In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Brad Thomas, the man often cited as a cornerstone of Los Angeles nightlife for over two decades. Brad reflects on the evolution of the city’s entertainment scene—from the legendary runs of Barfly and Le Deux to the high-energy eras of Playhouse and Supperclub.

Brad breaks down the post-COVID shift in consumer behavior, noting how Gen Z’s preference for wellness and "mushrooms" over alcohol has forced a radical reinvention of the industry. He also discusses his transition from the nightlife "grind" to high-end event production, managing partnerships with Century City Plaza (The Fairmont) and The Seller in Beverly Hills. Whether it’s hosting a $200-a-head dinner at Novikov or producing a multi-million dollar Jackson Pollock art showcase, Brad reveals the "Drew Code" for staying relevant in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood.

[0:00] – The New HQ: Andrew launches the official drewcodehq.com website and a new studio setup.

[0:50] – 20 Years in LA: Brad Thomas on his journey from the early 2000s to today.

[2:15] – Why Clubs Die: The lifecycle of a venue and why the current market is "frothy".

[4:10] – The Wellness Shift: How Gen Z and the "Aerewhon Era" changed the drinking rate in LA.

[6:25] – Pivoting to Events: Moving into high-stakes production for the Golden Globes and Oscars.

[7:15] – Fashion Night LA: Tackling the "Wild West" of the Los Angeles fashion scene.

[8:30] – New Frontiers: Bringing the brand to the Fairmont Century City and The Seller.

[9:50] – The Rebrand: Inside the name changes of iconic spots like Skybar and Mondrian.

[11:15] – Early Hustle: The origin of the "Real Estate Success Group" (RSG) and the Remax days.

[13:40] – The Sunset Strip Dream: Why West Hollywood remains the ultimate location for a legacy club.

Instagram: @bthomasla

Companies: Exquisite Affairs & Fashion Night LA

The Seller Beverly Hills: Brad’s current hub for high-end corporate and art events.

Century City Plaza (Fairmont): A major partner for Brad’s upscale event production.

Novikov: Mentioned as the current hotspot for high-end dining and networking.

Skybar (White Rabbit): Discussed during the transition and rebranding segments.

Collaboration Over Competition: Brad’s philosophy on why helping younger talent helps the entire ecosystem.

The Experience Economy: Why people are choosing $200 dinners over traditional nightclub tables.

In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Jesse Cruz, a dynamic life coach and entrepreneur who lives by the motto "Once a wrestler, always a wrestler".

Jesse shares his transformative journey from the one-mile radius of Hawaiian Gardens, CA, to coaching high-level business owners in Beverly Hills. The conversation dives deep into the science of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how Jesse uses it to help clients "perform surgery" on their subconscious minds to overcome self-sabotage.

Jesse gets raw about his own path—from unloading trucks and working at McDonald's to achieving seven years of sobriety and launching the IE Mastermind. Plus, Andrew makes a major announcement regarding the expansion of Amari Architecture and the launch of Amari Miami.

Chapter Markers [0:00] – Accountability & Integrity: Jesse on the "Four Agreements" and coaching yourself first.

[1:30] – The Power of "Yes": How a random opportunity at Amari Magazine led to this partnership.

[3:00] – From the Barrio to Beverly Hills: Jesse and Andrew discuss their shared 562 roots and immigrant upbringing.

[4:50] – The College Pivot: Leaving the path of "perfection" to find true purpose in entrepreneurship.

[6:40] – What is NLP? Deconstructing the 60,000 daily thoughts and the language of belief.

[8:20] – The Path to Sobriety: Jesse’s 7-year journey overcoming addiction and self-service.

[10:30] – The Giving Habit: Returning to coach wrestling at Artesia High and the value of mentorship.

[12:15] – Mamba Mentality: Learning from Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and real estate mogul Moises Urbina Jr..

