Today we are introducing you to the one and only Neal Hamil as our BethieLife Man Crush. From model mogul to real estate mogul, Neal has done it all and then some! I will tell you one thing, if you ever want to be entertained with stories, sit next to Neal Hamil . This is the most difficult video interview I’ve edited because I didn’t want to cut any of it! Welcome, Neal!
Name?
Neal Hamil
Occupation?
Realtor / Producer / Consultant / Entrepreneur / Busy Bee / Gadfly / Pursuer of learning.
Care to share? You’re over ....
The Double Nickel, baby! Fitty-five!!
Where did you grow up?
Baytown Proud!!! Modeling brought me to Houston (and a whole lot of other places!).
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three beauty products would you like to have with you?
Carmex, Garnier Moisture Rescue, Johnsons Baby Wash / Shampoo. All extremely inexpensive and work as well as anything on the market; at any price. Makes packing and traveling very very easy!
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your personal style?
I have always been more preppy than anything. I’ve never varied much. I’ve worn Lacoste shirts and 501’s forever and still do. Jay Gatsby inspires. Old Hollywood glamour. Tom Ford. Give me my navy blazer (Hermès), a white Lacoste, 501’s, Hermès belt and a pair Charles Philip Shanghai loafers or Stan Smith’s and I am done, done and done.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Smoking. I know, I know, I know!!!!!!! I don’t want to hear it!!! Ha!!! “Million Dollar Listing New York, Beverly Hills”, etc. (See #9)!!!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never say; “Never”!!!!!! I no longer have to eat those words as I have in the past. Life is so very interesting that way. Not always happy or good or pleasant but with every turn in the road I have experienced, I have come to understand how utterly true those words are and I am at peace with that!
What is your favorite Houston store and/or restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is UP in Highland Village. Hands down. Incredibly good food, service and the most chic dining room and bar in the city. Armando’s (nachos), Avalon Diner (cheeseburger), Goode Co BBQ and yes, Luby’s. I’m more of an eater than than shopper but luxury brands I love; Hermès and Loro Piana are probably my favorite aspirational brands. Tom Ford; of course!!
What’s on your plate? (Future projects, travel plans, etc.)
I’m working with Jacob Sudhoff, at Sudhoff Companies; a private equity fund which is engaged in Real Estate but specifically in the luxury home market; new construction; hi-rise, mid-rise, town homes and now single family homes in the 4+ million range. Right now I am working extremely hard preparing the launch Houston’s newest entry into the estate home market; Hampton Lane Collection; whose staggeringly beautiful luxury homes are going to change the game in every market we take them into; starting in Houston. Hampton Lane Collection yields me exclusive listings, literally in the hundreds of millions of dollars (I am a licensed realtor). I am also co-producing a movie as well as a live musical production…..more on that later. I still have my interest in Legitimutt.com which I co-founded with my bestie, Kristy Clark. I like to be extremely busy and productive. At 55, I feel as though I’ve only just begun to do all the things I can and want to do!
How do you spend your down time?
I geek out!! I watch educational programming! The Science Channel, The History Channel and true crime shows as well as anything on the UFO / Extraterrestrial phenomenon. I’m a believer. The evidence is overwhelming. The facts don’t lie. I’ve studied this topic in great depth over a period of some 10 years. I know what I know and believe what I believe; which does not conflict with my spiritual beliefs. I believe in God.
Tell us one Houston Hidden Gem (places that aren’t necessarily well-known) that you recommend.
The Last Concert, Siphon Coffee on W Alabama, Mueller’s Bakery, L’Olivier
Tell us three of your health/beauty tips.
8 hours of good sleep each night is essential to my well-being. Laughter is my life-force. I love funny, entertaining, eccentric people. Thirdly; trying my best to be beautiful inside. Being a deep-down good person is what I work on most; compassion, understanding, being loving. That matters most to me. If you’re pretty inside….I’m a fan. Those 10 Commandments are guide to living my life.
What are three things you can’t live without? (Besides God, family, and friends.)
My beloved dog, Greta’s ashes. My vintage 560 SL. I’m not obsessed with cars but I think that one is the most chic roadster ever made. Otherwise, I’m not really into material things. My bespoke tuxedo the master, Rudy Festari, at Festari for Men made me. It elevates me to wear it. A beautiful brass clock my father gave me makes me extremely happy for a great many reasons. Love; most of which I learned
from 3 teachers; my late mother, my late dog and the late Eileen Ford; the memories of each and the love we shared sustain me.
Do you have any irrational fears?
I am TERRIFIED of heights. I get a dreaded feeling even driving on a very high freeway overpass. A medium once told me I was shoved out a window in Paris and died. Whether or not that is true; the first sensation I feel when experiencing this terror is a very strange and very real aching in my legs!!! I know; bizarre!!! I wish she had told me who shoved me!!!! HA!!! I also have a fear of knives. It’s not a fear or phobia but I am obsessed with death. I believe in ghosts and supernatural phenomenon because I have witnessed a lot; first hand. I’m not at all afraid to die, though. I’m just super curious as to what is on the other side!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Australia. I absolutely love Australia…..and Australians!! I’ve seen a great deal of the world and Australia, India and the Caribbean top my list of favorites. India is magical. I’ve sailed many oceans on one my best friend’s super yacht; the luxury of that yacht is not to be believed. I adore train travel. One thing I would give anything to do is take a journey on The Orient Express. That is a big dream. First Class train travel. Yes, please and Thank You!
If you weren’t in your present occupation, what would you dream of doing?
Writing. I would have enjoyed being a writer or an educator. I would love to have a massive sanctuary for animals; for the unloved, abandoned, abused, homeless. That would be the absolute ultimate for me. That would be heaven on earth.
What books or movies have you loved recently?
“The Theory of Everything”. Steven Hawkin is a major hero of mine and as Eddie Redmayne is my favorite young actor and he portrays Hawkin with utter brilliance; this was a happy harmonic convergence for me. Probably my favorite film of the year. I also live for “Downton Abbey”. At some point each winter I have my own “Downton” marathon and watch it all back-to-back. Winter also means a screening of “Fargo”.
Tell us something humorous about yourself.
I love doing laundry. I truly do. I also love going to a huge supermarket to food shop. I could spend the entire day there!
