Grant Gravitt on LinkedIn: Location Scouts, Chicken Fingers and Lionel Messi. The Thursday blog… (2024)

Golden Canes, Ecuador Trips, and Dr John remembered on the anniversary of his death. The Friday blog begins now.—-If you know anything about me. You will know that I am Miami through and through. So of course, one of my biggest passions is the University of Miami and specifically their sports program. So much a fan that this year I took the big plunge and became a Golden Hurricane. It has been a lifetime goal. This takes being a Hurricane fan to another level. Today I met with my Athletic department liaison Da’Ron Brown. We took a power lunch at Deli Lane in downtown South Miami. I was so excited to talk Hurricane football.The agenda of the meeting was to find out what I was getting involved in and how I could best support the University in my new role. But of course, we veered off the conversation and many directions. Including the status of this year‘s football team. of course the changing landscape of college football was another conversation. Then I learned my buddy Da’Ron who is leaving Miami to be assistant athletic Director at SMU in Dallas. I was totally bummed.But I rebounded with a killer mahi-mahi sandwich chased by a really good Caesar salad. It’s football season in less than two months. Now I’m debating if I’m gonna go see the University of Florida play. Oh by the way we get tickets if we want them. I love being a Golden Cane!——Mac Rebennack aka Dr John passed away five years ago today. He was quite the mainstay around Criteria Recording Studios in the early 1970’s. Recording for Atlantic Records Mac recorded his biggest hit at Criteria. “Right Place Wrong Time” was all over the radio in 1973. Totally one of my favorite songs in fifth grade. From what I understood Dr. John was such a favorite at Atlantic Records that he was the only artist that had carte blanche for setting up any studio session to record no matter the time. That sometimes that meant calls would come in at two or 3 o’clock in the morning when inspiration hit. Which was great because he lived in the apartment complex next-door to the studio during his time in South Florida. No wonder his nickname was The Night Tripper.————-Found these pictures in the archives. They are from one of our Ecuador trips. This one with Miss Florida Teen USA 1990 Debbie Knox. We would take one or two trips a year to Guayaquil. All to promote our international broadcast of both of our State pageant qualifiers. They were syndicated by the Ecuadorian television network GamaVision who had the South America and Central America rights to our shows.It was always a big deal every time we arrived. We would normally meet the Ecuadorian president and go on a Goodwill tour through the country. It would always end with a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Trust me when I say we were bigger than most national pageants. And had more viewers worldwide than Miss USA did. And this was one of the perks. So much fun! These are my truths. My pronouns are he, his and him. Much love from Miami Shores.

Reunions, Birthday Parties and the old gang circuit 1998. Welcome to Thursdays blog.———The highlight of the day was my reunion with dear friend and Florida Pageant Icon Barbara Bowser Baan. Barbra was our second Miss Florida USA title-holder and became truly a part of the Gravitt family. After winning the title and finishing second runner-up at Miss USA. Barbara had quite the career in modeling, acting and hosting. We soon realized it had been a quarter of a century since we saw each other. She really looks the same and has that amazing sparkle in her eye. Not to mention she’s one of the coolest title holders we’ve ever had.After leaving Florida, she went to LA and became quite successful. Her big break came when she won the first spokesmodel competition on the very popular TV show Star Search as hosted by Ed McMahon. Even with her successes she would return to Florida often to host somewhere near 20 Florida USA and Teen USA pageant broadcasts through the years. This is Miami Springs girl started her pageant career at 17 winning the Miss Orange Bowl title. Two years later, she about won Miss USA.We had a lovely lunch at Lester’s Dinner near the Fort Lauderdale airport. She told me of her travels and recent career as a morning disc jockey in Wichita, Kansas. That path just ended and she’s exploring all of her options moving forward. What a great afternoon as it felt like we just saw each other a week before. Totally the sign of a great friend. Can’t wait for her returning back to Florida.——Speaking of old friends. Here are some pictures of a birthday party from probably 1994. The party was in the lobby of Studio A at Criteria Recording Studios. The building was set up as where Tel Air’s offices were located on the second floor. So it was not unusual for us to have our celebrations both floors.It was such a fun family vibe that no matter who did what, both companies jumped in and celebrated. On the couch, I see multiple Grammy award-winning producer, Rudy Perez enjoying some pizza. We were all tight in the building and celebrated al birthday s as it was always an excuse to get Pizza and a birthday cake from Lorenzo‘s Italian market just down the street———-Finally, we end on this picture of our posse working at Miss Florida Teen USA pageant circa 1998. Nobody ran a tighter show in pageantry or had more fun doing it then those who worked with Mary lou. These were the people that got it done for our pageant team. Poor Reggie Cordova (as seen in the lower frame) is no longer with us. He was a good man.———If I recover from my back issues, Thursday should be a very fun day. I get to run down to the University of Miami and hang out with Da’Ron Brown who is my liaison with The Golden Cane Club ar the University of Miami. So I get to talk college football over a yummy lunch and plan out the strategy for the year. I can’t wait to say Go Canes. These are my truths. My pronouns are he, his and him. Much love from Miami Dade County.

