We were lucky to catch up with James Findley III recently and have shared our conversation below.
James, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
Before I founded Nineteen 25, I owned a sales company that left me feeling burnt out. I then transitioned into a tech sales job and experienced a layoff, which became the inspiration to explore the next chapter of my career. With a deep-rooted passion for bringing people together and planning events, I decided to pursue the idea of creating a unique experiential venue. In the summer of 2023, while looking at commercial properties, I stumbled upon Nineteen 25—an old brothel and speakeasy, a relic from the 1920s. Captivated by its historical charm, I envisioned giving it a modern touch while preserving its authenticity, and thus, Nineteen 25 was born.
My goal was to establish an exclusive venue that defied the cookie-cutter norm of empty event spaces. I aimed to create an immersive experience that transports clients back in time, allowing them to celebrate private gatherings, corporate events, birthdays, engagements, and more. The inspiration behind Nineteen 25 was to offer a truly unique experience in the event space world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been a resident of the Denver metro area for over 10 years, and throughout this time, I’ve navigated various career changes. My latest venture and current focus are centered around what has become the favorite part of my career journey so far – introducing people to the unique venue that is Nineteen 25.
Nineteen 25 is a private venue that isn’t open to the public. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a private doorguy who requests a special password to unlock the hidden charm of this brick building. As you share the password, a journey up the stairs awaits, revealing the historical backdrop of a brothel from the prohibition era. We’re dedicated to helping our clients bring their dream events to life within our unique and hidden immersive experience.
Nineteen 25 boasts five distinctive rooms, including a charming bar area situated above closed-off tunnels that once held unique stories from the past. It’s not just an event venue; it’s a captivating journey through history, offering our clients an unparalleled and memorable experience.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Now in my late 30s and having navigated various career journeys, the perseverance and the obstacles encountered earlier in my career have shaped who I am today. Taking charge of my business dreams and ideas, I’ve learned that the challenges faced in the early stages of my career were instrumental in bringing me to this point.
My best advice is that regardless of feeling stuck or uncertain about the direction you’re headed, it’s never too late to pursue an idea or career dream that may be intimidating to move forward with. Reflecting on my journey, from being a teacher to transitioning into sales and marketing and now as a business owner, I’ve realized the unique skill sets acquired along the way have been invaluable.
The organizational and planning skills cultivated during my teaching career, combined with the sales and marketing expertise I’ve gained, have played a crucial role in my journey. Embracing change, acquiring new skills, and being open to pursuing dreams have been key components of my successful career evolution.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client profile involves cultivating a rotating base of recurring corporate clients seeking unique team-building experiences. These clients would regularly utilize our space for various events such as private happy hours, themed activities, and team gatherings. Whether it’s hosting a private cocktail-making class, fostering team camaraderie through entertainment, or organizing social gatherings, our venue would be a go-to destination for their corporate events.
In addition to our corporate clientele, we also welcome consumer clients who are looking to celebrate personal milestones. From engagement parties and promotions to birthday gatherings and more, our space is versatile enough to cater to a range of private celebrations. This blend of corporate and consumer clients creates a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere, making our venue a hub for diverse and memorable events.
Contact Info:
- Website:Nineteen-25.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nineteen_25
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nineteen-25
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nineteen-25-denver
