Unique Personalities
By Ken Weingartner
A New Starring Role
A successful television actress has turned into a luxury real estate maven.
After a career in front of the television camera, Cindy Ambuehl is taking a star turn in real estate.
Ambuehl, known for appearances in series such as “Seinfeld” and “JAG,” became a full-time Realtor several years ago to devote time at home with her twin sons, Anton and Davis, who were born in January 2003.
“I’ve always had a love for real estate,” says Ambuehl, who joined Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in 2007 and within four months closed $15 million in sales along the Southern California coastline. “I bought my first property when I was 23 and every time I went under studio contract I bought up real estate. It was a hobby during my acting career. I was fascinated by it.”
When Ambuehl, who is married to soap star Don Diamont, decided to give up acting for motherhood, there was no doubt she would end up turning her avocation into a vocation.
“It was a natural transition for me, and it was a very positive transition,” says Ambuehl, who left “JAG” in 2003 after a four-season run. “When I drove off the lot, I never looked back. I knew it was the right decision. I was very excited about starting real estate full time and using what I’d learned.”
Ambuehl, who holds a degree in marketing and advertising, also learned valuable lessons under the bright lights. “Acting is a very challenging career and very demanding. If you can do that, you can do anything,” she says. “It’s all about relationships and professionalism. When I was acting, I would get rehired a lot. It was from me showing up and being prepared. That was appreciated. It’s the same with real estate.
“What’s nice about real estate is that I’m not playing a character; I’m approaching people as Cindy. That’s much easier for me.”
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‘The Architect of Anatomy’
Mark Harigian builds custom gyms and offers private training to the rich and famous.
Mark Harigian studied to be an architect. He just figured it would be for buildings, not bodies.
Harigian, a Los Angeles-based fitness guru to celebrities and executives, used sports to escape a troubled home life as a teen. He was good enough to earn a college tennis scholarship, but a severe leg injury forced him to redirect his energies. While rehabilitating the injury, Harigian discovered a love of fitness.
“I was going to be an architect and studied mechanical engineering,” says Harigian. “The injury really woke me up. I’d left my family, and here I’d lost my scholarship and I had to figure out who I was and what I was about. I really became intrigued with anatomy. I saw anatomy as pulleys and cables, just like mechanical engineering.”
After a stint in 1984 as an assistant strength training coach with the U.S. Olympic team in Los Angeles, Harigian became a private trainer and focused on the Hollywood and corporate worlds. Even with an unlisted number, Harigian, who is known as the “architect of anatomy,” had a long waiting list.
“I wanted a market that would be exclusive and serious,” says Harigian. “I don’t know if I’m smart, lucky, or a combination, but I kept being true to the lifestyle.”
Soon he was designing custom luxury home gyms for his clients, complete with handmade touches reflecting their personalities and athletic pursuits.
“Whether their goal is to be a better golfer or to go skiing with their kids, the space is created to enhance their activities,” says Harigian. “Working out should be something people want to do, not something they have to do. You make your kitchen creative because you want to be in there having fun. Your gym should be the same.”
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