In Search Of Excellence: Mike Meldman – From Co-Founding Casamigos to Becoming Co-Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders | E164 - Part 2

Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling second part of the interview series "In Search Of Excellence," host Randall Kaplan delves deeper into the extraordinary journey of Mike Meldman. As the founder of Discovery Land Company, co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, and a recent co-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Meldman shares invaluable insights into his ventures, leadership philosophy, investment strategies, and philanthropic endeavors. This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, notable quotes, and profound insights from their engaging conversation.

Entrepreneurial Beginnings: From Casamigos to Discovery Land Company

Mike Meldman opens the discussion reflecting on his venture into tequila with Casamigos. He recounts how the inspiration to create a unique tequila brand sprang from dissatisfaction with existing offerings:

"We were drinking different tequilas. We didn't really love anything. We decided to make our own, but just for ourselves, right?" [00:00]

This passion project rapidly turned into a commercial success, selling 20,000 cases within the first two days based on initial predictions.

Moving beyond tequila, Meldman discusses the inception of Discovery Land Company, highlighting the irony of starting a venture in golf despite never having played the sport:

"When I started Discovery, I did it to make golf fun. The irony of all this is I never golfed when I started Discovery..." [00:52]

He emphasizes the organic growth of Discovery Land Company, attributing its success to passion and instinct rather than a strict roadmap or mentorship.

The Kukiyo Project: Vision and Execution

A significant portion of the interview focuses on the Kukiyo project, a testament to Meldman's visionary approach and resilience in the face of challenges:

"Kukiyo is on the big island of Hawaii and it's right next to Hualai, which is the Four Seasons... We bought it at the courthouse steps in Honolulu." [03:05]

Meldman narrates the competitive bidding process against Hualai, a Japanese conglomerate, showcasing his unwavering conviction and strategic thinking:

"And the judge goes, going, going, gone. And we bought it." [04:40]

The project's success is highlighted by the impressive resale value and pre-sales achievements:

"We ended up selling our first resale for 20.5 million... we pre-sold $50 million worth of real estate in the first 90 days." [09:00]

Meldman describes the transformation of Kukiyo from an unattractive lava field into a stunning, tropical paradise, emphasizing the importance of challenging conventional norms and maintaining a clear vision:

"But you have to go and really meet with people, go to their offices, explain it... I never wavered on, you know, the vision or the concept." [09:50]

Building a Strong Team: The Role of JJ Dune and Brett

Randall Kaplan explores the significance of team building in Meldman's success, spotlighting key individuals like JJ Dune and Brett:

"JJ's was a great science experiment that worked... he's a great golfer. He's got the great gift to gab and stories." [15:23]

Meldman underscores that no single individual is solely responsible for the company's success, emphasizing a collective effort:

"It's not any one person, it's everybody. It takes a village, right?" [17:29]

Discussion also touches upon Brett's pivotal role in institutionalizing Discovery Land Company, allowing Meldman to focus more on visionary aspects:

"Brett comes in and has kind of institutionalized it... I'm just a better company because of him." [17:57]

Strategic Investments: Identifying and Nurturing Success

Meldman shares his investment philosophy, focusing on strategic partnerships and products that align with his brand's ethos. He discusses his investment in Viori, highlighting the synergy between the company’s offerings and his distribution networks:

"We have member guests and member members, and we have all these events where we give gifts away. I started including Viori in all our gift packages." [30:50]

He emphasizes the importance of contributing to the success of his investments, rather than merely providing capital:

"I like investing in investments where I could actually feel like I could contribute to the success or be a strategic investor." [31:10]

Sports Ventures: Becoming a Co-Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders

A milestone discussed is Meldman's recent acquisition of a 7.5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, a move that signifies his passion for sports and community involvement:

"I'm happy to be part of the Raiders... it was a great draft, we have a great front office, we have a great coaching staff." [01:18]

He views this investment as both a diversification of his portfolio and a generational asset, highlighting the personal and financial satisfaction it brings:

"It's a great generational investment and big believer, big football fan." [33:07]

