Business Networking Via Outdoor Dining With Tarek Kirschen, CEO Of V12 Health

This time last year the importing business had a very different meaning for Tarek Kirschen. He was known around the world for being on the pulse of a vibrant and prosperous restaurant and events scene. His networking portfolio included the who’s who of exporters everywhere from Asia to Europe.

In 2020 everything changed when his co-workers in China heard rumor that something was in the air – literally. As events and restaurants around the world began to shut their doors, Kirschen saw the early months of last year as a different opportunity, one full of new doors to be opened.

Relying on a comprehensive list of companies who once made ​venue​ stockrooms full of marketing materials for the hottest scenes in the world think items like bedazzled cup holders or upscale wine and champagne deliveries, he used his skillset to come up with a solution. This networking pro quickly rose to the top of the personal protective equipment industry.

“It’s unprecedented, I mean I’ve never seen anything like it,” says the Founder and CEO of V12 HEALTH about his business that is booming during the pandemic. “I’ve been involved with this since late February. I’ve toiled in other businesses, but this is new and off the chart.” 

With his company opening its first Personal Protective Equipment warehouse not long ago, the business of COVID-19 is not slowing him down. Soon more of his locations will come online in Q1 and Q2 2021.

His Miami based FDA registered company specializes in manufacturing and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment including gloves, masks, shields, gowns and other critical PPE. They manufacture all their current PPE in Thailand, Europe, China and the Caribbean. And soon will be independent from China as their products will be made in the United States by the first QTR of 2021.  

Like all good networkers he knows sometimes you just have to take a moment and sit down at the table with your team. Breaking bread with his staff in between their time fulfilling orders for clients in the U.S. and international healthcare and government agencies is crucial.  

One perk of the clients of V12 Health is the food. They enjoy lunch with food delivered by the Daily Creative Food in Edgewater. During early afternoon board meetings, the group gathers and brainstorms over such bites that include sandwiches like the Biscayne Times Tuna with multigrain, tuna salad, hummus, cucumbers, arugula, roasted peppers, and sprouts; or the Miami Today Primetime on a baguette with roast beef, crispy onion strings, pepper jack, lettuce, and tomato, horseradish mayo.

He along with his devoted staff often debrief over an outdoor dinner at Cantina La Veinte. The extensive menu of Mexican cuisine dishes offers a reflection of each state of the country, with traditional recipes that highlight handmade tortillas and sauces made in a molcajete.

Chef Santiago Gomez uses avant-garde techniques such as vacuum cooking and spherification executed with quality ingredients. As a pioneer of modern Mexican cuisine he has positioned the restaurant among the best venues in Miami with thrilling selections including: Tacos de Langosta with fresh lobster served with yellow rice, black beans, and chipotle sauce; and Molcajete de Rib served with melted manchego cheese and accompanied with tostaditas, panela cheese and fresh radish.

There is also the must try dessert Pastel de Tres Leches. This stunning traditional cake is soaked in three different milks and is presented beautifully at your table.

And, for the rare times he meets with a client in person for a COVID-compliant meal outdoors, he likes to take them to The Deck at Island Gardens. The restaurant is Miami’s most exquisite super-yacht marina outdoor lounge. While guests are welcome to arrive by sea via yacht or boat, Kirschen comes by car. The popular destination allows him to sit comfortably on the waterfront in cabana lounges and talk shop.

Stunning picturesque views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay offer up one of the most signature sunset views of South Miami. Menu items are incredible in the safe outdoor dining area and include such delights as a seafood tower that features Kaluga and Oscietra Caviar along with cocktail jumbo shrimp, king crab leg, lobster, large stone crab and oysters. Also, a popular appetizer? The antipasto Toscano board with the chef’s selection of Italian Imported charcuterie and cheese, served fresh house baked za’atar flatbread.

While the PPE market continues to grow, this CEO appreciates moments to just sit and take in the precious minutes of life as a businessman in an unprecedented era.

“You can always learn from disasters,” he says, reflecting on last year and the hope for better forthcoming months. “It allows you to be prepared for the future.”

As his work brings production back to U.S. soil he firmly believes that he is helping to keep the supply chain moving. The motto of V12 HEALTH plays into the fact that ‘everyone is essential.’

“I am proud that my company is part of the solution by providing critical PPE to the frontline workers,” says Kirschen. “They are the true heroes in this pandemic, which has taken a huge toll on American lives. Together we can all make a difference.”

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