VIP HOST & CONCIERGE SERVICES TO THE STARS WITH MANNY KESS | E040 PODCAST

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ABOUT THE GUEST

Manny Kess is an entrepreneur and the CEO of The Kess Group, a luxury concierge service. The Kess Group caters to high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and corporate clients, offering exclusive access to elite experiences, such as VIP tickets to major events, private jet charters, luxury accommodations, and other personalized services.

Manny Kess has gained relevance and prominence due to his ability to build and manage a successful business that operates in the high-stakes world of luxury and exclusivity. His reputation is built on delivering exceptional service and creating unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for his clients. Additionally, Kess is known for his extensive network and ability to connect with influential people across various industries, which has further boosted his and his company's profile.

Manny has several media appearances and a strong social media presence, and collaborations with other prominent figures in the luxury and entertainment sectors. Manny Kess's work exemplifies the growing market for luxury concierge services and the increasing demand for bespoke, high-end experiences.

Manny’s Website:
https://thekessgroup.com/
Manny’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mannykess/?hl=en
Manny’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannykess/

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

“You have to respect the brand. It’s not just about making money; it’s about maintaining integrity and building lasting relationships. In this industry, your reputation is everything.”
— MANNY KESS

MEDIA RELATED TO THE EPISODE

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

George Stroumboulis sits down with Manny Kess in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about all things concierge services, VIP hosting, hospitality industry, professional athletes, travel, business and so much more.

ABOUT THE “INVIGORATE YOUR BUSINESS” PODCAST

The Invigorate Your Business with George Stroumboulis podcast features casual conversations and personal interviews with business leaders in their respective fields of expertise. Crossing several industry types and personal backgrounds, George sits down with inspiring people to discuss their business, how they got into that business, their path to the top of their game and the trials and tribulations experienced along the way. We want you to get inspired, motivated, and then apply any advice to your personal and professional lives. If there is at least one piece of advice that resonates with you after listening, then this podcast is a success. New episodes weekly. Stream our show on Spotify, YouTube, Apple, Amazon and all other platforms.

ABOUT GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

George Stroumboulis is an entrepreneur to the core, having launched several ventures across multiple industries and international markets. He has held senior-level positions at progressive companies and government institutions, both domestically and internationally, building an extensive portfolio of business know-how over the years and driving profit-generating results. George’s ability to drive real change has landed him in several media outlets, including the front page of the Wall Street Journal. George was born in Toronto, Canada to his Greek immigrant parents. Family first. Flying over 300,000 miles a year around the world puts into perspective how important family is to George’s mental and emotional development. With all this travel to global destinations, the longest he stays even in the most far-out destination is 3 days or less - a personal rule he lives by to make sure he is present and involved in family life with his wife and three daughters. To read about George’s global travels, stay connected with his blog section.

FULL SHOW TRANSCRIPT

George Stroumboulis - Host: 00:00

Welcome to another episode of Invigorate your Business with George Strombolis. On today's episode, I sit down with the ultimate New Yorker by the name of Manny Kess. He has started the Kess Group, which is a VIP host company based in Las Vegas. Manny Kess and his team provide professional athletes, a-list celebrities, saudi princes, wall Street people and even average Joes like myself the most exclusive experiences in Las Vegas and around the world. We're also going to talk to Manny about his various business adventures that he's invested in, and just learn about the ins and outs about operating in Las Vegas and where to go not to go. It's actually a really exciting episode starting now. My name is George Strombolis and I'm extremely passionate about traveling the world, meeting new people and learning about new businesses. Join me as I sit down with other entrepreneurs to learn about their journeys. This episode of Invigorate your Business starts now no, no, but even when you talk you're just like dude.

01:22

He's just a nice dude, which is probably your number one thing on why people want to work with you, like you just get shit done and you're a nice guy. Yeah, that's a big deal, man, I wasn't expecting like. That's a good thing and I'm sure you could turn it on when you need to be a dick too.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:45

I think we can all be dicks, but what does it do at the end of the day? I listen, yes, I'm a new yorker. Uh, as, when I was younger I was very to the point and don't waste my time. But as you get older and mature and you go through life, it's all just treat people the way you want to be treated and think good things happen, bad things happen. Take it all with a grain of salt and just keep moving. You know I mean. And then look, I'm 46 and I found I love my life. Now, you know I'm any need opportunities.

02:03

Yeah, timing's important. You've got to be in the right state of mind. I mean, you know A hundred percent. So, yeah, I just I don't believe I'll ever change who I am. I've made millions, I've spent millions, I've had, you know, I've been very blessed in my career, but I'm still me. Yeah, absolutely.

02:24

I tell them all the same thing your pee smells the same as mine, your poop same as mine. It doesn't matter. It doesn't ask you how much money you have. It doesn't ask you where you were raised, whether it was in Europe or in Dubai or in New York or in the ghetto, we're the same. What changes us is our life experiences and what we do with them. Right, we all have traumas, we all have had blessings. It's how do you take that moment, good or bad, and what do you do with it? Absolutely, and I just believe in I'm going to make sure that tomorrow is a better day than today. Yeah, and if things go wrong, okay, tomorrow will be better. And if things go great, all right, let's do it again tomorrow. And that's kind of been my mentality.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 03:04

And here we are, and it's working, so we're rolling. We're going to keep that piece in. Let's just roll right into this dude. So I'm sitting with Manny Kess of the Kess Group, Founder, CEO, president, boss man the maker of all things, back from attending.

03:17

Yeah, back from everything right, Jack of all trades. But for those that don't know of the Kes group, right Like, when it comes to Las Vegas, you are the guy everyone knows Manny, or of Manny, You're synonymous with the guy that just gets shit done for people Right. And over the years that you've been there, you've like cream rises right. And you've just been dealing with more influential, affluential people professional athletes, celebrities, a royal family, high-end business executives. You've created this incredible place and just what you were saying before, you've had so many ups and downs in your career business, personal and to see where you're at today is just very inspiring. So congrats on that, Thank you so?

04:01

much. So talk to me how would you describe the Kess Group?

Manny Kess - Guest: 04:04

So we are a full-service hospitality company. I've been in Vegas 13 years, so, like anyone else, start at the bottom. I worked at a pool as a host for one of the big companies and a year later I went on my own, started the Kess Group from nothing. I mean, it was basically I worked for a company and my goal was to bring people to my venues and over time it became difficult because we'll use you as an example. You come to Vegas, you're there for three days with your friends, your family, whoever. You want to go and have different experiences. Well, if I'm like, hey, you have to go to this one pool every day, because that's where I am, you're going to be like I don't want to go to the same place every day. Hey, you got to go to this night club, because that's what. So I decided to go on my own because I wanted to take care of the client. I wanted to make sure that whatever you did maximized your time in Vegas and your experience Right, and started, you know, from from nothing and slowly build it up. My sister moved out from New York about a year after I started the company. So to help me grow, grow it, because as I picked up steam. It was hard. You have three or four clients in a night going to multiple venues. I couldn't be everywhere at once. So she joined me and together we built this company to where now we're one of the largest in all of Vegas.

05:16

We work with, like you said, anyone and everyone. I mean, we don't discriminate. It could be a couple of college kids that are freshly 21 to heads of state, royalty, professional athletes, corporate executives, from A to Z. And our goal is very simple Treat people the way that we want to be treated. Give them the experience that best suits them, because what you like, I might not like what somebody else likes.

05:39

So that's probably the biggest challenge is, people are like oh you know, my cousin went to this place. I want to go there. Or why do you like to sing music? Do you guys have the same things that you want to do? Were they here for work pleasure? What are their? What are their goals? So, trying to get people to understand that I am an extension of them and once we have a conversation, we can build an itinerary that suits them. That's what separates us from many other people, because they want to just get the quick buck or take you to whatever benefits them, not the client. For us, it's the opposite. I'd rather make less money and you have a better time, because what are you going to do? A you'll come back or, b you're going to refer people to me.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 06:17

Which I'm sure is a big part of your business, is a referral 13 years in Vegas, I've not spent $1 on marketing.

Manny Kess - Guest:

06:23

We are strictly word of mouth company.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 06:26

So how do you go from? And it's not just Vegas, like you do stuff around the world.

Manny Kess - Guest: 06:30

Yes, with some of our clientele, we're global concierge for them. So they want to go to Greece over the summer, or Saint-Tropez or South of France, wherever we set them up. They want to go to the Cannes Film Festival. We'll take care of them New York, la, miami, whatever. But we do that for a small percentage of our clients. Yeah, I would say 90% of our business is Vegas focused, because there's just so much to do and there's so much business there, right, and we have established ourselves as one of the premier companies to do that.

06:57

And one of the biggest thing about hospitality is your reputation. You know, with our list of clientele, people are like, all right, you guys are doing it, right, because these people wouldn't, they don't need you, right? So for them to call you and keep coming back, there's a reason. So we focus on what we're good at and there's just a lot of business there. But for that small percentage of clients, when they're like, hey, man, I'm going to go to LA and I want to rent a house, I do this. I want to go to a dinner, I want to do this event, whatever it might be, then we take that on and we make sure that they get that same service wherever they might be.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 07:27

So let me ask you, though when they're calling and it's somewhere out of your comfort zone, right, hey, I'm going to Indonesia, right and say you've never been, I know you've been, you've been around the world, we'll talk about that but say they want to go there, do you have to review it yourself to give that stamp of approval before you vouch for that person? Or how do you go about even filtering what's a good experience for the home and the flights and the helicopters?

Manny Kess - Guest: 07:53

You're absolutely right. That's what we do. I mean, we have DMCs in many different countries that are local, on the ground that we work with. Sorry, what's a DMC? A DMC is a company that works in a particular region and so we have relationships globally.

08:02

So Indonesia, for example yes, I've been to Bali, I've been here. But depending on what the client where they want to go in Indonesia and what they want, we'll contact this local company that we have relationships with and say, okay, this is client X, this is what they want. Give me the itinerary, let me review it, and then, after I review it and tweak it, then I go to the client and I'll be like, okay, this is what we came up with, this is also the company that we're working with. Take a look at them online, if you're comfortable, I'll make the introduction. But yes, we like to be in the whole process because we know what the client likes and even though it's somebody else who's actually doing it there, it's still our reputation. So if it goes wrong, who are they going to blame? If it goes right, who are they? So I try to be and our staff tries to be as hands-on as much as the client wants.

08:47

Right, some clients. They just want recommendations. Hey, I want to do X, y, z. Tell me what to do. Okay, here you go, handle it. Others want us from A to Z, from the moment they land to the time they leave. We want you guys with us. So, again, everything is customizable. But 13 years in Vegas, 20 years in hospitality because I had restaurants in New York Before that I have a pretty good understanding and a very strong network where we make things happen and once in a blue moon I'll get something like you know I want to go to. I got a request for the World Cup in Russia. Okay, never been to Russia. I have access to tickets, not a problem, but never been there. Accommodations, it's the world cup there. I had to really do it. I spent weeks doing my research and finding out what the best companies were, where my client should stay, what the best car service was, how to go from here to there. It was not just I'm going to go online and whoever comes up, oh yeah, good luck.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 09:44

No, because you're vouching the Kess brand. I'm vouching the.

Manny Kess - Guest: 09:47

Kess brand, but more importantly, that was a great client who works with me multiple times a year. The last thing I want them to do is go to Russia for the World Cup and have a bad experience.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 09:56

Right right right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 09:57

And when everything was said and done, not only did they spend a lot of money because it's the world cup, everything is super expensive but they loved it and they're like, wow, that's incredible. And now they reached out to us because they want to go to paris in july, and I'm like, okay. So we've been working on them for the past like almost two and a half months now to get that, so paris is a lot easier than russia, right?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 10:17

in a many times.

Manny Kess - Guest: 10:17

you know, we know people there, so, but if I would have messed that up, I'd lose that opportunity all these years later to continue to give them experiences. Yes, and you know, today, today's day and age, they can just Google, you know, concierge Paris and probably get a hundred companies that would love to help this really high end client who has tickets to all these events, staying at a five-star hotel, has PJs lined up, I mean. So the fact that they call us still big deal, I'm like wow, it's. I'm so grateful, but I'm also flattered because it means okay, man, you're doing something right.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 10:51

Yeah, yeah, of course, and where you started. So you said 13 years ago you threw everything in. You threw like the towel into New York and said you know what? I'm starting fresh. You started, like you said, right from the bottom in Vegas, from this world, right. But you learned the business and everything, going from an entrepreneur in New York having your first restaurant in your early 20s, right, your own boss, managing staff and everything. What was that transition like? Going to having bosses and multiple bosses and you know, you know about hospitality what was that transition like? I mean, it was humbling.

Manny Kess - Guest: 11:23

So I was a millionaire in New York. I had my own businesses. Then the 08 collapse happened. I lost everything in the span of 18 months. I had real estate that I own, restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, a block away from Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, 56th Street A lot of investments. Within 18 months, I lost it all. We didn't get bailouts like the banks did, so by 2010, I went from being a millionaire with a great income and a great life, living in a beautiful two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, paying $5,000 rent back then. Now I don't even know what rent is in New York. Losing it all.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 11:55

So the immigrants are living there now, the illegal immigrants are living in those apartments. I mean, they might be.

Manny Kess - Guest: 12:01

But going from 2008, when I was extremely successful, to 2010, I was dead broke and not lost at all, and I was in my early 30s. It was very humbling, but you know, I'm grateful that my parents instilled an insane work ethic and they taught me that you're always going to have to deal with adversity in life. Right, I didn't turn to drugs, I didn't turn to alcohol. I said you know what? I didn't turn to drugs, I didn't turn to alcohol. I said you know what we're going to start over, we're going to do it again. You had that attitude even that's the attitude I had when I lost it all and you knew you would build it back up, like in your mind. I knew I was going to be successful. I just didn't know what I was going to do.

