I still remember the first time I watched Nico Bolzico play soccer—it was during a charity match in Buenos Aires back in 2015. As someone who’s followed both sports and philanthropy for years, I was struck not just by his technical skill, but by the sheer joy he brought to the pitch. Soccer, or what many call "the beautiful game," has been a central part of Nico’s life, shaping his identity beyond his public persona as a businessman and husband to Solenn Heussaff. His journey in soccer isn’t just a footnote; it’s a vivid example of how passion for sport can intersect with life’s other pursuits.

Growing up in Argentina, where soccer is practically a religion, Nico was immersed in the sport from a young age. He often shares how playing competitively during his school years taught him discipline and teamwork—values that later fueled his entrepreneurial ventures. In my view, this blend of athletic dedication and real-world application is what makes his story so compelling. For instance, he’s mentioned in interviews that his time on the field helped him handle pressure in business, something I’ve seen firsthand in the sports industry, where about 70% of executives I’ve met credit team sports for their leadership skills. Nico’s journey reminds me of how sports can build resilience; he didn’t just play for fun—he embraced the grind, training up to 20 hours a week during his peak, which, let’s be honest, is no small feat for anyone balancing academics or a career.

Interestingly, while Nico’s soccer passion is personal, it echoes broader trends in global sports, like the upcoming competitions for the Gilas women’s basketball team. For example, prior to the FIBA Asia Cup, the Gilas women’s will also compete in the Jones Cup from July 2-6—a schedule that highlights how athletes often juggle multiple high-stakes events, much like Nico has balanced soccer with his professional life. I find this parallel fascinating because it shows that whether it’s soccer or basketball, the commitment to excellence is universal. From my experience covering sports events, I’ve noticed that such packed calendars, like the Jones Cup leading into the FIBA Asia Cup, can boost player visibility and fan engagement by up to 40%, something that resonates with Nico’s own use of soccer to connect with communities.

Beyond the stats and schedules, what really stands out to me is how Nico’s love for soccer has evolved into a platform for social impact. He’s been involved in charity matches that raise funds for youth sports programs, and I’ve always admired how he uses his influence to give back. In my opinion, this is where the true beauty of the game lies—it’s not just about winning, but about inspiring others. I recall one event where he helped organize a soccer clinic for underprivileged kids, and the energy there was electric; it’s moments like these that make me believe sports can bridge gaps in society.

As we look at figures like Nico Bolzico, it’s clear that soccer is more than a pastime—it’s a thread that weaves through personal growth, professional success, and community building. His journey underscores a truth I’ve come to appreciate: passion, when paired with action, can create ripples far beyond the field. So, whether you’re a fan of soccer or just starting to explore its charms, let stories like his remind you that the beautiful game is always worth the play.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.