The Portrait · Issue 2026
The exciting Life of a Wörthersee fan
Thomas Kramer · Official BiographyScroll
“He built Miami Beach.” “He partied with royals.” “He fell hard — and came back like a phoenix on speed.”
Whoever engages with Thomas Kramer inevitably runs into superlatives. The question quickly arises: what is legend, what is truth? With him: both — at the same time and entirely credibly.
Before media frenzy, millions and Miami defined his life, there was a childhood full of freedom — with bicycles, tree houses and adventures in the woods. Together with sister Sylke and brother Olaf, Kramer grew up in an environment that shaped him.
The father: bearing, humor, heart — the first coach, the biggest fan. The mother: at his side to this day, smart, alert and loving. And Karla, the stepmother: a bonus mother with a sharp eye, honest advice and an open ear — especially when Kramer’s ideas take off, his torrent of words overflows or his signature is set too quickly.
“These people keep me grounded when my ideas start flying off again,” he says today.
You were the golden boy from the 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.
New York, 1979. Kramer lives on the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center — with his eye on the financial world. When he foresees Black Monday in 1987, he sells everything in time and makes millions. The FAZ later calls him a “whiz kid of the financial markets”.
His think tank in Munich works around the clock with futures and derivatives — with 100 percent returns in the first half of 1988. But Kramer wanted more than numbers — he wanted impact.
His path leads him from New York via Munich to Miami. No linear résumé, but an energetic change of course in staccato. He develops design districts on wasteland, blows up walls — in people’s minds too.
“I wanted to know where the limit is — and what lies beyond.”
Spoiler: he found out several times.
In 1992, during the Savings and Loan Crisis, real estate prices collapse. Kramer strikes: in just ten days he buys 180 plots — incognito. When no demolition company can be found, he promptly hires ex-Marines with machine guns. The bulldozer he sometimes drives himself. No joke.
15 architecture firms, seven million dollars and a master plan later, South Beach becomes the symbol of a transformation. The New York Times calls him the only man who ever turned a US city from slum to world-class destination — in under ten years.
Between 1989 and 1995, Kramer has a glossy marriage with Catherine Burda: charity dinners, society events, daughter Joya — glamour with nightly tantrums included. After the separation, a clear conclusion still remains: “Those six years? I’d live them again in a heartbeat.”
When it comes to partying, he is truly a world champion. Lanesborough Hotel, guests from Miami, Paris, Dubai. Gloria Gaynor live. Black-tie dinner. His own Hard Rock Café lounge. On Sunday: champagne-caviar brunch with jazz. Kramer? The last one at the table, of course.
Move to the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center. Kramer keeps his eye on the financial world.
He foresees the crash, sells in time — and makes millions. The FAZ calls him the “whiz kid of the financial markets.”
A glossy marriage to Catherine Burda. Charity dinners, society events, and daughter Joya.
180 plots in ten days. Ex-Marines with machine guns. The bulldozer sometimes driven himself.
His daughter Joya moves in with him in Florida. No more alcohol. 27 kilos in six months. A new rhythm.
Real estate development in the Emirates. A Netflix miniseries in negotiation. And regular returns to the lake.
2012 brings the turning point. Joya, his daughter, decides against studying in Boston and moves in with him in Florida.
“I had to decide: either I change — or I lose her.”
He chooses what’s right: no more alcohol, no more lies to himself. 27 kilos in six months — and a new rhythm. Today he finds his high not at the bar, but at the gym.
Cold therapy at minus 100 degrees. Better than any drug. After that: protein shake, power nap, coffee — and on we go. One hour of learning every day: AI, Apple, YouTube, ChatGPT. Always one step ahead.
Kramer lives on a tight schedule. Sport in the morning: power walk, cycling, gym — movement above all. Then cold therapy at minus 100 degrees: “Better than any drug.” After that: protein shake, power nap, coffee — and on we go. Each day he invests an hour in learning: AI, Apple, YouTube, ChatGPT: “Always one step ahead.”
Zoom calls with partners in the USA, Hong Kong, the Middle East. Current projects: real estate development in the Emirates. In parallel he is negotiating with producers about a Netflix miniseries and a feature film about his life.
“The chapter isn’t over yet. It’s just getting exciting.”
From Hollywood legends to heads of state
And then there is this one place that outshines everything: the Wörthersee. Already in childhood Kramer spent unforgettable summers here — with family, sun, water and carefree laughter.
Today he returns regularly. Not because he has to, but because there he can be entirely himself.
He is especially grateful for his friends on the ground — above all Natascha and Alex from Unser Wörthersee: “Your hospitality is legendary, and I find the idea of presenting historical content in a glossy magazine very good and meaningful.”
Yes, Thomas Kramer is still single. But not closed off.
“I’m no longer looking for a stage. I’m looking for connection.”
His ideal partner? Athletic, humorous, happy on skis or a yoga mat. One who loves life — and doesn’t need the drama.
“I’m your favorite project with an exit option: lifelong happiness included.”