Friday, June 26, 2009
AMC Liquidators Interview with South Florida Live on 6/25/2009
AMC Liquidators was happy to interview with Karen Posada from South Florida Live just yesterday. The interview features the inventory of office furniture from Stanford Capital which AMC Liquidators has for sale from a recent liquidation. If you are interested in the Stanford Capital inventory or have any questions - feel free to email us at: Support@AMCLiquidators.com!
Monday, June 15, 2009
What a steal! Disgraced Financier's Stuff on Sale
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jKbLnOuwi9vMVbN9yDzSdpdhmnxwD98R99S80
Article from Associated Press:
What a steal! Disgraced financier's stuff on sale
By TAMARA LUSH – Jun 15, 2009
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Sal Lazzara needed some new office furniture. Thanks to a flamboyant financier's downfall, he found a matching set with an infamous pedigree.
For $1,500, the Boca Raton restaurateur bought a maroon leather chair, a cherry-wood desk and a credenza — all once owned by Texas billionaire R. Allen Stanford, whom the Securities and Exchange Commission has accused of running a massive Ponzi scheme.
Lazzara discovered his new furnishings at AMC Liquidators — "Value in Volume" is their slogan — a South Florida company that hauled out 25 truckloads of luxury office goods from the disgraced businessman's Miami offices last week and put them on the market.
Stanford had adorned four floors in a downtown high-rise with Oriental rugs, regal marble-topped tables and leather couches. He had bronze eagles (the symbol of his company, Stanford Financial Group) and blown-up photos of Palm Beach County polo grounds that he sponsored.
From the looks of things, Stanford — or his decorator — favored dark wood, maroon leather and heavy gold picture frames. Tufted sofas, wingchairs and delicately carved occasional tables predominated. Think Queen Anne-meets-Donald Trump.
There's even a tapestry depicting Louis XIV, France's legendary 17th Century "sun king."
"The quality of this stuff is just really nice," said Lazzara, standing in the AMC showroom and patting the nearly new desk. He thinks he saved 70 percent off of retail. "I got a steal," he said.
Valued at $2 million, the bounty for sale in Fort Lauderdale was only a small part of Stanford's lavish lifestyle. In 2008, he was named the world's 605th richest person by Forbes magazine, with an estimated worth of $2 billion.
Court documents revealed details like $100 million in private jets, $100,000 weekly yacht rentals, and, in his Houston headquarters, a professional kitchen. Stanford also used the title "Sir" in 2006 after being knighted by the leaders of Antigua & Barbuda.
In his heyday, Stanford was a dominant figure in his adopted island homeland and also held considerable influence in Washington, where his campaign donations, mostly to Democrats, reached a peak as efforts to strengthen financial regulations died in the Senate.
In February, U.S. federal regulators sued Stanford, alleging that he committed fraud. He is accused of promising clients unrealistic returns on $8 billion in certificates of deposit and other financial fraud through an offshore bank in Antigua.
In March, a federal judge said the government could go after at least $226.6 million in back taxes, penalties and interest.
Stanford denies the SEC's allegations, and he has not been charged with any crimes. The chief investment officer of Stanford's parent company, Laura Pendergest-Holt, faces criminal charges of obstructing the SEC's investigation by lying about her knowledge of the firm's activities and omitting key details. Her attorney has said she was "set up" by Stanford.
Don Goldberg, a spokesman for Stanford's attorneys, said Stanford and his lawyers are "concerned" about the liquidation of the offices nationwide.
"It's part and parcel of an overly hasty effort to liquidate a viable business that viable revenues," Goldberg said.
But a federal judge in Dallas has named a receiver to liquidate the company, and the contents of Stanford offices are being sold.
That's where AMC Liquidators of Fort Lauderdale comes in.
Michael Grimme is the owner of AMC. His business specializes in emptying hotels, offices and stores of unwanted furnishings and then reselling them. Business is up in recent years due to bankruptcies and downsizing. AMC is among many companies that have flourished during the downturn because even the wealthy have fallen on hard times. Repossessors take back yachts, planes and luxury cars, and even pawn shops have seen a rise in rick folks selling items.
