The week-long WMC (Winter Music Conference) just hit South Beach with international DJs, electronic music industry pros, and EDM fans overtaking the Magic City to party at pools, rooftops, and clubs.
And just before the fest kicked off – this the best possible moment – the KNR Hospitality team behind the exclusive Wall Miami nightclub has gained a new managing partner.
Meet 36-year-old, a Croatian native, Marko Gojanovic. A young, but seasoned marketing genius, Gojanovic will add a well-timed shot of energy to the powerhouse hospitality staple.
When an injury ended a dream career in tennis, the young aspiring entrepreneur became a professional model. Modeling brought Marko to Miami, where he was introduced to nightlife promotion, and began promoting Miami’s most famous clubs, such as Mokai, Set, LIV and Rokbar.
DRINKING WITH MARKO GOJANOVIC
NAME AND OCCUPATION FOR THE RECORD:
Marko Gojanovic, a partner at KNR Hospitality. I work at the W South Beach hotel as a managing partner for Wall, and bars, Living Room and Wet.
Also, I am a partner in Model Volleyball, a shareholder and biz developer for Muzik and Kupno Akcji [headphone tech company], a biz developer for the Brewer Group, along with being a global ambassador for the Jack Brewer Foundation, [a boutique investment and consulting firm that advises small businesses with “A Global Vision with A Social Focus”]
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE BIZ?
I moved to Miami to pursue a pro tennis career after college. But, after two wrist surgeries, I got into modeling, and the party scene, which led to [club] promoting to make extra money to pay rent. I met Michael Malone who was doing the same, and we turned it into a business. 10 years later, we are best friends and partners in multiple businesses.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST HOSPITALITY JOB?
My first hospitality job was promoting, for my current KNR partner Nicola Siervo, at Mokai, along with a few other clubs and hotels. I have almost worked with every top club and hotel in South Beach.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT GO-TO DRINK ORDER?
I will always say “yes” to Don Julio 1942 tequila.
DO YOU DRINK COFFEE OR TEA?
I like to have a coffee at Quattro, because it is close to my office, and has a great scene on Lincoln Road. But, I’m not a big coffee drinker. Will have an espresso before I workout, sometimes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSby3V7hJ2o/?taken-by=quattromiami
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BARS IN MIAMI?
I don’t go to too many bars since I’m in a nightclub four nights a week. But, I love our Living Room lounge at the W. I do like to go to the Foxhole to watch sporting events.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS TRENDING IN COCKTAILS RIGHT NOW?
Whiskey and craft beer. Sipping on expensive tequila.
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE ORDER A [BLANK], IT IMPRESSES YOU RIGHT NOW.
Old fashion.
WHO IS THE BEST INDUSTRY DRINKING BUDDIES FOR A FUN NIGHT OUT?
Always a good time when out with my biz partner of 10 years, Michael Malone, DJs Patrick Pizzornin and Willy Monfret, my team – Skylar Hauswirth and Ismael Garcia, and my KNR partners – Navin Chatani and Nicola Siervo.
Hard question, because I have a lot of friends in the industry, and anyone that is great at their job in hospitality is someone that can always throw drinks down and have a good laugh.
SPILL IT! SHAMELESS PLUGS, WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
We at KNR are always working on new concepts and events that will keep our customers coming back on the property, along with new hotel and restaurant possibilities.
Model Volleyball is coming up March 11, so that is a big deal for us as we are also looking to expand the brand into other cities. At Muzik, we have developed, and soon releasing, game-changing wearable technology.
I am also working closely with the Jack Brewer Foundation on building awareness of our brand and mission and continuing our charitable efforts. Plus, working on building my own investment portfolio.
WHERE CAN THIRSTY READERS KEEP UP WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
I use Instagram and Facebook, mainly. My IG handle is: @marko_gojanovic
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