[14:00] – Breaking News: The launch of Amari Miami and Amari Architecture. [15:30] – 2026

Vision: Expanding the IE Mastermind to 100 faith-based business owners. 

Show Notes & Guest Information Jesse Cruz

Instagram: @lifecoachjesse

Focus: NLP Coaching, IE Mastermind, and Peak Performance.

Featured Mention Amari Magazine: The strategic partner and networking hub that connected Jesse and Andrew. Amari Architecture: The new luxury design branch of the Amari franchise.

The Drew Code HQ Reading List: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Relentless by Tim Grover The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Ellada Mesveliani, a visionary architectural interior designer who specializes in custom residential and commercial spaces. After meeting at a high-level networking event in Pacific Palisades, Andrew and Ellada announce a major partnership between her design firm and Foundational Builders Corp (FB Corp) to lead upcoming projects in California, Florida, and beyond. Ellada shares her journey from studying art and acting in Athens, Greece, to becoming a premier designer in Los Angeles. She breaks down her unique design philosophy—which she calls "luxury simplicity"—a mix of modern, contemporary, and Japanese influences that prioritizes high-quality materials like real stone, plaster, and concrete. The conversation explores the power of intuitive and spiritual design, explaining how the "vibe" and energy of a space are just as vital as the floor plan.

Chapter Markers

[0:00] – The Year of the Horse: Andrew Robles on moving fast and attending events in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

[0:45] – Meet Ellada Mesveliani: Defining architectural interior design for custom residential and commercial projects.

[1:00] – The Partnership: FB Corp and Ellada join forces for California rebuilds, Florida expansions, and multi-family projects.

[1:35] – Roots & Culture: Ellada discusses her Georgian and Greek heritage and the influence of Athens.

[2:30] – The Creative Evolution: Transitioning from acting and art in Greece to finding peace in design.

[3:35] – Luxury Simplicity: A look into Ellada’s aesthetic mix of modern and Japanese design.

[3:55] – The Materiality of Design: Why real stone, plaster, and concrete are non-negotiable for high-end vibes.

[4:35] – Intuitive Spaces: Designing for the energy of the owner rather than just following a plan.

[5:40] – The Frequency of Flow: Why the "happy place" of a home is defined by its energy and spiritual alignment.

[6:50] – Closing: Rebuilding the community and bringing new life to residential projects.

Show Notes & Guest Information

Ellada Mesveliani Instagram: @ellada_mesveliani

Specialization: Architectural Interior Design, Custom Residential, and Commercial builds.

Featured Brands & Locations Foundational Builders Corp (FB Corp): The general contracting firm leading the partnership.

Pacific Palisades & Altadena: Key California markets for upcoming rebuilds. Athens, Greece: The cultural foundation of Ellada’s design sensibility.

In this high-energy installment of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles welcomes back media mogul Kent Speakman, joined by the dynamic energy healer and model Alaina. This episode peels back the curtain on the glitz and friction of Hollywood life.

The trio discusses Kent’s recent expansion into a new podcast studio on Hollywood Boulevard and his adventures at sea. Alaina dives into her true passion: facilitating deep life transformations through extreme healing experiences, including a recent 7-day retreat in Tulum where she helped women work through core wounds. The conversation gets personal with a series of "Bro Code" stories from Beverly Hills hotspots like Steak 48 and Novikov, ending with Kent’s jaw-dropping account of a $300,000 "perfect date" filmed for NBC that turned into a televised nightmare.

[0:00] – The Return of Kent: Andrew welcomes back Kent Speakman and introductions for Alaina.

[1:15] – Hollywood Expansion: Opening the new studio on Hollywood Boulevard with Breaking Hits.

[2:40] – Beverly Hills Networking: Quick bites at Wally’s and events at The Seller.

[3:45] – Bro Code at Steak 48: Handling awkward dating encounters and jealous energy.

[5:45] – Self-Control: Why the only thing you can truly control in a room is yourself.

