David Kaplan

Bar Owner | @dkproprietors

Why Him

One of the owners of Manhattan cocktail institution Death & Co, he cemented his status as a bar industry insider by launch- ing lounges around the world with his consulting company, Proprietors LLC.

Where does your drive come from?

My dad started several businesses, a few that failed and one that did well. It showed me that risk is worthwhile and failure isn’t taboo. In a very Psych 101 way, I was always trying to get my father’s encouragement.

What daily habits keep you going?

I wish I could say meditation, reading and journaling, but none of that is true. Instead, I check my nightly reports, Slack and scan my emails while lying in bed when I first wake up. Once I ease that anxiety, I put my phone down and think through my day for another 10 minutes before the madness begins.

What would you say to your 20-year-old self?

I’m not sure if it would be relationship advice or business advice—I could have used both. I think I would say that trusting yourself is the best thing you can do, even if that leads
to missteps.