Michael Banovac

Scottsdale - Managing Partner at RMB Luxury Real Estate

Aside from being recognized as one of Phoenix’s top developers and real estate mavens, Michael Banovac is a noted philanthropist, and received the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2007 from then President George W. Bush for his work with Arizona-based nonprofit Helping Hands Housing Services. He also counts becoming a published author in 2001 as one of his greatest accomplishments.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)?

Arcadia.

Any notes on your education?

I graduated Cum Laude From Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, and studied International Marketing at The London School Of Economics and International Business At Harvard University.

Favorite sport to watch?

Basketball.

Favorite sport to play?

Basketball.

Best vacation ever?

I love the Amalfi Coast—Capri and Positano are pretty hard to beat.

Dream trip destination?

Planning on taking a trip to India and the Maldives this coming year.

Favorite dinner?

I love great Italian food.

Favorite dessert?

Tiramisu is pretty hard to beat.

Underrated food?

Vietnamese Pho is off the charts.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

I'm best known for making my signature enchiladas.

Road trip -- three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

That's a tough one... Jesus, George Washington and Marilyn Monroe would be a unique bunch for a road trip.

Favorite TV show as a kid?

Renegade with Lorenzo Lamas.

Favorite movies?

Terminator 2, Titanic and Something's Gotta Give.

Favorite actress and or actor?

Jennifer Connolly and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Favorite bands?

The Eagles and Queen.

Most impressive live performance you ever saw?

Garth Brooks.

Car you drive now?

Aston Martin DB9.

Car you’d like to drive?

Ferrari 458.

Best car youve owned?

Porsche Carrera 4 Convertible.

Got a favorite watch?

I switch between my Breitling and Rolex.

Got a dream watch?

Breguet.

Summer drink of choice?

Pina Colada.

Cologne?

Intoxicated By Kilian.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Love Belle Glos, Las Alturas.

Favorite beach?

I love the beach club in Monte Carlo.

Best work advice you ever got?

Find out who's the best at what you want to do and learn everything you can from them.

Best thing about your career?

I have a flexible schedule.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

I am the managing partner in a vertically integrated real estate company called RMB Luxury Real Estate specializing in new home construction, remodeling and brokerage. I am also the president of an online dating consultation business called Millionaire Date Doctor.

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

I love attending a myriad of charity events and work on the board of Paradise Valley Luxury Home Tour.