HAL KANTOR

SHAREHOLDER, LOWNDES, ORLANDO

During his 54 years with Lowndes, Kantor has earned a reputation as the “attorney of last resort” from clients thanks to his frequent success with difficult and complex land use and real estate issues. Lowndes has clients ranging from individuals and small businesses to multibillion-dollar companies, locally, nationally and internationally. With offices in Orlando, Melbourne and Mount Dora, the firm has 102 lawyers plus 98 support staff. “Among the achievements I treasure most is helping bring the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center to life,” Kantor says.

EDUCATION: Tulane University (BBA), University of California at Berkeley (MBA), University of Florida (JD)

DAILY RITUAL: Discipline and clarity. Each week — and each day — I build a color-coded task list of goals, projects, meetings and calls. It keeps me focused and intentional. The second habit is equally simple: I clear my inbox and my desk every single day. An uncluttered workspace makes for an uncluttered mind.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: For decades, I have periodically appeared in a gorilla suit — I am now on my third — at public hearings, community events and anywhere unsuspecting crowds gather. At Halloween, the gorilla gets its own costume, which changes every year. It keeps people guessing, and it keeps me from taking myself too seriously.

NEXT BIG FOCUS: To keep practicing law for another 25 years — with the same energy and curiosity I had on day one. The law never stops evolving, and neither do I.

FOOD FIX: A rare ribeye steak with a baked potato and creamed spinach never fails. But my true weakness is Doe's Hot Tamales from Doe's Eat Place in Greenville, Miss. — a loyalty that started in childhood and has never faded. Some loyalties you just don't outgrow.