Rolodex vs Rolex

I vividly remember my first night working in the Hamptons, when I met the Vice President of Real Estate for Nike, and another time, the Vice President of American Express at The Ainsworth. In the early days of my hospitality career, I was drawn to the excitement of chasing what I thought would fulfill me. But soon, I realized I was in rooms filled with some of the most influential decision-makers, and I had direct access to them because I offered something they needed. They wanted to appear even more important than they already were, securing preferred reservations and exclusive access to our biggest sports viewing events—especially since we were the official Alabama Football Bar and the pioneers of Sunday Funday.

I also remember buying my first watch. At the time, I thought it was essential to fit in with the crowd, a necessary conversation starter, and a way to validate myself as a "businessman." Don’t get me wrong, I love luxury items, particularly those that hold value over time and can be passed down to my two boys. But like many young professionals, I mistakenly believed that owning a watch would bring fulfillment in ways it never did. I wasn't in the financial position to spend that money, but somehow, I always found a way to make it work.

For every young professional starting out, here's a key lesson: Your Rolodex will pay dividends that your Rolex never can.

So, here’s the real takeaway: Your Rolodex is far more valuable than your Rolex.

While a Rolex might signal that you've made it, it’s your Rolodex—the network you’ve built—that actually gets you there. Connections always outweigh status. In the pursuit of success, your network is your net worth. A strong Rolodex opens doors to opportunities, partnerships, and growth in ways a luxury watch simply can’t. It's the relationships you nurture that fuel your journey—not the timepiece on your wrist.

So, instead of chasing luxury items, focus on building a network that will unlock real success.

From the Founder, Brian Mazza 2/17