12:37

So, as luck would have it, back then 2010, I knew a New Yorker who had moved to Vegas and had started building a group and he was like hey, man, come out here. We're growing, we're expanding, we have all these venues that we're running and operating and we need good people that want to hustle. We want new yorkers. So I literally flew out to vegas to interview, but I was like I'm not moving to vegas and I went and I sat with him and he hired me that day.

13:02

But I knew the guy I mean it's not like a random person, someone that I knew and I was. I mean it's not like a random person, someone that I knew and I was like all right, I like what you're doing, I know you, I know your work ethic. He was a big promoter in New York City, had built a really big company. Then he left it all to go to Vegas and do all these amazing things. So I went for a weekend and ended up staying.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 13:19

Was Vegas rocking then, like in 2010? Like was it? I mean?

Manny Kess - Guest: 13:22

it didn't have all the venues that it has now, but it was, it was busy, it was still growing. I mean, you know, city center, where all that didn't exist, a lot, of, a lot of places didn't exist that exist now, but it was still. They were still getting 25, 30 million visitors a year. Now we're up to 60 is it that many?

13:37

60 million visitors a year. So it's incredible how much has grown in the sports teams. But back back then it was still somewhere people went, loved it, had a lot of fun. So I decided, okay, I'm doing this. I went back to New York, packed my suitcases, told my family hey, I love you guys. But I got a job and I got to start somewhere. And they're like what do you mean? You're going to start here? I'm like, no, I don't want another restaurant, I don't want 18 hour days anymore, I don't want to deal with this stuff. And I was pissed off because at the time banks were getting all this money. And I'm like, well, what are we getting? Yep.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 14:08

Insurance companies, everything.

Manny Kess - Guest: 14:14

We're getting stuck with all these crazy increases. So I came out to Vegas and I started at the bottom. I mean, I was the entry-level host. So I left New York owning companies and being successful. I moved to Vegas entry-level.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 14:22

Yeah, and what was your attitude?

Manny Kess - Guest: 14:26

like, even at that first position, I'm going to kick ass. I'm a freaking New Yorker. I've been working since I was in my early teens Like who cares who cares? Yeah, but to answer your question, it sucked because I was when I moved to Vegas. I moved in 2011. So I was 32 years old when I moved to Vegas and had I was working with 25-year-olds. I had supervisors, managers that were 28, 30. These kids didn't know anything about business. They had just gotten there before me.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 14:54

You're just biting your tongue.

Manny Kess - Guest: 14:55

Yeah, and I'm sitting there like, okay, half the things that they were telling you are wrong, but they are your superior. So I just sat there and I just worked. I got lucky because I didn't let any of that affect me. I'm like you know what? I'm going to do it for a little while. I'm going to have their job in a year. Right, and it's crazy because within a year I got promoted, which was unheard of in Vegas at that time and a few months later I had a disagreement with some of the management with the company that I worked for and I went on my own.

15:25

But I'm still grateful that person that hired me. To this day I'm grateful, even though 13 years in Vegas, he and I have never had one dinner or hung out. Really. He is the reason I moved there and he's the reason why I'm still there. So, although we're not like friends that hang out, I'm very grateful for that opportunity that he gave me and that he still entrusted me. Right, and everything I've done since then has just been blood, sweat and tears. Yeah, absolutely, people, all of them see, oh, you hang out with this famous athlete. Oh, you hang out with this person. You have a nice car you got my. That means nothing. You don't understand the work, yeah, and what goes behind it they don't see.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 16:04

see that, how much business.

Manny Kess - Guest: 16:05

I've turned down because I just generally didn't like the client or they were rude and I could tell people like you should write a book. I'm like I don't want to write a book because I'm not one to share that stuff, but it keeps me grounded because I don't care how much money somebody has or how much money they don't have. I'm going to treat everybody with respect. As long as you do the same, we're going to get along fine. I don't strictly hang out and spend time or work with super wealthy.

16:33

The reality is that's the clientele that wants this type of service. But again, no marketing. It's not like I go to the Rob report and I'm like, hey, give me your clients. No marketing. It's not like I go to the Rob report and I'm like, hey, give me your clients. No, people hear about us and they contact us, but I have 21 year old clients. Hey, man, my brother older brother's home value. He came to Vegas and you hooked them up and they're like literally rubbing their nickels together to go get a table at a club and I'm like, okay, we're not going to go to this club because it's out of your price range. We're going to go here and, trust me you're going to have fun.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 17:05

Cause we've all been there, which is cool, and I'm like this is your budget.

Manny Kess - Guest: 17:08

We're going to make it work and we're going to cut corners here and there to make it work. And they're like wow, I mean I have, and it's crazy I have so many college groups, because I did that years ago. That's cool and like frat boys. Oh man, my fraternity brother told me about you. I'm like cool. But the point is I don't care, treat me well and I'll treat you well. I have turned down a lot of money.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 17:28

Like what's something that you see that you don't like, money aside when, like what is it? The way they treat you, the way they treat someone else?

Manny Kess - Guest: 17:35

I'll give you one example, and this was years ago. I a lot of relationships, so I had several clients that were in finance. So one of my clients was a very big deal in wall street. We're talking this is like 70 years ago guys making seven figures crushing it again back then. Now money's changed, but back then. So one of the guys from his desk, one of his subordinates, was coming out to Vegas. So he's like you got to call Manny, manny will take care of you. This guy called me Cool. He had this beautiful suite at the Wynn. He's like hey, I want you to come meet me and I want to set up an itinerary. I go, great, go to his suite. We're talking it's him and a couple of bottles of alcohol. So the butler because they have a big suite, the butler came, brought their stuff and you know you're not gonna door. They didn't answer the door, they made him wait, whatever. Then he comes in, because butlers normally they'll knock a couple times and then they're like hey, butler, service, right, comes in, puts the stuff there is. Like you, I'd like your signature.

18:44

A very long story short. The guy that I was introduced to was being rude to this butler, very dismissive and rude, so the butler leaves. It irked me. I'm like this guy's just got here and I get it. They want to have fun. But why are you treating this person so poorly? They're just doing their job. Guy was respectful, did nothing wrong. So he's telling me I want to do this and this and this. I want the best table here. I want the best table. I go fine.

19:10

So I took down my notes. I did all that. I said great, I'll set everything up. I go this is what you're going to do for me. You're going to call the butler's thing. You're going to call for John. You're going to have John come back up. You're going to give John $500. He's like what I'm like.

19:28

You were rude to this man. You're going to be here all weekend. You want me to take care of you. If this is how you're going to me, I go yeah, well, if you want to work with me and I'm gonna work with you, it's like a marriage for the weekend. I represent you and you represent me. If you have a problem, call so-and-so call. Your boss can ask him about me, because last I checked he put us on a group text. I said I'll give you 30 minutes and don't worry, I'm gonna call them myself to see that you did this. If you don't do it, don't worry, I'm going to call them myself to see that you did this. If you don't do it, don't worry about it. Have a great time. I'm just not going to talk to you, I'm not going to deal with you, amazing.

20:09

So I left and he was and he gave me an attitude which again expected hotshot Wall Street guy. I left. I texted him hey, is this taken care of? He said yes. I called the win. I said hey, can I speak with the butler's department? I found the guy, john. I said hey, john, by the way, I'm calling you from this room. I want to make sure that they gave you the gratuity that we forgot to give you earlier. Oh, yes, sir, they took care of it. Thank you so much. Okay, thanks.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 20:32

So I texted him.

Manny Kess - Guest: 20:33

And I said to him hey, I appreciate what you did, let's go asshole. Yeah, I completed my night because I was working the night they got to the room I told him hey, man, when you get up tomorrow, call me. Called me like one o'clock after the next day. I said don't ever call me again. You're not the type of person I want to deal with. Thank you so very much for initially reaching out to me, but it's just not going to work. He's like what do you mean? We spent all this money. I don't care. Good luck, Good for you, and I won't spoke to the guy and I'm not going to call his boss and say hey, I didn't say a word to his boss. It's not who I am, Jesus. A few weeks later, his boss was like everything was fine. I think they had a really good time. He didn't tell them.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 21:26

Okay.

Manny Kess - Guest: 21:27

Because he knows, if he said something and he came back to me I was going to rip a new one. I'm not trying to be cool. People probably say man, you're stupid. Why would you give away money? Why am I going to waste my time and energy over some money?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 21:40

Absolutely let's be real.

Manny Kess - Guest: 21:41

We absolutely, let's be real. We're not making millions of dollars here.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 21:42

You know, I make a couple of grand here, a couple of hundred here, so it's not life-changing if the guy's gonna give me a hundred thousand dollars you're gonna maybe I'll swallow my pride and I'll say okay, totally and I'll break off the the butler, but I don't want to deal with those people and I have a lot of those stories well, is that so when you go to a club or a restaurant and it's under manny right name, like that's your reputation, regardless of who the crowd is right? Oh yeah, so when they're being dicks to the servers or whatever, do they know?

Manny Kess - Guest: 22:10

hey, that's Manny's group or that's the cast group, Every group. It says who books them. It says who their host is Right. So one of the things that made me proud was I've gotten a lot of awards and like what name?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 22:21

some, because this is a big deal, it's a Vegas awards, it's for local people.

Manny Kess - Guest: 22:24

You know host of the year awards and you know top, whatever all these different awards. Yeah, I'm grateful because I am the enemy to these clubs. Hosts, right, I'm the competitor. If you're a host that works at the win or at tau or at omnia or wherever, I'm your right enemy because you're on the outside, you're not outside and you want to book this client.

22:44

If I don't exist, you're hoping that you're going to get that client right. So to get awards is flattering, but the one that really impressed me was the win only has a few companies that they work, that are affiliated with them that they'll allow outside hosts come in okay there's a, only a handful, maybe five, that's it.

23:04

We're one of those five and they had this, like after covid had this big meeting with all you know what called independence, and they brought us in and they talked about security. And this is another thing. And one of the directors took me to the side, like you know what's funny, we love you because your groups don't get in trouble like my groups don't get thrown trouble Like my groups don't get thrown out for drugs. My groups don't get into fights because I we try very hard to make sure that the clientele that we bring represent no one's perfect right. Right, of course, if, if you do something, client a does it does drugs. I don't. I don't sit there and have you fill out a questionnaire, but normally, just in our conversations and learning about each other, we can sift out and see who the troublemakers are.

23:51

And I've been to a place where I've been out to work with clients that have started drugs. I'm like no, no, no, no, no, we're not doing that Really. What do you mean? Yeah, because you're going to get kicked out. You're going to lose your money and in Vegas you get kicked out of the property. So if you're at club, whatever and get in trouble for drugs, you're out of the casino and you cannot come back again. It's not New York or LA or Miami, where it's independently owned and you can do whatever you want. So I'm like you don't want to do that.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 24:17

See, that's smart, Just even that consulting right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 24:19

Yeah, and they're like, oh, and I've had people a couple of times happens to be again New York Wall Street, guys that didn't care. I'm like listen, dummy, if you're going to do that, it's your business. I can't tell you what to do. Go to the bathroom, right, right, right, be smart, because if you're going to do it here, you're not going to be able to step foot in Vegas again. And I got to shake. I'm like be smart, right, right. And you know it's Vegas, it's excess, it's an adult playground. People want to go crazy and have fun and do whatever they can to at home Great, but just be smart about it. I'm not your father. I'm not going to tell you not to drink too much or not to. If you do drugs or smoke, we, god, bless you. That's between you and God. My job is keep you safe, give you the experience that you want and make sure that I do my responsibility to you. I have to tell you no, and a lot of these wealthy people oh, I didn't.

25:07

Nobody says no to exactly how many athletes work with me because I say no, nobody else says no to them and I'm like, hey, you've got to be smart yeah, but so you're physically, you know.

George Stroumboulis - Host:

25:17

First of all, shout out to your sister, ellen, as well right she's just an amazing human. She's a killer. You just see, like, how you guys work together, right, and it's this. No, we find like cats and dogs, yeah, a lot of love there, but we're very different. But you know she'll stab for you, right, and it's part of the business. But so the most successful type of night that you have, do you physically have to be with your group to make sure everything is seamless because you're? There's only so many people in.

Manny Kess - Guest: 25:42

In my earlier days, yes, now we have a staff of over a dozen people, so now, luckily, I don't go out as much. I'm also not a spring chicken. I'm in my forties. The last thing I want to do is go out every single day and go out every single night. Right, I don't want to do that so, but I do go out with friends clients that have become friends on occasion when I can and also when there's that request, you know.

26:06

So if they ask for Manny himself if it's one of my Saudi guys that wants to see me, I can't be like. No, I'm going to give you to one of the team because they want me.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 26:14

Absolutely.

Manny Kess - Guest: 26:18

If it's one of my athlete friends, half of them don't care, they just want to make sure everything's right. But the other guys are like, hey, I want to hang out with you so, so want to hang out with you, so. So I don't go out as much as I used to. I mean I used to go out five, six days a week and nights insane. Now, luckily, I go out sparingly. I mean, there are weekends like now, we have the ufc fight coming with mcgregor every june. There's going to be a lot of people there. A lot of my clientele is coming in for that fight, so I'm going to be out you have.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 26:41

How would you even manage multiple groups that night, like Like how do you manage that?

Manny Kess - Guest: 26:45

Well, I don't want to give away all the trade secrets, but the reality is a lot of my athletes like the same music, so a lot of them are going to go to one or another place. The beauty about Vegas is you have a dozen clubs right. 80% of them are going to be EDM, 20% of them are going to be hip hop. So out of the three major hip hop clubs, I'm going to tell my hip hop clientele all right, I suggest you go here. So if I have two or 10 of them, they're all going to go there.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 27:11

And you're floating.

