Dani Zoldan is a lifelong entrepreneur. In 2008, he purchased Stand Up NY, the famous comedy club on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that made its name in the 80’s and 90’s with many of the world’s best comics including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Louis CK and Jon Stewart.
Today, (at least pre-pandemic when we could still gather in person!) the club has been home to many current A-listers including Amy Schumer, Michael Che, Pete Davidson and Judah Friedlander.
I met Dani through James Altucher, who bought into club ownership in 2016, and was honored to participate in their inaugural Podcast Row. When I saw Dani quoted in the New York Times March 18: Open Your Laptops, the Comedy Show Is About to Begin, as businesses started shutting down, I knew he’d have an interesting Pivot perspective to share!
Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/216
More about Dani Zoldan
Dani Zoldan has been an entrepreneur since he was 19 years old. While in college, he founded the online music company Eargazmic.com which was a website where independent bands and musicians can promote and sell their music.
In 2008, he purchased Stand Up NY, the famous comedy club on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Stand Up NY made its name in the 80’s and 90’s with many of the world’s best comics known to frequent the club including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Louis CK and Jon Stewart. Today, the club is home to many current A-listers including Amy Schumer, Michael Che, Pete Davidson and Judah Friedlander.
In 2013, with co-founder Jon Fatigate, they created Stand Up NY Labs, a comedy incubator. They also successfully launched several hit podcasts including Tuesdays with Stories, Race Wars, and The Jtrain podcast. At the end of 2016, Stand Up NY launched Skitish Media which creates short, funny, and shareable video content for brands and media agencies.
Topics Covered
Dani quoted in the NYT: “I’ve been thinking about livestreaming for years, but I always pushed it off because I was focused on filling the seats at the club,” said Dani Zoldan, the owner of Stand Up NY. As the pandemic continued to make headlines, Zoldan said, “Within a half of a second, I pivoted.”
Growing up in New York City: “Against the wall is where I thrive”
Personally and professionally this has been the best thing that’s happened to me
From non-stop to pause—for the first time in 11 years
How can a sense of humor help right now?
“People need it, even when bad things happen”
Barbara Corcoran: “You can’t turn a failure around; but you can stay in the game and not feel sorry for yourself.”
Resources Mentioned
Twitter: @dzoldan
Articles:
Barbara Corcoran’s Business Unusual Podcast
Related Pivot Podcasts:
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