Most people dream about freedom, but few would actually know what to do with it. If you woke up every morning with the ability to choose your activities for the day, would you stay at home watching television or would you travel the world befriending random strangers and creating shared memories?
Richard is more than just a millionaire or a socialite, he is a genuine person. And anyone who has met him can confirm that. His humble demeanor and contagious positive attitude helps draw people from all walks of life to him, like moths to a flame, and he always has a kind word and a big smile to give, whether you´re a valet or a CEO.
In my opinion, Rich is far from ordinary, his success in business is only trumped by his passion for living a truly unique life: from attending Muhammad Ali´s birthday party to dancing on a cage with Kristen Cavellari, to buying lunch for a kid and his family after just having met them one random afternoon in Turkey, no part of Richard´s life is forgettable or bland.
Richard co-founded one of Las Vegas´ most respected real estate firms, the Rothwell Gornt Companies, he also co-owns several businesses across different categories and even sold a strip club to Floyd “Money” Mayweather. The massive success that he has achieved through his multiple business ventures, enables Richard to live a life of nonstop travel to exotic locations, exotic feasts and nights out with supermodels and celebrities; But perhaps most importantly, a life of true spontaneity and generosity.
His YouTube channel “Super Vegas Life” has quickly become a reference point for viewers who are attracted to the lifestyle and adventures of a man who is known and loved by all of Las Vegas. More recently, Richard has made changes in his approach to life, dedicating his time to the pursuit of unforgettable experiences after having sold his mansions and most of his material possessions in an effort to live a fuller life with less material attachments.
We recently interviewed Richard and here is what he shared with us:
What is the meaning of life for you? What drives you?
As a young person I used to dream about a better life. When I was a child my entertainment was putting Popsicle sticks in the gutter and follow them down the street. When I was a teenager I bought a bunch of dry erase boards and wrote all my goals on them. I would stare at them all night. My current existence exceeds anything I even knew existed. Now I have very simple goals… to establish generational wealth for my family. To travel all over the world. To be a good person. I am a simple man.
What has been the toughest challenge you´ve faced?
During the 2007 real estate crash in Las Vegas my business partner and I lost many millions of dollars. I wound up getting a divorce from my wife and became a single father of two. I used to lay in bed crying at night with my children next to me. I looked in the mirror and said to myself “show the world what type of man you are”. And… here I am.
How did you overcome it?
I worked like an unstoppable machine.
What brings you joy and fulfillment?
Everything. I love to be nice to strangers. I love to be nice to my friends. You will find me smiling just sitting down looking around. I came from nothing. I consider myself an artist and my life will be my masterpiece.
When did you decide you wanted to live a limitless life?
When I was a teenager. At 16 I would just walk out of my high school classes and drive to California or anywhere. As they say in the film The Shawshank Redemption: “some birds aren’t meant to be caged”.
What are your three favorite cities on earth and why?
Kenya. The people are absolutely amazing. You have never seen a smile until you visit Africa. With limited resources or money, you see some of the happiest people ever.
Istanbul. You can spend your entire life in this magical city and still not see everything. I experienced some of the greatest times of my life walking around the streets and speaking with the people.
Croatia. Now a lot of people think I would say Dubai. And Dubai is a spectacle of the eye. But for me, my experiences are based on the people. Croatia also has some of the most generous and wonderful people you can ever meet.
Share with us a random moment of happiness you experienced.
At 19 my friend in Australia called me on the phone and said he was feeling a bit depressed. The next day I jumped on an airplane, flew 14 hours, knocked on his door to surprise him. He opened the door and said “you are the craziest person alive” I gave him a hug.