Home: Washington D.C. Age: Old. Used to be younger. Birthplace: Born and raised in Washington D.C. Profession: Business owner and concert promoter. Organization: I.M.P. and the 9:30 Club amongst other venues. Title: Founder and Chairman. Alma mater: The School of Hard Knocks. Languages spoken: Agent-ese French.
Current project: French fry spot across from Anthem. Recent recognition: The press has done some great write-ups on the new venue and the 9:30 Club’s history. Recent professional development: Opening our smallest club, The Atlantis. Latest accomplishment: I'm particularly proud of hosting the Matisyahu concert despite facing pressure and protests. It was a difficult situation, but we managed to create a space where people from different backgrounds could come together and enjoy the music peacefully. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Creatng the “new” 930 Club in 1996. There were no such clubs like this at the time. Creating Anthem. Re-creating Merriweather. Hobbies: Reading, bicycling, card tricks. Recent travel or adventure: Biking halfway from Madrid to Barcelona. Will do the other half next year. Last book read: Spellbound, by David Kwong. Fantastic. Recently viewed and recommended: Ripley, Call My Agent, Hacks. Recent unique acquisition: The sleep apnea device implanted in my chest.
Personality profile: Contrary to popular belief, I don’t like to talk about myself. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? BFF. Moral compass: I have my personal principles and values, and I stick to them no matter what. How do you define a perfect friendship? When you can be quiet together and it is perfectly natural. How do you define an ideal business relationship? One that benefits both. What is your greatest joy? Seeing people on both sides of the stage having a great time, and escaping. What is your greatest fear? Death. What is your guilty pleasure? Eating what I shouldn’t. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Ummm. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Chefs. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. What is at the top of your bucket list? Biking from Seattle to Miami. How do you relieve stress? Meditation. What is your go-to workout? My son Sam’s gym. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Coffee and internet.
What was your first paying job? Radio DJ. I was fired for playing music that was too progressive. What was your favorite college course? I only took one. Business 101 at Montgomery College. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? One of those electronic kits where you can broadcast your own music through the radio. I thought that was the most exciting thing. What book have you repeatedly read? How To Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. What movie have you repeatedly watched? 2001. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? I don’t care for career memorabilia as I don’t like to live in the past. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife Caroline. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Don’t do stupid shit. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Be a good listener. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The iPhone. What is your favorite app? iBooks. What is your go-to source of news and information? The New York Times. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? I love meeting with my people and getting caught up through them about the world now. What company or organization do you most admire? Our own company and our people. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The Holocaust, which serves as a reminder of how things can go unthinkably bad and a lesson to all those who believe that democracy can be ignored when it serves themselves. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Having a lifelong companion, my wife Caroline.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Just constantly monitoring for adaption.
What message do you want to send out into the world? If it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t make sense. What widely held belief do you reject? Hey, it’s business, so it’s ok to do the wrong thing. What mega-trend most concerns you? Secondary ticketing as the norm.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? The best one for the part. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Federico Fellini. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A disc jockey. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My watches. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, eating whatever I want. What advice would you give your younger self? Stop pissing people off when you don’t need to.
Personal mission: Be in the now, stop thinking about death. Personal motto: If it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t make sense.