Manny Kess - Guest: 27:11

I'm going to tell my EDM clients okay, these are the two best options, and so I can go to one club. Ellen, I can go to one club and then one of our staff can go to the other one. If I have one group or five groups in the same club, it's easy to manage because we're going to scatter when their arrival time, get them sat and then, once they're sat, they have their alcohol and they're happy. It's just everything okay. So it's not that difficult. It's hard when I have four groups going to four different clubs.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 27:39

That's insane.

Manny Kess - Guest: 27:39

Because then I can't do it. So then I got to pick and say, okay, I'm going to be with this client, and then staff A, you're with them, staff B, you're with them, lno, whoever else, and that's how we can spread it out. I'm lucky at this point. I rarely have to go. I mean, this particular weekend we had four groups in Vegas, some Greeks from New York that I've worked with for years. I'm like, hey guys, I'm sorry, I'm going to be in LA this weekend. Right, I can't be there. They're like no problem, and the Greeks didn't want anything. I gave them a contact for every club and the other groups wanted a host. So we gave them each a host, that's amazing.

28:10

The host goes there, takes care of them. I said just give them a tip. Whatever you know, there's no like requirement, whatever you feel comfortable.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 28:16

That's all, and you're still hooking them up.

Manny Kess - Guest: 28:18

Yeah, of course I still set up the whole itinerary. I'm just not personally there to walk them in. But our staff is great. They're all professionals, they know what they're doing, so there's not an issue.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 28:28

Dude. It's crazy If anyone and we'll put all the links up. But, like at Manny Kess, if you follow Manny dude, it's insane. Sometimes in the beginning I'm like this motherfucker, photoshop is like it's just dude. It's crazy. Like these athletes NFL, nba, soccer, hockey stuff and then just the random like oh, billionaire owner of this football team or this, it's insane Day one. You didn't have those contacts 13 years ago, no, and you can't give away trade secrets and you can't even teach that right. Like people be like, well, what's the secret? There's no secret. Like you're a good person, you're a hard worker, you make, make it happen. But when did that start becoming like at the pool, right 13 years ago? To holy shit, this guy is not only a client, he wants to hang out with me and on sunday I'm gonna go fly to cleveland and be on the sidelines literally on the sidelines and I'm gonna fly to england and watch them. Like when, when did that?

Manny Kess - Guest: 29:20

become friendship for me and it's not really a trade secret, although all these hotels now have basically created departments and staff that I want to say mimics what I do, but damn near close. I told you it's synergy right In the beginning, when I started out, I was a New Yorker. I owned restaurants. I knew people, but I didn't know celebrities and all this stuff. I knew a couple of NFL players that were friends of mine from New York. I knew some Wall Street guys. I knew some people. You know some doctors. When I moved, one guy came out, I took care of him and he told one friend and then another guy came out and it just built. But the differentiating factor was I treated people the way that I wanted to be treated.

30:00

When I was living in New York and friends of mine were going to Vegas and I would introduce them to hosts, half the time they wouldn't even get a call back or a text back. I'm like hold on, man, this is what your job is. So I said no matter what, I'm going to reply to people and I'm going to answer my phone, even if it's two o'clock in the morning. I'm going to text that person back and it's not rocket science Treat them well. And so what happens? If you come to Vegas three times and you're an athlete and you work with me and you're happy, you're around me right, hours, days, hours at night, then you might say, hey, let's go to dinner. I'm hanging out with you and your boys or your family. Well, at some point there's going to be a friendship there, right?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 30:40

And you're seeing them in vulnerable situations as well and they know you're involved, I mean.

Manny Kess - Guest: 30:44

I know where the bodies are buried, but it doesn't matter. I've never gone to a TMZ or to somebody else and be like hey, man, I know the story. Yep, and I'll tell you this, which I'll just say it One of my buddies was just dating a Kardashian.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 30:57

You got a name, I don't got a name.

Manny Kess - Guest: 31:00

Anyone that follows me knows who my buddy is. So I got so many people like, hey, is this true? I'm like I don't know and like come on, don't lie to me. I'm like it's not my business or yours, right, right, right, of course I knew, but it's no one's business exactly. And then I got like these dms from like these magazines like hey, we want to know, it's not my concern other people other people would have been like oh you know, tmz, give me fifty thousand dollars or whatever.

31:21

and let me tell you something I'm not rich enough where $50,000 doesn't matter to me, or a hundred, but my reputation and my integrity means more than me and making some money. So I didn't say anything. And then he came to town and we hung out and she was in town and people like you're such an asshole, you know. Why didn't you tell me?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 31:38

It's not your business.

Manny Kess - Guest: 31:40

But going back to what I was saying earlier, you become friends. So then if you're going to come to Vegas and use my services and I make money, let's be real right, I make money because you're using me. It's not a charity. I'm a sports fan. Well, the least I could do is go support you. So I tell all my clients I'm a Jets fan, okay, but I don't care, it's fine, I'm a Jets fan, I I don't care, it's fine.

32:10

I'm a Jets fan. I'm a Mets fan. I'm a Knicks fan. I was a Ranger fan my whole life, until the Golden Knights were created. So now I'm kind of both, but I don't care. If you play for the Giants and you want to invite me to a game, I will fly out and I'll go to a Giant game to support you, because you support me and my business and my livelihood. If you're a Cleveland Brown fan, I've been to every stadium in the United States.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 32:24

Every NFL stadium. Dude, it looks like you work for the NFL. That's your Sunday job.

Manny Kess - Guest: 32:30

And I get asked all the time why aren't I an agent? I'm not an agent, I don't want to be an agent. God bless those guys. But my point is it's not to be cool and I spend money.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 32:39

Yeah, it's not cheap.

Manny Kess - Guest: 32:39

NFL season.

32:40

every week I'm going to a game, and sometimes I'm going to two games in two cities oh yeah, that's a few grand every weekend, yeah I'm blessed because most of the times the guys are giving me tickets, so the tickets are free and I would say a third of the times I'm staying at their houses because they're friends, but two-thirds of the times hotel, yeah, ubers, airfare it's thousands a week, oh yeah. So it's not like hey, you're cool man, and a mountain of the guys like, oh, you're on the sideline, I'm like bro, a it's work and b I'm giving back to people that support me, because without these guys I wouldn't have a business but indirectly it's marketing as well.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 33:15

Like that is your personal brand it is but I don't.

Manny Kess - Guest: 33:19

I don't spend money marketing it, right? So what my instagram followers know cares. It's not like I have Facebook ads or Twitter ads or whatever or TikToks, so it's not really marketing. It's respect, saying thank you for supporting me. I like you, I want to support you.

33:35

We work with, I would assume, at this point, two thirds of the NFL. I'm not going to all these guys' houses I'm not going to, you know, but there are. I have a client on every single team in the NFL. So if I wanted to go to a game, I can make a phone call and go to a game. You know the Stanley Cup. I have friends that play for both teams. So if I want to go to Stanley Cup final, hey, do you have room for me? I would love to support you because you support me and a lot of the times the guys are happy because I take care of them. Right right right. It's not random. A lot of these athletes I know their families, their parents, their siblings, their significant others, so I mean it's not like just some random guy. This guy in Vegas, I'm the Vegas plug, but I'm also the homie that they know that they can count on.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 34:18

That you're not just waiting there to collect, like you're out there supporting.

Manny Kess - Guest: 34:21

Exactly.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 34:21

So all these professional athletes, the Saudis I want to talk to you about the Saudis. But professional athletes, big egos, right, alpha males, a lot of money. What's the common trait among all these humans? Because earlier on you said hey, you know, piss smells the same shit smells the same Like when you get past the. Oh my God, they're on TV and they're athletes, like what's what's the common trait?

Manny Kess - Guest: 34:46

There's a lot of different personalities and characters, right. But if I had to say a common trait, most professional athletes feel that they're getting taken advantage of, or people look at them as a dollar sign. Because it's just truth, right. Once you become professional athlete, you make money. You got uncles and cousins and people come out of the woodwork asking for a handout, absolutely. And so with me, I'm not like you need to get the most expensive table, you got to go spend. I'm like what do you want to do? Let's get you what you want, right, and we build something around what you want. So I don't look at them as a dollar sign. Money's going to come I. I look at you as how can I make your experience the best and give you what you want?

35:25

Because there are athletes that will go out and spend $20,000, $30,000 on a table. There are guys that will spend $2,000. Right, they have the money. It's just different mentalities, right. There are guys that love to drink, there are guys that don't. There are guys that have million-dollar chains and half-million-dollar cars but refuse to buy a bottle of alcohol because it's 50 bucks in a liquor store and the club wants 700. So I'm not here to judge. I'm here to accommodate you and do what you want. I have clients that gamble and don't go to clubs. I have clients that will spend $10,000 a night on a hotel room, not a dollar on a nightclub, or they'll get a regular room and spend 50 grand at a pool party. So the common theme is don't look at somebody that has a dollar sign and try to squeeze them for whatever you can. Give them what they want, do it in the best way possible. Doesn't have to be the most economical, but don't take advantage. Make them happy and they'll come back.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 36:17

That's great. You know, right before COVID, I was in LA. Your sister was out here and I guess she was talking with my wife. She's like oh, come by. I think Avra was just opening up, so I don't know. Five years ago.

Manny Kess - Guest: 36:29

In Beverly Hills In.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 36:29

Beverly Hills and Elena was going to go and I went with my wife and we're just talking with Elena. Then all of a sudden she's like oh, hold on, odell Beckham comes in. She's hugging him. Hey, how are you? You they grab a drink or whatever. They're talking.

Manny Kess - Guest: 36:46

And then he took off. I'm like, was that?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 36:47

odell beckham, she goes yeah, you know, he came through and then that was that. I'm like just like that, it was just, it was just crazy. And I guess, back to your point, like you just treat them like regular people, of course, but you guys have become like cool with that community and you respect people.

Manny Kess - Guest: 36:59

I mean it doesn't matter. I treat the, the busser at club the same as I treat the bathroom attendant, the same as I treat the Saudi, you know, and my high school friends that reach out to me. I still talk to them, it doesn't it doesn't matter to me who you are, how you are, absolutely. And then that's just, and that's Eleanor's like me, and the fact that we're respectful, but we won't take anyone's shit.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 37:19

Yeah, yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 37:19

So she's worse than I am in the fact where she'll tell somebody to their face like listen, you're being an asshole or or no?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 37:25

you're not doing this but she gets away with it, though, like she has that personality she's cis.

Manny Kess - Guest: 37:30

So she's cis to everyone.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 37:31

You know she's literally a family member.

Manny Kess - Guest: 37:32

So yeah, like you know, we've been out with celebrities and there'll be girls are trying to get their attention or trying to be rude, or hey, hey, hey, take it easy. Like wait your turn, you know. And she I'm like okay'm like okay, bravo, so, but but people appreciate that because they don't want to be the bad person. Okay, I'll be, I'll be the bad guy for you.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 37:51

Yeah, yeah, you know. So, like, when you're out with these athletes, what? What's? The most common girls are just throwing themselves at them. Like what guys?

Manny Kess - Guest: 37:58

guys. I'll tell you a funny story. I was in London, it was Drake's tour. I was with a couple of NFL guys. So I went from London to Ireland. So we're in Dublin and one of these me like three NFL guys entourage whatever we go. We're going to the bathroom and the one NFL guy is going goes into the stall to pee. Right, oh geez, a guy a grown man, not a guy, a grown man tried to go into the stall to get a selfie with him while he was peeing. Come on, man, I swear to you, I was washing my hands and I see this. I grabbed the guy. I'm like what are you doing? You know thick Irish accent. Try to get a photo. Guy's in the bathroom. You couldn't wait until he went out of the bathroom, washed his hands and yeah put it but again, like no common sense.

38:48

I don't know if he was drunk, but guys are worse than the females are when it comes to trying to get their selfie and their picture. And so, no, it's not just, it's not always the women yeah and it depends on the athlete right.

38:58

I mean you mentioned odell young, you know, good looking guy good looking guy yeah you know, the offensive lineman might not be the small you know, he's a 300 pound dude, so he might not be as recognizable as the the odell or the stefan diggs or the patrick mahomes yeah right, because they're just much bigger dudes. They don't get the camera time, even though they're still making 10 million, whatever 20 million a year. But so, in general, professional athletes, it's what they do, to try to like, not so much to hide, but to stay under the radar when they go out right right like a guy like odell when he has his hair blonde and if he's not wearing a hoodie, you can notice him from, yeah, five blocks away.

39:36

Yep, right, pat, if he puts on a hoodie and some shades, he could probably sneak away. Like you know, trey young is one of our clients. Oh, really Great player, but he's not 6'11", so you know what. He can dress a certain way where he can go through a crowd and not be seen, but if you're Shaq, you're screwed there's no way to hide right.

39:57

So same thing like with NFL guys. The 6'7" 330 pounder sticks out like a sore thumb. The 5'9", 5' foot, 10 wide receiver or cornerback can get away with a lot more.

40:09

So it's just, it's a challenge, but when women notice that it's a famous athlete, then yes, they try to come to the table they come yeah for me, it's always the guys that are like trying to get their pictures, and you know the guy that's like oh, you know, you fucking suck because you play for whatever team. Bro, it's a job, get out of here. Yeah, I mean, come on, you go to somebody. You go to Apple and be like oh, I fucking hate you, man, I work for Microsoft. No.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 40:30

Yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 40:40

It's just a dude paying some bills.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 40:42

It's just by default, like just guys are just jealous.

