Former Rancho Santa Fe Art Jury president brings unique skills to new venture

By Kelley Carlson

Paul Slater has a world of experience to offer the residents of Rancho Santa Fe through his new venture, RSF Concierge.

But the 51-year-old, who has resided in locales such as England and Honduras, isn’t running a “typical” concierge business that obtains theater tickets and schedules dinner reservations.

“It’s the next level up,” Slater said.

RSF Concierge instead focuses on services in areas such as wine, travel planning, estate management, event planning, product research and Art Jury consulting, much of which Slater has had personal involvement with over the years.

Born in northern England, Slater has had a variety of career experiences to draw upon. He served in the British military for six years, and was also in the British Foreign Service. In the mid-to late 1980s, Slater was a professional squash player on the European circuit, and later became an instructor and then a manager at a diving resort in Honduras. From 1993 to 1998, he was employed by the Town Sports International health club company in New York, working his way up to become a regional manager of 10 clubs.

A family employment opportunity brought Slater to Rancho Santa Fe 12 years ago, and he became very involved in the community. He has owned boutique real estate company Coastal Property Solutions, which specializes in Ranch properties, for the last seven years. In addition, Slater has been a member of the Trails Committee; successfully ran the Rancho Santa Fe Men’s Over 40 Soccer Team; and served on the Art Jury for four years, with his last two years as president. The Art Jury is the architectural design review committee for the Rancho Santa Fe Association.

It was after his experience on the Art Jury that led Slater to consider expanding his entrepreneurial role.

“When I left (the Art Jury) a year ago, I felt I wanted to be a resource to the local community,” he said.

With the desire to help in a consultation capacity, he created RSF Concierge.

The month-old company consists of three employees — including Slater — and he subcontracts as needed.

“I’m very hands-on,” Slater said of his involvement.

As an Art Jury consultant, he can assist clients with site planning and plan review.

Slater can also help with travel plans, whether they are destination experiences, adventure trips or accompanied travel. The globetrotter pointed out that he knows how to travel safely, as a former member of the British military and Foreign Service.

Furthermore, Slater incorporates his lifelong passion for wine by giving advice on wine purchasing, cellar consulting, consignment, and holding private tastings in people’s homes.

“I’ve taken the mystery out of wine; I present it in an informative (way),” he said.

For new residents of Rancho Santa Fe, RSF Concierge can be a one-stop shop. Slater, who continues to run his real estate company, can help a client select a home, and make recommendations for maintenance and other tasks.

Slater said that referrals are a major part of his business, and that he has been getting numerous calls from local companies who want to be affiliated with RSF Concierge.

“We have a circle of people tried and trusted, who are researched by us,” Slater said. “We take the guesswork out of it for you.”

Along with the aforementioned services, Slater said he embraces the opportunity to take on custom projects. For example, if a client wants to buy an expensive vehicle and doesn’t know the price he or she should be paying, Slater can find a broker. He can also assist with event planning for occasions such as a 21st birthday celebration, providing management or giving suggestions.

When not occupied with Coastal Property Solutions and RSF Concierge, Slater enjoys teeing off on the Rancho Santa Fe golf courses, playing soccer and skiing.

“I look forward to serving the community in some form or other for some time to come,” he said. “I definitely enjoy living and working in this community. Rancho is a very special place.”

For more information about RSF Concierge and a free consultation, go to www.rsfconcierge.com, call (760) 415-7285 or e-mail paul@rsfconcierge.com. For information about Coastal Property Solutions, go to www.coastalpropertysolutions.com.