[7:15] – Core Wound Healing: Alaina on Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and Reiki transformations.

[7:35] – The Tulum Retreat: Bringing 18 women together for a life-altering experience.

[9:40] – Energy Reading: Alaina’s take on raising frequency to reach people heart-to-heart.

[11:15] – The $300k Disaster: The Oahu date story involving yachts, volcanoes, and a pre-filming breakup.

[12:35] – Hollywood Regrets: The famous roles John Travolta and Will Smith turned down.

[13:30] – The Rom-Com Blueprint: Andrew's FBCorp commercial idea and bringing back the genre.

[14:15] – Oscar Week: Pre-Oscar festivities at the Sofitel and upcoming hosting gigs.

Instagram: @kentspeakman

Platform: KNEKT.TV

Instagram: @alainainthelight

Focus: Facilitator, Reiki Healer, and Model

Breaking Hits: Kent's partner on the new Hollywood Boulevard studio.

Steak 48: A Beverly Hills staple and scene of the episode’s "Bro Code" discussion.

The Cellar: A top recommendation from Kent for corporate wine and liquor tastings.

Wally’s Beverly Hills: The go-to spot for high-level networking bites.

In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Andrew Slocum, founder of Green Development Company. Slocum isn’t just a builder; he is a housing advocate and a strategist who is actively changing state laws to make California a more affordable place to live. The conversation explores the gritty intersection of politics and construction, including Slocum’s role on political endorsement committees and his take on why the current nonprofit housing model is failing. Slocum shares powerful insights from the front lines of the Altadena fire rebuilds, the absurdity of the "Staircase Solution" in LA city planning, and his upcoming legislative push for utility reform. Plus, Andrew reveals how sailing to Catalina and following Formula 1 keeps him sharp in a high-friction industry.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] – Developing Change: Meet Andrew Slocum of Green Development Company.

[1:30] – The Political Necessity: Why developers must interview mayors and council members.

[4:30] – Systemic Failure: Why the $122B homeless fund should go to private builders, not just nonprofits.

[5:45] – The Altadena Rebuild: The emotional and logistical toll of rebuilding after a disaster.

[7:15] – Blank Slate Design: Navigating government codes and finessing ADU rules.

[9:50] – The Staircase Nightmare: A story of bureaucratic absurdity and losing faith in the system.

[11:20] – Inspiration: Learning from the low-key success of Ricardo Pagan. [12:35] – Unplugging: Sailing to Catalina and the peace of "mind capacity". [13:30] – F1 in Abu Dhabi: How travel and racing provide a fresh lens on city building.

[14:10] – Legislative Future: SB 1211 and the fight for utility drop reform.

Show Notes & Guest Information Andrew Slocum

Company: Green Development Company

LinkedIn: Andrew Slocum

Instagram: @andrewslocum

Featured Topics & Legislation SB 1211: The ongoing push to increase ADU counts on multi-family properties.

Utility Reform: Slocum's 2026 mission to allow secondary electrical drops for existing buildings in Sacramento.

ULI (Urban Land Institute): The organization where Slocum connects with industry titans like Ricardo Pagan.

Key Locations Altadena & Pacific Palisades: Major focus areas for fire rebuilds and upscale development.

Sacramento: The headquarters for Slocum’s legislative advocacy.

In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Jaime Sanchez, the founder of Elite Equity Group. Jaime breaks down his seven-year journey from a single house flip to managing a portfolio of over 100 doors.

The conversation explores Jaime’s transition from civil engineering to the gritty world of commercial construction, where he learned that the "devil is in the details". Jaime discusses the "all-in" mindset required to deliver massive projects—like his recently completed 53-unit student housing complex near USC—and the absolute necessity of a "reset" to maintain peak performance. We also dive into the Elite Equity Inner Circle Mastermind, his 20% average annual return model, and the future of AI in property management.

