Jesse Itzler

In 1992, I went to the Beverly Hills Hotel almost every day for lunch. I’d stay from 12-4 pm. Everyday. Since I couldn’t afford an office, this was my office.

What I realized was you could get a table…just order a salad…and WA-LAH…you were in the same room as prominent business figures, agents, actors, and moguls who were there for lunch.

So I went there every day, mingled, and people watched, studied, and learned. Over time, I met a lot of people.

Go to the watering holes that are relevant to you…go to the hot spots…where the action is. If you’re new to Wall Street, does everyone on Wall Street go to one bar? Go there.

This is for business, for friends, for partners.

Put yourself in the room with the people who will move the needle for you, these places are everywhere.

In 1992, I went to the Beverly Hills Hotel almost every day for lunch. I’d stay from 12-4pm. Everyday. Since I couldn’t afford an office, this was my office.

What I realized was you could get a table…just order a salad…and WA-LAH…you were in the same room as prominent business figures, agents, actors, and moguls who were there for lunch.

So I went there everyday, mingled, people watched, studied, learned, and over time I met a lot of people.

Go to the watering holes that are relevant to you…go to the hot spots…where the action is. If you’re new to Wall Street, does everyone on Wall Street go to one bar? Go there.

This is for business, for friends, for partners.

Put yourself in the room with the people that will move the needle for you, these places are everywhere.

When building Marquis Jet into a $5B business, we had one cardinal rule…

No empty seats.

Whether it's on a plane, at a dinner, or in a meeting - fill it, every empty seat is a missed connection. A lost opportunity to build something real.

Two things happen when you invite someone:
1. They show up and you create a moment that matters
2. They can't make it but remember you thought of them

Either way, you're building relationships that last. And in business, that's everything. Not the fancy pitch decks or the PowerPoints. Just real people, sharing real experiences.

I've never once regretted including someone. Not once.

Make it your rule: No empty seats. Watch what happens.

After 55 years, I finally beat my dad in checkers.

But here’s what I usually don’t talk about… 👇

He had Alzheimer’s.

I’d sit with him for 24 hours straight just to catch 5 minutes of clarity.

Then one day, it happened.

“Jesse, my son, want to play checkers?”

For the first time ever, I won.

But the victory wasn’t about winning—it was about having that moment together.

Then he looked at me and said something I’ll never forget:

“I’ll do anything in the world you want to do.”

So we went swimming.

First time in 15 years for him.

It was never about checkers. It was about creating a memory while I still could.

Life is full of these moments.

5 minutes of clarity. A conversation. A chance to do something meaningful.

Most people hesitate. Get distracted. Assume there’s more time.

But there isn’t.

When life gives you the chance to create a memory—take it.

No waiting. No second-guessing. Just go.

Because in the end, those small moments?

They’re everything.

What moment are you waiting for? Drop it below 👇

People always say “the kids come first.”

Not true.

Mommy and daddy come first. If mommy and daddy aren’t right…the whole thing doesn't work.

With work, kids, obligations, etc, its hard to get time alone.

I've found the best way to do that is to plan it. Plan date nights, one-on-one trips, etc.

This is a great time to get ahead of the new year.