LA Athletic Club's MERCURY magazine 5.16 featuring 30 year community member Marco Ramirez

LAAC’s Shining Beacon: Marco Ramirez
By Gregory M. Fields
In the Buddhist tradition, “polishing” the human soul is
a core metaphor. Through diligence, implacable character
and honesty, it is believed, one can “buff out” the
less desirable aspects of one’s nature and bring forth
the “shine” hidden beneath our common human imperfections.
A person who practices this self-actuation is considered
a “buddha” (not the Buddha) because they inspire
peace and fellowship by bringing out the best in those
around them. And these “little buddhas” may emerge
from any socio-economic walk of life - from the most
humble to the most elevated.
Marco Ramirez has never chanted. He has never read
the teachings of Siddhartha. Yet to The Los Angles
Athletic Club community, Marco is just as impressive a
philosopher, psychologist, priest or rabbi. He is a confidante,
consuleri and confessor. He also happens to
run a shoeshine station in the men’s locker room. Very
obviously, Marco summons the luster from more than
just leather. Like a buddha, he brings out the “shine” in
everyone around him. In short, this 33-year veteran of
LAAC is an irreplaceable touchstone of the Club community.
Mention Marco to any Club member and you will
witness something extraordinary: business magnates
soften; feared district attorneys wax poetic. One prominent
real estate consultant pined, “When I see Marco,
I know I’m going to be OK. If your shoes shine, everything
else is going to be OK.” Financial advisors stall
their appointments to tell you their favorite “Marco story”.
And almost everyone seems to have at least one.
“WE ARE TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED”
It didn’t take long for Marco to appreciate the good fortune
of his deceptively ordinary day job, which he landed
on January 11, 1983 (he can tell you the exact day).
He was a bit thunderstruck at first, being surrounded by
“great leaders; great people” all day long. But soon he
realized that these men craved escape from the crushing
responsibilities that accompanied their positions
of leadership. For them, the Club was (and continues
to be) a status-free sanctuary; a “secret” space where
one could temporarily forgo the demands of everyday
life and simply “be”. No one was here to compare investment
portfolios or work titles. That was the whole
point. “I realized, this was where I most wanted to be”,
recalls Marco.
TURN back
THE CLOCK
The Club’s mission statement,
which reads: “we
are devoted to the lifelong
pursuit of Health Giving
Amusements” has been
a longstanding pursuit
of the LAAC. The original
mission, displayed on
Mercury magazines dating
back to 1915, noted that the
Mercury was “published in
the interest of life, health,
physical development and
amusement.” The essence
of this mission has been
displayed in countless
talented members. One
such member was Duke
Kahanamoku, pictured
here after a 1924 LAAC
swim meet. Duke, winner
of multiple Olympic Gold
(Duke Kahanamoku shown 2nd from the left).
medals, and “Father of Modern Surfing,”
was a member of the LAAC
during the early 1920’s and enjoyed
training in the current 6th floor
pool. Noted for his skilled practice
and noble sportsmanship, Duke displayed
talent, hard work, and enjoyment
in his style, ultimately being
named Hawaii’s “Ambassador of
Aloha.” Both a place of practice and
refuge, the Club has joyfully served
members since the early days of
Los Angeles, providing them with
a home away from home, where
life, health, physical development
and amusements unite.
Over time, Marco earned the trust of these men thanks
to his remarkable aptitude for compassion and caring.
Soon these captains of industry, these moguls, builders
and counselors who power the dynamic chaos that
is Los Angeles, crowned Marco their stalwart sounding
board: their go-to guru. Marco’s eyes brighten when
asked about his role as Club confidante. “It is a great
honor and privilege to take on the burdens of others.
And you’re talking to the Best of the Best!”
While a professional is paid to listen, a true friend offers
honest perspective and kind advice without the expectation
of reward. As Marco is fond of saying, “We are
too blessed to be stressed”. It’s a phrase that is part
admonishment and memorable inspiration - much like
what a good friend would say to another good friend in
a moment of need and reflection.
It seems that another, more familiar cornerstone of the
Buddhist tradition – karma - has come to fruition for
Marco Ramirez. And by that standard, he is a truly the
wealthiest man in the LAAC community.

Letter from the Chair
George McGraw
club happenings
Dear Fellow Members,
For decades the Board of Governors has played a key role
in Club life, as a go-between for the membership and the
administration. We act as advocates for members who want
more from their experience and as ambassadors for an administration
committed to constant renewal.
You may not have noticed, but our fingerprints are all over the
Clubhouse. From small things, like a more local beer selection,
to big ones, like more inviting and efficient locker rooms – we
work to make the LAAC feel like home.
Until now we’ve worked quietly. In fact, the only contact you
may have had with the Board is passing our picture in the back
hallway. But this year, that will change in a profound way. Our
Club is undergoing a massive shift… pushing back into its roots,
refining its service and re-investing in our 100-year-old Clubhouse.
With these changes comes a new, more diverse membership,
and we want to harness your experience and insight
like never before.
We’ve set three goals for 2016.
First, we’re re-imagining the new member on-boarding process
and providing you direct access to the Board. Have a question,
a suggestion or a concern? Email us at BOG@laac.net.
Second, we’re reaching out to club staff, building a more personal
relationship with the incredible men and women who make our
experience here so special.
Finally, we’re focusing on the 15 interest groups, associations
and mini-clubs run by members. We’ll work to make these
intra-clubs easier to find and easier to join, while offering them
a new level of support in their “pursuit of health-giving
amusements.”
The LAAC is more than a gym, a restaurant or a place of
business – it’s a community of people dedicated to building
healthier, happier lives together. Your Board reflects that same
holism. We are business owners, lawyers and parents. We are
swimmers, singers and squash players. In short, we are all of
you.
Thank you for letting us serve.
George McGraw
Chairman, LAAC Board of Governors
05
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cinco de sinatra
thursday
may 5, 2016
Join us in Invention for an eclectic Cinco de
Mayo featuring your favorite Sinatra tunes
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and special Tijuana Brass medleys performed
by the Thursday Night Jazz Band.
Cinco de Mayo drink and dinner specials will
be featured on the menu!
213.630.5255 | LAAC.Events@laac.net
hold your horses
KENTUCKY DERBY
saturday
may 7, 2016
12:30pm-4:00pm @invention
$35++
Join us for the most exciting two minutes
in sports and enjoy mint juleps, a southern
style buffet, live music, pop-up shops, a photo
booth, contests and much more!
213.630.5255 or Laac.Events@laac.net
mother’s day
brunch
sunday
march 10, 2016
10:00am-2:00pm
Adults: $53++
Children (ages 6-12): $18++
Toddlers (ages 3-5): $8++
Wow mom this Mother’s Day with a delightful
Tea Party Brunch, featuring a fine assortment
of teas and cakes, along with our full Champagne
Brunch Buffet.
213.630.5255 | LAAC.Events@laac.net
coffee break
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07
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19
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thursday
may 19, 2016
7:30am
Leslie Payne, Senior National Defense Project
Associate at the RAND Corporation, will discuss
the new face of combat in the wake of
the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, shedding light
on new strategies and what Washington has
learned. Join us for this unique opportunity
to learn from an expert in the field of Defense
Research.