Podcast Summary: In Search Of Excellence – John Terzian & Don Terzian

Episode Title: John Terzian: The King of LA Nightlife and Building The h.wood Group from Scratch | E156
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Randall Kaplan
Guest: Don Terzian, Co-Founder and CEO of The h.wood Group

Introduction

In this riveting episode of In Search Of Excellence, host John Terzian engages in an in-depth conversation with his close friend, Don Terzian. Don, a luminary in the Los Angeles nightlife scene, shares his journey from a creative college promoter to the co-founder of The h.wood Group, which boasts over 11 highly successful nightclubs and restaurants globally, including iconic venues like Bootsy Bellows and Nice Guy Delilah's. The discussion delves into Don’s personal experiences, challenges, and the philosophies that fueled his ascent in the competitive hospitality industry.

Early Life and Family Influence

Don Terzian opens up about his upbringing in Westwood, highlighting the contrast between his artistic inclinations and his family's more conventional professions. “I was kind of like the black sheep of the family,” Don reflects (01:25). His father, Dick, was a lawyer representing the city of Malibu, while his mother, Kathy, dedicated her life to teaching. Despite the divergence from his family's legal and educational backgrounds, Don emphasizes the foundational values instilled by his parents: “The best people, they were the absolute best people... to be a good human” (02:07).

College Years: Football and Law School

Don's journey took a pivotal turn during his college years. Initially heading to Michigan on an art scholarship, he later transferred to USC to attend law school — a path influenced by his family's legal legacy. However, Don's passion for sports led him to walk on as a quarterback, an experience he credits for shaping his leadership skills. “The skill set for that has to do a lot with being a leader in business, in life” (05:22). Despite maintaining a commendable 3.7 GPA, Don faced setbacks, ultimately failing the bar exam twice. “It's not for me. I was never going to law school to be a lawyer, ever” (20:04).

Transition to Nightlife: From Promoter to Club Owner

Post-law school, Don's career trajectory shifted dramatically when he began working for DJ AM. Although he had parted ways with them months before a tragic jet crash, this period was formative. Don recounts his early days as a promoter in college, organizing extravagant parties and building a substantial network. “I had 30 or 40 investors, like a public offering” (38:13), he notes, highlighting his early entrepreneurial spirit.

One of his notable early ventures was renting out the Queen Mary in Long Beach for a monumental event, which unfortunately led to his permanent ban from the venue. “They put me on a very serious ban list” (17:55). Despite this setback, Don's resilience shone through as he continued to raise significant funds and launch successful nightlife establishments.

Building The h.wood Group: Successes and Challenges

Don details the inception of The h.wood Group, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategic partnerships. A key moment was partnering with Guy Starkman, which led to the acquisition and transformation of Trousdale into Bootsy Bellows. “We stayed close with him and he had this whole idea that I love to do this experiential nightlife... It was a wild success” (51:42).

Bootsy Bellows quickly became a hallmark of innovative nightlife, blending interactive elements like burlesque performances with a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere. Don shares memorable anecdotes, including a night when Katy Perry intervened to prevent a fire at the venue. “Katy Perry saved Bootsy Bellows from burning to the ground” (54:13).

Facing Adversity: Police Harassment and Resilience

Don candidly discusses the darker sides of his journey, particularly encounters with corrupt law enforcement. During his tenure with Stork, he and his partner Brian faced repeated harassment and extortion attempts by local police. “They wanted a payoff... I stayed super firm” (41:16). Despite the relentless pressure, Don remained steadfast, ultimately leading to the exposure and downfall of the corrupt officers involved.

These experiences fortified Don's commitment to integrity and ethical business practices. “My mind is so artistic, like, so off into artistic land that law school really grounded it” (20:04), he reflects, underscoring how his diverse experiences contributed to his business acumen.

Philosophies on Leadership and Work Ethic

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is Don's unyielding work ethic and belief in the fundamental importance of handling “the shit work” in business. “It was the make or break for me... skipping that major step of learning the building blocks” (28:43) he asserts. Don advocates for hands-on involvement in all aspects of operations, from mopping floors to overseeing promotions, believing this comprehensive approach is crucial for long-term success.

He also emphasizes the significance of resilience and learning from failures. “It'd be hard pressed to find not failing to be successful... you have to take it and pivot and react” (48:47). Don’s perspective is that experiencing and overcoming setbacks is integral to personal and professional growth.

Customer Service Excellence

Don's commitment to exceptional customer service is evident in his management of The h.wood Group's venues. He highlights the often-overlooked roles of support staff, such as those working in bathrooms, advocating for fair treatment and tipping. “You gotta take care of people that are working... it makes me mad that everyone just ignores them” (30:31).

This philosophy extends to the overall guest experience, ensuring that every element of his establishments exudes quality and attentiveness. Don believes that creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment is key to building a loyal clientele and maintaining the prestige of his venues.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Don Terzian's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From navigating personal failures and overcoming institutional corruption to building a renowned nightlife empire, Don exemplifies resilience and visionary leadership. His emphasis on foundational work ethics, hands-on management, and exceptional customer service offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

As Don aptly puts it, “You gotta learn how to do it and not hold on” (53:26), encapsulating the essence of his approach to both business and life. This episode of In Search Of Excellence not only chronicles Don's impressive achievements but also provides inspiring insights into overcoming adversity and striving for greatness.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Terzian (01:25): “I was kind of like the black sheep of the family.”
• Don Terzian (02:07): “The best people, they were the absolute best people... to be a good human.”
• Don Terzian (05:22): “The skill set for that has to do a lot with being a leader in business, in life.”
• Don Terzian (20:04): “It's a hard one, you know, in that regard. No, I really, I really did.”
• Don Terzian (28:43): “It was the make or break for me... skipping that major step of learning the building blocks.”
• Don Terzian (30:31): “You gotta take care of people that are working... it makes me mad that everyone just ignores them.”
• Don Terzian (41:16): “They wanted a payoff... I stayed super firm.”
• Don Terzian (48:47): “You have to take it and pivot and react.”
• Don Terzian (53:26): “You gotta learn how to do it and not hold on.”

This detailed summary captures the essence of Don Terzian's journey, highlighting his experiences, challenges, and the principles that drove his success in the nightlife industry. Through his candid storytelling and profound insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to achieve excellence amidst adversity.