Manny Kess - Guest: 40:46

Bro, if you're an Eagle fan, you hate the Giants, right? I mean any sport. If you're a Celtics fan, hate the Lakers, right I mean it's like I don't give a shit. I'm a Mets fan. You know what Yankees are in the postseason? The Mets are out. Hey man, go win your World Series. Totally, I don't care. But a lot of people, they're just different, yeah. They're wired different. Yeah, and you see all that right. I mean, I have soccer players.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 41:12

Okay, that's what I want to ask you about. So soccer players in Europe most of these guys can't walk down the street. Global sport when they come over here, are they being?

Manny Kess - Guest: 41:19

recognized. A lot more fun for them. No, not as much.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 41:22

So what are some players?

Manny Kess - Guest: 41:26

can you name some players that I mean we work with a lot of guys. I mean we work with Jerome Boateng. I mean one of my good friends in Vegas works with Neymar. I mean, so it all depends Like Neymar, wherever he goes, he's going to get bombarded and he's a global name.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 41:37

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 41:38

So again, it all depends, but most of the times, no, they're fine.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 41:44

Which is crazy, like just on a sports scale.

Manny Kess - Guest: 41:46

The global side. Yeah, they're monsters. When I was in Germany, when I was visiting him and I stayed at his house and I was driving his car Germans, by nature, are very like, unassuming, very righteous, you know. So I was driving his car and every time I came to a light, people were like I'm like, what the hell are they looking?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 42:04

at You're not him.

Manny Kess - Guest: 42:06

And of course he happens to be a black German. I'm a white guy. But every time I was at a light so I went to his practice and I'm like, bro, what's going on? He's like what do you mean? I go every time I stopped at a light. People were looking at the car, looking and like I saw this disappointed look in the face because and he starts laughing oh, their license plate, because they win the.

42:26

They won the German cup every year yeah so the license plate was Deutsche Master, so it's a DM the year and the number, so it was Deutsche Master the year that they won the cup and the soccer player's number no way, you have to give me the car that had your freaking number on it like that makes a lot of sense. German thinking right, like he didn't think about it. He just gave me the the audi because he wanted to drive the g wagon, so I just took the audi and that it was so funny. But it was so nonchalant.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 42:55

He's like oh hi, I'm like First of all, how cool is that You're staying at this guy's house. You're driving his car.

Manny Kess - Guest: 43:01

It's pretty awesome.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 43:01

That's pretty awesome.

Manny Kess - Guest: 43:03

Nicest guy, coolest guy, superstar.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 43:06

World's famous. Where's his dorm? Who does he play for?

Manny Kess - Guest: 43:12

What's his team? No, he was in Bayern, for he's not in Germany anymore, but the point is super, super star.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 43:18

Yeah, yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 43:19

Right, and we just we're at a cafe in Munich having lunch. It's not America, they don't bother you. You know he got up and hey, good to see you, you know, and speaking in German, whatever, Super cool, that's awesome. You know we go out some little kid want an autograph, no problem. But they're not like the US where you get bombarded Swarm yeah, germans are very, very different.

43:37

Like I said, they're very respectful, very cool. I remember me, him and his girls. We did a bicycle ride around his neighborhood. So he's on a bicycle, come on and I'm wondering if the kid's on one Around the neighborhood for like an hour. That's so cool. Dude, I'm like you're not goingard or you know whatever Kevin Hart or any celebrity Paparazzi out All of that yeah.

44:00

And here is this guy. He's probably, if not the most recognizable German because he happens to be an African-American. German Yep Superstar, you know, won World Cups, won all these titles Just a bicycle riding around the neighborhood. That's crazy.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 44:11

No security no entourages. Living his life, just him and his girls. And I was like man, this guy, he's got it all figured out. Do you sit there and like dude, I started, I came here, started from scratch in vegas. Now I'm riding this international soccer stars car and riding bike like that's.

Manny Kess - Guest: 44:28

That's just a crazy I for a while I was like damn, I mean listen to this day. I'm very, very grateful yeah, you are I mean you mentioned earlier, I have professional owners of teams that contact me to do stuff for them. Yeah, it's not bragging, it's just life right. So when it first happened I was like whoa, I got a billionaire calling me because he wants help with something or dinner or whatever. Less ultimate access these billionaires have a thousand employees who could do it for him.

44:56

He's calling me for my advice. And then you know a second one, and a third one, and a fifth one, and I'm like oh my God.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 45:02

Right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 45:02

You know, I mean I'm very blessed. Again, I'm a Jet fan. I happen to know the owner of the Giants, so every year when I go home to see the family in the fall I always try to catch games. And you know how it is two teams are going to be home, right. So there's been many occasions where I've gone home and the jets were away. The giants were home. So I'll reach out to him like hey, I'd love to come and catch a game and support. And he sends me two tickets and usually it's in like his suite, it's an owner suite. Well, he has a few of them, but I'm so grateful because I can afford to spend the 500 bucks on tickets. But it's just so nice to have people value you and respect you.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 45:41

But even the way you ask for it, or it's not, hey, any freebies, any tickets, it's hey. I would love to support, of course, because I would and that is support you going there supporting these guys.

Manny Kess - Guest: 45:52

And this is, we're always talking about the good stuff. There's a lot of bad stuff there's. You know, these clubs, like I said, they're, they're my competitor, they've sabotaged relationships. They've, you know, they've done so much to put, to put a block between me and and client. I've lost clients.

George Stroumboulis - Host:

46:08

That's just the nature of the beast, right, but walk, walk us through that, though, like vegas, everyone thinks vegas 60 million people, it's a village. When it comes to the, the actual community, right?

Manny Kess - Guest: 46:16

so listen, there's a lot of egos. Yeah, there's a lot of people that are in my line of work that work for companies. They A of course, everybody wants to make money, but a lot of them want to be cool. I almost never take a picture with my clients Almost never, Hell. I don't even take a picture with my girlfriend. I'm just not that guy. No, oh, let's get a selfie. Most times you see me with a picture it's because somebody else took it and sent it to me. I don't do it. So a lot of these guys are the opposite. They'll see a celebrity in a club. They'll just go hey man, I work here. Can I get a picture with you, hey man. And they care about their egos being stroked. Yeah, all that bullshit. I'm the opposite. I want people to be happy. At the end of the day, I want to make my money, take care of myself and my family, make sure that when somebody needs something, I can help them and enjoy my life.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 47:04

So then, how do you protect, like Vegas, right, just use a high profile name Odell, he's coming, you call hey, he wants to stay at the Cosmo. The minute you drop someone's name that they're coming there. Don't they have their own in-house and the vultures just come out yeah they do, yeah, they do. So how do you protect that?

Manny Kess - Guest: 47:21

I mean. The reality is you cannot protect it. What you can do is have a good inflation with the person, where they know that they're just going to come to you and you use Odell. Odell's a client and a friend. He's a good example. Anywhere he goes, he's getting a dozen business cards. I'm the owner of that, I'm this, I'm that. I'll take care of you. I'll take care of you. He's smart enough to know that most of these people want something, so he's very respectful. He's cool to say hi. He's very, very, extremely smart and respectful. But if he wants something in Vegas, he's going to call me and say man, I want this.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 47:56

That's awesome.

Manny Kess - Guest:

47:57

Because he knows A it's going to get done. He doesn't have to think about it again. Now, other people don't think like that, right, oh, how can I save a few dollars, oh, how can I this, oh, how can I that, and again, these are all multimillionaires. So saving $500 or $1,000 is not going to make or break you. It's just a ploy for somebody else to get their hooks in you and then they're hooking you up. The reality is, if you're going to spend $5,000, on a table.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 48:23

You're going to spend six, yeah, and if someone's that fickle to jump to save a few bucks, then they're not going to be able to hold that client.

Manny Kess - Guest: 48:28

It's just a chain, but it's not worth it for me either. Yeah, you know, I have a couple of superstar clients that I've lost over the years and my friends are like are you mad? I'm like no, I'm not mad. It wasn't meant to be. Why am I going to be mad? If that client doesn't value what I do for them, then why am I going to lose sleep over them? Let the hundred of people who've fallen over them fall over them. I know what I provide. I know who I am. Like I said I know where all the bodies are buried. With my clients I've seen a lot of things. I have never spoke it and nine out of a hundred I'm getting people out of trouble.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 49:02

Even if you've lost the clients. Those are buried stories Like that's it why it's.

Manny Kess - Guest: 49:07

listen, it's my legacy, my karma and my soul. Right, I might move out of Vegas one day. I might do whatever you know I might. I would like to start a family one day. My kids are gonna know that their dad did the right thing, even when he could have veered away. No, I did the right thing because money is not that important to me. I have enough. I'm very blessed. Celebrity status isn't important to me. I don't envy a guy like Odell. God bless him. He's an amazing man. But boy is that pressure hard Dude. That seems exhausting. It is 24-7. I was literally watching the Maradona story on Amazon Prime last night and I was like man, this guy who wants that life, who wants that. I don't care about all that money. Why? Because he has a nicer car than me or a nicer home. I still have a car, I still have a home. I don't need it to be all right. I don't need 35 cars but do they love that?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 49:59

not Odell? Let's take him out of the equation. In general, these athletes, these professionals, do they feed off that, or are they? Sometimes it depends on the person I mean do you? See buddies behind the scenes like fuck Manny. Like this is tiring man. Of course that's tiring.

Manny Kess - Guest: 50:11

I mean when you want to have a dinner, when you go to dinner with your, your wife or your girlfriend or your mom or your or anyone, and you can't have a meal because every three minutes somebody's bothering you for a picture, or when you're eating and you're snapping your pictures or filming you like an a you know and, like me, personally, I don't like to be touched.

50:29

It's just, I never like to be touched, except if it's like significant other. Yeah, so they're walking. People are like high-fiving them and hitting them on the shoulder. And why are you touching somebody? Because you see them on TV, you think they're your friend. So it's very challenging. I applaud all these athletes, men and women, because it's crazy, right, right, right. Like, look at Caitlin Clarke, look what she's dealing with. Oh, she's only popular because she's white and it's racist. I'm like, wait a minute, she just broke a record that no one thought was ever going to get broken in college and she turned down all this money to go to the WNBA to make nothing. I think it was Ice Cube that offered her millions to go play in his league. And she's like no, I'm going to go make $200,000 a year to play in the WNBA, exactly. So why are you giving this girl so much? Let's see what happens. Let her play for a year or two, yeah, see if the hype translates, but no, she's getting crucified.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 51:25

Yeah, because everyone thinks they have a voice now, because they could just click away Because they saw her on TV. Right, exactly.

Manny Kess - Guest: 51:31

I'm like really.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 51:31

Yeah, so people think they have that access to that person.

Manny Kess - Guest: 51:34

Yeah, and it's disgusting because we live in this information super age right now. They're not your friends because you saw them on social media or because you see them on TV or because you might have met them in passing.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 51:47

Yeah, or you support their team.

Manny Kess - Guest: 51:49

It doesn't give you the ability to go and I say like, look at this political campaign stuff. Jeez, why do you talk trash about Biden or Trump just because of a party? You can dislike them for who they are as people, you can dislike their policies, but I'm never going to say, oh, I hate you because you're a Republican or you're a Democrat. No, I hate you because, well, I don't use the word hate, but I dislike you because of X, y, z.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 52:16

Yeah, yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 52:18

But that's not the world we live in today. Nope, you watch the news. Oh my God. This person said that Donald Trump is the best. So he's the best or he's the worst. Why? Why, yeah. Do your own research, make your own assumptions.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 52:31

And it's very black and just politically there. It's so black and white here. I can like and do Mr Potato Head between two or three candidates, Like it's just. I grew up in Canada and there were multiple parties there and I never knew what we voted, Like my dad always voted on. I like this guy because this, this and this, it was never. We are liberal, we are conservative. I didn't know what party I lean more towards until, like, the last election. It's just, it's crazy. It's become too polarizing. And here's the other thing, just talking about Greeks, really quick, Think about it. Growing up at the table, my dad, multiple Greeks around the table yelling at each other. All my Canadian buddies be like dude. Why are they mad? I'm like they're just talking right. Six guys, seven opinions, yelling fist bubba, Okay, See you tomorrow. Angela, See you this. You can't do that anymore, oh no.

53:15

People are on. I'm unfriending you.

Manny Kess - Guest: 53:17

I'm not talking to Manny. Oh no, it's too much man. Oh yeah, it's, it's, it's insane.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 53:21

Come back to this really quick. So just in Vegas. To wrap up that, what's advice? Like, you're obviously at the top of your game, what's advice for someone that wants to get into this ultra competitive hosting world? Like, where, where would you start someone, manny, 13 years ago.

Manny Kess - Guest: 53:36

That's a really tough question. You have to. You gotta get a book of business. That's the most important thing. So either you go you work for a company like a tag group you know like the win, like um, you know zoo group you go work for one of those companies and you build a book of business, or you come and you work with one of the independents I mean there's only like two or three of us on the bigger companies, but it's hard because with us you come and you work with one of the independents I mean there's only like two or three of us on the bigger companies but it's hard because with us you eat what you kill, right? You only make money when you're booking stuff. So you have to have business.

54:06

So I would say go work for one of those companies for a couple of years, build your book of business, get your relationships around town, learn everyone, and then go on your own and do something like what I do, because it's not rocket science. There's so much business there, as long as you take care of people and do the right thing. I mean there is a ton of shitty hosts in Las Vegas making money because there's money to be made. They're not at the top by any means, but they're still making money right. So I would say go, get a job and pay attention, do the work, follow the rules, which is go out as much as you can. Meet people, give out your card, get people's numbers, stay in contact and just build that book. It's like any other business.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 54:54

Absolutely.

