POWER PLAYERS: CLUB KINGS

[highlight_text] I love to dominate and be the best in the business. I want my clubs to be where everyone wants to see and be seen. [/highlight_text]

David Grutman

David Grutman, a.k.a. the marketing guru of Miami, is the co-founder of Miami Marketing Group alongside Brian Gordon and Ryan Schinman. Grutman attracts the hautest people to Miami Beach and with his specific criteria for who enters his clubs and who gets nixed, guests are guaranteed to be surrounded by the worlds more beautiful people. As a native to Naples, Florida and a graduate of the University of Florida, Grutman knows his city. Prior to MMG Grutman spent five years running Tantra and an additional five years revamping the marketing at The Opium Group, the company behind hot clubs such as Set, Privé, Mansion and Mokai. Grutman credits a great deal of his success to his extensive list of contacts that he has kept in close touch with throughout the years. He has turned companies around, specifically when he partnered with Jeff Soffer to operate LIV in the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel. Also contributing to Grutman’s success is his keen eye for making sure every acute detail is perfect in his clubs from having the right DJ spinning the right music, to filling a club with models, celebrities and the world’s wealthiest power players and most importantly, making his guests feel comfortable. Celebrities and artists that can be found at one of Grutman’s clubs include Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diddy and DJ Tiesto. With his unmatched panache for spreading the buzz and hosting celebrity packed dinner parties and nightlife events, Grutman is taking Miami by storm. So what’s next for Mr.Grutman? MMG’s opening of Oro nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

What is the best and the most challenging part about working in the nightlife business?
The most challenging part out about the business is that as soon as one weekend ends, it seems like another one is about to begin.

Who are some of your most impressive clientele?
I definitely see a lot of impressive people in my business but what makes it the most rewarding is when I see these same clients come back again and again. We count Shy, the Hochstein’s, Michael Sultan, Billy Dean and Noah Schwartz as some of our most impressive repeat clientele.

What’s the formula for a successful venue?
The formula for success is girls, an evolving atmosphere, insane service and guest recognition – notable clients love to be treated as such. Also, we have to be ahead of the curve and one step ahead of competitors. The competition in nightlife is insane. There’s also a bit of luck that plays into it, plus great sound, lights and oh, did I mention, girls?

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen in your business?
There have been too many crazy nights to even mention. But when Jennifer Lopez performed a full concert, it was pretty insane.

What sets you apart from the rest of the club kings?
I love to dominate and be the best in the business. I want my clubs to be where everyone wants to see and be seen.

Romain Zago

Romain Zago, the French-born, Brazilian/Italian-raised former model speaks five languages and is engaged to the “world’s sexiest model” Joanna Krupa. Zago is not your average nightclub owner, and Mynt is not your average club. Known consistently throughout the years as one of Miami’s top clubs, Zago insists that his success has a great deal to do with his level of humanity and dedication to keeping his customers happy. Zago’s outlook was shaped greatly by his business idol and mentor, Elite Model Management founder John Casablancas who helped him start his career in events. In 2006, Romain merged his years in the fashion industry with his nightlife experience to create the trend setting night club which he recently re-designed himself.

How did you start your career in nightlife?
I was lucky enough to visit five continents and over 20 countries through my work in the modeling industry and through my position as the Assistant Producer to John Casablancas. At all of the different events, my attention was always focused on the lights and music. I was also incredibly fascinated by the distinction of style in each country. It was the sum of these experiences that led to a natural parlay into the nightlife industry.

What’s the best and the most challenging part about working in the nightlife business?
The best part is the ability to create and innovate Nightlife through design, to coordinate the merge between surrealism in lighting and house music and most importantly to meet the most fascinating people in the world. The most challenging part is the long hours. I still wish for a 30-hour day. And of course, sorting through the multitude of egos [is a challenge].

Who are some of your most impressive clientele?
For me the most impressive clientele comes when you realize the philosophy of egalitarianism is the essence of this business. I have been in the presence of the smartest people on earth from Wall Street’s most distinguished geniuses, the United States’ biggest realtors to world famous movie producers, actors, models and the greatest, achieved and wealthiest businessmen. Through [servicing] these different people, I realized that the entertainment industry relies on a pure and sincere relationship with everyone, equally. Most impressive? They all are equal. For me, no one name is more impressive than another.

What’s the formula for a successful venue?
A “secret” combination of constant innovation, hard work, meticulous thinking, kindness, humbleness, patience and the most important piece: The realization that the true owners of Nightlife are our patrons, they are the genuine creators of MYNT’s success.

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen in your business?
Most shocking thing(s) I have seen in the nightlife industry is how dirty some can play and how some can remain untouchable.

What sets you apart from the rest of the club kings?
I am known for my humbleness. In my many years in this industry, I was never ever able to sit at a table and pretend that I was the king in my castle; I always gave that title to the customer, I am just there to be their servant. Also, in an industry that can get to many people’s heads, I can say that I have stayed true to my ideals and the foundation I have set for myself. I go to sleep each night with few regrets.

What’s next for you?
Next is to create and to be apart of the most fantastic designs in the nightlife industry with projects worldwide. Secret and gigantic partners to be announced soon.

Nicola Siervo

Nicola Siervo graduated with a degree in Marketing Communications and later at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology, which led to a variety of high-profile management positions in the fashion industry. In 1992 Siervo launched Bang, a restaurant/hot spot in Miami Beach and a success that afforded him the opportunity to work with co-owners Jason Binn of Ocean Drive Magazine and Oliver Stone of Bar None in 1995. Siervo later established Joia, an Italian restaurant and lounge in the Century Hotel and his first ownership venture. His successes lead him to open Mynt Ultra Lounge with partners Robert Caan and RonySeikaly, a polished, sophisticated 1920’s style café for Miami’s chic, elite and international jet set. In 2002, Siervo joined Hotel Astor owner KarimMasri in opening Metro Kitchen + Bar at the Hotel; In 2005 Siervo formed a new partnership, KNR Restaurant Group and opened Quattro GastronomiaItaliana, and Mokai Lounge and Sosta Pizzeria. His three partnerships with KNR Food Concepts, KNR Bar Concepts and 2201 Collins Nightclub Management provide all the Food & Beverage services to the W Hotel South Beach. KNR Restaurant Group commenced operations as the Food & Beverage provider to the Trump Soho Hotel in New York City. It features Quattro GastronomiaItaliana, a replica of the Miami Beach operation, as well as Kastel Lounge, the Library and Bard’eau.

How did you start your career in nightlife?
I began as a waiter in NYC while I attended college at FIT. Then I moved onto promoting a few different clubs in the city until 1992, when the owners gave me an offer to come down to Miami to manage a restaurant called Bang.

What’s the best and the most challenging part about working in the nightlife business?
The best part about the nightlife industry is that it’s easy to get to the top. The most challenging part is staying there because providing a high-quality of customer service is the key to making sure that your clientele keep coming back.

Who are some of your most impressive clientele?
Every client that walks through our door is important to us. We treat everyone the same way, whether it’s a big spender, a celebrity, or someone visiting from out-of-town, our goal is to provide the best experience.

What’s the formula for a successful venue?
The crowd. Once you have the right crowd inside the space, it’s up to us to deliver the right energy , the best service, and great music.

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen in your business?
You get to see a lot of things in this business, so once you decide to make it your life then nothing really shocks you.

What sets you apart from the rest of the club kings?
First of all, I don’t consider myself a club king. After 20-years in the business I’m still the same person. I have no ego and I go to work with the same enthusiasm I had 20 years ago.

What’s next for you?
We’re very excited for the opening of The Dutch Miami and Quattro Mexico City.