Big Time Podcast Episode Summary: "The Mayor of Madison Avenue | 9"

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Steve Buscemi
Produced by: Campside Media and Piece of Work Entertainment

Introduction

In the ninth episode of Big Time, titled "The Mayor of Madison Avenue," host Steve Buscemi delves into the glittering yet deceitful world of New York City's Manhattan nightlife in the 2000s. Narrated by Rajiv Gola, the episode unravels the rise and fall of Andrew Parker—a charismatic figure whose ambition to join the elite social circles led him down a path of elaborate scams and criminal activities.

The Glitzy Nightlife of 2000s Manhattan

Rajiv Gola sets the scene by describing a New York City where the nightlife exudes excess, attracting both Wall Street bankers and party promoters eager for fame and social status. This era was marked by relentless paparazzi attention, luxury displays, and a burgeoning culture where being seen equated to becoming a celebrity.

"This was the new era where what happened in the club no longer stayed in the club. You went out to be seen. And in New York, you could become a celebrity just by being seen."
― Rajiv Gola [02:30]

Peter Davis, a journalist covering the nightlife, highlights the repetitive yet vibrant party scene dominated by a select group of individuals striving to maintain their status.

"People just talk about really what they were wearing and what parties they were going to... Brands were spending a lot of money, fashion brands."
― Peter Davis [01:52]

Introducing Andrew Parker: The Man Behind the Alias

Andrew Parker emerges as a quintessential figure embodying the desire to ascend the social ladder. Initially perceived as a charismatic entrepreneur, his flamboyant style—marked by fur coats and sunglasses regardless of the season—hinted at deeper insecurities and ulterior motives.

"He seemed like someone that was desperate to be a name and would do anything to be that name... He definitely had people closing their eyes when he jumped into a picture."
― Peter Davis [03:22-04:15]

Despite multiple personas—ranging from a fashion boutique owner to a nightclub promoter—Andrew struggled to maintain authenticity, often appearing contrived to those who knew the intricacies of the social elite.

Andrew's Early Ventures and Aspirations

Raised in a middle-class environment with an unstable household, Andrew's aspiration to transcend his origins was evident from a young age. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found an illegal after-hours club at just 17, showcasing his innate knack for hustling despite lacking formal business acumen.

"Andrew was born to be corrupt, but it was New York."
― Jason Ressler [09:09]

His early forays into the nightlife scene, including ventures like the club Pacha, set the foundation for his eventual metamorphosis into a recognized socialite.

Ascending to the Pinnacle: "Mayor of Madison Avenue"

By 2006, Andrew had rebranded himself from Andrew Pollock to Andrew Parker, launching a high-end boutique named Parker on Madison Avenue. This store became a hub for celebrities and affluent clientele, solidifying his status as a key player in New York's fashion and party scene.

"He was one of those people that wanted to be famous by any means necessary."
― Peter Davis [16:39]

Andrew's strategic networking and relentless pursuit of visibility led him to befriend influential figures, including stars like Zoe Kravitz and industry moguls, earning him the moniker "Mayor of Madison Avenue."

Cracks Appear: Unveiling the Fraud

Despite the outward success, rumors of fraudulent activities began to surface. Peter Davis uncovered Andrew's deceitful practices, including overpriced merchandise sold under false pretenses and exploitative dealings with vendors.

"He was getting these cheap sweaters that I guess he was paying $60 a pop for and selling them for $1,000 as cashmere."
― Peter Davis [15:25]

These unethical practices highlighted Andrew's willingness to compromise integrity for social standing, distinguishing his schemes from typical industry misconduct.

The Complex Criminal Enterprise

Undeterred by initial setbacks, Andrew collaborated with Luis Damian Jacos (DJ) to orchestrate a sophisticated credit card skimming operation. This elaborate scam targeted high-end retail establishments, enabling them to purchase luxury goods fraudulently and resell them for profit.

"The whole operation relied on waiters and bartenders that DJ had recruited... They would emboss blank credit cards with the information and create perfect replicas."
― Rajiv Gola [20:09-21:55]

Andrew's dual role as both a shopper and manager in the scheme underscored his deep involvement and the breadth of the criminal network he was part of.

Downfall and Legal Repercussions

The operation's expanse eventually drew law enforcement attention. A coordinated 18-month investigation by the NYPD and Secret Service culminated in massive raids, seizing substantial cash and goods, and resulting in the arrest of 28 individuals, including Andrew Parker.

"His enterprise corruption charge would add a sentence of up to nine years imprisonment on his raft sheet."
― Rajiv Gola [22:33]

Despite multiple arrests, Andrew's pattern of recidivism suggested a deeper compulsion towards his fraudulent endeavors.

Aftermath and Personal Reflections

The fallout from Andrew's schemes reverberated through New York's social and business communities, eroding trust and prompting heightened scrutiny of personal interactions within elite circles.

"Your waitress could be stealing your card, your bartender...you couldn't buy anything on the street or if you didn't know the person personally."
― Steve Lewis [23:48]

While some, like Jason Ressler, defended Andrew's character based on longstanding friendships, others condemned his actions as betrayals of personal trust.

"Whatever bad stuff they say to that, I can't say they're wrong."
― Jason Ressler [24:50]

Efforts to contact Andrew post-arrest revealed his attempts to reinvent himself yet again, adopting a new identity and relocating to Las Vegas under the name Andy Z., suggesting a relentless pursuit of evasion and reinvention.

Conclusion: The Price of Ambition

"The Mayor of Madison Avenue" serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the lengths one might go to attain social prestige. Andrew Parker's journey from a middle-class aspirant to a notorious figure in Manhattan's elite circles underscores the destructive potential of ambition devoid of ethical grounding.

"Andrew spent what seems like his whole life trying to become part of the in crowd... There was nothing too seedy, no price too high."
― Rajiv Gola [26:59]

Ultimately, despite momentary successes and notoriety, Andrew's relentless quest for recognition led to his undoing, highlighting the inevitable consequences of living a life built on deception and manipulation.

Notable Quotes:

• "He was already big in the scene. He had already been to area, he'd already been To Danceteria. He had known everybody every place."
  ― Jason Ressler [07:50]

• "Never really went for the preppy types. It was incredible how far Andrew had come from his ratty high school days."
  ― Steve Lewis [12:37]

• "Andrew thinks he's a celebrity now, he's enjoying all of this."
  ― Peter Davis [19:20]

• "Andrew did a great deal in making people forget how good it was."
  ― Steve Lewis [25:15]

Final Thoughts

Big Time's exploration of Andrew Parker's life offers a gripping narrative of ambition, deception, and downfall within the high-stakes world of New York City's elite. Through detailed storytelling and firsthand accounts, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how the pursuit of fame and status can lead to one's undoing.

For more compelling stories about audacious criminals and their intricate schemes, follow and listen to Big Time on Apple Podcasts.