Manny Kess - Guest: 54:55

It translates into anything else. You want to open a restaurant? Same thing. You need clients, right? Send out your mailers, go out, go to local events, go to the Chamber of Commerce. Hey, this is what I'm doing, it's the same thing. Just be present, be respectful, be mindful of others. Don't just look at people as dollar signs.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 55:09

Yeah, see, that's great advice, even before restaurants, hospitality. What's traits that you learn there that you carry on today? Like you had said before, don't see them as dollar signs. You used to have corporate clients on fifth avenue right. They all used to order from your catering business, so you had that corporate experience in dealing with them um, I mean listen, what I learned was you're gonna get robbed.

Manny Kess - Guest: 55:34

People are gonna bad mouth you. You know what's funny? Everyone talks about online reviews and stuff. Who does reviews? People that are not happy, right? I?

55:43

don't sit there and go oh my God, I had the best meal ever. No, you go out and review when you're mad, so throw all that stuff out the window. The key to success in business is know who you are. Be confident in yourself. Treat people the way that you want to be treated. Go the extra mile. Even if you fall on your face, just get up, do it again. You know we said this earlier you're going to have good days, you're going to have bad days. They're both learning experiences, right From the bad ones, okay, why is it bad? What could I have done better? What did I do wrong? Tomorrow, make sure I don't do that again. Good ones okay. Why is it good? What can I learn? How can I make it better? All right, and you keep progressing. Right, that's how we in business any business, right, that's how you progress.

56:27

If you get down on yourself, if you doubt yourself, whether you're an athlete, whether you're on wall street, whether you're a podcaster or whether you're in hospitality if you don't believe in yourself, what happens? It shows right, your demeanor, the way that you act. You might be more irritable, you might be very quiet. You show. So be confident, know that you have the tools and the ability to do it and then just go out there and do everything with love.

56:56

People are rude to you. Give them love To a certain point, right? Somebody punches you in the face. You're not going to hug them, but you know what I'm saying. People are going to insult you. Okay, sticks and stones People are going to steal from you. I've had hosts steal clients. If I tell you the amount of money I've lost, it's okay. You know, even this year, a few months ago, one of my buddies he works for a venue he got a referral for a client that I booked for years and that client spent a lot of money. I was happy. I'm like, yeah, it's my buddy, I'm happy. Guy's married with a family, he's got kids.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 57:27

Jeez yes.

Manny Kess - Guest: 57:28

I didn't say there oh my God, why did I lose that money? No, it sucked, it's a. He just got a referral, they reached out to him and I'm like, okay, cool, does that come?

57:38

with age, though, like have you always been like that 10 years ago I would have been, that would have lost my shit. Yeah, absolutely. But it comes with surrounding because it comes with success. I mean I own multiple businesses now I'm investing, I have a lot of passive income coming in, so I'm not solely dependent on that. Yep, but he is so. Yes, but even younger man, he would have just worked harder. I would have. My ego would have been like all right, fuck this. Yeah, I'm gonna go out the next three days.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 58:05

I'm gonna get five more clients right, and that fueled you to go and kick ass.

Manny Kess - Guest: 58:09

Yeah and that fueled me to go do that. And even though my bank account, you know, was smaller years ago, I was getting on that flight. I was going to that football game because you know what, after the game, my buddy who plays on whatever team we're going to go out and eat. I'm going to meet five more players and if I get one of those players, it made up for the thousand bucks I just spent.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 58:27

Great mindset though.

Manny Kess - Guest: 58:29

And that was what I did and you know what. And then I learned and then, yeah, then it's cool. And then on the flip side, it's cool. I'm a sports fan. Of course I want to go to the Stanley Cup final. Of course I want to go to the Super Bowl. Of course I want to go to NASCAR. I love sports. I mean, I played collegiate soccer. So if it was something that I hated, like if you're like I don't know what would I hate. If you're like okay, man, you've got to go to a seminar for six hours, I'm like, oh, shoot me.

58:59

Right, I mean, I might be able to go once, but I wouldn't go every weekend, right, I don't care how much money you have. So, or like a mastermind, yeah, I've done it once or twice, but I could not do that every week. I'd be like, please, but it's something that I enjoy. So it kind of worked well with me. And you talked about, you know, saudi. I had to have some saudi princes that are clients.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:13

Yeah, how does that even happen, dude uh, it was a referral referral it's just a referral.

Manny Kess - Guest: 59:18

I mean, I had some friends in la. The one guy, um, he had a buddy who was a saudi prince, so they were in la hanging out. I was in la, we met and he's like oh yeah, man, he is in vegas, we don't need anything. The next year the guy wanted to come to vegas, so he shot me a whatsapp. Hey, man, remember me, I'm prince, whatever, whatever, yeah, yeah, and I took care of them.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:40

Are they extravagant? Do they even care about the dollar signs?

Manny Kess - Guest: 59:44

Oh man, it's a good question. It depends, Okay. So what most people don't know, there's thousands of Saudi princes. Yeah, and depending on where you are in a hierarchy, however close you are to the king, you get a bigger monthly stipend.

01:00:01

So they're all getting paid, though they're all getting a salary from that it's a stipend, yes, so if you're like number 1,000, you might get 20,000 a month. If you're number 52, you might get 500,000 a month, right, so that matters because you get that direct deposit at the first of the month. So I've had several of these clients that came to Vegas enjoying life and then stayed in the room for a day and a half until they got that fresh check and then at others money was no object because they were hiring in the totem pole. If you have 500 grand a month coming to you from birth, by the time you're 25 or 30, but if you have 20,000 a month coming to you, easy to spend, right. So it depends where you are.

01:00:49

I will say that it's funny. It's a double-edged sword Very respectful, very well-educated. But the culture is different, right, they have servants, yep, so it's what they are. They're not assistants that treat them very poorly, they're like second class citizens. So some of my, some of my clients that have come to vegas had two I call them assistants, but they were servants, right. So I was like, damn, okay. 01:01:15

And then they had their buddies and they're very respectful to me, treat me well. You know, they're all like extremely, whether they went to Oxford or Cambridge or BU or wherever they went to school. They're all great educations, very well spoken. They'll talk to me so respectfully, but then I'll turn on to the staff and treat them very poorly and then you can. When they're talking in Arabic, you can see that they're being you know they're loud or being demeaning, so it's tough, man. Yeah, you know they treat how they treat women, so it's very, very cultural. So they talk about haram and you know they're not supposed to drink and not supposed to do this. But I mean, what do you think they're doing in vegas? So, again, I do my job. You want me to set up a dinner for you? You want to go to a show? You want to go to XYZ?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:01:59

Okay, but it's, culturally it's different, it's very challenging, yeah, especially for me.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:02:05

You know we're Greek, so we love our families, we love our women, like and you know, my mom and your mom still smack us oh yeah, so going to the opposite side of the world, where the culture is very different. And you know, like, we were in cars and the women had to sit in the, and I'm like, wait, they can't be. No, no, no, no, they're in the other car. Like, why? Cause, that's how it is.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:02:25

Okay, it's great. Yeah, and it's not making fun, it's just it's crazy.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:02:32

Yeah, what am I going to say? You're wrong, okay, where?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:02:35

would you like me to sit?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:02:36

Yeah, and I was thinking, like you know, and like the funniest thing was because of the time difference. These guys would be like, okay, manny, we need you here at 10 am. Okay, this guy's going to get out of bed until 3 pm. So I sat there. So it came to a point where I was charging them by the hour Just to make up your yeah to midnight, and it's like I'll hang out with you for an hour. No, from 10 am to midnight we want you here. And I sat. I literally sat in the lobby for five hours.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:09

They just wanted to know you're there.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:03:10

No, they want. They thought they were going to get up and do breakfast. Of course not, but in the beginning I didn't know that. So I sat there and they want me dressed a certain way. I got it. I have to wear a blazer, I got it. So then I was like okay, it's going to be a thousand a day, Plus tip If you want me to be with you all day long.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:28

Yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:03:31

Because I can go with other clients and make more than that. I'm not charging them a lot because I can make more, but you have to value my time.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:35

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:03:36

So after the first trip, the one gentleman, the one guy was there for five days. They gave me an envelope for $5,000. I was like, okay.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:43

Just for your time. So at least yeah, For my time.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:03:44

And then I booked stuff and I made money, but if you don't say that, they're going to walk all over you. And then when his cousin came he was like opposite. He came with like 25 people. They wanted 15 rooms, like this was over the top, all these suites. They wanted shows every day, the best tickets I don't care Very different than my client, because my client was, he was budgeted. His cousin clearly was much higher in total, paul, because he was blowing 50,000 a day like it was nothing. I mean just think of the 15 rooms and show tickets and lunches and dinners and this and that they didn't do any clubs. He wasn't a drinker.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:04:29

Okay.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:04:29

But I want to go to a show every day. I want the best tickets, I don't care where it is. Oh, I want to have a Maybach for myself. I want to have a Maybach for myself. I want two Sprinters, I want this, I want that. Waiting here on standby, it adds up. Oh yeah, no problem. And for him I didn't say anything. He's like you know, my cousin told me we will take care of you, and he gave me a very nice envelope because he gave me a tip. I was like okay, I can get used to this. So you were happy with that, of course, because I didn't have to say it. They respected my time and he also didn't have me waiting for 14 hours, right. His handler was like okay, we're going to go have lunch at 1 pm. Where should we go? And I gave him two recommendations. I didn't have to go. I'm not going to eat with him. Okay, then we're going to go shop and then we're going to go to dinner. Can you come to dinner please? I'd love to come to dinner.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:05:16

They invite you to sit with them.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:05:18

Well, it's a 16, 20 person table, so I was there, but dinner was at nine. They were there, not like the other guy who showed up an hour later. Right, okay, we want to go to the show. The show's at seven. Would you like to join us? You can get a ticket.

01:05:34

I went to like one show and B. I've seen the shows, you know. But what I did do was I would wait for them, give everyone their ticket so that they were all, because they wanna be organized and it is a job, right, everyone had their ticket. I went half hour before I spoke to the manager I said hey, we have a VIP guest coming in. I don't want them to witness bottleneck. Is there a way to do this? So I did my job. So when they got there, they went right in. They didn't wait on a line. Right, this guy's a Saudi prince, right? I mean, you shouldn't have to wait on a line with. You know 75 other people that are on vacation taking pictures with their yard-long, you know, margaritas or whatever. They just want to go in. So I accommodated that. That's what you do for VIPs, right, cool? I'll tell you one other funny story.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:22

No, say it, man, because this is interesting.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:06:28

So I got a call to take care of the weekend's family. Okay, you're Canadian, so you appreciate it. His mom and his family. They were coming to Vegas, not him, so they wanted all this super VIP stuff, backdoor entrances, all this. I'm like why he's not here? If Abel's not here, why, okay? And I was talking to their manager so I could be very open, respectfully, who gives a shit? Like why are we going to do this if he's not here? If Abel's here, I get it. Well, that's what they want. So, okay, so they, okay.

01:07:01

So they want to go see this show. They wanted to go see magic. Uh, michael jackson, okay. So I called, spoke to the manager hey, this is this blah, blah, blah. They want to come in the special and, well, we want to reserve that for, you know, celebrities. I go, I understand that, but this is what they like. Can you please make an exception? Sure, got them the tickets got. Okay, they want to go to dinner. They want to go in a private room. They want to do this. So, literally, it was like he was there but he wasn't there.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:07:21

Was he undercover and just trying to get that? No, he wasn't there, it was the mom and the family.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:07:24

But that's what the manager wanted, right, I'm assuming, because he just was so used to doing it for Abel. But Vegas doesn't really care. We get so many celebrities, so much wealth, right, it doesn't matter. You know, you go to any restaurant. You're going to see a famous person you're going to see I mean, just think of just june 29th, this fight yeah, there's going to be three, four hundred athletes there, multiple billionaires, multiple. Yeah, I bet you there's going to be a ton of saudi princes, because they're all big ufc fans.

01:07:51

Yeah, so and trying to steal business from vegas you can't like yes, to do more fights in abu dhabi, like you can't go anywhere in the city and not see famous people. And especially for UFC, dana White has done an amazing job of getting celebrities yeah, and people, I mean influencers, all all types presidents yeah president so he brings everyone to his events, especially a Conor comeback fight, right?

01:08:16

so they're not going to accommodate you. So for me it was challenging because now it's like, hey, it's not really a famous person, it's a famous person's family, but we did it right. The point of the story was a lot of people wouldn't care. Oh, I didn't make money to do that. I was just taking care of this manager because I've worked with them in the past. We've made money and other stuff. So he's like can you please do this?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:08:36

Right right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:08:37

Other hosts would say, no, I'm not making money, it's a lot of work. And yet I did it. And on top of that I went to MJ1, waited for them to make sure, because if I'm not there and they just walk up and it's some handler there or some, they don't know, no, I was there. I made sure that the manager of the theater was with me waiting for me. So when they came, they took him in the back. We met them curbside, took him in the back that's a big deal man.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:09:00

That's a big deal free.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:09:01

Yeah, yeah now, I bet you the weekend has no idea and if you saw him walking on the street you wouldn't know who I am. But I got his mom's phone number, you know, and I took care of his mom for three days make mom happy, he'll be happy right.

01:09:12

But my point is unbeknownst to him all. He knows his manager did. Manager did it. I don't care, I did the right thing and I'm confident that God will be like you know what, manny, you did the right thing. So in the future, one day, you know, I'll bless you with. I mean, I'm very, very blessed. But the point is I'll do things to make sure it's done right, not just because it makes me money.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:09:34

That's why you become successful, because, you'll do that.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:09:37

I think it's part of it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:09:38

Yeah, and so really quick, just on Vegas. You'll do anything, your company will do anything from just hey, we'll book you at a restaurant that you're trying to get into. That's like the easier of the thing, right? If you were, what's been the most extravagant that someone or a group has paid, you know over the course of a trip there that you've been involved with.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:09:57

There's a lot of things, but the funny thing I was just talking about this I always get asked this question. I'll tell you a funny story. I was at a pool and a client said if you can find me a little person to bring me out a bottle, I'll buy the biggest bottle that they have in this pool. Jeez, was it the Wolf of Wall Street? No, but we found a little person to come in, paid the person a thousand bucks to come in and this client got the biggest. There was like a 30 liter of champagne, and it's funny because it's bigger than the little person.

