Who is Steven Sims? Born in 1966, Steven Sims is a self-made entrepreneur, author, and founder of Bluefish, the world's first luxury concierge service. Despite dropping out of school at 15, Sims transformed his life through sheer determination and street smarts. From bricklayer to stockbroker to nightclub doorman, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Sims has arranged jaw-dropping experiences for A-list clients, like private dinners at the feet of Michelangelo's David and underwater tours of the Titanic. His books, "Bluefishing" and "Go for Stupid," offer insights into achieving ridiculous goals. Sims' story is a testament to the power of hard work and innovative thinking.
Key Takeaways:
- Steven Sims, the founder of Bluefish, achieved success through street smarts and networking skills, proving that determination and unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
- Sims' innovative luxury concierge services, media presence, and diverse ventures have redefined personalized travel and entertainment, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with hard work and determination.
Early Life and Education
Steven Sims' journey to success began with humble beginnings. His early life and education played a crucial role in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit.
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Early Life and Education: Steve Sims did not attend college, dropping out of school at the age of 15. Despite this, he has leveraged his street smarts and networking skills to achieve great success.
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Career Beginnings: Sims started his career as a bricklayer in London. He then transitioned to a stockbroker job in London but was fired after just five days in Hong Kong.
Building Connections and Networking
Sims' ability to network and build connections has been a cornerstone of his career. His unique approach to networking has opened many doors.
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Networking and Building Connections: After losing his stockbroking job, Sims stayed in Hong Kong and worked as a doorman for a nightclub. This role allowed him to network with high-profile clients and form connections that would later support his luxury concierge business.
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Founding Bluefish: In 1996, Sims founded Bluefish, the world's first luxury concierge service. Bluefish provides personalized travel, transportation, and entertainment services to corporate executives, celebrities, professional athletes, and other discerning individuals.
Achievements and Recognition
Steven Sims' innovative approach to luxury concierge services has earned him numerous accolades and partnerships.
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Partnerships and Recognition: In 2003, Bluefish partnered with MBNA to launch its own credit card. The company was named the official concierge of L.A. and New York Fashion Weeks in 2004 and provided concierge services for the Kentucky Derby from 2005 to 2007.
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Icon International Holdings Inc. Agreement: In August 2006, Icon International Holdings Inc. signed an agreement with Bluefish Concierge to provide all concierge services for the airline and its travelers.
Author and Thought Leader
Sims has also made a name for himself as an author and thought leader in the luxury concierge industry.
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Author of Bluefishing: In 2017, Sims published his first book, "Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen." The book became a bestseller and was translated into several languages, including Chinese, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Thai, and Korean.
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Second Book: Go for Stupid: In 2022, Sims released his second book, "Go for Stupid – The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals," which further solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the luxury concierge industry.
Personal Life and Values
Despite his busy schedule, Sims remains committed to his family and personal well-being.
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Personal Life: Steve Sims currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Clare, their three children, and their dog. Despite his busy schedule, he remains committed to his family and personal well-being.
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Networking with Powerful Figures: Sims has networked and befriended many powerful people, including Donald Trump, Sting, Andrea Bocelli, and Elon Musk. These connections have been instrumental in arranging extraordinary experiences for his clients.
Extraordinary Client Experiences
Sims' ability to create unique and memorable experiences for his clients is legendary.
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Client Experiences: Some of the extraordinary experiences that Steve and his team have made possible for his A-list clientele include enjoying a private dinner for six at the feet of Michelangelo's David, having dinners in Italy while being serenaded by Andrea Bocelli, and taking underwater tours of the Titanic.
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App Development: Taste of Blue: Sims has also developed an app called Taste of Blue, which offers a more accessible route to unique and luxury outcomes. This app is part of his ongoing efforts to make high-end experiences more accessible to a broader audience.
Media Presence and Speaking Engagements
Sims' media presence and speaking engagements have further established him as a leading figure in the luxury concierge industry.
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Media Appearances: Steve Sims has been featured in over 30 TV shows and over 60 major publications. His media presence has helped to further establish him as a leading figure in the luxury concierge industry.
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Speaking Engagements: Sims is a sought-after speaker and has been invited to speak regularly at luxury clubs, entrepreneurial groups, and universities worldwide. He has even had the honor of speaking at Harvard twice.
