The beauty of America is people can do what they like.

Everything about mediocrity kills me.

So there's no typical day, but I transition through the course of my business day by doing everything from construction meetings on the development project under construction to design meetings for an upcoming apparel delivery to acquisition meetings about projects we're looking to acquire. It's very diverse in terms of content, substance, and what I address on a typical day.

The country's top chefs, designers, media personalities and businesses are part of this dynamic city. We know that Chicagoans are used to the highest standards.

I generally wake up, exercise and read through a huge amount of newspapers. I get to the office somewhere between 7:30 and 8:00 - my brothers and I are always the first ones in.

If there's one single thing that I do every single time, it's require references and, ideally, at least one reference from every company they've worked at.

Accessories are crucial. A great bag and a piece of statement jewelry are the fastest way to elevate an otherwise understated look.