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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with the CEO and Chairman of VENU, a visionary entrepreneur whose journey defies convention, J.W. Roth,. From his roots as a fifth-generation Colorado rancher to becoming a former Denver police officer, Roth's path to success is anything but traditional. After earning his GED, he ventured into the food distribution industry, co-founding Roth Premium Foods, which became one of the nation's top prepared foods companies.
But Roth's true passion lay in music and live entertainment. In 2017, he founded Venu Holding Corporation, initially known as Notes Live, with the ambition to revolutionize the live concert experience. Under his leadership, VENU has developed luxury, experience-driven venues like the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs and the Sunset Amphitheaters in Texas and Oklahoma.
In our conversation, JW shares insights into the challenges of scaling a luxury entertainment brand across diverse markets, the innovative partnerships that have fueled VENU's growth, and the unique investment opportunities available for fans and investors alike. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a music enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look into the future of live entertainment.
Notable Awards and Recognitions
• Founded VENU Holding Corporation in 2017, transforming the live entertainment industry by developing luxury, experience-driven venues that blend music, hospitality, and community.
• Co-founded Roth Premium Foods, which became one of the nation's top prepared foods companies.
• Named to the VenuesNow 2025 All-Stars list, marking his second recognition after 2022, for excellence and leadership in the venue industry.
• Established strategic partnerships with brands like AEG Presents, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman.
• Spearheaded a $5 billion venue expansion strategy, including flagship projects like the 20,000-seat Sunset Amphitheater in McKinney, Texas.
• Featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for his innovative approach to live entertainment.
How to connect with JW Roth
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwroth-venu
• https://www.facebook.com/jwrothvenu
• https://venu.live/
• https://www.instagram.com/venu_live/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/venuholdingcorporation/
• https://www.facebook.com/venuholdingcorporation
• NYSE: VENU
Show Notes
[1:29] JW reflects on his unconventional path from working in law enforcement and food distribution to leading a publicly traded hospitality and entertainment company, and what motivated his leap into entrepreneurship.
[2:44] The moment when the idea for VENU first began to take shape.
[5:21] How he built VENU into a lifestyle brand and the challenges he faced bringing that vision to life.
[7:47] Why he chose the outdoor amphitheater model and how it differentiates VENU in the entertainment industry.
[9:23] JW shares how VENU blends high-end hospitality, live music, and community in a scalable way while staying true to its core values.
[10:42] Explaining how Luxe Fire Suites drives financing for future projects and help sustain VENU’s growth.
[11:13] How VENU forms partnerships with iconic brands and what qualities he looks for in a brand collaborator.
[13:03] VENU’s untraditional, fan-owned and fan-founded model, and shares how people can invest and get involved.
[15:31] How listeners can connect, learn more about VENU, and explore potential investment opportunities.
[16:09] JW offers advice for entrepreneurs looking to bring bold ideas to life within traditional industries.
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