"Everything here has a story," Grimme said, sweeping his hand toward one of Stanford's treasures — the tapestry of King Louis XIV — and toward a $99 blue leather chair from the Lowes Hotel in Miami Beach.
Grimme said the Stanford case reminded him of other Wall Street scandals and losses, including New York financier Bernie Madoff, who pleaded guilty in March to charges his investment advisory operation was a multibillion dollar Ponzi scheme.
"A lot of my friends were targeted in the Madoff scheme, and I've lost a lot of money in my accounts, too," he said. "We were very well aware of who we were buying this inventory from. You could say, maybe it's payback time."
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Article from Associated Press:
What a steal! Disgraced financier's stuff on sale
By TAMARA LUSH – Jun 15, 2009
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Sal Lazzara needed some new office furniture. Thanks to a flamboyant financier's downfall, he found a matching set with an infamous pedigree.
For $1,500, the Boca Raton restaurateur bought a maroon leather chair, a cherry-wood desk and a credenza — all once owned by Texas billionaire R. Allen Stanford, whom the Securities and Exchange Commission has accused of running a massive Ponzi scheme.
Lazzara discovered his new furnishings at AMC Liquidators — "Value in Volume" is their slogan — a South Florida company that hauled out 25 truckloads of luxury office goods from the disgraced businessman's Miami offices last week and put them on the market.
Stanford had adorned four floors in a downtown high-rise with Oriental rugs, regal marble-topped tables and leather couches. He had bronze eagles (the symbol of his company, Stanford Financial Group) and blown-up photos of Palm Beach County polo grounds that he sponsored.
From the looks of things, Stanford — or his decorator — favored dark wood, maroon leather and heavy gold picture frames. Tufted sofas, wingchairs and delicately carved occasional tables predominated. Think Queen Anne-meets-Donald Trump.
There's even a tapestry depicting Louis XIV, France's legendary 17th Century "sun king."
"The quality of this stuff is just really nice," said Lazzara, standing in the AMC showroom and patting the nearly new desk. He thinks he saved 70 percent off of retail. "I got a steal," he said.
Valued at $2 million, the bounty for sale in Fort Lauderdale was only a small part of Stanford's lavish lifestyle. In 2008, he was named the world's 605th richest person by Forbes magazine, with an estimated worth of $2 billion.
Court documents revealed details like $100 million in private jets, $100,000 weekly yacht rentals, and, in his Houston headquarters, a professional kitchen. Stanford also used the title "Sir" in 2006 after being knighted by the leaders of Antigua & Barbuda.
In his heyday, Stanford was a dominant figure in his adopted island homeland and also held considerable influence in Washington, where his campaign donations, mostly to Democrats, reached a peak as efforts to strengthen financial regulations died in the Senate.
In February, U.S. federal regulators sued Stanford, alleging that he committed fraud. He is accused of promising clients unrealistic returns on $8 billion in certificates of deposit and other financial fraud through an offshore bank in Antigua.
In March, a federal judge said the government could go after at least $226.6 million in back taxes, penalties and interest.
Stanford denies the SEC's allegations, and he has not been charged with any crimes. The chief investment officer of Stanford's parent company, Laura Pendergest-Holt, faces criminal charges of obstructing the SEC's investigation by lying about her knowledge of the firm's activities and omitting key details. Her attorney has said she was "set up" by Stanford.
Don Goldberg, a spokesman for Stanford's attorneys, said Stanford and his lawyers are "concerned" about the liquidation of the offices nationwide.
"It's part and parcel of an overly hasty effort to liquidate a viable business that viable revenues," Goldberg said.
But a federal judge in Dallas has named a receiver to liquidate the company, and the contents of Stanford offices are being sold.
That's where AMC Liquidators of Fort Lauderdale comes in.
Michael Grimme is the owner of AMC. His business specializes in emptying hotels, offices and stores of unwanted furnishings and then reselling them. Business is up in recent years due to bankruptcies and downsizing. AMC is among many companies that have flourished during the downturn because even the wealthy have fallen on hard times. Repossessors take back yachts, planes and luxury cars, and even pawn shops have seen a rise in rick folks selling items.