2

Chamber Day 2024. Speeches, Networking and Lots of Photo Ops. The Wednesday Blog begins now.———The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has always played a big part in the life of both the Gravitt family and Tel Air Interests. Grant got involved in the mid 60s under the guidance of the legendary PR father of Miami, Hank Meyer. He rose all the way up to vice chair in the mid 70s. It established him as leadership in the community and placed Tel Air Interests as not only an international company, but a company that was vested in its hometown. When I entered, I felt I was second generation leadership. It was a good seven year run before we moved north to Hollywood.Many years later Tel-Air Interests moves back to Miami and of course, we immediately jump back into involvement with the GMCC. Tuesday, Tiffany Terrell and I were all in for the annual Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Goals Conference. This year at the Grand Marquis Marriott in downtown Miami. No longer the weekend event that it once was. It is now a one day luncheon and meeting of the General membership.We arrived pretty promptly at noon considering we got lost between the parking garage and the hotel. Downtown Miami is a lot different than it used to be. (My bad!) We soon were greeted by some of our new chamber friends including Chamber President Alfred Sanchez, Chamber staffer and good buddy Clare Whalen and our former PR Account Executive John David. Plenty of business cards were exchanged and the making of new friends. After the meet and greet, it was inside the ballroom for lunch and the afternoon‘s presentations.Of course I’m not great at sitting still. So I wound up wandering and going into different displays and seeing many more of our dear friends. Including Miss Florida USA family members Louisa Alvarez and Philipa Valencia. Of course you know I took pictures. So great seeing our alumni out and about and being leadership in Miami Dade County. Could not be prouder of them all. Then with Tiffany there were three alumni in one room.To me, the highlight of the day was the speech of Miami Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. I just think the world of her both as a person and as a politician. Got to speak with her a few minutes and was really impressed. Would not be surprised if I helped her out during her re-election run. It has been ages since I got involved in Dade County politics. Feels like I’m back in Miami!. The afternoon ended with a reception adjacent to the ballroom. I so love a co*cktail party, that is in my wheelhouse. Met so many cool people and had so many interesting discussions. I can’t wait to return some of the business cards and start setting up meetings around town. Totally the best part about being at the chamber. These meet and greets really allow you to feel the pulse of my hometown. I sure missed Miami .All in all a really good day. These are my truths. My pronouns are he, his and him. Much love from Miami Dade County. #GreaterMiamiChamberOfCommerce

