Mystery real estate mogul goes first class to golf tourney

Posted to: Business
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By Josh Brown
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 14, 2009

A Norfolk real estate honcho plans to spend five figures to rent a Gulfstream jet, with the services of a flight attendant, to get to the U.S. Open golf tournament in New York this week. Who's the mysterious high-flier?

Newsday, the Melville, N.Y.-based newspaper, reported the existence of the first-class traveler last week.

Jason Kaufman, vice president for sales at Talon Air, a New York-based airplane charter operator, confirmed Friday that a local real estate magnate planned to rent a Gulfstream to get to the tournament. Kaufman wouldn't name the golf enthusiast but said the businessman is a repeat client with a penchant for sushi.

Executives from Chesapeake-based construction company MEB General Contractors in previous years have chartered a flight to the Open, but not this year, said Eric Keplinger, a business development manager.

Officials at Harbor Group International LLC, Armada Hoffler and Robinson Development Group Inc. said it's not them, either. The cost for the charter would be $11,000 to $15,000, Kaufman said. He added that the businessman was still deciding Friday between renting a $5,500-an-hour jet or a $7,500 one.

"It's amazing, frankly, that people are spending this money in this kind of economy," Kaufman said.

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What the heck?

Submitted by tj on Mon, 06/15/2009 at 7:25 pm.

Let me get this straight......the "news" paper reports that "someone" they don't know has chartered a plane - not sure which model - to attend a golf tournament? What's next, "Guy with job buys new Ford"....Sales guy says It could be an Expedition or an Expedition XL - not sure which one yet.....and it could be blue or green...the guy hasn't made up his mind.... ?"

Such discretion

Submitted by Lift on Mon, 06/15/2009 at 1:57 pm.

Next time I want to charter a plane remind me not to call this guy, who can't keep my business private.

On my favorite housing

Submitted by Ethan on Mon, 06/15/2009 at 9:41 am.

On my favorite housing bubble blog there is a fella who works on Gulfstream planes. He said that many of the owners (which often is leasing companies) are cutting back on maintenance and upkeep. Of course, he was recently laid off as well so perhaps he is a bit bitter. Still makes you wonder.

WOW

Submitted by robertg on Mon, 06/15/2009 at 6:15 am.

There are folks at the newspaper with nothing to do....... THIS is news?

guesses

Submitted by vb1 on Sun, 06/14/2009 at 9:17 pm.

Maybe someone from PreCon? Remember that accident 2 years ago with private plante going down, big insurance settlement, hummmmmmmmmmm

THANK YOU, mystery man!

Submitted by glennf1 on Sun, 06/14/2009 at 3:14 pm.

If anything everyone should be THANKING the gentleman for spending money. This one trip keeps dozens, if not more, people employed from the charter services, restaurants, hotel stays, etc. He is only enjoying the fruits of his labor. It is no different than the average joe going out to eat to celebrate. It's only on a different scale.