We were lucky to catch up with BRIAN COHEN recently and have shared our conversation below.

BRIAN, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started my Hospitality career as a Bartender, turned promoter, marketing director, General Manager, Club Owner & Hospitality Company Owner. It all happened real fast, and it has been the bumpiest roller coaster ride you can ever imagine.

Each stage of development had an idea that came with massive risk. For example, I was crushing it as a bartender, but was watching what local promoters were doing. I watched like a hawk, asked lots of questions, put my own twist on it and then eventually quit bartending and tried it on my own. Each advancement in my career was similar. I am still to this day striving to take my career to the next level.

An idea is worthless without execution. When I have an idea, I immediately go to my graphic designer to make a logo and flyer, buy the domain & build a web site, secure all the social media handles for that brand and launch it as fast as possible. I have learned, not to wait for perfection, just go for it and adjust on the way.

I own lots of brands: Boss Management Group, Nightlife Empire, Beverly Hills Hospitality, Hollywood Burlesque Show, Mob Bar, LA Hip Hop Shows, ElectriCity and many others.

Beverly Hills Hospitality was formed in 2016 when I was a 50% partner of Vampire Lounge in Beverly Hills. I wanted to create a more exclusive boutique brand that targeted a high-end West Los Angeles crowd in upscale neighborhoods.

I have venues all over the Country, however living IN West LA, it has been so much fun to watch one venue 2016 turn into so many venues in 2024, red carpet events, celebrity sightings, memorable birthdays. anniversaries and even wedding proposals with my company Beverly Hills Hospitality.

Once I locked in a bunch of venues, I started partnering with Mansions for film production and high-end events. Currently Beverly Hills Hospitality has over 50 Venues & Mansions in West Los Angeles.

I basically took my main Nightlife brand Nightlife Empire and put different divisions under it. Beverly Hills Hospitality is my high-end brand. Hollywood Burlesque Show focuses on Burlesque events, and private burlesque parties. Mob Bar puts on 1920’s Gatsby type of events. LA Hip Hop Shows focuses on Hip Hop shows & showcases. And ElectriCity zones in on Electronic Music. Boss Management Group controls all the hospitality and non-hospitality companies.

Branding to a specific audience has helped target the clientele I want to reach at each event or business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Brian Cohen, known as “BO$$ COHEN” to many. I am an entrepreneur in the Hospitality, Marketing & Sports industries.

Most people do not understand what goes into putting on even one event. First you have to take on the financial responsibility of making sure the DJ’s, Bands, Burlesque Entertainers, Door Girls, Promoters, & all the marketing is paid for. Regardless of the turnout you need to make sure your people get paid! Then you have to create the event, market it, deal with all the venue management & staff, over lots and lots of meetings. Once the night comes for the event regardless, if you are exhausted, you need to get their early, level up and be the best version of yourself to the public customers, staff, entertainers and paparazzi! You need to watch the DJ making sure the music is right, the volume controls are on point, the lighting is spot on, the TVs are playing the right movie or show that fits the theme of the event, help organize set up of red-carpet events, get the door girl a cash bank & guest list, make sure burlesque entertainers have drink tickets, mirrors & proper lighting in their dressing rooms, greet, talk to and thank every customer for supporting the event and so many other things. The best way to describe what it’s like putting on an event is to imagine the plastic gumby toy. One person is pulling your right arm, another your left arm, another your right leg, another your left leg, and many others pulling every part of you in 20 different directions. You need to keep your composure, a positive attitude, work fast, and prioritize the most important things to do or fires needing to be put out. Your phone will ring and text rapidly &

Is it easy? Definitely not. Can anyone do it? Definitely not! I do like the action though. When you put on an incredible event and see all those smiling faces, enjoying what you created the reward is massive.

Our Beverly Hills Hospitality Brand:
Bringing the old World of fine, luxurious hospitality to a new generation, craving fresh contemporary design, Beverly Hills Hospitality is intended for exploration. It teases, excites, and celebrates the senses continually refreshing itself. Beverly Hills Hospitality focuses on premier location spaces, spectacular events, incredible music, impeccable customer service and satisfaction. With over 50 High End locations, Beverly Hills Hospitality is the premier a High-End Luxury Hospitality, Location & Events Company located in Beverly Hills, California.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

A reputation is earned. You can’t buy or pretend to have a reputation. I earned my stripes from experience & doing the right thing. Being honest, realistic, appreciative and kind goes a long way. Always keep your word and pay your employees, entertainers, and staff. When you pay your people, on time, and the amount you agreed on, they will work for you long term and spread the word that you do the right thing. Here in LA, the venues have changed over the 8 years I been here but many of the same people who worked for me in 2016, work for me now in 2024.

Treat the bus boy or bathroom attendant the same as you treat the CEO. Appreciate each person’s work and dedication to the event. Be realistic in expectations. The reason I thrive in my position, is because I am a Club Owner, but also own a Hospitality Company that partners with venues I don’t own. Your typical promoter will hype you on how they will do 800 people, and then they bring 100. I understand the complexities of owning a venue, the cost, stress, and liabilities that come along with it. If it’s not my home, I respect who’s home it is. I give realistic expectations, and venue owners appreciate that.

When it comes to customers, they come back when they feel comfortable. There is a restaurant I go to in West Hollywood about 5x a week for lunch. Why do I go? The food is great, the atmosphere is comfortable, but the staff make my experience great. They know my name, know what I drink, offer off menu items, and I know just about everyone who works there. They are always friendly, and I got to know all of them. When it’s my venue, I go above and beyond to thank the customers for choosing my venue over 200 other options and get to know them.

I have never been the Club Owner who sits in the office and watches surveillance. I like to be on the floor, getting to know my customers.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I like to watch videos on inspirational entrepreneurs, athletes, & leaders that are light years more successful than I am. Some of them are Donald Trump, George Steinbrenner, Mark Cuban, Elon Musk, A Rod, Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, Ronald Reagan, John Gotti, Mark Wahlberg, and a few others. I like to watch what they do and learn from them.

A smart man when I was a teenager just getting into the hospitality business said, “Even the failing bar that is doing 99 things wrong is doing 1 thing right. Learn that 1 thing”. I never forgot that. Every moment of every day, you could learn.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beverlyhillshospitality.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bosscohen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianbosscohen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bosscohen/
• Twitter: https://x.com/realbosscohen