[0:00] – Elite Beginnings: Introducing Jaime Sanchez and the rise of Elite Equity Group.

[1:30] – The Engineering Pivot: Why an office job wasn't enough and the move into transformative construction.

[3:20] – Framing the Future: Why framing is the most exciting stage of a build.

[5:30] – Delivering the Dream: The six-year journey of the 53-unit USC student housing project.

[8:40] – The Power of Intentionality: Balancing high-stress delivery with global travel resets.

[14:00] – Scaling the Concept: Expanding student housing to Cal Poly SLO and beyond.

[15:30] – The Visionary Mindset: Why visionaries like Elon Musk inspire the future of real estate.

[16:30] – AI & Automation: The role of technology in providing 24/7 client support.

[18:20] – The Network Effect: How events like "Drive Through Offers" lead to $17M contracts.

[19:30] – 20% Returns: Inside the 506b syndication model and the Elite Equity Mastermind.

Company: Elite Equity Group

Instagram: @thejaimeosanchez

Mastermind: Elite Equity Inner Circle (Next workshop: March 14-15)

AppFolio: The software backbone for Elite Equity’s property management.

Drive Through Offers: The community and networking event credited for key collaborations.

USC (University of Southern California): Site of the recently delivered 53-unit flagship project.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: The next frontier for Elite Equity's student housing expansion.

Arizona & Nevada: Key markets identified for future development and licensing.

In this episode of Drew Code HQ, Andrew Robles connects with Tirajeh Mazaheri, the visionary owner of Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty in Vancouver, Canada. Tirajeh shares her perspective as a second-generation entrepreneur, drawing from the resilient spirit of her immigrant parents who built their lives from the ground up in Malibu and Vancouver.

Tirajeh discusses her "Boutique Firm" approach, managing 80 agents and specializing in everything from high-rise residential projects to luxury commercial properties across the globe. The conversation dives deep into her unique client strategy, categorizing clients as either "Dreamers" or "Investors", and the long-term, relationship-driven mentality that sets her apart in a transactional industry. We also explore the booming markets of Dubai and Los Angeles, the cultural importance of family, and how a relentless work ethic creates true abundance.

[0:00] – The Builder Mindset: Andrew Robles on turning a blank canvas into reality.

[0:45] – Meet Tirajeh Mazaheri: Introduction to the owner of Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty in Vancouver.

[1:05] – Dreamers vs. Investors: Understanding the two core client groups and their unique needs.

[2:10] – Global Reach: Helping families transition their investment portfolios from LA to Dubai.

[3:15] – The Immigrant Dream: Lessons from Malibu and the resilience of immigrant parents.

[4:30] – The 10-Year Plan: Building long-term relationships through homeownership and investment growth.

[5:45] – What’s in the Algorithm? A look at the top three things fueling Tirajeh and Andrew’s Instagram feeds.

[6:35] – The Definition of Abundance: Why family, health, and love come first.

[7:30] – Cultural Connections: Exploring the parallels between Persian and Hispanic family traditions.

[8:30] – Rebuilding the Community: Andrew and Tirajeh on the fires in California and the hope of reconstruction.

[9:45] – The Vancouver Market: Insights into the cyclical nature of the Canadian real estate scene.

[11:00] – Closing: Tirajeh on the power of energy and being a "Doer".

Instagram: @tirajehm

Website: Prestige Realty

LinkedIn: Tirajeh Mazaheri

Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty: Tirajeh's boutique brokerage with over 80 agents.

FB Corp: Andrew's development and general contracting company involved in the California rebuilds.

Vancouver, BC: The home of Tirajeh’s firm and a key focus for global real estate.

Dubai: A top-tier market for luxury and investment property.

Los Angeles/Malibu: The starting point of the Mazaheri family’s North American journey.

In this episode of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with Paul Rubio, a global leader in the acquisition and management of private aircraft. Paul reveals the reality of the "A-to-Z" jet business—from hiring pilots to securing fuel contracts—and why he targets the wealthiest individuals on the planet.

