Page 130 - Trump Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success

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D ON ’ T G ET C OMPLACENT

We very often become interested in a site because I’ve been
there and I see the potential. That happened when I visited
Panama City for a Miss Universe Pageant in 2003. I remember
saying, “this is a beautiful city, a fantastic place, and I’d like to
build something here some day.” Well, some day has happened,
and the Trump Ocean Club is underway—a 2.4-million-square-
foot, 65-story hotel and condominium tower. It’s the first time
the Trump Organization has invested in Central America, and
it’s a terrific choice.
As fate would have it, the unveiling of the plans for the
Trump Ocean Club, in April of 2006, occurred the same day
that Panamanian President Martin Torrijo asked voters to
approve a multibillion dollar project to expand the Panama
Canal. This would be the canal’s biggest modification since
1914, the year it opened, and would enable large, modern cargo
ships to navigate the canal. The growth potential was obviously
there, and this was a good indication that the city was on the
verge of a great surge of interest and activity. The design of the
Trump Ocean Club tower is remarkable as well—it appears as a
very tall sail, and the units will have flow-through panoramic
views—truly spectacular.
I’ve got my own instincts and preferences but we also review
what comes in for us from other people. We cover our bases and
are always ready for an opportunity. We are developing a prop-
erty in Istanbul after my good friend, the late Ahmet Ertegun,
the founder of Atlantic Records, suggested the idea. Ivanka will
be visiting Turkey to look for a site.
Once a site is approved, we will appoint a project manager to
oversee the project. For example, in Las Vegas we have Brian
Baudreau to supervise the Trump International Hotel & Towers
development. I can call him at any time to see what’s happening,
and I’ll be comprehensively informed from one call. There’s an
efficiency to our operation that allows us to move forward
quickly and confidently.

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