We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Sassen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jonathan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Reflecting on the journey of starting Maverick Seven Group, I recognize the impact of timing and the missed opportunities due to my worries about failure. I launched my flagship business after years of experience in international resorts and nightlife, but fear of failure often held me back from seizing earlier opportunities.

Had I started sooner, I might have taken advantage of favorable market conditions and faced fewer competitors. Many challenges were more daunting in my mind than in reality, and I’ve learned that some ventures succeed while others don’t for various reasons.

In hindsight, while starting earlier could have been advantageous, the timing I chose allowed me to leverage my accumulated experience. This journey has taught me that embracing risks and facing challenges head-on are crucial elements of entrepreneurship, and each experience, whether successful or not, shapes the path forward.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Greetings, readers. I’m Jonathan Sassen, a seasoned professional in the hospitality and entertainment industry. My career has taken me to senior roles at venues like City of Dreams in Cyprus and Atlantis in the Bahamas, providing me with expertise in venue operations, entertainment programming, and strategic planning.

At Maverick Seven Group, we offer innovative food and beverage concepts, optimize venue operations, and curate exceptional entertainment experiences. Our services also include strategic planning and community engagement. We solve operational inefficiencies and enhance guest experiences, ensuring our clients thrive in a competitive landscape.

What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and tailored strategies. Our extensive experience allows us to deliver exceptional results consistently.

I’m particularly proud of opening entertainment at City of Dreams with a €6 million budget and breaking financial records at Atlantis’s Bahamas whole F&B department.

Potential clients and followers should know that Maverick Seven Group is dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and innovative solutions. We look forward to collaborating and creating exceptional experiences together. Thank you for the opportunity to share our story.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Certainly. A story that illustrates resilience in my journey took place during my time as Director of Operations at Duplex, Prague’s largest nightlife venue, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2020, the entertainment industry faced unprecedented challenges. Venues were closed, revenue was down, and uncertainty was high. To navigate this, I overhauled our operations by implementing new SOPs, updating POS systems, enhancing security policies, and installing CCTV systems, preparing the venue for a safe reopening.

Booking international artists was also challenging due to travel restrictions. However, leveraging my industry network, we managed to program major EDM and house DJs like Steve Aoki and Nervo. Despite the odds, these efforts led to Duplex being included in the DJ Mag Top 100 Nightclubs list for 2022.

This experience demonstrated that resilience involves facing challenges directly, adapting quickly, and staying focused on goals. It highlighted the strength and determination of my team and underscored the importance of innovation in adversity.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding a new venture is always a challenge. When I founded Manchester Fashion Week, I needed to raise over £100,000 in capital.

I started by creating a compelling vision and business plan, outlining the event’s potential impact on Manchester’s cultural and economic landscape. Leveraging my extensive network in hospitality and entertainment, I approached brands and companies that aligned with the fashion industry’s values. My experience in relationship building was crucial in connecting with key decision-makers.

I organized pitch meetings and presentations, highlighting the unique opportunities for sponsors, such as brand visibility and consumer engagement. Through persistent efforts and effective communication, I secured sponsorships and investments from high-profile brands.

Raising the necessary capital was a significant achievement, demonstrating the power of a well-crafted vision and strategic networking. Manchester Fashion Week became a successful event, showcasing top fashion talent and elevating the city’s status in the fashion world. This experience underscored the importance of perseverance and strategic planning, laying a strong foundation for my future ventures, including Maverick Seven Group.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mavericksevengroup.com
• Instagram: @mavericksevengroup @coastbrasserie