Podcast Summary: "Sammy Hagar: How Rock 'n' Roll Changed My Life | E162"

Podcast Title: In Search Of Excellence
Host: Randall Kaplan
Guest: Sammy Hagar
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "In Search Of Excellence," host Randall Kaplan dives deep into the transformative journey of legendary rock star and entrepreneur Sammy Hagar. From his meteoric rise with Van Halen to building a successful tequila empire, Sammy shares invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, harnessing passion, and achieving excellence both professionally and personally.

Joining Van Halen and Achieving Musical Success

Sammy Hagar recounts his serendipitous entry into Van Halen, a band that would become one of the most successful rock groups in history.

Sammy Hagar [00:00]: "Hey, nobody else knows how to do this. I'll tell you what you got to do. Let's go take over this world."

Upon joining, Van Halen saw immediate success:

• First Album: Achieved a number one record on the Billboard charts for five consecutive weeks.
• Touring: Sammy describes an intense touring schedule, mentioning a VOA tour with approximately 120 shows.

Sammy Hagar [01:54]: "We were the greatest band in the world at that time. I don't care what anyone says. I'll argue with you about anybody."

Navigating Challenges and Departure from Van Halen

Despite the glamour and success, Sammy faced significant personal and professional challenges:

• Lifestyle Clashes: Sammy adhered to a strict diet and disciplined routine, which contrasted with the band's indulgent lifestyle.

  Sammy Hagar [05:22]: "I became the leader of the band. We took off on a carnival ride that got me back motivated as a rock star."

• Personal Life Impact: His commitment to a healthier lifestyle strained his marriage, leading to his wife's nervous breakdown.

• Band Dynamics: Issues such as Eddie Van Halen's alcoholism and internal disagreements culminated in Sammy being fired from the band in 1996, and again upon his return from 2003 to 2005.

Sammy Hagar [05:22]: "I saw this ain't working no more. I ain't happy in this band. All the fame and the fortune in the world isn't working for me."

Transition to Entrepreneurship: Building Cabo Wabo

Determined to forge his own path, Sammy embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, most notably founding Cabo Wabo, a tequila brand that would become synonymous with his legacy.

• Initial Steps: Inspired by his trips to Cabo San Lucas, Sammy decided to create a tequila bar and distillery.

  Sammy Hagar [13:32]: "I fell in love with that place. I want to build a little cantina, a little tequila bar."

• Challenges: The initial years were tough, with the business bleeding money and facing skepticism from critics.

  Sammy Hagar [19:09]: "It's awesome. If you haven't been there. I hope we can meet there in a couple weeks when we're down there for the holidays."

• Breakthrough: Persistence paid off as Cabo Wabo began gaining traction, eventually becoming the second best-selling tequila in the United States behind Jose Cuervo.

  Sammy Hagar [26:06]: "Cabo Wabo was selling 147,000 cases per year. And you'd become the second best selling tequila in the United States behind Jose Cuervo."

Innovative Marketing and Branding Strategies

Sammy Hagar revolutionized the way celebrities approached branding, particularly in the spirits industry.

• Authentic Promotion: Instead of traditional advertising, Sammy leveraged his performances to promote his brands organically. This included:

  • On-Stage Branding: Incorporating his tequila into performances, such as making margaritas live on stage.

  • Brand Integration: Ensuring his liquor was present in every venue he performed, creating a seamless brand presence.

Sammy Hagar [35:41]: "Passion, a great product, and hard work and determination. If it don't happen overnight, if you got a great product and you really believe in it, then eventually you're going to make it happen."

• Influence on Others: Sammy's approach paved the way for other celebrities to launch successful spirits brands, exemplified by names like George Clooney and Kendall Jenner.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

Sammy emphasizes the importance of philanthropy, focusing on local communities and direct assistance.

• Community Support: Over the years, Sammy and his wife Kari have donated more than $4 million to various causes, prioritizing food relief and support for terminally ill children.

