Meet Michael Zaretsky

We were lucky to catch up with Michael Zaretsky recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Michael with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic finds its roots in the competitive arena of sports, which shaped my character from an early age. Growing up in Belarus during the era of the Soviet Union, where opportunities were scarce and travel was limited, I turned to table tennis as an escape and a passion. From childhood, I dedicated myself to the sport, engaging in rigorous daily training that not only cultivated discipline but also fostered a tenacious competitive spirit within me. This journey instilled in me a profound commitment to my craft and a sense of professionalism that transcended into my roles as both an athlete and a coach.

Upon relocating to the United States in 1989, and as a result of my friendship with Sir Arthur Gilbert, I established the Gilbert Table Tennis Center in Los Angeles in 2003. Subsequently, I founded the Sport and Art Educational Foundation before embarking on ventures with 11 Ravens and Ravella. The discipline acquired through sports continues to be the driving force behind my entrepreneurial endeavors, serving as the catalyst for my sustained commitment to excellence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2011, Bernard Semerdjian and I initiated 11 Ravens with the vision of crafting an innovative table tennis table that seamlessly melded design, aesthetics, and play quality. Responding to client demand, our offerings expanded to include pool tables, air hockey, shuffleboard, luxury game accessories, lighting, and more. Our flagship showroom at the Pacific Design Center serves as a testament to our commitment to luxury lifestyle, interiors, and entertainment.

Visitors to our showroom can also indulge in our exclusive tequila, Ravella. Follow us to discover more about our designs and experience our unique take on the art of living.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal qualities have fueled my career: thinking outside the box, embracing risks, and collaborating with the right individuals to bring innovative ideas to fruition. My advice to those in the early stages of their journey is to cultivate these qualities. Challenge conventions, take calculated risks, and surround yourself with a team that shares your vision. This trifecta has been instrumental in my path and can significantly contribute to one’s success.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
At 11 Ravens, we thrive on collaboration and have partnered with celebrities, athletes, and the film industry, including luminaries such as Wayne Gretzky, Steven Gerrard, Lilly Singh, and collaborations with the Tiger Woods Foundation, Creed III, The Oppenheim Group, among others. We welcome partnerships with creatives, including interior designers, architects, real estate developers, and artists.

Ravella Tequila Extra Añejo recently earned a coveted spot in Robb Report’s “15 Best Tequila Gifts” and excitement is building for the much-anticipated launch of Blanco, while the debuts of Cristalino and Reposado loom on the horizon. For all of these launches in the near future, we seek to forge collaborative partnerships with bars, restaurants, private clubs, luxury event planners, and hotels.

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