When Peyton Carr isn't running the wealth management firm Keystone Global Partners, this St. Louis native spends his time taking breathtaking photographs of the city. In fact, one of his photographs was recently featured on NY Instagram. Last week, I caught up with Peyton to discuss life, photography, and of course, New York.
What do you do in New York?
I work with affluent individuals and do three things: investing, tax minimization, and asset protection. Think of me as a personal CFO for wealthy families and individuals. I love my job because we are always solving problems and thinking of creative ways to improve our clients’ lives. Last week I was working on a project to sell an art collection tax-efficiently and this week I’m helping a family pre-plan for the sale of their business.
Describe your perfect day in the city.
Saturday workout; brunch with friends; see some art; shoot some pictures; watch the sunset; have some cocktails!
Where’s the best place to catch the sunset?
Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, Battery Park, West side of Manhattan.
What restaurant are you dying to try but haven't yet?
I have not been to Santina, that Italian spot in meatpacking created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick. It’s a big glass box right under the Highline, and the food is supposed to be very good! I think they just opened for brunch too, so I plan to check that out soon.
Where do you take a date to impress her?
Driving on the beach in the Hamptons during the sunset followed by beach grilling. Works every time!
What’s the best season to visit New York?
Late Spring or December. Spring is beautiful, not too hot, the park is open and everything is green. December is fun because the social season is in high gear and the city is completely lit up with holiday lights. It’s magical during the holiday season. During the summer, a lot of locals leave the city during the weekends, so beware of that if you’re coming to visit your friends in NYC.
What are your favorite weekend trips from the city?
The Hamptons. It’s easy to get there, has great outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and phenomenal sunsets. East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk are my favorite spots. Outside the Hamptons, Newport and Nantucket are great, but they take longer to get to.
What weekend trip are you dying to try?
I really would like to spend more time in the Hudson River Valley. It has a majestic beauty, with quaint towns, great outdoors activities and wonderful hiking.
Taxi, subway or Uber?
All of them! I also Citi-Bike which is a great way to explore the city.
Any crazy taxicab stories?
My second year in the city, I was riding in a taxi up 6th Avenue somewhere in the 50’s and we stopped in the middle of the street. A guy walked up to ask the taxi driver for directions. The driver rolled down his window, then the guy stuck his hand in, grabbed some cash, and ran off. The driver leaped out and ran after the guy. Meanwhile, I’m sitting in the back of the taxi in the intersection all by myself and the light turns green. I got into the driver’s seat and moved the taxi to the side of the road. I called the police and waited there. The driver came back about twenty minutes later while I was speaking with the police and had somehow gotten his money back. Don’t mess with taxi drivers!
If you could tell one thing to the tourists of New York, what would that be?
Make reservations and plan well in advance. Be specific about your preferences and get ideas about what to do from friends who live here. There are so many amazing restaurants in the city. Don’t buy those cheap $5 umbrellas that hawkers sell on the street, they fall apart after two minutes.