  Sammy Hagar [52:43]: "I believe you do what you can and you do it in your community first. If you can afford to send money to Africa, God bless you."

• Business-Driven Philanthropy: Sammy integrates philanthropy into his businesses, such as donating proceeds from Sammy's Beach Bar and Grills to local communities.

  Sammy Hagar [52:43]: "I give all that money to those communities. It's something you don't brag about, and it's something you just do out of the goodness of your heart."

Personal Insights on Achieving Excellence

Sammy shares the foundational elements that have driven his success:

1. Passion: An unwavering love for what he does.

   Sammy Hagar [35:41]: "If you don't have enough passion, you'll quit or people won't believe you."

2. Preparation: Diligent preparation in his craft, whether in music or business.

   Sammy Hagar [40:19]: "If you're not prepared, you're just not going to succeed, you know."

3. Great Product: Commitment to quality, ensuring his products meet high standards.

   Sammy Hagar [44:25]: "It's the best tequila in the world, straight up. I just told you why."

4. Hard Work and Determination: Perseverance through challenges to achieve long-term goals.

   Sammy Hagar [35:41]: "Hard work and determination. If it don't happen overnight, it's going to happen."

Reflections on Success, Happiness, and Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Sammy delves into his personal quest for happiness and fulfillment.

• Simple Pleasures: Embracing activities like gardening and spending quality time with family brings him joy.

  Sammy Hagar [48:07]: "I love planning a garden. My wife and I, she's really got a green thumb."

• Overcoming Apathy: Despite his success, Sammy grapples with finding new sources of happiness as he matures.

  Sammy Hagar [48:07]: "I'm trying to live that way now. I'm trying to say that maybe it will make me happy if I do something new."

Personal Relationships and Family

Sammy highlights the profound impact of his family on his life and success.

• Mother and Grandmother: Reflecting on his mother's humble beginnings and his grandmother's resilience, Sammy underscores the importance of supporting loved ones.

  Sammy Hagar [60:58]: "I wish I would have been able to help my father. He died in the street. It's not a pretty thing."

• Supporting Older Relatives: His dedication to his grandmother is a testament to his values and the importance he places on family.

  Sammy Hagar [61:43]: "Being able to help my grandmother, who grew up in poverty and had five husbands, has been one of the most enjoyable things in my life."

Life Lessons and Final Reflections

As the conversation winds down, Sammy imparts essential life lessons about fear, authenticity, and resilience.

• Overcoming Fear of Failure: While Sammy claims to be fearless, he admits to battling insecurities rooted in his past.

  Sammy Hagar [45:34]: "I fear failing. Yes, I fear rejection. I hate that."

• Authentic Living: Emphasizing the importance of living true to oneself, Sammy advocates against compromising one's values for success.

  Sammy Hagar [35:41]: "I'm trying to do what I'm doing for a reason. Because I want to be successful at what I do and I believe in your product."

• Desire for Positive Change: Sammy's ultimate wish focuses on eradicating violence and greed, hoping for a more compassionate world.

  Sammy Hagar [68:25]: "A wish to end violence and greed on this planet. Probably end greed and everything else would go away with it."

Conclusion

In this enriching episode of "In Search Of Excellence," Sammy Hagar offers a candid glimpse into his multifaceted life—balancing rock stardom with entrepreneurial ventures and heartfelt philanthropy. His journey underscores that true excellence is a blend of passion, perseverance, authenticity, and a commitment to giving back. For anyone striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, Sammy's story serves as both inspiration and a roadmap to enduring success.

Notable Quotes:

• Sammy Hagar [00:00]: "Let's go take over this world."
• Sammy Hagar [05:22]: "We were the greatest band in the world at that time."
• Sammy Hagar [35:41]: "Passion, a great product, and hard work and determination."
• Sammy Hagar [52:43]: "I believe you do what you can and you do it in your community first."
• Sammy Hagar [40:19]: "If you're not prepared, you're just not going to succeed."
• Sammy Hagar [68:25]: "A wish to end violence and greed on this planet."