Meldman elaborates on the excitement and hands-on involvement he and his co-investors have experienced since joining the Raiders:

"We were all part of the hiring process for the coaches, the GM and everyone. So it got us vested very quickly and excited." [33:20]

Personal Reflections: Success, Happiness, and Life Lessons

Meldman reflects on his personal definition of success, emphasizing self-creation, family, and the impact of his ventures on personal and others' lives:

"The most proud about it is I really created myself, started with no money... the whole reason I did it was to spend time with my kids." [35:40]

He discusses how his projects have enabled others to enjoy quality family time, underscoring the broader societal impact of his work:

"These projects all give them the time with their family that's such high quality." [09:50]

Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

Philanthropy is a cornerstone of Meldman's philosophy. He details the mission of the Discovery Lamb Foundation, which focuses on supporting children's charities within the communities his businesses operate:

"Discovery Lamb foundation was created to help children's charities around the communities we're in." [38:34]

Meldman shares personal motivations for his philanthropic efforts, inspired by his grandmother's challenging experiences in foster care, and the tangible impact these initiatives have had:

"You can change the world one kid at a time... It's been going on for a long time." [39:56]

Rapid-Fire Q&A: Personal Insights and Lessons

In the concluding segment, Meldman engages in a rapid-fire Q&A, sharing succinct yet profound personal insights:

• Biggest Lesson Learned:

  "Life is always be nice to people and treat people fairly." [41:12]

• Number One Personal Goal:

  "Raise my kids and have them be humble and unentitled, which they are." [42:06]

• Most Proudest Moment:

  "Seeing people enjoy the property so much." [42:57]

• Best Advice Received:

  "Stick to your knitting. That keeps you focused." [43:37]

• Most Important Quality for Success:

  "Discipline, drive, character, integrity." [44:38]

Meldman candidly shares personal regrets and humorous anecdotes, adding depth to his narrative and illustrating the human side of his professional journey.

Conclusion

Mike Meldman's interview on "In Search Of Excellence" offers a multifaceted look into the mind of a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. His journey from co-founding a tequila brand to building a luxury real estate empire and investing in a major sports team underscores the importance of vision, resilience, and community. Through strategic investments, team building, and a steadfast commitment to family and philanthropy, Meldman exemplifies the pursuit of excellence both professionally and personally.

Notable moments from the conversation, such as the competitive acquisition of Kukiyo [03:05] and his heartfelt reflections on success [35:40], provide listeners with actionable insights and inspiration to overcome challenges and achieve their own aspirations. Meldman's emphasis on character, discipline, and generosity serves as a guiding framework for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a lasting impact.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• "We were drinking different tequilas. We didn't really love anything. We decided to make our own, but just for ourselves, right?" – Mike Meldman [00:00]

• "When I started Discovery, I did it to make golf fun. The irony of all this is I never golfed when I started Discovery..." – Mike Meldman [00:52]

• "Kukiyo is on the big island of Hawaii and it's right next to Hualai, which is the Four Seasons..." – Mike Meldman [03:05]

• "It's not any one person, it's everybody. It takes a village, right?" – Mike Meldman [17:29]

• "We have member guests and member members, and we have all these events where we give gifts away. I started including Viori in all our gift packages." – Mike Meldman [30:50]

• "I'm happy to be part of the Raiders... it was a great draft, we have a great front office, we have a great coaching staff." – Mike Meldman [01:18]

• "The most proud about it is I really created myself, started with no money... the whole reason I did it was to spend time with my kids." – Mike Meldman [35:40]

• "Discovery Lamb foundation was created to help children's charities around the communities we're in." – Mike Meldman [38:34]

• "Life is always be nice to people and treat people fairly." – Mike Meldman [41:12]

• "Stick to your knitting. That keeps you focused." – Mike Meldman [43:37]

This interview serves as a rich source of inspiration and practical wisdom for entrepreneurs and leaders striving for excellence in their respective fields. Mike Meldman's authentic storytelling and strategic acumen provide a blueprint for building successful ventures while maintaining personal integrity and contributing positively to society.