Note: This article is from UWS Magazine, Issue 21. Here you can download the full article as a PDF.
The Exciting Life of a Wörthersee Fan
Who is Thomas Kramer?
Thomas Kramer is a man of superlatives: He built Miami Beach, partied with royals, fell from grace, and came back like a phoenix on speed. But what’s legend and what’s the truth? With him, it’s both. Discover the compelling biography of a man who constantly crossed—and redefined—boundaries.
The Kramer Family
TK at Work
TK with his Mother and Siblings
Childhood, Family & Early Influences
Before media hype, millions, and Miami, there was a childhood filled with freedom: bikes, treehouses, adventure.
Growing up with his sister Sylke and brother Olaf, Thomas learned attitude and heart from his father—and love, intelligence, and awareness from his mother. Stepmother Karla became a bonus mom, always with a sharp eye and an open ear.
“These are the people who keep me grounded when my ideas start taking off again.”
A Childhood Friend Remembers
“Thomas, we met 40 years ago through Albert of Monaco …
You were the golden boy of Wall Street, you built Miami. The best parties. Always present, charming, helpful. And yes—a little crazy. But you always got back up. And you’re still incredibly cool.”
From Financial Wunderkind to the Maker of Miami
Living on the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center in New York and hailed as a financial wunderkind (FAZ), Kramer predicted Black Monday in 1987, made millions, and started his own think tank. But numbers alone weren’t enough—he wanted impact, projects, adventure.
Operation Miami & Rise as a Real Estate Mogul
In 1992, in the middle of the Savings and Loan Crisis, Kramer bought 180 properties in Miami in just ten days—incognito. Ex-Marines instead of demolition companies, sometimes driving the bulldozer himself. Within just a few years, South Beach became a global trend hotspot. The New York Times called him the man who turned Miami from a slum into a world-class destination.
Wörthersee – The Lake of the Soul
There is one place that stands above all: Lake Wörthersee. As a child, Kramer spent unforgettable summers here. Today, the lake is his haven, home port, and real luxury.
“Wörthersee is my sanctuary. My home port. My real luxury.”
– Thomas Kramer
Thomas is especially grateful for his friends at the lake—most of all Natascha and Alex from Unser Wörthersee. Hospitality and a love of history are alive and well here.
The Turning Point – and Joya
2012 marked a turning point: his daughter Joya moved in with him in Florida. Kramer chose a new life—no more alcohol, no more self-delusion, but sports and focus. 60 pounds lost in six months. Now he finds his high in the gym, not at the bar.
Business Today – Always One Step Ahead
Morning sports, cold therapy, protein shakes, always learning (AI, Apple, YouTube, ChatGPT). Zoom calls with partners around the globe, real estate projects in the Emirates, Netflix miniseries and a feature film in the works—the Thomas Kramer story is far from over!
Be Part of the Story!
Follow TK on social media to keep up with Thomas Kramer’s latest projects at Lake Wörthersee and around the world.