We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeremy Asgari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeremy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2014 I was stuck in the nightlife industry. I was no longer happy working as a club promoter, but I didn’t have another source of income and no viable options as an exit strategy from the industry. I found myself scrambling to find any opportunities that could provide me the means to make a living as an entrepreneur outside of the nightlife business.

I had tried my hand at concert production and promotions, DJ/ Artist management, curated concierge services, and an app connecting tourists with locals, and I even had a pop-up beer garden in Williamsburg, Brooklyn called Hangry Garden. None of these ventures were successful and if I’m being honest with myself, none of them were fulfilling.

I started experimenting with producing events that were different from the usual drinking and music. The first activity-based event I produced was a holiday ping pong tournament. The success of this event made me realize that the community of eventgoers I had grown, wasn’t just interested in standard alcohol-based events, that they too were looking for something new just as I was. I also noticed that an activity-based event like ping-pong was more conducive to people actually connecting and developing relationships than if they were to meet at a bar or club. Breaking the ice is easier when you’re all engaged in the same activity.

Providing these different types of experiences for people made me happy because I saw how they were more easily connecting with each other. Selfishly I also preferred the different types of activities as opposed to the nightlife I had become tired of.

Personally, during this time I was frustrated with the available social environments for me to meet new people and hang with friends. I was never a big drinker and preferred not to drink. All the places and social settings I was exposed to in NYC were always consumption-based. I was over having to eat or drink in order to socialize. I found myself passing my free time riding my bike a lot in the warmer months. I started posting photos and videos of my rides and I was surprised to see a lot of friends reply asking me to join me when I ride.

I decided to organize a bike ride up the west side of Manhattan to the George Washington Bridge and back. I landed a sponsor and produced the event which I called BIKES X BEATS. The event had a decent turnout and showed some promise, but it was missing something. It felt too basic.

I went back to the drawing board and, in 2016 while brainstorming with a friend of mine, we came up with another ride idea we called BIKES X MUSIC which would be a ride from Williamsburg, Brooklyn to Rockaway Beach Queens (later became our famed ROCKAWAY RIDE). We also landed CLIF Bar as a sponsor, which even surprised me at the time. I used all my promotional resources to get the word out about the event and we had 110 riders show up to ride. It was such a diverse group of people from all walks of life, similar to the parties I had become known for throwing.

The ride was a lot of fun, so much so that after the ride several people asked me how often I produced these kinds of events. I even remember one girl saying she would be willing to pay a monthly membership fee to be part of a group that does these sorts of outings.

The ride to the beach and the beach party that followed was that missing element I was looking for. Most importantly the nostalgic feeling of riding through the city streets with old and new friends for entertainment was what I was missing in my life and it seemed as though others were as well. I felt like I had found the social environment I was looking for, but I didn’t see the full potential of this new venture just yet.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My art revolves around crafting unforgettable experiences and fostering community connections. This dual focus drives my passion and defines my artistic medium. What sets me apart is my extensive global experience, having immersed myself in local cultures across more than 40 countries. Leveraging this background, I curate unique trips and events for our growing community, tapping into my global network to offer experiences beyond the ordinary.

My journey to where I am today has been anything but easy. I honed my skills and network through the intense environment of New York City nightlife, often described as a baptism by fire. Working in this industry taught me invaluable lessons in branding and marketing, as we were challenged to promote similar events weekly while keeping each one distinct and special. This experience taught me how to weave compelling narratives to build excitement and brand loyalty.

Despite the challenges, I’ve always pursued work aligned with my passions. It’s important to note that not every aspect of my job is enjoyable, but persistence and resilience have been crucial to my success. I’ve learned that carving a unique path requires dedication and a willingness to embrace both the highs and lows of the journey.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and a commitment to creating meaningful connections. My story is one of passion, perseverance, and the belief that through shared experiences, we can foster genuine community and enrich lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting, I’d ensure they experienced the heart and soul of the city, seeking out authentic local experiences that truly capture its essence. In Los Angeles, despite feeling my answer might lack the authenticity of my hometown of NYC, I’d still aim for the genuine local vibe.

For a week-long trip, I’d start by exploring neighborhoods like Echo Park, Koreatown, and Boyle Heights, where the city’s diverse immigrant communities thrive. We’d dine at hidden gems like joints in East LA, Persian restaurants in Westwood or Glendale, family-run taco stands in Boyle Heights, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of flavors that define LA’s culinary landscape.

During the day, we’d rent bikes and cycle along the beach from Santa Monica to Venice, soaking in the sun and vibrant street scenes.

But the real magic lies in stumbling upon those off-the-beaten-path spots known only to locals—the hole-in-the-wall joints serving up the best cultural dishes or the tucked-away speakeasies with craft cocktails that rival any in town. It’s these authentic, hidden gems that truly make a trip memorable, revealing the soul of a city in ways that tourist attractions cannot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person that comes to mind is my close friend Babak. I value his opinion tremendously. When I first started the Outsiders I didn’t realize the uniqueness of the group and all of the benefits it provided members. Babak brought that all to my attention when he attended our Storm King Adventure in November 2017, and we still talk about it now.

He explained how he thought the Outsiders initiative could help combat the mental illnesses caused by city life and our modern, impersonal online culture. Things like depression, anxiety, and ADHD can be combated by getting people out in nature or simply outdoors. The challenges presented to our participants during our adventures promote more brain power, and creative problem solving, elevate senses and push away negative thoughts by making people more present.

When this was brought to my attention, I felt a greater responsibility to grow the Outsiders and make sure everyone knew about us.

Website: https://joinoutsiders.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsiders.la

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/33520850/admin/feed/posts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JOINOUTSIDERS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinoutsiders.losangeles/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@joinoutsiders

Other: Personal Insta – https://www.instagram.com/jeremyasgari
Tiktok Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@outsiders.la

Image Credits
Photography by Jean Charles

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