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Consulting Work: In addition to his work with Bluefish, Sims has consulted for major award shows, credit card companies, luxury brands, and even well-known consultants. His expertise in the luxury concierge industry is highly valued by various organizations.
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Pentagon Speaking Engagement: Steve Sims has also spoken at the Pentagon, demonstrating his broad reach and influence in various sectors.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Inspiration
Sims' entrepreneurial mentality and inspirational story have motivated many to pursue their dreams.
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Entrepreneurial Mentality: Despite his success, Sims remains humble and attributes his achievements to his entrepreneurial mentality. He believes that anyone can succeed with hard work and determination, regardless of their background.
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Inspiration to Others: Sims' story has inspired many, including students at Robert Morris University. In 2022, he returned to his alma mater to share his tale of persistence and advise students to work hard and be kind.
Podcasting and Other Ventures
Sims continues to expand his influence through various ventures, including podcasting and media companies.
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Podcasting Career: Steve Sims hosts a podcast called "The Art of Making Things Happen," where he shares insights and strategies for achieving success. The podcast has become a popular platform for those seeking to learn from his experiences.
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Sims Media and Sims Distillery: In addition to Bluefish, Sims owns Sims Media and Sims Distillery. These ventures reflect his diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit.
Publications and Features
Sims' work has been recognized by numerous prestigious publications, further cementing his reputation.
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Publications and Features: Steve Sims has been featured in Ivy League publications, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, South China Post, and The London Times. His name is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity.
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Networking with Royalty and Presidents: Sims has worked for royalty, presidents, A-list celebrities, and other high-profile individuals. His ability to connect people and arrange extraordinary experiences has earned him a reputation as the "Real-Life Wizard of Oz."
Creating the Personal Concierge Industry
Sims' innovative approach has set a new standard for personalized travel and entertainment.
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Creating the Personal Concierge Industry: Over 25 years, Steve Sims has created the personal concierge industry. His innovative approach to luxury services has set a new standard for personalized travel and entertainment.
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Forbes Recognition: Forbes has recognized Steve Sims as the "Real-Life Wizard of Oz," a title that reflects his ability to make the impossible possible for his clients.
Unique Taglines and Educational Background
Sims' unique taglines and self-taught approach have contributed to his success.
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Tagline: "The Way to Wish Foundation for People with Really Big Checkbooks": Entrepreneur magazine once described Sims as "the way to wish foundation for people with really big checkbooks." This tagline encapsulates his role in providing exclusive experiences for those who can afford them.
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Educational Background: Despite not attending college, Sims has educated himself through credible sources and experiences. This self-taught approach has been instrumental in his success.
Miscellaneous Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about Steven Sims that showcase his diverse career and talents.
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Book Title Change: When Sims first wrote his book, it had a different title. However, it was later changed to "Bluefishing," which became a bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.
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Satirical Short Film: Destroying Jonah Hill: In 2008, Steven Sims, not to be confused with the entrepreneur, made a satirical short film called "Destroying Jonah Hill." This film was part of his early career in Hollywood.
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Job as Jonah Hill's Double: Sims worked as Jonah Hill's double on the set of the 2009 movie "Funny People." This role helped him gain recognition in the entertainment industry.
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TV Executive Career: After his acting career, Steven Sims transitioned into a successful TV executive role. He is currently the vice president of WOW Presents Plus, a subscription-based streaming platform that owns the Emmy-winning series "RuPaul's Drag Race" and other LGBTQ+ content.
Steven Sims: A True Visionary
Steven Sims' journey from a bricklayer to the founder of the world's first luxury concierge service is nothing short of inspiring. His knack for networking, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has made him a leading figure in the luxury industry. From founding Bluefish to writing bestsellers like "Bluefishing" and "Go for Stupid," Sims has shown that determination and innovation can lead to extraordinary success. His ability to create unforgettable experiences for high-profile clients, coupled with his media presence and speaking engagements, solidifies his reputation as the "Real-Life Wizard of Oz." Living in Los Angeles with his family, Sims continues to inspire others with his story of hard work and persistence. Whether through his books, podcast, or consulting work, Steven Sims remains a true visionary in the world of luxury concierge services.
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