GT Sponsor Spotlight: CaliPenthouse.com

[Gringos]

GT Sponsor Spotlight

This month we're talking to James Ricketts from CaliPenthouse.com. We'll be asking James a few questions about his involvement here at GRINGOTALK, his Penthouse, and we'll throw in a personal question or two.

First off thank you James for being this month’s Sponsor Spotlight.

Thank You. It is a great honor to be here and to be a member of GT, and of course be apart of great community of people who enjoy Latin America.

Where are you from?

I'm born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I have a home and business there. I am in real estate.

What made you want to become a sponsor here at Gringos.com and how long have you been here?

I have been on GT since July or August of 2001. Originally I joined to get more factual information about Colombia then later I decided to advertise with Gringos.com to help rent or sale my place in Colombia, just like any other sponsor I needed extra exposure especially during these hard times. Little did I know that I would build such great relationships and friendships with people from around the world.

Has GT helped your business? How so?

GRINGOTALK helped me rent my place in early 2009. It does not get any better than that. Oh wait, maybe it does… I have a Canadian couple leasing my Penthouse coming up in spring. And that is word of mouth, so GT gets the word out. It also has something to say about being exposed to first class travelers and adventure seekers looking to live life outside the US box of Disney, Sea World, Knotts Berry and that stuff… you get me drift. We have always had great times in Colombia and having my place as a ground zero has it’s advantages.

Any plans for the future with GT?

I would certainly hope so. For now checking out other areas in Colombia is of a higher importance however Cali is always a fun place to chill.

I know you're involved in a business in Colombia. What's the deal behind that and what does the future hold for you?

Gringos.com is a site that was built by enthusiasts, like many here in hopes to experience a new life, new adventures, new friends and new answers to life’s questions as we grow older. Back in the day, one of the original creators of Gringos.com asked if I would like to be apart of the book and work pre-production status of agencies, a source of information from Colombia in essence helping new guys with new information. I had not agreed but the Two Gringos Guide was a great book and a huge resource of invaluable information and that book made everything so much easier for everyone involved. Not only could you get a grip of what was viable but also what was not.

You've racked up quite the following on your own. I'm assuming Blues Brothers was a passionate tradition you wanted to keep alive. What's the story behind the famous American Bar in Granada?

I am a huge music nut. I'm sure I'll get ragged but I saw a niche market in Granada for a cozy Bar where music lovers could hang out, relax and live bands show off their talents. But my passion was the Bar… however, all great things end and now Bogota has my eye. That is what I'm anxiously awaiting. I will be the first to know but more time must pass before the second coming of Blues Brothers Bogota style.

Any final thoughts or words for GT members?

I would like to Thank everyone reading about me, my Penthouse and Bar. Two Gringos are great representations of world class website owners. Ray, Thanks for all your help along the way. To the mods, thanks for not banning me for life when I first arrived on the Forum and did not know the etiquette. And my team at Blues, Thanks for making my job so easy and building the best American Bar in Colombia.

Thank you James for taking time out to be in our Sponsor Spotlight. If you're in Cali, check out the Cali Penthouse ( www.calipenthouse.com ) or in Bogota the future home of Blues Brothers at www.caliblues.net

Jame's Other Properties
www.funvacationrentals.com
www.lagocalima.net

[John Wayne]

Hey this is a nice and well written post, I take it as a post and NOT an advertisement...

Well done......

[rivardco]

James is a gentleman and a great guy. He tolerates the wayward gringos with grace and patients. He KNOWS the score

And, he will always tell you how it is. 2 thumbs up!

[latinstranger]

I stayed at the penthouse a few years ago and was very pleased. Good people to deal with.

[John Wayne]

Hey LS......

I like the car in your Avatar.....

But then again, I am a known liar.....

[48 And Holding]

James, congrats on the spotlight. Very nice write-up! I am impressed.

Thanks for sharing the spotlight and mentioning blues, that was so self-less of you. Keep up the great work James!