"Everything here has a story," Grimme said, sweeping his hand toward one of Stanford's treasures — the tapestry of King Louis XIV — and toward a $99 blue leather chair from the Lowes Hotel in Miami Beach.
Grimme said the Stanford case reminded him of other Wall Street scandals and losses, including New York financier Bernie Madoff, who pleaded guilty in March to charges his investment advisory operation was a multibillion dollar Ponzi scheme.
"A lot of my friends were targeted in the Madoff scheme, and I've lost a lot of money in my accounts, too," he said. "We were very well aware of who we were buying this inventory from. You could say, maybe it's payback time."
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
AMC Liquidators and Stanford!
http://news.lalate.com/2009/06/15/amc-liquidators-and-stanford/
Article from lalatenews.com
AMC Liquidators and Stanford!
LIST! Here is the INVENTORY LIST of AMC Liquidators liquidation of Stanford Capital (R. Allen Stanford) offices. AMC Liquidators has an incredible offering of all Stanford’s furnishing, so good, that AMC says it’s the best quality office furniture its carried in 10 years, with customers telling AP they saved 75% off retail in buying the prized former possessions of Stanford.
Billionaire R. Allen Stanford occupied four floors of a Miami office building when the SEC opened investigations into his alleged Ponzi operations. The furnishings now taken and that can be yours are valued at $2 million, reportedly just a fraction of Stanford’s net worth put at $2 billion by Forbes last year.
AMC Liquidators says of the sale:
“AMC Liquidators is proud to announce that we have begun the liquidation of Stanford Capital’s Miami office May 19, 2009.This inventory is the best quality office furnishings we’ve seen in our nearly 10 years in business. To view just a sampling of the 24 tractor trailer loads of top of the line office and home furnishings arriving over the next week…”
AMC has put the inventory list in PDF and warns it takes a while to open because of the huge file size:
CLICK HERE FOR THE INVENTORY LIST IN PDF
AMC says of its operations:
“Since its inception, AMC Liquidators established itself as the premier purveyor of pre-owned high end hotel and office furniture. Our position as a leader among office and hotel furniture liquidators is well known. But as furniture, times and demands change, we have expanded our merchandise mix to meet the expectations of a changing business environment as well as attractive furnishings for the home. In addition, we now offer closeout inventories of high end furnishings and consignment goods.”
Visit AMC online here
Article from lalatenews.com
AMC Liquidators and Stanford!
LIST! Here is the INVENTORY LIST of AMC Liquidators liquidation of Stanford Capital (R. Allen Stanford) offices. AMC Liquidators has an incredible offering of all Stanford’s furnishing, so good, that AMC says it’s the best quality office furniture its carried in 10 years, with customers telling AP they saved 75% off retail in buying the prized former possessions of Stanford.
Billionaire R. Allen Stanford occupied four floors of a Miami office building when the SEC opened investigations into his alleged Ponzi operations. The furnishings now taken and that can be yours are valued at $2 million, reportedly just a fraction of Stanford’s net worth put at $2 billion by Forbes last year.
AMC Liquidators says of the sale:
“AMC Liquidators is proud to announce that we have begun the liquidation of Stanford Capital’s Miami office May 19, 2009.This inventory is the best quality office furnishings we’ve seen in our nearly 10 years in business. To view just a sampling of the 24 tractor trailer loads of top of the line office and home furnishings arriving over the next week…”
AMC has put the inventory list in PDF and warns it takes a while to open because of the huge file size:
CLICK HERE FOR THE INVENTORY LIST IN PDF
AMC says of its operations:
“Since its inception, AMC Liquidators established itself as the premier purveyor of pre-owned high end hotel and office furniture. Our position as a leader among office and hotel furniture liquidators is well known. But as furniture, times and demands change, we have expanded our merchandise mix to meet the expectations of a changing business environment as well as attractive furnishings for the home. In addition, we now offer closeout inventories of high end furnishings and consignment goods.”