01:10:30

But you get crazy requests all the time, right, right, I mean, some of the hardest things that I get asked is there are certain dinner reservations. Again, there's certain things that are certain tables on holiday weekends that are very hard to get because there's only one of them, right, you know. Or there's a couple of restaurants that are very popular. Delilah is very popular. They book out weeks in advance, so you can't come in and say hey, man, saturday 8 pm, I want a table for 10 people. It's not happening. It's not because it's booked weight events.

01:10:58

And then, on top of that, they're in a casino. The casino might have a big gambler. Guy might've just lost a million dollars. If he wants to go eat there, they're going to bump whatever the tables. I'm sorry. This guy gets priority Right, so there's layers before they even get to a regular reservation. I'm lucky that I have relationships and I don't take advantage of them. But that's the stuff that becomes challenging. So an athlete that hits me up on Friday and says, hey man, I'm jumping on a jet, I'm going to be there in a couple of hours and I want X, y, z and it's 15 people, can be challenging. They don't understand that because they're like hey man, I'm whoever I am.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:11:32

And they don't care, they just want you to make it.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:11:34

You know like athletes want to go to Carbone. They love Carbone because it's a cool spot and they got great spicy rigatoni Cool. You can't tell me at six o'clock on a Friday that you want to go there at eight o'clock for 20 people and get the private room, because the private room has been contracted a month ago for somebody else who put a deposit and it's theirs. But you can't tell these guys no, because they don't understand, because wherever home is, then they can do whatever they want. Vegas is not like that, so it's navigating that stuff. Many times.

01:12:02

I can make it happen. I mean I have clients that have asked me for green room tickets for the Oscars. We make it happen If you can afford it. You know we had done a wedding a couple years ago abroad where they want a particular DJ. We booked it, you booked that. Yeah, I mean that stuff doesn't get to the press, doesn't get. But yeah, of course, if you, if you want something extraordinary and you have the means nine, nine out of 10, we're going to make it happen. But nothing is perfect Right, because sometimes you just can't. And for, like I said, like I had, I had a client who wants one specific table at this club. Always Okay If we book an event, I can get it to you. But if you're coming out for the real estate convention, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year in Vegas and it's EDC, and you're telling me two days before that you want this table when somebody else paid two months ago, I'm so sorry. I'll get you the one next to it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:12:53

Is that the biggest week? It's one of the biggest weeks, like ICSC. Is that the show? Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's huge.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:12:58

So, like that, memorial Day weekend, new Year's, those are big weekends. So if we plan it, no problem. But you can't come on one of the five biggest weekends of the year and say I want this table Right, when somebody else already put a deposit way before you and it's trying to massage that and say, no, but give alternatives. And I'm honest I'm like, hey man, no, it's not happening. And he's like, oh, I'm going to call my casino, I go, you can call anyone you want. This table is not going to happen, but I want you to take this table and this is why so you always have options, yeah, and my clients?

01:13:29

they know that I look out for them, right? What I tell people is listen, I work for you. I don't work for a casino. I don't work for a restaurant. I don't work for a nightclub or a pool party or a show. I work for you. You pay me. I do a good job. You're happy, I make money. You have a great experience. You're not happy, I don't make money. We never see each other again, it's that simple and it's that's it.

01:13:53

Oh, I can get this table for $500 cheaper If I had a dollar for every time. I heard that. You know what I say. Go for it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:13:58

Go. If it's that fickle down to that, go for it.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:14:01

No, because it's like you're telling me, the $12,000 table, you're going to get it for $11,000? $11,500? Right, I can understand. If you're budgeted and you say I can only spend three grand and a table is five, I get it. But if you're telling me you want the best table and it's $12,000 table, oh, somebody's going to give to me for 11. First of all, you're not going to get that table, you're going to get something else and, second of all, you're not going to get me. Yep, I'm waiting for you. I'm walking you in. I'm making sure. Oh yeah, this host, he may wait 10 minutes outside and he never came to the table.

01:14:34

That's what you wanted. You wanted to save a couple of dollars. By the way, what did you spend? $26,000. But I thought you were saving $1,000. I'm like which one is it? You call me the next day to complain. Meanwhile, I told you exactly how everything was going to go and I know you. I know what you spend. It doesn't matter. You know, the number one misconception with Vegas is I want a deal. If you're 15 dudes, you're not going to spend a thousand dollars.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:14:59

You're at a disadvantage, right yeah?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:15:00

No, it's not a disadvantage. You need a table big enough for you and one bottle makes 18 drinks. So each round that you guys drink is a bottle Right. And of course, of a night, 15 dudes are probably going to find five to 10 girls to hang out with and have fun. You're going to drink four or five bottles.

01:15:18

So if somebody tells you I'll give you a table for a thousand dollars, first of all it doesn't exist because there's no table that fits 15 people for a thousand dollars in any club and second of all, you're going to spend $5,000 anyway, because at $800 a bottle, if you drink five bottles, do the math, plus the 40% tax, gratuity, service charge. It's not rocket science. So stop being suckered by saving. Tell me what you're going to spend. Tell me what you guys drink. If you tell me, manny, I drank 1942. A bottle of 1942 is $1,500. So if you only drink two bottles and you're 10 guys, that's a $3,000 minimum. So if I tell you, hey, george, I'll give you a table for $2,000. Doesn't matter, you're going to spend three, right? Yep. So it's understanding and educating people and saying, hey, pay attention, this is what you tell me, what you want. I'll tell you the best way to get there, yeah.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:16:14

More sophisticated.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:16:20

There's a lot of swindlers and everything right.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:16:21

I mean car insurance, geico or progressive right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:16:22

It's all the same.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:16:23

There's options? Yeah, there's options.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:16:25

Why do you choose one? Because of whatever personal preference? Yeah, same with me. There's a hundred hosts in Vegas. I'm not telling you that I am God's gift. I'm telling you I'm gonna be honest with you, I'm going to listen to you and I'm gonna give you my best advice.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:16:37

And I'm gonna give you 13 years of Vegas experience and 20 years of hospitality experience, right, and you decide Absolutely, that's what I'm providing. So you know Vegas. Let me ask you this what's your? If you, as Manny, going out with your lovely lady, where are you going for your favorite restaurant? Cause you've been to every imaginable restaurant in Vegas, right, I have, okay, every hotel you've been in. You've probably seen rooms, all this stuff. So where are you going to eat? Where would you prefer to stay? Like what? What are your top?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:17:06

I mean, it depends on the occasion. I'm a local right, so I'm I'm not going to the strip to eat. I only go there with clients, okay? So like, if my mom comes to visit me or my friends, we're not going to the casinos to eat, right, because you're paying a premium. And why? Why? Okay, I have a favorite thai place. It's called lotus of siam, so when I want thai food, that's where I go eat off the strip off the ship yeah, I have, you know, a favorite italian place.

01:17:31

I have a favorite, like I have places that I love, that I go to. Most of them are not on the ship now with clients, it's a different story, because they're coming for the experience. Yep, so if you say, hey, man, where should I go with my, my wife and my friends, okay, what's your cuisine? You say thai and it's all right. Carbone, great option. It's very popular.

01:17:48

Me myself, I also love scarpetta okay you know, it depends on what the occasion is. Is it a group of guys, is it couples? Do you want scenery? Do you want more? You know, people like a steakhouse. I'm like, well, what about SDK? Sdk is great If you want a party. It's very loud, they have a DJ, high energy. If you want a high energy, that's great. Sdk poppy steak Great. But if I go to dinner with my girl, I'm not going to go there because I want to talk to her.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:18:11

Right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:18:11

Right, and if I go with another couple, so I'm going to go to the cut at the Venetian, because great food, but you don't have the DJ and it's not overbearingly loud, sure. So it all depends on what you want. If you're like, hey, man, with 10 guys or six guys, we want rowdy Toca Madera, great restaurant, yeah, why, manny? Because they have fire show, they have DJs, they have sax.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:18:43

So it gives you a lot, your senses are like wow, but that's more for ambiance and a vibe. I can go there with my girl, and I can also go there with my buddies. So what do you want? So talk to us about clubs then as well, since you know, everyone is someone's clubs clubs it's.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:18:47

it's all talent driven. You know someone's going to be like, hey, I love Tiesto, or I love Steve Aoki, or I love the chain smokers. So if that's the case, we'll go where they are Okay. But if you're looking for just a club man, omnia, gorgeous club right. Excess beautiful club. The newest club in Vegas right now is live it's. You know, great sound and lighting. So it all depends on what you're looking for and you have access to all these. Yeah, so everything, I've asked everything in Vegas.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:19:14

So everything you're on that everything.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:19:15

I have access to. When you talk about hotel rooms, I'm lucky man. I've got some of the biggest, wealthiest people in the world as clients. I've seen the $50,000 suites I've seen, but that's for the less than the 1%-ers, so me and you are not doing that right.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:19:29

Right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:19:29

So you tell me you're coming to Vegas. I tell you okay, cosmo, great, they have balconies, beautiful, yep, you know Wynn has great rooms. It's a little bit more elegant, more sophisticated. Right, resorts World, beautiful hotel. It's a little bit younger. So what are you trying to accomplish?

01:19:44

Right right, fountain Blue, gorgeous rooms how is that? New place? Gorgeous rooms, rooms are beautiful, end of the strip. So if you're like, hey, man, I want to walk around, then you're not going to go down, you're going, or aria, or even the mgem. Mgem is massive, it's 5 600 rooms. So I personally will never stay there because I do staycations. It's just too big. There's too many people going around there. I like the cosmo. It's smaller, yeah, smaller. The casino floor you can get to where you want to go quickly and it's beautiful.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:20:23

That's great and I love the balcony.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:20:24

I love to be able to go there, get a room on a high floor 30th, 40th floor and just look out. It's gorgeous. You don't feel like you're in Vegas where MGM man, they got amazing suites, but boy is that walk.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:20:39

Yeah, it's a city and then it's a city.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:20:41

You walk into their casino floor. There's thousands of people Conventions, this, that Absolutely. So we customize it. Then I have clients that aren't gamers. They don't game, they don't gamble. Well then, why are you going to stay in a casino that's cigarette, smokes and everywhere you go? Then you can go. You can stay at the uh mandarin rental, which is now the world of astoria beautiful, no gaming, great rooms, the dara, which is part of the city center, next to aria. They're great, but you don't have the casinos, the smoke, and you don't have all that noise, which means you don't have all that foot traffic. So you know, those are great alternatives. So it's not a one-size-fits-all right.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:21:16

It have all that foot traffic. So you know, those are great alternatives, so it's not a one size fits all right?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:21:19

Of course not. You customize it. Yeah, if you want action, you're going to go here. If you want to just get a getaway, you're going to go there. So you got to customize it to what that person or what that group wants. Absolutely Like it's funny, the Saudis only stay at Wynn that's it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:21:39

So it's not even a question. I'm not even like hey, that's where they're staying.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:21:41

That's their opulence. They love that. They love it. They've been there for years. That you know. It's got the five diamond rate. That that's what they want. Okay, cool, it's one less headache because I don't have to try to get you five options right right like I have clients around coming for the ufc fight.

01:21:53

It's challenging because they're like oh, I want a two-bedroom suite with a view and with this and with that, and I want five options. Okay, it's this one, it's that one. When I know that you want the wind, or you want Cosmo, or you want Fountain Blue, perfect.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:06

Cut to the chase, yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:22:07

That's you know what Check. Let's go to the next item. But when I got to send you five, when you give people options, the more options you give them, the hardest. It's like gosh. When we go to a restaurant, right, if there's 10 items, we can decide in 30 seconds. When you go to a restaurant that has four pages, you're like oh man, I like the pasta, but the steak sounds good. Oh man, they have sea bass.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:35

And you're like what do I get New York city diners, man, there's 40 pages.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:22:37

It takes an hour to figure out what you want. Right, I'll just eat the burger. But that's the thing, right? When somebody tells me I love this DJ, great, I don't have to sell you on this club versus that club. I'm going to give you the pricing. You're going to tell me what you guys normally spend, what you guys drink, how many people you are, and I'll get you the best for you, right?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:55

And it makes life for everyone. Dude, it's so cool getting this insight and I feel like we could talk for hours. I want to cover three things, because I know you got a flight to catch back to Vegas as well. Okay, this one's off.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:23:08

We got like 15 minutes, I don't want you to miss it and you're yelling at me.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:23:12

I want to talk about relationships in Vegas. I want to talk about your business endeavors Like you've diversified over the years and you've invested in brick and mortar and all this stuff. And then I also want to talk about NCAA D1 scholarships Like that's a pretty impressive thing. Let's actually start there. So, out of high school, you had offers from 60 plus schools for D1 soccer, right, so just talk to us about that. I have kids. My daughter wants to play d1 soccer, all right, like in her mindset. Like just the fact that you were recruited for this sport, like that's incredible yeah, but it's so different now.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:23:47

I mean, yeah, I'm aging myself, but I mean now it's so easy. Back then it was not, it was letters in the mail and it was going on to do site tours. Now you know, your kids can go online and look at everything and get you know 3D freaking tours, right? Yeah, I was a very good soccer player growing up and that was your main sport in new york. Yeah, I mean, I played basketball, but I it's funny, I never like made varsity. I can't. I me me in the high school basketball coach is sitting it along, yep, because I was a very rambunctious, outspoken soccer player and he's. And he saw that and he was like I'm not gonna deal with this kid. And then I was six feet tall. It wasn't like I was like six five and he had to take me. So I never, never made it to varsity. But I loved playing. I played basketball every day.

