#258 - Dani Zoldan - a podcast by Ben Gothard | Project EGG

Dani Zoldan is an entrepreneur. Since 19 years old he is most passionate and comfortable when navigating in uncharted waters and have applied that mindset to his numerous business ventures. While in college, he founded the online music company Eargazmic.com. Merging his love of music and computers (they called it computers back then, not technology), he created a website where independent bands and musicians can use the website to promote and sell their music. Each artist had their own web page which consisted of photos, a bio, upcoming tour dates and links to purchase MP3’s. He ended up dropping out of New York University to focus on the business full-time but ultimately closing the business in 2003.

In 2004, when phone carriers starting utilizing voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and routing their traffic over internet lines instead of phone lines, he decided to experiment with that technology and built an IP connection from his apartment closet (that’s closet, as in where you put clothes) to Trinidad & Tobago and successfully was able to make long distance phone calls but paying local (Trinidad) prices. This experiment launched Titan International, which ultimately became a big player in selling wholesale long distance services to phone companies. Verizon, China Telecom, TATA Communications and many phone companies around the world relied on their services.

Not stimulated by the telecom business so much anymore, 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. He purchased the club with one of his best buddy’s Gabe Waldman (also an aspiring comic), hired Steve Lewis, (the infamous New York club operator/designer) and gave Stand Up NY a major makeover. Today, the club is home to many current A-listers including Amy Schumer, Michael Che, Pete Davidson and Judah Friedlander.

In 2013, with his co-founder Jon Fatigate, we created Stand Up NY Labs, a comedy incubator. They successfully launched several hit podcasts including Tuesdays with Stories, Race Wars, The Jtrain podcast and In the Conversation which can can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and SoundCloud. In 2015 DGital Media, an audio engagement company invested in their company and currently ad-rep their network.

At the end of 2016, Stand Up NY launched Skitish Media which creates short, funny, and shareable video content for brands and media agencies.

He currently reside on the Upper West Side with my wife Billie, an orthodontist and three children - Bradyn, Sydney and Ryder.

About The Project EGG Show:

The Project EGG Show is a video talk show that introduces you to entrepreneurs from around the world. It is broadcast from studios in Metairie, Louisiana to online platforms including YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher, and hosted by Ben Gothard.

Our goal is to give you a fresh, unscripted and unedited look into the lives of real entrepreneurs from around the globe. From billionaires to New York Times best selling authors to Emmy Award winners to Forbes 30 Under 30 recipients to TEDx speakers – we present their real stories – uncensored and uncut.

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Further episodes of The Project EGG Show: Entrepreneurs Gathering for Growth | Conversations That Change The World

Further podcasts by Ben Gothard | Project EGG

Website of Ben Gothard | Project EGG