Visit AMC online here
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Liquidation Sale Sweeps Away Bank Opulence
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2009/06/10/Liquidation-sale-sweeps-away-bank-opulence/UPI-26501244658917/
Article from United Press International:
Liquidation sale sweeps away bank opulence
MIAMI, June 10 (UPI) -- Advertising Stanford Financial Group as the source of furniture in a Florida liquidation sale gave the sale added appeal, business owner Micheal Grimme said.
Grimme, who runs AMC Liquidators, generally keeps quiet about the source of the company's sale items, The Miami Herald reported Wednesday. But the firm's ads for 24 truckloads of tapestries, original paintings, cherry desks, and marble-topped tables that once belonged to the collapsed international bank touted the source proudly.
"It has that panache to it," Grimme said.
Stanford Financial Group collapsed amid Securities and Exchange allegations that the firm sold CDs with "unsustainable" yields, then used the revenue to make risky investments.
Attorney Lawrence Sherlock said founder Allen Stanford "has not been accused of committing any crime," although Sherlock is helping Stanford fight a $100 million Internal Revenue Service tax lien.
While the bank's office furnishings are on sale around the country, Grimme estimated the haul from the company's Miami offices is worth about $2 million.
"I think the investment in art was ridiculous," said his wife, Pamela Grimme, who helps run the liquidation company. "We've got originals here -- which is scary," she said.
© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Article from United Press International:
Liquidation sale sweeps away bank opulence
MIAMI, June 10 (UPI) -- Advertising Stanford Financial Group as the source of furniture in a Florida liquidation sale gave the sale added appeal, business owner Micheal Grimme said.
Grimme, who runs AMC Liquidators, generally keeps quiet about the source of the company's sale items, The Miami Herald reported Wednesday. But the firm's ads for 24 truckloads of tapestries, original paintings, cherry desks, and marble-topped tables that once belonged to the collapsed international bank touted the source proudly.
"It has that panache to it," Grimme said.
Stanford Financial Group collapsed amid Securities and Exchange allegations that the firm sold CDs with "unsustainable" yields, then used the revenue to make risky investments.
Attorney Lawrence Sherlock said founder Allen Stanford "has not been accused of committing any crime," although Sherlock is helping Stanford fight a $100 million Internal Revenue Service tax lien.
While the bank's office furnishings are on sale around the country, Grimme estimated the haul from the company's Miami offices is worth about $2 million.
"I think the investment in art was ridiculous," said his wife, Pamela Grimme, who helps run the liquidation company. "We've got originals here -- which is scary," she said.
© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
How to Choose an Area Rug
A number of considerations surround area rug selection including design, comfort, construction, size, materials and price. AMC Liquidators can help you with finding a variety of area rugs within our inventory to fit any decor and personal taste.
Area Rug Selection Tips
Design:
An empty room may be designed around an area rug, or a rug may put the final touches on an existing room. When designing a room around an area rug, use the rug colors to decide upon furniture, paint or paper color. A well-chosen area rug can coordinate patterns, furniture, and wall prints to complete a room design.
Color:
Furniture may be selected around rug colors and design. Area rugs are an effective method to mix patterns that have the same color palette. Deep colored area rugs provide warmth and intimacy, while lights colored rugs can open a room and provide a more spacious feeling. When selecting an area rug around existing furniture, bring a swatch of the predominant pattern in the room.
Size:
Evaluate the size of the space and the area to cover. Larger area rugs provide comfort and benefit acoustics in a large space. Area rugs also enhance areas in bedrooms, kitchens and other smaller areas that may require a splash of color or warmth.
Material:
There are a variety of area rugs made from synthetic and natural yarns. The highest quality rugs are made from wool or silk.
Construction:
Machine-made area rugs are less expensive, yet similar in appearance to handmade area rugs.
Shape:
Circular and other uniquely shaped rugs can present a design alternative to rectangular or square shapes.
The Space:
The type of light and amount of traffic in a room will affect choices of area rug material. Some man-made fibers resist fading better than natural fibers, so consider the amount of direct sunlight an area rug will receive.
