INTERVIEW | Make Money Redefining Vegas Nightlife: Wellness Events with Mikey Margolin
Mikey Margolin is the founder of Etho Wellness Club, a social platform that's thrown 33 wellness events in Las Vegas in just eight months, drawing thousands with cold plunges, saunas, movement, music, and brand partners like Ever Bowl. Growing up in Vegas' party culture, he left a sports betting job to build healthier social spaces after battling drugs, alcohol, and gambling personally. Now he's creating the "third space" locals crave—fun without vices—while turning community demand into a scalable wellness ecosystem.
On this episode we talk about:
Why Vegas' traditional nightlife (partying, gambling, drugs) isn't sustainable, and how Mikey spotted demand for healthy social events blending music, movement, and recovery.
His personal rock bottom in the gambling industry that forced him to quit and go all-in on Etho as his only path forward.
Highs of massive community support (33 seamless events, inbound brand partnerships) vs. lows of thin margins and labor-intensive operations.
Tactics for high-volume events: build a visionary team, keep marketing simple (flyers at gyms, word-of-mouth), and let great experiences drive organic growth.
How post-COVID population booms and mindset shifts from California/Texas transplants are making Vegas ripe for wellness as the new "capital" of health.
Top 3 Takeaways
Start with community over business models—throw grassroots events to test demand, gather feedback, and let partnerships/revenue streams emerge organically (like Mikey's Puma/Lululemon deals).
Overcome "closed fist" fear by surrendering to the mission; opportunities like venues and sponsors appear when you create real value first, even if margins start slim.
Build the "third space" people crave (beyond home/work): accessible wellness clubs for daily hangs, not elite/exclusive, to foster belonging and health without vices.
Notable Quotes
"Why does it always have to be the healthy ones sacrificing? Let's create environments where healthy behavior is celebrated."
"Everyone believed in what we were doing, but 'how will this pay the bills?'—we surrendered, threw the first event, and doors opened we never imagined."
"Vegas is shifting: casinos' gambling/drinking numbers are down because people want healthier, happier lives."
Connect with Mikey Margolin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethomikey/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlikemikey/?hl=en
Website: ethoclub.com (events, email list)
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