovering new culinary delights with friends, biking through the city’s scenic paths, or immersing myself in the vibrant live music scene or EDM shows, you’ll often find me enjoying the rich cultural experiences that this capital has to offer.
Countries Visited
USA | Canada | Mexico | Germany | France | England | UAE/Dubai | Bahrain | Monaco | Ireland | Scotland | Iceland | Spain | Portugal | Morocco | Cyprus | Bosnia | Croatia | Italy | Vatican City | Czech Republic | Austria | Greece | Netherlands | Bulgaria | Anguilla | Norway | Colombia
PHOTOGRAPHY
Exploring the world through my lens, I may not be a seasoned photographer, but I have a passion for capturing moments, especially during my travels. Here, I showcase some of my favorite snapshots (with continuous updates). If any of these images resonate with you and you’d like a printout for artistic use, feel free to drop me a message!
PROFESSIONAL
Luxury Lifestyle Consultant. Entrepreneur. Event Planner.
Embarking on this professional journey has been a fascinating ride, and I’m thrilled to share my story. From my humble beginnings as a busboy at a restaurant at the age of 14 to my current role as Director of Operations in the auto industry, each experience has woven a unique thread into the tapestry of my career.
Upon turning 18, I ventured into the realm of theme parks, taking on a summer job as a ride host and swiftly earning a promotion to Assistant Team Leader. This dynamic backdrop provided the perfect canvas for learning and growth, ultimately setting the stage for my entry into the sophisticated world of luxury hospitality at the same age. It marked the beginning of an enriching journey that has spanned various roles and industries.
The chapters below unfold the narrative of my diverse experiences, each contributing to the formation of who I am professionally. Every role and experience provided new challenges and opportunities that have ultimately shaped my unique career path.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Cherner Brothers Auto Sales
Nov 2020 - Current
- Spearheaded a 48.33% increase in business gross profit from 2020 to 2021 through strategic initiatives.
- Directed management of company P&L report, guiding monthly meetings with ownership.
- Managed the transition of the company CRM, ensuring smooth updates and changes.
- Implemented daily departmental meetings to enhance communication on business topics, operations, and financial goals.
- Established and facilitated monthly sales recap and goal-setting meetings.
- Instituted company health and dental plans, formal time off policy, and company handbook.
MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
Jan 2020 - Oct 2020
- Managed high-profile delegation during fall IMF, strategically contributing $350,000+ in revenue for the hotel through meticulous planning and seamless execution and liaising as personal concierge for the CEO of an African global bank.
- Administered property changes during the hotel’s tech conversion from Delphi to CI/TY.
FOUNDING DIRECTOR & OWNER / OFFICE MANAGER
MK Lux Life / Carolina Custom Millwork
Feb 2018 - Jan 2020
- Launched and operated MK Lux Life, a travel company, specializing in designing unique, luxury global experiences.
- Traveled extensively, conducting 50+ hotel site visits across Europe in 2018, expanding industry contacts.
- Assumed the role of Office Manager for Carolina Custom Millwork, handling payroll, accounting, and HR functions (family business).
EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Private Lifestyle Firm
Dec 2015 - Feb 2018
- Researched, planned, and facilitated luxury travel experiences, including hotels, private villas, and jet charters for ultra high net worth individuals from Gulf region.48
- Oversaw client visits to ensure exceptional service and coordinated domestic staffing needs.
- Conducted hotel site visits, established and maintained hotel and vendor relationships.
- Established cloud-based accounting systems, streamlining billing process for two companies.
- Successfully initiated and oversaw operations for the London office, establishing a partnership with the Embassy.
PRIOR ROLES
- Meetings and Special Events Coord. / The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC / Mar 2015 – Dec 2015
- Meetings and Special Events Coordinator / The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte / Nov 2013 – Mar 2015
- Dual Front Office Manager / Sheraton Iowa City & hotelVetro / Nov 2011 – Jul 2013
- Accounting Clerk (Prior Front Desk Agent) / Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel / Aug 2008 – Nov 2011
- Assistant Team Leader / Cedar Point Amusement Park / Summer Season 2007 & 2008
- Salesfloor Associate in Electronics / Target / 2006 – 2007
- Busboy / Rams Horn Restaurant / 2003 – 2005
PROFESSIONAL CV
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Job
BLOG
#100daysofpostcards
Starting my own 100 day project, writing a postcard a day and mailing them out! Want a postcard from my travels? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail!
Back in the States
Travel changes you in so many ways. It challenges your existing perceptions and opens your eyes to new cultures and experiences. Finally starting to process what it did for me.
Amsterdam, City of Cyclists
For the first time in my life, I thought death by bicycles was not only possible, but likely.
Prost! Oktoberfest in Munich
Finally able to cross this item off my bucket list. So good I might just do it again!
100 Days Abroad
Can’t believe it’s been over 100 days since I left the US. Here’s a recap of my trip thus far!
My Visit to Mostar
I hadn’t planned on visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina on my trip, but I am sure glad I added Mostar to my itinerary!