The rack is the thing

By Daily Press staff

With summer and the travel season in high gear, Rack Solid is a new business in Santa Monica whose sole function is to offer and service recreational automobile roof and hitch racks. The service provides mobility for those wishing to travel with skis, bikes or other recreational equipment.

Rack Solid fills a niche in the outdoor recreational market, providing an extensive inventory of automobile roof and hitch racks, company representatives said. Rack Solid provides installations to the customer, often within an hour of purchase. One of the difficulties for not only the consumer, but the industry, has been the variety of vehicles available on the market. With the advent of doors and rooflines which have become increasingly aerodynamic now almost every vehicle requires a specific design. Rack Solid enters the picture by having on hand the vast majority of equipment necessary to not only fit the rack to a specific vehicle, but to carry a variety of recreational gear, including surfboards, bikes, skis, snowboards, fishing gear, boats, and camping gear, company representatives said.

One of the company’s founders is Peter McGee, who has authored books on kayaking the coastal waters of British Columbia, scouted locations in greater Los Angeles for over a year, deciding on a site at 3127 Lincoln Blvd. for its proximity to the beach, bike path, and communities known for active lifestyles. Co-founder Bill Runyon, a three-time bronze medalist in the Southern California District Cycling Championships and avid skier, helped McGee to open the store in early April. In May, John Bullion, who has extensive retail experience in the industry was offered a partnership, and now manages the business.



Shutters at the thought: Hotel taps new director

By Daily Press staff

In a town buzzing with movie premieres, declarations of new “it” girls and deal-making or breaking meetings occurring each day, Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar aim to provide luxury location and service for the entertainment industry’s elite.

Kaylee Kiecker joins Shutters and Casa as the new director of entertainment sales, overseeing all sales initiatives, working with major entertainment companies and networks, talent agencies, travel agencies, studios and venues to facilitate any of their needs. Kiecker was vice president of special events and tourism for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2006.

“The industry’s executives come to Shutters and Casa every day for a nearby escape from the hustle of the city or to conduct private meetings with views of the Pacific Ocean over their shoulder,” said Vice President and Managing Director Klaus Mennekes said. “Ms. Kiecker’s extensive experience in both Hollywood and hospitality will be very beneficial to industry executives who need exceptional service.”

Kiecker’s previous experience also includes 10 years of hotel group sales for high-end hoteliers, and guest coordinating for private events at the Playboy Mansion and for private cigar dinners in conjunction with Gov. Schwarzenegger.