When you talk about investing millions in a neglected city, buying up old buildings, funding small businesses and startups, and creating the happiest community on earth, people listen. So it’s no surprise that word quickly spreads about Tony Hsieh’s grand plans and the pilgrimages to Vegas begin. But will Tony’s utopia prevail? Or will the qualities that once made him beloved come back to bite him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When you talk about investing millions in a neglected city, buying up old buildings, funding small businesses and startups, and creating the happiest community on earth, well, people listen.
So its no surprise that word quickly spreads about Tony Hsiehs grand plans and his open checkbook.
The pilgrimages to Vegas begin.
Its like that gold rush attitude youd be in downtown like in a bar or on the street or doing something youd literally have people come up and say, I've got this great idea for an app.
You go who are you?
From far flung entrepreneurs to local artists, everyone wants to get in on the action of the downtown project.
Picture this scene if you're in Vegas.
If you can sort of buddy up with Tony at a party like you're having fun and you get your startup funded, that's kind of this amazing dream.
No stuffy boardrooms and suits.
Here in Tony's Vegas, the magic happens at cocktail bars and late night raves, or in his swanky apartment famous for its wall of sticky notes filled with pitch ideas from various acolytes.
Are we friends?
Am I your employee?
Am I pitching to you right now a concept?
Are you considering funding my thing?
And these blurry lines are exactly what Tony wants.
Hes not an ordinary leader.
Hes collapsing the boundaries between company and city, investor and friend, work and party.
Just like at Zappos, the shoe business he built into a billion dollar empire.
He believes that if the downtown project unfolds in a fun, spontaneous, organic way, the rest will take care of itself.
Who wouldnt want to get involved?