Noel Bowman is the owner of the three Minus5º ICEBAR locations, 1923 Prohibition Bar and THE DREAMBOX360. “All of my businesses are all about experiential hospitality in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.” Learn about Noel Bowman…
Follow at: @Minus5icebar, @1923lv
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
First job: I was Billy Bob, the mascot bear, at Showbiz Pizza (15 years old).
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: When I’m not attending my kids’ sporting events, my wife and I love to go see new shows and restaurants to stay on top of current trends and experiences.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Besides my wife and family, it’s creating the multiple companies I have. I also enjoy being able to employ over 350 people so they can provide for their families as well!
The biggest obstacle you overcame: After a 21-year career, I lost my job, my marriage, my home and filed for bankruptcy. At 40 years old, I started from scratch, scooping ice cream at a gelato place at the Forum Shops. Even though well qualified in the hospitality field, no one was hiring after the real estate crash, and I did what I had to do to make ends meet.
Someone who inspires you and why: My dad as he always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Even though he passed away prior to me finding my current success, he motivates me daily and I know he’s enjoying the journey.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: The hospitality industry has become a very difficult one to navigate with low profits as well as the high cost of goods, including labor, commodities and real estate. One truly needs to find a niche to fill that truly stands out, then execute your ass off.
Favorite quote: “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason!”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I was born on Christmas Day, and I love surfing.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who is kind and authentic!