Note: This article is from the Wörthersee Magazine, Issue 21.
Here you can download the full article as a PDF:
The Exciting Life of a Wörthersee Fan
From a World-Shaker to Wörthersee-Lover:
The story of a man who approaches life like an investment—with instinct, risk, and a dash of madness.
Thomas Kramer with Sylvester Stallone
Whoever looks into Thomas Kramer inevitably encounters superlatives.
“He built Miami Beach.”
“He partied with royals.”
“He fell hard – and came back like a phoenix on speed.”
The question quickly arises: What is legend, and what is truth?
With him, it’s both – simultaneously and completely believable.
CHILDHOOD, FAMILY, AND EARLY INFLUENCE
Before the media hype, the millions, and Miami took over his life, there was a childhood full of freedom – with bicycles, treehouses, and forest adventures.
Together with his sister Sylke and brother Olaf, Kramer grew up in an environment that shaped him.
His father: dignity, humor, heart – his first coach, his biggest fan.
His mother: still by his side today – smart, alert, and loving.
And Karla, the stepmother: a bonus mom with a sharp eye, honest advice, and an open ear – especially when Kramer’s ideas take off, his speeches overflow, or his signature comes too fast.
“These people keep me grounded when my ideas are already taking off,” he says today.
From world-changer to Wörthersee returnee:
The story of a man who approaches life like an investment – with instinct, risk, and a dash of madness.
The Kramer Family
Thomas Kramer in his youth
Thomas Kramer with his family
A VOICE FROM THE PAST
Ester Velo, a dear friend recalls:
“Thomas, we met over 40 years ago through Albert of Monaco – I was 20 back then.
Months of skiing in St. Moritz, dancing all night at Dracula, racing over the frozen lake.
You were the golden boy from Wall Street, married my friend Catherine Burda, built up Miami.
The best parties.
Always present, charming, helpful.
And yes – a little crazy.
But you always got back up.
And you’re still damn cool.”
Ingeborg, biological mother, and stepmother Karla
TK with daughter Joya and Catherine Burda
Joya and Catherine
with TK
IT STARTED IN THE CLOUDS
New York, 1979.
Kramer lives on the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center – with a full view of the financial world.
When he predicts Black Monday in 1987, he sells everything just in time and makes millions.
The FAZ later calls him a “WUNDERKIND OF WALL STREET.”
His think tank in Munich runs 24/7 with futures and derivatives – earning 100% returns in the first half of 1988.
But Kramer wanted more than numbers – he wanted impact.
ROLLERCOASTER WITH A VIEW
His journey leads him from New York to Munich to Miami.
Not a linear résumé, but a high-energy zigzag path.
He develops design districts on wastelands, breaks down walls – even mental ones.
“I wanted to know where the limit is – and what’s beyond it.”
Spoiler: He found out more than once.
OPERATION SOUTH BEACH
1992, caused by the Savings & Loan crisis, the USA real estate market had its biggest collapse in history – down 90% in one year.
Kramer struck: in just ten days, he bought 180 plots, 80% of the original city of Miami Beach as founded in 1915 – incognito.
When no demolition firm was willing to take the risk, TK bought a bulldozer himself and hired ex-Marines armed with machine guns to protect him — from the Cuban criminals who had overrun South Beach at the time.
Many of them had been sent by Fidel Castro during the Mariel boatlift, which saw over 100,000 prison inmates shipped from Cuba to South Florida.
The area that was then a crime-infested slum, Thomas Kramer transformed single-handedly into what is now one of the world’s premier destinations:
South Beach.
No joke.
Fifteen architecture firms, seven million dollars, and a master plan later, South Beach becomes a symbol of transformation.
The “New York Times” calls TK the only man ever who turned a major U.S. city from a slum into a world-class destination – in under ten years.
Between 1989 and 1995, Kramer lives a high-gloss marriage with Catherine Burda:
Charity dinners, society events, daughter Joya – glamour with nightly tantrums included.
After the separation, however, there’s a clear conclusion:
“Those six years?
They were the best years of my life.”
TK’s South Beach Towers
Overview of TK’s land acquisitions
A WORLD CHAMPION IN CELEBRATING
Lanesborough Hotel, guests from Miami, Paris, Dubai.
Gloria Gaynor live.
Black Tie Dinner.
Private Hard Rock Café Lounge.
Sunday: Champagne-caviar brunch with live – jazz.
Thomas Kramer with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
TK’s lead architect
Gianni Ranaulo
TK’s partners from Hong Kong, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi
Thomas Kramer with Jack Nicholson
Thomas Kramer with Bill Clinton
Thomas Kramer with Cindy Crawford
Thomas Kramer with Elton John
Thomas Kramer with Lenny Kravitz
Thomas Kramer with Kevin Costner
THE TURNING POINT – AND JOYA
2012 marks the turning point.
Joya, his daughter, decides against studying in Boston and moves in with TK on Star Island.
“I had to decide:
either I change – or I lose Joya.”
TK chooses the right path:
no more alcohol, no more self-deception.
TK loses 27 kilos in six months –
and gains a new rhythm.
Today, TKs’ Highs don’t come from the bottle,
but from the gym.
Jogging along Dubai Beach
Thomas Kramer and business partner Rashid Al Habtoor
Thomas Kramer and daughter Joya
BUSINESS TODAY
Kramer lives by a tight schedule.
Mornings: exercise – power walking, cycling, gym – movement is key.
Then cold therapy at minus 100 degrees.
“Better than any drug.”
Then: protein shake, power nap, coffee – and back to it.
He invests an hour daily in self-education: AI, Apple, YouTube, ChatGPT.
“Always one step ahead.”
Zoom calls with partners in the U.S., Hong Kong, and the Middle East.
Current business: projects world-wide.
Simultaneously, he’s negotiating with producers about a Netflix miniseries and a feature film about his life.
“This chapter isn’t over yet.
It’s just getting interesting.”
WÖRTHERSEE – HIS SOUL LAKE
And then there’s this one place that outshines everything:
Wörthersee.
As a child, Kramer spent unforgettable summers here – with family, sunshine, water, and carefree laughter.
Today, he returns regularly.
Not because he has to, but because that’s where he feels truly himself.
“Wörthersee is my place of peace.
My home port.
My true luxury.”
He’s especially thankful for his friends on site – above all Natascha and Alex from Wörthersee Magazine!
“Their hospitality is legendary.”
And I think the idea of presenting historical content in a high-gloss magazine is a very good and meaningful one.
TK with Natascha Khani and Alexander Presch
TK with Natascha Khani at Landskron Castle
Thomas Kramer at Lake Wörthersee
AND FINALLY – A CONFESSION
Yes, Thomas Kramer is still single.
But not closed off.
“I’m no longer looking for the stage.
I’m looking for connection.”
His dream partner?
Sporty, humorous, preferably on skis or a yoga mat.
Someone who loves life – and doesn’t need drama.
“I’m your favorite project with an exit option: lifelong happiness included.”