Durability:
An area rug with the right combination of pile density (closer stitches or tufts) and fiber will resist wear.
Area rug pads will reduce wear on the area rug and provide additional noise absorption.
Design Considerations
When considering a room-sized area rug for a hardwood or tile floor, allow at least eight inches of floor material to be exposed around the area rug perimeter.
In dining rooms, measure the top of the table and add four feet to the width and length. Use this measurement to determine the size of the dining room area rug. The extra footage provides a comfortable area around the table for pulling out chairs.
• Do not extend area rugs into high traffic areas.
• Divide a large space into more intimate sitting areas by placing furniture around 4'X6' or 6'X8' area rugs.
• Floral patterns can accentuate and blend with more contemporary geometric designs if the color palettes are similar.
• Pair less complicated designs with more intricate patterns.
• Small and large patterns pair well.
Check out the latest arrivals at AMC Liquidators to see a nice variety of quality pre-owned area rugs!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
How to Choose the Right Work Desk
Will that desk you’re thinking of purchasing suit your work style and meet your job needs? Will its size fit well within the parameters and constraints of your office or work space? Can the desk surface withstand the daily-use demands of your particular job and work environment?
These are just a few of the things you need to consider when choosing a work desk. And that’s because the right desk can aide immeasurably in accomplishing work tasks in a comfortable, ergonomic and productive manner.
Identify Just How You Will Use Your Desk
Mostly computer work:
Select a desk or workstation specifically designed for computer use. If using a PC, be sure the desk offers space or a compartment to hold the CPU underneath. Look for built-in wiring holes or channels for electrical connections; this allows for a safe way to keep cords out of your way.
Paperwork-generating:
Choose a desk or workstation that will have the roomiest surface possible so you can accommodate those spreadsheets, bulky books, or piles of important papers. You may also want to consider a desk with shelving or overhead cabinet space.
Combination of computer work, paperwork, meetings:
Consider an “L”-shaped desk setup to allow for both work and meeting space. If finances or space allow, a “U”-shaped model will provide even more space and makes an impressive presentation for clients or guests.
For a home work desk:
Consider a computer armoire if you want to hide work clutter in your home. “L”-shaped desks are often a good solution and fit when your work desk needs to share space in another room like a bedroom or family room.
Tight on space:
Choose a compact computer desk or mobile computer cart.
Consider Your Work Habits and Tools:
Do you consider yourself the creative-genius-messy-work type? If so, you’ll need more desk/workstation space than the neat-and-frugal type. Neat freaks may find a smaller desk sufficient for their work needs. The amount and size of tools needed within easy reach on your desk should also be a consideration when selecting a work desk.
Ergonomics and Space:
Your desk should provide clearance for your legs; standard desk heights of 29 to 30 inches from the floor are sufficient for most users. Sitting behind the desk, there should optimally be at least three-and-a half feet of space. A minimum of three feet of space should also be available in-between the desk and another piece of office furniture, and in front of the desk if you use a guest/client chair.
For computer-users, keyboards need to be placed at a comfortable height. Keyboards placed on traditional desks may be at too high a height and may result in significant discomfort or muscle strain for the user. Computer desks should either be equipped with a keyboard platform, or legs that can be adjusted. Be sure that any keyboard platform is large enough to hold a mouse.
Desktop equipment and materials should be within easy and comfortable reach, and should have sufficient space so as not to overload the desktop. If the desk has a sharp edge, consider placing a wrist pad along the edge to help prevent unnecessary pressure and pinching on the inner surface of the wrists.
Desk Surface:
Laminate is the most popular choice. A plastic finish that is applied to a wood core, laminate is affordable, durable, and withstands more than pure wood or veneer. It also comes in a wide array of colors and wood grain patterns. For a quality laminate that will better withstand daily use and abuse, look for a desk with a thick, high pressure laminate.
Metal or Steel is the most durable choice. Although not the most professional in appearance, metal or steel desks are reasonably priced and good for desks subject to long-term heavy use or for high- traffic areas. Better quality desks of this type can be assessed in part by checking and feeling the desks overall weight.
