In this engaging episode of 'Last Life Ever,' co-hosts Jeff Holst and Jillian Sidoti reconnect with old friend and club owner Dan Millen. The trio dive into Dan's fascinating career evolution from being a booking agent and musician to owning multiple nightclubs and producing numerous musical events annually. The discussion covers Dan's experiences working with famous musicians like Slash and Bret Michaels, the importance of having reliable business partners, and the critical role of legal agreements in business ventures. They also explore the idea of opening a tiki bar, the intricacies of managing nightlife businesses, and the balance between risk and reward in the entertainment industry. Jillian and Jeff cap off the enriching conversation with dream collaborations and potential future meet-ups.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:08 Dan Millen's Background and Career
00:42 Reconnecting with Old Friends
02:29 Current Ventures and Operations
04:10 Memorable Experiences with Famous Musicians
06:00 Dreams of Owning a Tiki Bar
08:58 Managing Nightclubs from a Distance
17:23 Legal Complexities in Business Partnerships
17:50 The Importance of Written Agreements
19:03 Handling Business Risks and Unexpected Events
21:25 Promoting Shows and Managing Risks
21:38 Leveraging Industry Tools and Networks
26:15 The Art of Mitigating Business Risks
27:22 Dreaming Big: Starting a Tiki Bar
30:42 Guitar Talk and Future Plans
32:13 Final Thoughts and Future Meetups