1

Chamber Day 2024. Speeches, Networking and Lots of Photo Ops. The Wednesday Blog begins now.———The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has always played a big part in the life of both the Gravitt family and Tel Air Interests. Grant got involved in the mid 60s under the guidance of the legendary PR father of Miami, Hank Meyer. He rose all the way up to vice chair in the mid 70s. It established him as leadership in the community and placed Tel Air Interests as not only an international company, but a company that was vested in its hometown. When I entered, I felt I was second generation leadership. It was a good seven year run before we moved north to Hollywood.Many years later Tel-Air Interests moves back to Miami and of course, we immediately jump back into involvement with the GMCC. Tuesday, Tiffany Terrell and I were all in for the annual Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Goals Conference. This year at the Grand Marquis Marriott in downtown Miami. No longer the weekend event that it once was. It is now a one day luncheon and meeting of the General membership.We arrived pretty promptly at noon considering we got lost between the parking garage and the hotel. Downtown Miami is a lot different than it used to be. (My bad!) We soon were greeted by some of our new chamber friends including Chamber President Alfred Sanchez, Chamber staffer and good buddy Clare Whalen and our former PR Account Executive John David. Plenty of business cards were exchanged and the making of new friends. After the meet and greet, it was inside the ballroom for lunch and the afternoon‘s presentations.Of course I’m not great at sitting still. So I wound up wandering and going into different displays and seeing many more of our dear friends. Including Miss Florida USA family members Louisa Alvarez and Philipa Valencia. Of course you know I took pictures. So great seeing our alumni out and about and being leadership in Miami Dade County. Could not be prouder of them all. Then with Tiffany there were three alumni in one room.To me, the highlight of the day was the speech of Miami Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. I just think the world of her both as a person and as a politician. Got to speak with her a few minutes and was really impressed. Would not be surprised if I helped her out during her re-election run. It has been ages since I got involved in Dade County politics. Feels like I’m back in Miami!. The afternoon ended with a reception adjacent to the ballroom. I so love a co*cktail party, that is in my wheelhouse. Met so many cool people and had so many interesting discussions. I can’t wait to return some of the business cards and start setting up meetings around town. Totally the best part about being at the chamber. These meet and greets really allow you to feel the pulse of my hometown. I sure missed Miami .All in all a really good day. These are my truths. My pronouns are he, his and him. Much love from Miami Dade County. #GreaterMiamiChamberOfCommerce

5

2 Comments

Proclamations, Cave Exploring and Long lost Buddies. It’s Tuesday’s edition of our daily blog.——-Just a week out from our next production and it is a busy time here at Tel Air Interests. We are focusing on our Sunday concert with Foom! As we prepare for another film based production. So most of the day centered around the preparations so everything will run professional and smooth. The day culminated in a mid-afternoon production meeting with Max and Theo from the band. The day also included making schedules, testing equipment and making a BJ’s Warehouse craft service run. Nothing particularly exciting for pictures on camera, but it’s the stuff that keeps the production going.——-While at OfficeMax, we ran into Tel Air’s legendary Director of Photography Richard “Rick” Huff and his wife Janine. It was so great catching up with the two of them as they were a big part of my life. Rick started working for my father in 1969 and was on staff for over 40 years. He truly taught me the ropes of production. he always felt like uncle Rick I have also included a photo of him in his natural environment in front of one of oar Arri film cameras. Nothing better than running into an old friend that means the world to you. I am happy to report he they are doing good. Gave them both a big hug on the way out and left with a smile on my face.———Speaking of Smiles on my face check out these pictures from 2000 as the iconic Michael Aller, the Cultural Ambassador for the City of Miami Beach proclaimed it to be Miss Florida USA week. This was from one of our pageants back in the day. The thrill is seeing three of my favorite people in one photograph. Kristen Ludecke, one of my all-time favorites Miss Florida USA’s. Of course my dear friend, the iconic Mr. Aller and a very young Jack Wolfe. Jack is still doing my public relations 24 years later.What great memories. Back in the days when I used to be fun! Rest in power Michael.——-And finally check out this shot from Springfield, Missouri as Mary Lou Gravitt and I were about to go underground and explore one of the caves in the southwest part of the show me state. We were killing time on our way from Branson, Missouri back to Miami after the 1999 Miss USA pageant. It was really a fun experience. And we totally looked like fish out of water compared to the seasoned cave explorers next to us. I also love Mary lou’s fur coat.Even below ground in caves we still have to be fashionable!———Tuesday is a big day for Tel-Air Interests as Tiffany Terrell and I will be attending the Miami Chamber of Commerce annual Goals Conference. So it will be a day of speeches, committee meetings and lots of networking. Wish us luck! These are my truths. My pronouns are he, his and him. Much love from Miami Shores.#Foom!#MiamiBeach#SpringfieldMissouri#GreaterMiamiChamberOfCommerce

2

Foom! At Club Revolution

6

3 Comments