Wood or Veneer is the most elegant choice. Veneer is a thin surface layer of wood glued to a more inferior base. Wood and veneer desks generally look more attractive than other types of desk, but they are typically more expensive and considerably more delicate; they nick more easily and are not suited for rough or heavy use.
Quality and Durability:
The quality of a desk is often most evident in the construction of the drawers.
Metal suspension rollers show a sturdy suspension. Drawers should open and close easily while bearing weight. Optimally, you want the drawers to slide out to their full length to allow full and easy utilization of space.
High quality wood drawers are assembled with an interlocking (dovetail) construction; this is stronger than drawers put together with just staples or glue. With a steel or metal desk, take a look at the drawers when they’re closed. If you see a gap where the drawer meets the desk, the desk is not set right. Examine the corners and edges of a desk. You don’t want to see any fraying.
Give Your Back a Break
The Stand-up desk:
Thomas Jefferson invented it and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld swears by it. As we’ve all been told, sitting for hours at a time can wreak havoc on a person’s back, especially for individuals with existing back problems. Consider giving your back a break by using a stand-up desk, where you quite literally “stand up” while working. Many users claim this work method also makes them feel more alert and productive on-the-job. Desk stools are also available to be used in conjunction with these desks.
Today’s desk is no longer the simple table with drawers of years gone by. Take advantage of the myriad of desk choices out there; many now available at relatively reasonable prices at places like AMC Liquidators. Give some thought to the considerations listed above when selecting your next work desk. It will serve as a valuable tool in establishing a comfortable, ergonomic and productive workspace.
Friday, May 8, 2009
How to Re-Cover a Lampshade
If you want to update a lamp or just match it to your specific décor, it is very easy to quickly recover a lampshade with fabric. Doing this requires no sewing at all and as long as your lamp base is in good condition, you can have your lamp looking brand new in under 30 minutes. With the following steps and a few materials, your lamp will be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
Materials Needed:
Fabric
Trim (ribbon works well for this purpose)
Fabric Glue
Scissors
Pencil
Brown Paper
Chalk
To make a pattern to recover your lamp shade, simply lay a large piece of brown paper on a flat surface like your kitchen table. Set the lampshade down on the paper on its side with the seam side facing down. Next, roll the lamp shade along the paper as you draw a line that follows the top edge. Keep the point of your pencil on the paper as you roll the lamp shade to make a continuous line which starts from the seam and continues full circle. You will find that the lamp shade will easily curve on its own as it is rolled.
The next step is to set the lamp shade back at your original starting point, remembering to again place the seam down. You will roll the shade along the brown paper again, however, this time you will trace your pencil along the bottom edge of the shade. When you have finished making the top and the bottom lines, use a ruler to draw a straight connecting line to the ending points from the top line to the bottom line.
Cut out your paper pattern and place it on your fabric (on the wrong side/inside). Trace your pattern with your chalk. You can then cut out the pattern, being sure to add about 1/4 inch around the edges for a seam allowance. Remove the lampshade pattern from your fabric. It is important to let the adhesive dry on the fabric, then turn over the seam allowance on one side only and iron. Don’t worry about the raw edges of the top and bottom as they will be covered with trim or ribbon.
Spray the inside of your fabric with regular spray adhesive and then you can attach it to the old lampshade you are covering. Be careful as you line up the raw edge of the fabric with the seam on the shade to attach it. Work all the way around, smoothing out wrinkles as you go. A credit card works well as a smoothing tool. The adhesive will be tacky for a few minutes, to allow time for adjustments. You will finish by overlapping the raw edge with the ironed edge to give it a finished look.
Measure both the top and bottom edges of the lampshade and then add 1/2 inch to your measurements. Cut your trim piece or ribbon and attach with a hot glue gun to secure it in place. Remember to turn under the ends for a finished look and to avoid fraying in the future.
For inexpensive lighting and lamps, check out the selection at AMC Liquidators. There are many lamps and lampshades to choose from!
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