Murry & Karen Penner
What’s unique about your team and how does the relationship benefit the business? Our team is part of our family; many of us have worked together since we were in our twenties, so we’ve literally grown up together.
Throughout the year we have many events where our brand representatives come to the store. Without exception, they tell us that our team is the best they’ve seen. This sentiment is validated often by customers who send notes of appreciation (and occasional bottles of tequila) for an experience that exceeded their expectations.
We are very proud of these accolades and credit our staff for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. They love to share their interests beyond the fashion world, too; so, if you want to know anything about biking or scuba diving, great vacation spots, or dining recommendations, just ask. On top of that, they’re just a lot of fun to be around.
Tell us about your business. What’s special about what you do and how you do it? In a nutshell, we help men live their best lives in style.
We are unique in Houston by offering a curated collection of both established and artisan luxury brands, along with best of class casual offerings, all together, under one roof. We have been experts in the custom business for over 40 years and offer made-to-measure services from the most sought-after brands in the world, including Zegna, Kiton, Isaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Santarelli, Sartorio, and more. We have what many consider to be the best tailor shop in town, and we offer complimentary alterations, closet consultation, private appointments, style advising, and local delivery.
The M Penner Team: Judy Penner, Jeremy Penner, Cody Sever, Karen Penner, Belinda Hillhouse, Jesus Alfaro, Joel Choney, Andrea Irizzary, Whitney Wiggins, Murry Penner (not pictured – Javier Aceves)
What would you be willing to share with others about the secret of success as a duo? We are often asked how we can be married, work together, and not kill each other — how that works. The easy answer is we trust each other. We share great satisfaction in seeing the business and our employees grow and prosper. On occasions where there is conflict, the answer is simple. The buck stops with Murry … at the store. At home, it’s a … well, another interview!
And what makes for an effective team in retail? Everyone on the team works together, so a culture of mutual respect and trust is fundamental. We’re fortunate to have great synergy here that enhances the experiences of both our team and our customers.
Our team works hard, and they are really talented. To keep things fun, we like to have contests that involve games like winning poker hands and “stealing the $20.” We also set team goals, and it’s wonderful to see how the team always pulls together and encourages each other so everyone wins.
What’s up next? What can you share about your plans for 2023? After 17 years at this location, it’s time for a refresh and we’re embarking on a renovation early next year. We’re also planning something special next year to celebrate 50 years in business. Stay tuned!
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Indeed it is. At Maroma, a Belmond hotel owned by LVMH, “luxury” does not mean flashy and extravagant. The entrance is unmarked; guests must drive past verdant jungles and areas where the tree roots rise six feet out of the ground and tangle together like spaghetti to reach the beachfront destination. The high-end touches here are thoughtful, subtle and steeped in convenience, like in-room check-in and check-out — and the well stocked mini bar which is, in fact, a full bar.
The 72-room resort reopened in 2023 after an extensive renovation; authentic Mayan elements and those paying tribute to the Mayan aesthetic — such as curved lines and minimal 90-degree angles — are everywhere. The white arches situated atop the two- and three-story buildings are striking against the bright blue sky, bringing to mind Santorini. Meanwhile, yellow striped umbrellas recall Capri, and a pool seemingly dropped into the middle of a jungle is giving Costa Rica.
Ocean-view suite
Maroma's main pool
Dining al fresco at Casa Mayor
But Maroma is distinctly Mexican. It was actually the first hotel on the now iconic Riviera Maya, which stretches south from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. As such, it occupies the most scenic portion of the bay. Casa Mayor, the resort’s main restaurant, was the first part of the property to open to the public, offering wealthy daytrippers fresh-caught seafood and, eventually, a place to stay overnight. Today, it serves authentic and shareable food on ceramic dishes handmade by local artisans. During the renovation, chef Daniel Camacho explored regional cuisine across Mexico, bringing back all the best flavors and cooking styles to Casa Mayor and also to Woodend, the resort’s Curtis Stone restaurant.
Breakfast is especially delightful, as Maroma’s Tia Olivia handmakes tacos and quesadillas in the restaurant foyer. Guests are invited to further explore the craft of nixtamal, the process of preparing corn for making tortillas; the Nixtamal Journey concludes with an extravagant spread of empanadas, machetes and other antojitos.
One of those luxuriously thoughtful touches is the Maroma “coffee experience.” At a time of your choosing each morning, an artfully carved wooden tray is left outside the door, touting a pitcher of coffee from the state of Hidalgo and all the fixings, each in their own little compartment. Choose your time wisely, though, because you’ll have to snag it before the coatis adorably rifle through your sugar packets.
Another is a personal favorite of this writer: The housekeeping staff is superbly detail-oriented, and will leave hand-painted bookmarks on top of any books you may have brought for beachside reading.
One aspect of Maroma that is conspicuously luxurious, however, is the spa by Guerlain, which “celebrates both Mayan culture and the French maison’s wellness expertise.” Scent and sound rituals, healing massages, hydrotherapy pools — it’s a fully immersive experience that should be given a full day of your itinerary. Exclusive treatments incorporate the honey of local bees, which is purported to heal cataracts and other ailments. Quite buzzy, indeed.
Bambuco, the lobby bar
Local fruit, juices and more at Casa Mayor breakfast
Maroma Spa by Guerlain
Maroma Spa by Guerlain
Maroma from above
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Noir Ball chairs Whitney and Ryan Burns and Allison and Iván Chávez pulled out all the stops in creating a memorable evening shrouded in gothic romance — a la lace veils, caged roses and eerie candelabras. Guests, clad in leather, feathers and fake blood (oh my!), were greeted by waves of thick fog emanating from a rose-petal-filled fountain. Actors portraying Maleficent, Dracula and Wednesday Addams posed for pics with galagoers in between perusing silent-auction items and grabbing a cocktail.
The live auction certainly added some light to the otherwise (purposefully) dark evening: Auction chairs Devorah Krieger and Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey secured some covetable packages, like an extravagant dinner for 24 inside The Corinthian’s historic vault, complete with a custom menu by Jackson & Co., and centerpieces by Bergner & Johnson Design. A Thomas Markle Jewelers diamond necklace and Lark & Berry diamond earrings were also up for grabs, as was a getaway to a Costa Rican penthouse. A raffle touted a pair of white-gold diamond-encrusted rings from Valobra Master Jewelers.
The cutest part of the night was the puppy auction! K-9 Angels donated two Labrador retriever/Pointer mix rescue pups, who sparked bidding wars and found their forever homes.
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