Ville Magazine l Insider Access for City Lifestyle Sept/Oct 2016 / Fashion Issue | Page 19

SPOTLIGHT ON

How did you get involved in the nightlife industry?
I started at the bottom and worked my way to where I am today. With over
23 years of experience under my belt, I have literally covered every aspect
of the scene from promoting, security, DJing, marketing, managing and
owning establishments. There have been many ups and downs, but I have
used these experiences to better myself and the people around me. Knowing
the ins and outs of this industry at the level I do is a valuable commodity.
I have parlayed that knowledge into where I am today and am devoted to
what I do.

You soon became a consultant for nightclubs across Europe.
How did that start and what were some clubs you assisted?
While being a general manager, I came across countless so-called
“consultants and specialists.” Many didn’t even have venue management
experience but felt they were qualified to tell how to successfully run a
business. Only a select few actually knew what they were doing. I had gained
a lot of respect within the industry and decided that I wanted to help people
build or fix their businesses. Honesty and transparency are two words you
don’t come across often within this business, but they were the pillars I
wanted to base my business upon.
I have worked with many of the top entertainment brands including
Ministry of sound, Cream, Godskitchen, Pacha, miss moneypennys, and
many more. I have spent the last number of years working in Dubai where I
specialized in business consultancy and also business creation. The Middle
East is a melting pot for glamour and entertainment. I was lucky enough to
rub shoulders with Carvalli, VIP Room’s, Pacha Dubai, Eden, Zinc and Blue
Marlin.

What strategies have you used to assist these businesses to get
back to success?
Going back to the basics is where I always start. There are a few fundamental
questions that have to be answered in order to develop a custom-made
business plan. I’m not going to give all my secrets away, but what I will say
is that you have to be brutally honest and prepared to change. Know your
team, customers, competition, real strengths and weaknesses, financial
limits, and always be the innovator – not the imitator.

Foundation Nightclub is the first nightclub you have come on
board with in the US. How did the partnership come about?
A mutual friend introduced me to the owners of Foundation. The club
was coming up to its 3-year anniversary and was looking at an extensive
remodel. I was asked to assist with my consultant capacity. We worked really
well together and the success that followed the remodel was unreal. I felt at
home in Seattle; we had created something special in the nightlife market.

Why did you decide to take the position and come to the US?
I have always wanted the opportunity to work in America. I felt that it was
the next natural step in my journey of my personal professionalism. There is
something for everyone here. If you are prepared to work hard and be fair,
anything could happen. I feel so privileged to be given the opportunity to do
what I love in a place that I hold the utmost respect for.

Do you feel that they could have succeeded without you?
Foundation has already succeeded without me. Who would of thought
Seattle would have a “Global Top 100 Nightclub?” Even though it had the
acclaim, it didn’t have the fiscal stability. I was given the job to steer this
nightlife beast to the next level and fine tune the staff and policy to achieve
fiscal success. I’ve been able to make a serious impact on the bottom line.
I plan to take the success here and grow the Foundation brand into other
markets. We’re just getting started.

What are the key areas you are working on to improve?
All areas within the business constantly needs fine tuning; in order
to stay at the top, you have to leave nothing to chance. My job is to
maximize profitability and give the customers the experience they crave.
Entertainment, marketing and VIP service needs constant focus. Over
the next couple of months, we will be rolling out a number of very special
changes. Reinvesting in the business on a constant basis keeps you on top.

The concept is looking at expanding. What will be your role in
it?
The bigger picture has always been to grow the brand and that really is my
specialty. Personally I have been involved with turn key business packages
for many years; once you have the right team behind you, anything is
possible. With the involvement of USC, I feel confident that the future will
be bright.

During the time you have spent in Seattle, what has been your
take on the nightlife industry? How do you see it growing or
changing?
I am truly shocked at the caliber of the nightlife Seattle has to offer. The
entertainment alone is mind blowing. We are all in competition but still
respect and support each other. Seattle is developing more and more and
in my opinion is becoming a modern day trendsetter for entertainment,
standards and venue quality. The more investment Seattle sees, the more
people will expect. This is not going to go away or slow down. As a business,
I have to make sure Foundation stays number one.
I have to thank Ian and Chad for giving this very special opportunity. In
addition, all the staff, customers and residents of Seattle who have been so
welcoming to myself and my family.

FASHION ISSUE l VILLE l 19