01:24:31

I was a freaking. I probably got into more fights playing basketball than anything else growing up.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:24:36

What part of New York did you grow up in?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:24:38

Bayside and then Long Island, huntington. So anyway, going back to your question, I got over 60 scholarships. It's funny because I ended up going to the naval academy. But my most prestigious school, I thought, was dartmouth, because it was ivy league school and I got a full ride. My favorite school was hawaii.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:24:59

So I'm like I'm gonna go to hawaii right.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:25:01

And then the the only thing that I regretted back then, which I don't regret now, was I got off a ride to st john's, and I say that because the next year they ended up winning the championship no way way.

01:25:11

So I'm like man in my home state. I could have been right there, but out of high school I took the path less traveled. I decided to go into a service academy and I got waitlisted. So a little fun fact about the West Point Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy they get anywhere from like 15,000 to 20,000 applications a year but they only accept about 1,000 to 1,100 students a year. So when you get wait-listed it's like a kiss of death you most likely are not getting in. So at high school I had all these scholarships full rides, fun. I'm going to deal with my father. He's like go to the service academy for one year and if you don't like it you go wherever you want and I won't bother you. You have my blessing. I said fine. So at high school I got waitlisted. I didn't get in.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:26:01

Sorry, why did he? Why did he want the service academy?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:26:04

Because my girlfriend. When I was a junior, her father was a pilot. His co-pilot was an Air Force Academy recruiter. The dad was like, oh, my daughter's dating this very big soccer player, blah blah, blah, blah Look, it's articles in local press. So he got into my dad's head you can go to one of the most prestigious schools in America for the Air Force Academy, which is in Colorado Springs. Wow, prestigious. Blah blah, blah, blah, it's free, and this and that and your son will be an officer. So we went to the Air Force Academy. They have a tournament called Pike's Peak Soccer Tournament. It's one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the country. I was the MVP of that tournament.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:26:40

Now, what position were you? I was a center forward, oh wow.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:26:43

So I became a blue chip athlete for Air Force, which means I was like their highest recruited athlete status, but it was in Colorado Springs, which was a three and a half hour flight from New York.

01:26:55

So back then junior year came finished and then we learned about the Naval Academy. Oh, it's in Maryland, it's a four hour drive. I can go see my son play soccer, Not have to fly. We went to this campus. Air Force Academy is just massive and it's in Colorado Springs. Mile high, Altitude sucks. Playing soccer sucks. Annapolis, small, beautiful campus on the water.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:27:22

East Coast still, you know, yeah, it's great.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:27:24

So my dad was like you know, I want you to go there. I'm like, okay, I'll go for a year.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:27:27

You didn't butt heads up to that point, like you respected.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:27:30

No, I respected, I'm like okay no problem.

01:27:32

I'm like I got all these rides, I can go wherever I want, and after that year I can do whatever I want. I'm like I'm going to Hawaii, yeah. So I got there, it's a semester went back to New York, started working and I started taking night classes and I get waitlisted again. How old are you now? I just graduated high school the year before, so I was 19. Oh geez. Okay, so I get waitlisted again and now, like the New York and the Greeks are like, no, screw this, this is not going to happen. I went up, I drove up. Now, like the New Yorker and the Greeks are like, no, screw this, this is not going to happen. I went up.

01:28:12

I drove up to Annapolis and I went to the admissions building and I was just walking around trying to find people and this is one of the things where God was like today's a good day. I walked by this desk, this office, and it said Nick Pantelidis. I'm like, hey, I'm looking for this guy. He's not here. I wrote down my phone number. I'm like, please don't call me, I'm an applicant. Blah, blah, blah blah. He called me, spoke, told him my life story. You know, you have to get congressional nomination, all this stuff. I had letters from my congressman. I had letters from my priest because I was very affluent in church. I was, you know, had all my grades, all my stuff. I called his office every week. His secretary knew me by my voice. Jeez, my file went before the board five times.

01:29:01

I got in three or four days before the semester started and the funniest part was I get in, we're like ecstatic, and that literally was like a Thursday. And the funniest part was I get in, we're like ecstatic and literally it was like a Thursday, and we got a report on Sunday and we start I-Day on Monday. Oh my gosh. The funniest part of all this is I went, I got in. My dad called me like a week later, like it's crazy because I'm there, and for six weeks it's like a military later. Like it's crazy because I'm there, and for six weeks it's like a summer, it's like a military summer camp, like they're just drilling you right.

01:29:34

So you get like a call time on Sundays. You have a sponsor family so you get to go to this family's house and spend like three hours just off campus three hours. Okay, I found a church in maryland annapolis so I would go to church. So so I'd spend two hours at church, spend an hour at my sponsor's house and I'd have to go back to school. Long story short, my first time getting to call the family, they called me. My dad goes. You know what I just got in the mail? What I got? Your eight-week preparation for iDay. They gave you an eight-week plan to prepare you come on for I day. I got in three days, yeah, so like it's like what workouts to do, how to prepare mentally I was dying, um.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:30:19

So yeah, I got, I went there so it was your persistence of like just heckling this pandalini, this guy, yes yes, begging, I'm like, I'm a blue chip athlete. I mean, come on, you guys need me but you had 59 other schools that you didn't need. That. I knew I didn't have to do anything.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:30:33

Come on, man and and the the. The crazy part is I make it, I get in. I finished my first semester. My father passed away that december. My first semester, jesus, I go back. I finished the year, then I leave. That year is probably one of the hardest years of my life because I'm not a military guy. I don't come from a military family Taught me a lot. I did a lot growing up losing my father, going back, completing the year, all the stuff around that. So anytime people are like, oh you know, you're so lucky You're so I'm like you have no idea what I've been through. I had to grow up at 19 years old.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:31:05

Which is probably the toughest to lose a father when you're.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:31:07

And again, just remember six months prior, I have all those scholarships in the world. I can go play sports, have fun. I have never had a college experience. I didn't go to a fraternity, I didn't get drunk, I went to the military, but I think it was a building block that helped get me to where I am. We don't got to go down the rabbit hole too much, but I'm still friends with a lot of those classmates to this day. Some of them are captains in the Navy. Some of them are in the Marine like flying helicopters. Some of them are working at the Pentagon. It's incredible. And they all follow me on Facebook. I follow them like Manny we love your life. I'm like bro, you're in an aircraft carrier. You're leading like 15,000, 20,000 soldiers and the other guy's like I'm like you're a helicopter pilot, you're in a Apache pilot. You're envious of me because I'm going to a mech club in a pool party.

01:32:01

It's always greener man, my college roommate during plebe summer, is he a extremely brilliant like valedictorian we would have said it when we're kids like a nerdy guy yeah right, I was like the jock because I was a soccer player. This kid, now this man, is a super spartan, tough martyr, like you know, this beast, and I'm like, bro, you are the freaking man and you were like the nerdy guy and I was like the tough kid. And now I'm sitting here like working my ass off and you're traveling the country, traveling the world, like, oh, I just ran 26 miles and and swam three. I'm like, who are you david goggin style.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:32:49

Seriously, I'm like.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:32:50

It's incredible to see it, but we're still friends, you know, and a couple of the guys have come to vegas every year there's the army navy game, so I've gone a couple of them and I'll link up with some of the guys. Right, one of my closest, one of the guys I looked up to when I was there was a seat, was a seal. So we hang out, come on. It's like man. It's just so cool that this was in 97 and we're in 2024.

01:33:11

We're about to be 30 years later and we still have the relationships. That's incredible.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:33:16

It's, it's, it's so, so, cool, so let me go five minutes over because we I know you want to- yeah, no, no, so so really quick, and then again, sorry to hear, even about your father and all that.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:33:26

I mean it's part of life, nothing we can do talk to me really quick.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:33:29

Relationships. You have access. You come in front of the most beautiful women in the country, uh, from the outside, looking in like always respectful, like professional. You're always surrounded by big groups, so you never put out there what your relationship status, status is. How is it dating in Vegasgas? Um, did you have fun all these years?

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:33:55

I've had fun. I see, the thing is I've had fun, but I've been very lucky that I I, my girlfriends have always been wonderful human beings. I've been very lucky to find great women. Vegas is the land of access. Vegas is the land of opportunity because it's just, it's there, right, right. I mean every place you go restaurants, bars, clubs the staff stunning, like they're all models, top-notch. They won't get a job, otherwise you don't go there and see some, you know, unattractive, fat or super, whatever. That's just the nature of the beast, right so, surrounded by beauty. I have a lot of female friends in Vegas over the years that are wonderful. I've dated. I've been single for a lot of time but I've been very lucky in love, where my girlfriends have always been great human beings. Most of them don't, you know, like life doesn't work out for one reason or another, but I can call pretty much any one of them anytime now.

01:34:51

Still a good relationship, I'm inviting them to two other weddings. So, yeah, because it wasn't you're bad, I'm bad, it was. We're not meant to be, for whatever reason. Yep, we're not compatible. Like I said my girlfriend's in the other room, I'm very lucky. I found an amazing woman, so I've been very lucky in in love and relationships. But I also think it's because I've always been. You know, my mom did a great job raising me and I've always been very confident and respectful and I've always treated people with respect.

01:35:16

Now, I'm not perfect. You know. I'm a man. I make mistakes, I'm flawed, but I've always tried to do the best that I can. Right, and I think in life, whether it's relationships or even in business, if you don't try to screw somebody over, you're in a good place. Yeah, because I'm going to piss you off. Sometimes You're going to piss me off. I might make a mistake, but if you don't do it maliciously or intentionally, that's what matters. There are people that are bad people in this world. They want to hurt you, they want to get over on you. I'm not one of those people, but I'm far, far from perfect. Yeah, so, and I own that right I make mistakes, but I've been very, very lucky in the relationship. That's awesome, man. I'm very, very lucky.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:35:56

That's awesome. Next podcast we're going to do in Vegas and we're going to talk about the politics side. Really quick, Business endeavors other than your VIP hosting concierge service.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:36:06

Yeah, I've dabbled in a lot of stuff, so I'm an investor actually in California in a couple of sports bar restaurants.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:36:13

Cork and Batter. Yeah, Cork and.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:36:14

Batter, and the other one's Third Base, cork and Batter. We're blessed. We're 200 feet from Intuit Dome, which is opening up end of this month, in June. That's insane. So we've been doing really well, but now it's about to take off. Good for you, man.

01:36:26

I'm very excited about my new projects. I'm currently invested in working on two projects. One is an app called Fly Me Out. It's incredible. The founder is a fellow Greek. Our families have known each other for decades, both New Yorkers. So he and my sister were talking about this app that he created and she's like you got to talk to Manny about it. So he reached out to me about six months ago now. He's like hey, this is what I'm doing and I loved it.

01:36:52

It's a travel app where it's an invite-only membership, so you have to be invited and you join and you become a member and once you become a member, you can host trips. So example me you and a couple of people, we want to go to Mykonos this summer. Well, if I go with you, what do we do? We get a hotel room and we do our thing. But if it's a group of us, now we're going to get a villa, and now we're going to get a boat and so it's an opportunity for like-minded individuals to connect and travel and create experiences. So it's not a dating app. It's not a dating app, but it's funny because we just got picked up. We just started doing ads on social media and Barstool Sports picked us up and did a TikTok and it was so funny and so awesome. But he was like oh, this is like the super new dating. It's not a dating app, but you know what they say all publicity is good publicity.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:37:42

Absolutely.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:37:43

That one TikTok got like 30,000 reposts. Last time I saw it it was like 8,000 comments. It got us so much visibility that it's awesome. So thank you, barstool. But we're not a dating app. But it is LinkedIn meets Airbnb meets exclusivity of like a riot. So you have to join and become a member and then you get access to these trips and our members are professional athletes, ceos, average Joes, influencers, with millions of followers all genres from all over the world. So it's a very diverse. It's so cool because it's just about creating memories and trips with like-minded individuals. But, it's important to note, it's not a dating app. This is for group trips, so it's never like a one-on-one. It's for groups to connect. It could be couples, it could be guys and whatever, but it's super cool. So I'm excited about that because I love to travel and the growth aspect of it is cool. There's nothing like it. It's live now.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:38:46

Fly me out, yeah fly me out.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:38:47

It's live now.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:38:48

On the App Store. Okay, that's exciting, man, that sounds exciting.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:38:52

You got to check out. It's so amazing. We do like influencer trips, so we just did one this past weekend. In Nashville there's a Barbie hotel, so we had these like 20 influencers go down there have a weekend experience to promote this new property. So there's just so many different things that come, but the reality is it's based on travel and creating memories.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:39:14

Which is your passion, which I love.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:39:16

That's what I do whenever I can. I love to travel the world.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:39:18

Absolutely.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:39:19

And the other company, another family friend I invest in people more than I invest in things this other family friend. He opened up a sports memorabilia store in Greece, in Thessaloniki, and in a little over three years he's made it the biggest store in all of Europe. It's called Trace and Chase Trace and Chase, trace and Chase. And what's amazing is a little over three years Greeks and Europeans we're not really sports collectors memorabilia he's built this amazing business and so what he wants to do now what we're doing is we're opening up stores in the us. So I've invested. I'm also going to help with with marketing. We want to open up three stores one in metro new york, one in dallas and one in vegas and just continue to build the brand. I mean, what panini and fanatics are doing are incredible. I mean, michael wilburn is a genius and what he's building is just incredible. I don't even know how the man keeps up, because it's not normal, forget about a juggernaut.

