In the world of ultra-wealthy clients, a unique profession emerges: the lifestyle manager. These experts, like Erica Jackowitz, are tasked with orchestrating the leisure lives of the elite, ensuring that every detail, from dinner parties to Arctic adventures, is meticulously managed. Jackowitz, alongside her husband Roman Chiporukha, runs Roman & Erica, a lifestyle management company based in New York and Aspen, catering to a select group of clients willing to pay upwards of $150,000 annually for their exclusive services.
What sets this profession apart is the level of personalization and the deep understanding of clients' needs. Jackowitz knows the exact details of her clients' desires, from their children's birthday parties to their dinner preferences. She sources unique gifts, manages their travel itineraries, and advocates for them, all while ensuring seamless execution. This level of customization and advocacy is what sets lifestyle management apart from traditional travel agencies, which are often commission-based.
The job's unpredictability and the need to solve complex problems are what Jackowitz finds most exciting. From rescuing clients' friends from a yacht in the Mediterranean to organizing full carnivals for 'Sunday fun days,' her work is an adrenaline rush. Her background in law and her passion for travel, restaurants, and good food have seamlessly blended into her career, making her job an extension of her lifestyle. This unique profession allows her to live in Europe during the summers, turning hotel cabanas into her offices.
However, the role also comes with challenges, such as the constant need to adapt to unexpected situations, like travel delays or last-minute dinner reservations. Jackowitz's ability to manage these challenges while maintaining the highest level of service is what makes her job so rewarding. As she navigates the lives of the ultra-wealthy, she not only ensures their leisure is seamless but also advocates for them, making their lives a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
