Stories & Lifestyle: An interview with Peter Emmerich

Peter Emmerich runs his own hotel one hour north of West Palm Beach, Florida, the Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast that you can find online under www.grandview-gardens.net. He graduated from the renowned hotel school in Lausanne, Switzerland and worked as a hotel manager for several large hotel chains in Europe. Until the summer of 2004, when he emigrated to the US, Peter Emmerich was the vice president of Membership Services at SRS WORLDHOTELS, an association of more than 400 privately owned luxury hotels from 65 countries. He speaks English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. Peter Emmerich told The American Dream (TAD) about his experiences in the US.

TAD: When was the first time you went to the US?

Peter Emmerich: 1975 in Portland, Oregon and san Francisco, California.

TAD: Has a lot changed since then?

Peter Emmerich: The "fast moving," the urge to consume, and the focus on money has increased since then. The friendliness, openness and readiness to help others, however, are still there.

TAD: Why did you to choose the US to open your hotel? And why Miami?

Peter Emmerich: Initially, I wanted to open my own small but nice hotel on the French Côte d'Azur. However, estate prices there were exorbitant and thus uneconomical for a small business. I chose West palm Beach because of my partner, who grew up here. We found a nice, big historical building in Grandview Heights, one of the historic residential areas of West Palm Beach that are thriving again. The ideal location (walking distance to th city center, the museums, concerts etc., a ten-minute drive from the airport, the beach and Palm Beach), and the relatively favorable price were the decisive factors.

TAD: American immigration regulations are quite strict. Was it difficult for you to get a visa and how long did it take?

Peter Emmerich: Since the Grandview Gardens business concept had been well-developed already and the extension/rebuilding of the place was well under way, it was not very difficult to apply for the E-2 visa. With the help of American Dream the application including the extensive documentation was compiled very quickly and after about 4 months I had the visa.

TAD: How were you received in the US as a foreigner who wanted to live and work there?

Peter Emmerich: With open arms and the usual American warmth and friendliness. Anyone who wants to create something good here gets full support.

TAD: Many people dream of starting a new life in the US. They want to go into business for themselves or just work in the US for a few years. According to your own experience, what is important for a good start?

Peter Emmerich: A clearly structured business plan that will be a gain for the destination. That way you will get support from the local authorities and it will be easier to obtain a visa.

TAD: How would you describe the way of life of people in Miami and Florida?

Peter Emmerich: Florida is generally known for its relaxed way of life. That is gradually changing, because while in the past more retired people and hippies came to Florida, today there is an increase in young urban professionals from the northeast and young families. Lots of people are moving into the south of Florida, a fact that leads to over-development and heavy traffic. Miami has developed into a highly attractive, modern megacity. The Latin-American influence adds a special charm to that.

TAD: At present, Miami is very popular again due to the motion picture "Miami Vice." What does Miami have to offer?

Peter Emmerich: You have to differenciate between the city of Miami and Miami Beach. Miami Beach has some of the nicest beaches, hotels, clubs and restaurants in Florida, but it is a little crowded. The city of Miami has a lot of the things that successful American cities such as New York, Atlanta and Boston also offer, plus mild and sunny winters and the Latin-American atmosphere.