13. Tim Houston
In this day and age business is who you know, and how you connect with them. Meet Tim Houston, a networker extraordinaire and man of many talents. They include, among others, being an impresario, a coach, an author, a speaker and a TV show host, and did we mention he’s also been to 35 U.S. states and 16 countries? He also serves as Business Networking International’s (BNI) Outer Borough director, where he presides over a growing social networking chapter trend. Queens alone now has a half-dozen chapters, which are referral-based marketing “clubs” that meet weekly at 7a.m. “Only the serious can do it – but that’s who we want,” he says. BNI is the world’s largest business networking and referral organization.
12. Qristyl Frazier
Are you a woman who’s not a size two or four? Well Qristyl has you covered. While most of America is focused on losing weight, designer Qristyl Frazier, who was recently featured in Queens Fashion Week, helped ladies embrace being plussized, creating an entire line of fashion for women sizes 12-24. Frazier, who has worked with the likes of Janet Jackson and Queen Latifah, has created a high-end line of plus-size fashion, focusing on what she calls “feminine dress with a lot of sex appeal.” Women across America are gravitating towards this trendy designer who has separated herself from the pack during her more than 15 years in the business.
11. Jonathan Jorge
The increasingly popular Jonathan Jorge, aka DJ Mustachio, has been spinning in Astoria since 2008. His recent ventures include Salsa Night at Bungalo Restaurant on Broadway and Reggae Night at the former Indigo Restaurant, now the Astoria Brew House, on 31st Street. Reggae Night is no more, for now, but Salsa Night continues every Wednesday and is building an enthusiastic following. Let’s dub Jorge “the cerebral DJ,” as he’s on a mission to expose club and lounge-goers to niche genres and to “the energy behind the music.” Don’t be surprised if he gets into a passionate conversation with you at the DJ booth, on, oh, the genesis of modern Latin music or how socio-economic factors and a vibrant street art scene fomented hip-hop. But it’s not all talk. Salsa Night at Bungalo draws a devoted crowd who come for the free Salsa lesson and a night of exhilarating dancing. Jorge is one to watch.
10. Steve Madden
He’s been called the most promising footwear designer in the United States. From platforms to pumps, worldrenowned shoe designer and Queens native Steve Madden has been ahead of the curve, setting the pace for the fashion industry. Since he hit the fashion scene almost 20 years ago, Madden has brought a unique perspective, incorporating a global influence into his work that allows him to stay a step ahead of the competition. Steve Madden Inc., still headquartered in Queens, will look to continue its success as last year their unique shoe collection brought in more than a half-billion dollars in sales.
22 Winter 2010 www.itsqueens.com
9. Eric Ulrich
Most 24-year-olds are more worried about their team winning a Super Bowl than they are their party winning the majority in Congress. Eric Ulrich is the exception to the rule. The youngest member of the New York City Council made headlines in February when he was elected to represent the 32nd District in South Queens and serve as the minority whip of the Republican delegation. At an age when most young men are figuring out what they want do with their lives, Ulrich has already established himself as serious politician, setting the standard for future generations of young Americans.