Mike Meldman: From Co-Founding Casamigos to Becoming Co-Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders | E165

In this powerful episode, Mike Meldman — real estate mogul, co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, and founder of Discovery Land Company — shares the remarkable story behind his journey from instinct-driven entrepreneur to one of the most influential figures in luxury real estate and lifestyle branding. 

Mike dives deep into how Casamigos, a tequila brand originally created with George Clooney “just for fun,” skyrocketed from a personal project to a billion-dollar business — despite having no plans for mass distribution. From there, he walks us through the origin and explosive growth of Discovery Land Company, a visionary take on private communities built around service, family, and meaningful experiences — not just golf. 

One of his standout projects, Kukio in Hawaii, started with an underwhelming plot of lava rock but became one of the most successful resort communities in the U.S., selling $50 million worth of real estate in just 90 days. Mike reveals how a courthouse bidding war with Mitsubishi, unconventional thinking, and meticulous attention to member experience helped make Kukio what it is today. 

But his ambition didn’t stop there. Mike also discusses his 7.5% ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, the importance of choosing the right people to surround yourself with, and how he's used strategic investments in companies like Vuori (valued today at $7 billion) to expand his brand’s reach far beyond real estate. 

He speaks candidly about the challenges he's faced — including the emotional toll of two failed marriages — and reflects on what truly matters: family, discipline, integrity, and giving back. Through the Discovery Land Company Foundation, Mike supports children’s charities and community development around each of his projects, making sure that luxury living doesn't come at the cost of social impact. 

This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a blueprint for anyone who wants to build something iconic from scratch, stay grounded while chasing massive success, and leave behind a legacy that matters. 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Casamigos and Discovery Land Company
00:58 – Investment in Las Vegas Raiders
03:00 – Kukio Project in Hawaii
06:44 – Challenges and Successes at Kukio
09:58 – Gaza Ranch and Personal Reflections
12:30 – Preparation and Team Building
21:07 – Acquisition of Yellowstone Club
27:58 – Investments and Strategic Partnerships
35:42 – Philanthropy and Community Impact
40:12 – Personal Reflections and Future Goals

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