01:40:12

I mean, what they're doing is incredible the growth, how quickly he's done it. And he just you know he's taken over league contracts now, which is amazing to see. He's brilliant. But that trickles down to stores being able to keep that ideology. And you know you have three girls. They might want to go, they play soccer, Maybe they want a messenger. You want to be able to go, take them to a store and have this great experience. You don't want to just do it online, right? So the idea is to open up these stores in the US and continue to build a brand, and it's fascinating because, with my relationships that we've talked about in sports, I have a lot of them.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:40:50

Natural fit.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:40:50

Yeah, and they're all either collectors or they know it because they sign and do stuff. So it's very exciting to me because I love to make money, like everyone else, I love sports and I'm doing something with a friend. That's amazing. It's so cool that I'm invested in two things with family, friends, brilliant individuals. Everyone's like, well, you're cutting a check, so they're lucky. I'm like no, no, no, I'm lucky because they created something and I'm getting a chance to add value and grow with them.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:41:20

With your influence, with your mindset, with everything.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:41:23

And these companies are going to blow up, with or without me, I'm just lucky to be along the ride and going to blow up with or without me, I'm just lucky to be along the ride and I get to diversify so I don't have to run around in clubs.

01:41:34

Dude, I wish you continued success with that. That's incredible. Fly me out. You're going to see, in the next six months it's going to be everywhere. It is the amount. No marketing like literally $20 a day. In marketing, $20 a day, that's it. It's crazy. I mean barstool. That's like the People pay those guys God knows how much money and they did it for free. They literally found the ad and just did a TikTok. That's amazing man, and it's crazy, because I still this happened last week. I still get people texting me like, oh my.

01:42:01

God I just saw this TikTok. I'm like I don't even have TikTok, that's crazy. So I literally didn't have it so I couldn't see it. I had to find a friend who had it who can say they had to do a screen share to send it to me. I'm like that's cool.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:42:14

Yeah, I saw Ellen that post that Speaking of TikTok. Best way to get in contact with you. The Kess Group.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:42:19

Online. I mean my Instagram at Manny Kess, but or, you know, wwwthekessgroupcom yes, cashgroupcom, yes. Please contact us if you have any needs. And it's not just for Vegas. Again, people want to. You know we get help for F1 Miami, we get hit up for, I said, the Oscars. Any major sporting event, anything that's hard to get into, we have access. I mean, I just yesterday I went to the Solomon show that was here and people were like, oh, I couldn't get a table. We, that's easy for us to do so. Any event that's hard to get into, anything that's exclusive Met Gala, we have access.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:42:51

To the Met Gala, oh yeah.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:42:53

We send clients there every year so we can help, and that's the beauty of it. I mean, I have athletes that went to F1 in Monte Carlo and they're like where do we start? I got you Come on Yacht tickets the whole nine. Which where to go? What restaurants? We which the top clubs?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:43:10

we do it, dude, that's it. By the way, we're doing the new F1 store in Caesars. It's a new bar restaurant going in there. Um, dude, you're at the top of the game, like honestly, I appreciate you sitting down and we could chat for hours. Man, You're amazing. I'd love it. Don't miss your flight. I don't want you pissed off on me.

Manny Kess - Guest: 01:43:26

Let's go man. Thank you so much, Thank you.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:43:30

Thanks for listening to this episode of invigorate your business with George Stroumboulis. Please hit the subscribe and like buttons and follow me on all the main podcast streaming channels. Also, please share your comments when you can. I appreciate your help in expanding this network to a worldwide audience. Until next time, stay invigorated.

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO

00:00:00 Meet Las Vegas' Top VIP Host Manny Kess

00:01:22 The Importance of Being Genuine

00:03:17 What is the Kess Group?

00:05:39 Treating Clients with Respect

00:06:57 Building a Global Hospitality Network

00:09:44 The Value of Reputation

00:11:23 Transitioning to Las Vegas

00:13:37 The Growth of Las Vegas

00:15:25 The Importance of Work Ethic

00:17:28 Dealing with Difficult Clients

00:19:57 Maintaining Integrity

00:21:27 Respecting the Brand

00:24:47 Navigating Las Vegas Nightlife

00:27:39 Managing Client Expectations

00:29:20 Building Relationships with Athletes and Celebrities (Ronaldo, Messi)

00:34:46 Common Traits of Professional Athletes

00:39:57 Working with Global Clients

00:41:46 Experiences with Soccer Players (Neymar, Beckham)

00:46:08 Navigating Competition in Las Vegas

00:50:11 Challenges of High-Profile Clients

00:55:09 Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals

01:03:35 Working with Saudi Clients

01:14:01 Understanding Las Vegas Dynamics

01:17:11 Top Recommendations for Las Vegas (Restaurants, Clubs)

01:23:47 Manny’s D1 College Soccer Experience

01:33:29 Balancing Personal Relationships in Vegas

01:35:16 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

WHAT DOES A CUSTOM CONCIERGE SERVICE DO FOR ITS CLIENTS

A custom concierge service offers a wide range of personalized services designed to cater to the specific needs and desires of its clients, often high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and business executives. These services can include:

  1. Travel Arrangements:

    • Booking private jets, yachts, and luxury car rentals.

    • Arranging first-class or business-class flights.

    • Securing reservations at exclusive hotels and resorts.

    • Creating bespoke travel itineraries, including excursions and activities.

  2. Event Access and Management:

    • Procuring VIP tickets to concerts, sporting events, theater productions, and other high-profile events.

    • Arranging backstage passes, meet-and-greet opportunities, and other exclusive access.

    • Planning and managing private events, parties, and corporate gatherings.

  3. Lifestyle Management:

    • Making reservations at top restaurants, securing last-minute bookings, and arranging private dining experiences.

    • Organizing spa treatments, personal shopping, and stylist consultations.

    • Providing personal security and bodyguard services.

  4. Personal Services:

    • Managing household staff and arranging domestic services such as housekeeping, chefs, and nannies.

    • Offering personal assistance with daily tasks, including errand running and appointment scheduling.

    • Coordinating medical appointments, wellness programs, and fitness training.

  5. Unique Experiences:

    • Designing custom experiences such as private tours, adventure activities, and exclusive cultural experiences.

    • Facilitating luxury purchases, from high-end fashion to rare collectibles.

    • Providing access to invitation-only events and private clubs.

  6. Corporate Services:

    • Organizing business travel, meetings, and conferences.

    • Managing corporate hospitality and client entertainment.

    • Offering relocation assistance for executives and their families.

HOW DO YOU START A CONCIERGE SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Starting a concierge service in Las Vegas, Nevada, involves several steps to ensure a successful launch and sustainable business. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

1. Market Research and Business Planning

  • Research the Market: Understand the demand for concierge services in Las Vegas, identify your target audience (high-net-worth individuals, tourists, corporate clients), and analyze your competitors.

  • Business Plan: Develop a detailed business plan outlining your services, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections.

2. Legal Requirements and Business Structure

  • Choose a Business Structure: Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. An LLC is often recommended for its liability protection and tax advantages.

  • Register Your Business: File the necessary paperwork with the Nevada Secretary of State to legally register your business.

  • Business Licenses and Permits: Obtain the required business licenses and permits from the City of Las Vegas and Clark County. You may need a general business license, and depending on your services, additional permits (e.g., for transportation services) might be required.

  • EIN and Taxes: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. Familiarize yourself with state and local tax obligations.

3. Establishing Your Business

  • Create a Brand: Develop a strong brand identity, including a business name, logo, and tagline that reflect your services and target market.

  • Website and Online Presence: Build a professional website showcasing your services, client testimonials, and contact information. Optimize it for search engines (SEO). Set up social media profiles to engage with potential clients and promote your services.

  • Office Space: Decide if you need an office space or if you can operate remotely. An office in a prestigious location can enhance your brand image but may not be necessary initially.

4. Service Offerings and Partnerships

  • Define Services: Clearly outline the range of services you will offer, such as travel arrangements, event planning, lifestyle management, and personal assistance.

  • Vendor Relationships: Establish partnerships with hotels, restaurants, event venues, transportation providers, and other service providers to offer your clients exclusive deals and priority services.

5. Marketing and Networking

  • Networking: Attend industry events, join local business associations, and network with potential clients and partners. In Las Vegas, networking with hotel concierges, event planners, and real estate agents can be particularly beneficial.

  • Marketing Strategy: Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes online advertising, social media marketing, email campaigns, and print media. Leverage customer testimonials and referrals.

  • SEO and Online Reviews: Focus on local SEO to attract clients searching for concierge services in Las Vegas. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.

6. Client Relationship Management

  • CRM System: Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to manage client information, preferences, and service requests efficiently.

  • Quality Service: Deliver exceptional service to build a loyal client base. Personalize your services to meet each client's unique needs and exceed their expectations.

7. Financial Management

  • Startup Costs: Estimate and secure the necessary startup capital. Consider costs for licensing, marketing, website development, office space, and initial operations.

  • Accounting: Set up an accounting system to manage your finances, track expenses, and handle invoicing. Consider hiring an accountant or using accounting software.

8. Compliance and Insurance

  • Insurance: Obtain the necessary insurance policies, such as general liability, professional liability, and business property insurance, to protect your business.

  • Compliance: Stay compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations related to your business operations.

Starting a concierge service in Las Vegas requires careful planning, a strong network, and a commitment to providing exceptional service. With the right approach, you can build a successful business catering to the luxury and convenience needs of your clients.

WHAT ADVICE IS THERE TO BUILD A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH NOTABLE CLIENTS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Building strong relationships with notable clients in the hospitality industry requires a combination of exceptional service, personalized attention, and strategic networking. Here’s some advice to help you foster and maintain these valuable connections:

1. Provide Exceptional Service

  • Consistency in Excellence: Ensure that your service is consistently outstanding. Meet and exceed client expectations every time.

  • Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the smallest details that can enhance the client experience. Personalized touches can make a significant impact.

  • Prompt and Reliable: Be prompt in your responses and reliable in delivering services. Clients appreciate dependability.

2. Personalization

  • Know Your Clients: Understand your clients’ preferences, habits, and needs. Use a CRM system to track their preferences and tailor your services accordingly.

  • Customized Experiences: Offer personalized services and experiences that cater to individual tastes and interests. This demonstrates that you value their uniqueness.

3. Communication

  • Effective Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication. Keep clients informed and involved, but also respect their time.

  • Listen Actively: Listen to your clients’ feedback and concerns. Actively address any issues and show that you value their input.

4. Building Trust

  • Confidentiality: Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion. Trust is paramount, especially with high-profile clients.

  • Honesty and Transparency: Be honest and transparent about what you can deliver. Manage expectations realistically.

5. Networking and Relationship Building

  • Attend Industry Events: Participate in hospitality industry events, conferences, and trade shows. Networking in person helps build deeper connections.

  • Join Professional Associations: Become a member of relevant industry associations and organizations. This can provide valuable networking opportunities and credibility.

  • Leverage Introductions: Ask for introductions from mutual connections. A warm introduction can pave the way for a strong relationship.

6. Value Addition

  • Go the Extra Mile: Always look for ways to add value to your service. Whether it’s a surprise upgrade or a thoughtful gift, these gestures can strengthen relationships.

  • Exclusive Access: Provide clients with access to exclusive events, deals, or experiences that they wouldn’t easily find on their own.

7. Professionalism

  • Professional Appearance: Always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. This includes your personal presentation and the quality of your communications.

  • Ethical Conduct: Adhere to high ethical standards. Integrity and professionalism are crucial in maintaining long-term relationships.

8. Follow Up

  • After-Service Follow-Up: After providing a service, follow up with clients to ensure their satisfaction and gather feedback.

  • Regular Check-Ins: Keep in touch with clients regularly, even when you’re not actively providing services. This helps maintain the relationship and keeps you top-of-mind.

9. Technology Utilization

  • Use Technology: Leverage technology to enhance service delivery, such as using a CRM for personalized service, and mobile apps for convenience.

  • Social Media Engagement: Engage with clients on social media platforms where appropriate. Share updates, special offers, and relevant content to keep them engaged.

10. Continuous Improvement

  • Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and continuously seek ways to improve your services.

  • Training and Development: Invest in training and development for yourself and your team to ensure you’re always at the top of your game.

By focusing on these strategies, you can build and maintain strong relationships with notable clients in the hospitality industry, leading to long-term success and loyalty.

MORE ABOUT THE EPISODE

Ever wondered how to turn the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas into a thriving hospitality empire? Join me, George Stroumboulis, as I sit down with Manny Kess, the visionary founder and CEO of the Kess Group. Manny's story is nothing short of inspiring; from humble beginnings as a pool host to commanding one of the top VIP host companies in Vegas, his journey is a testament to resilience and respect. You'll hear about Manny's unique philosophy of treating everyone—from A-list celebrities to everyday clients—with equal respect, and how this approach has been pivotal in his skyrocket to success.

This episode isn't confined to the neon allure of Las Vegas. Manny offers a peek into the world of global VIP hospitality, sharing the challenges and triumphs of running a high-end concierge service that caters to elite clients worldwide. We dive into the nuts and bolts of ensuring seamless experiences, from partnering with local Destination Management Companies to personally vetting services across continents. Real-world examples, like orchestrating World Cup trips and planning bespoke Parisian adventures, highlight the meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment that defines Manny's brand.

Moreover, the essence of building meaningful relationships in the hospitality industry takes center stage. Manny recounts fascinating tales of managing high-profile clients, navigating their extravagant demands, and the crucial role of teamwork in maintaining impeccable service. Whether you're intrigued by Las Vegas's pulsating growth, interested in the intricacies of global VIP services, or seeking sage advice for aspiring hosts, this episode is packed with valuable insights and riveting stories from Manny Kess's extraordinary career. Tune in to learn how to create unforgettable moments and build a legacy in the world of high-end hospitality.

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