Michael Dorf, CEO of City Winery - Leading in the Music Business

Ever wondered how the music industry business really works? For many artists and those sitting in the audience this remains a mystery. Turns out that leaders can learn a lot about leadership, creativity, and innovation by taking a deeper dive here.That’s where Michael Dorf, City Winery’s Founder and CEO, comes in. He got his start in the entertainment industry by creating New York City’s legendary venue for independent music, the Knitting Factory, in 1986. In 2002, he left his operating responsibilities and sold his equity position to pursue other endeavors, including a Carnegie Hall concert fundraiser series, founding a Hebrew school, winemaking and brainstorming the concept of City Winery.In 2008, Dorf unleashed the flagship location of City Winery in New York City to deliver a unique combined culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts. Each City Winery offers intimate concerts, food and wine seminars, private event spaces, upscale dining, and a fully functioning winery. Today, City Winery has physical locations in New York, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Hudson Valley.The first half of this episode, you’ll discover some amazing stories that Michael shares about REM, Lou Reed, David Sanborn, and Vanessa Carlton. Then in the second half we go “behind the curtain” and reveal the secrets of the music business that you can apply to your business and career.Michael's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldorf/Michael's Book: Indulge Your Sense: Scaling Intimacy in a Digital WorldCity Winery - https://citywinery.com/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Michael’s moment on stage with REM at Carnagie Hall - their last live performance!Michael's amazing non-profit that raised $1.7M. The big super power that Michael brings to the business.The REAL music business.Michael’s moment of realizing his niche in the music business.One of Michael’s most memorable moments having found the legendary music venue, The Knitting Factory.What happened when Lou Reed opened his new music venue.The powerful message behind this new book.How Michael led the live music comeback after the Pandemic.Michael’s reputation at “EDITDorf”.The “Supply Chain” of the music business.How to run a profitable live music business.His secret to addressing employee turnover in the music industry.Vanessa Carlton & shared values.How you create a place that employee will never want to leave.Selfish philanthropy.QUOTES:“The profits are in the popcorn.””We want to make quality wine in an urban setting.”“Have that moment of a great dinner with great friends while keeping your phone in your pocket. Then have the intimacy of hearing a great band up close playing your favorite songs… that’s really magical.”“Live music, going to the gym, yoga, or a meditation session. These are things that cannot be recreated with technology and kept in your phone in your pocket.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1