The conversation goes far beyond aviation. Paul shares his journey from washing cars in Chino, California, to becoming a pilot and business architect. They discuss the "Blue-Collar CEO" philosophy, the importance of surrounding yourself with "Eagles" rather than "Pigeons," and the specific mental framework required to attract massive capital. Plus, Paul gives an inside look at his 2026 expansion plans, including a new YouTube series and his involvement with Dial Moods and Formula 1 marketing.

[0:00] – Momentum: Introducing Paul Rubio and the global business of private jets.

[1:35] – The Jet Question: "What will get me to the jet?" – Shifting from small wins to billionaire-level thinking.

[3:15] – Building a Legacy: Why Paul plans to build companies for as long as he can walk and breathe.

[4:30] – The Billionaire’s Library: The impact of Think and Grow Rich.

[6:00] – Crabs vs. The Community: The "Mexican Crab" story and why your circle determines your frequency.

[6:40] – Pigeons & Eagles: Why scaling requires the willingness to soar alone or with other "Eagles".

[8:00] – The Vision: How a torn-out magazine page of a G4 became Paul’s reality 17 years later.

[9:15] – The Katerra Lesson: Why you can't build a construction empire from a spreadsheet—The Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar balance.

[10:20] – The Masa Son Strategy: Investing in "the sparkle in the eyes" and the SoftBank philosophy.

[12:20] – Wellness & Performance: Bringing Dial Moods to the global stage for the World Cup and Olympics.

[13:00] – F1 & Digital Racing: Integrating Formula 1 replicas and marketing into the FB Corp ecosystem.

In the high-stakes premiere of Drew Code HQ, host Andrew Robles sits down with media visionary Kent Speakman to discuss the evolution of the digital landscape. Kent breaks down his 15-year journey from Canada to the heart of Los Angeles, detailing the recent acquisition of his platform, KNEKT.TV, by Katapy.

The conversation pivots from the gritty reality of the "immigrant hustle" and navigating O-1 visas to high-level networking strategy. Kent and Andrew debate the future of Los Angeles as a tech hub, why Beverly Hills remains the ultimate networking playground, and how the "Truth or Lie" mindset applies to elite entrepreneurs. We also get an exclusive first look at Kent’s upcoming ventures: Tulum TV and Immobilium TV.

Website: KNEKT.tv

LinkedIn: Kent Speakman

Instagram: @KentSpeakman

Katapy: The enterprise video platform behind the recent merger.

Phoenix Studios: Collaborators on upcoming New York-based content.

Beverly Hills Living Magazine: Strategic partner for local media and events.

Wally’s Beverly Hills: The go-to for the legendary Chicken Caesar Salad (extra anchovies required).

Mastro’s Steakhouse: Andrew’s pick for the most consistent steak in the city.

Steak 48: A top-tier Beverly Hills spot for high-level networking.

In this episode of Building What Matters, host Andrew sits down with Bravo’s own Peter Madrigal for a wide-ranging conversation about his massive career shift.

After ten seasons on the hit show Vanderpump Rules and years managing the iconic restaurant SUR, Peter is leaving the hospitality world behind to focus on his true passions: directing, producing, and entrepreneurship.

Peter opens up about his latest ventures, including: The Launch of PM Coin: His new cryptocurrency designed specifically to revolutionize the nightlife and hospitality industry.

Moving Behind the Camera: Peter discusses his recent experience directing a TV show in Elko, Nevada, and his upcoming big-budget film project featuring two A-list stars.

Building a Legacy: The duo talks about the importance of "high processing speed" in business, the value of due diligence, and how to balance multiple high-stakes projects at once. Whether you’re a fan of the "Pump Rules" era or an aspiring entrepreneur, Peter’s journey from SUR to the boardroom offers invaluable lessons on pivoting with purpose and building what truly matters.