Name: Justin Massei
Instagram: @jdmassei
Website: www.weareclive.com
Age: 39
Title: Co-Founder – Operating Partner
Married/Single: Happily taken (TC <3)
Kids: Oliver (10 year old GoldenDoodle)
City you live in: I split time between San Francisco and Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes… (in no particular order) lots of meetings, coffee, getting outdoors and/or some type of exercise, lots of back scratching sessions with my dog, phone calls and Zooms throughout the day, time with my girlfriend if I’m in SF, possibly a flight between San Francisco and Phoenix, visiting the restaurant, working on projects, dining out (I eat out a lot), sauna, steam and occasional cold therapy, couch time to wind down the day and bed early, usually by 9 p.m.
I was born… a Bay Area sports fan!
My favorite thing about Arizona… September through May
I’m listening to… music wise I’m all over the map, lots of genres…but you can usually bet there are some Counting Crows on a playlist. Currently listening to Never Finished by David Goggins on Audible.
My family… gives me purpose and drive.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… my late grandfather William Patrick Greenleaf. I miss him and still have so much to learn from him
One thing I cannot live without… the love and support of my family. And pasta 🙂
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a firefighter
I’m inspired by… design, new and unique experiences, travel and great food
The person/people who motivate(s) me is/are… artists, musicians, professional athletes, coaches…really any masters of their craft. Seeing people achieve at the highest level, both physically and mentally, knowing how much discipline it takes and the sacrifices they make to stay on top is very inspiring and motivating
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… to stop the negative long term impacts social media is having on our youth and society in general.
The perfect day would be… simple and relaxing. Waking up early on a Sunday with my girlfriend and dog in San Francisco, 65-72 degree Bay Area weather with clear skies, a morning walk to get coffee and then brunch over the bridge in Tiburon. Spending the day with family and friends. Good wine and food throughout the day and in bed early.
My first job was… working as a Busser and Server at a small Italian restaurant in San Carlos CA called Ciao Amore
My favorite escape… is Lake Tahoe
My life… moves fast! I wish I could slow down time
I’m currently working on… projects in North Scottsdale, Gilbert and Phoenix. Always looking for opportunities in the Bay Area
Always… respect your elders
Never… sacrifice your mental health or happiness for anything
Favorite Quote… “If you aint first, you’re last.” -Ricky Bobby
Biggest Dream… To raise a happy and healthy family surrounded by family and friends
My Pet Peeve(s)… people who push their way up the isles on planes after landing and try to cut in front of you to get off the plane first. Don’t get me started…
Bio-on yourself/company: A proud native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Justin has been involved in the restaurant, bar and nightlife industry for almost 20 years, working in every position from busboy to Director of Operations. It is this broad range of experience that has formed his abilities to foster strong connections within his teams, grow his professional network and recognize and develop talent at all levels.
In 2010, Massei joined Riot Hospitality Group. For almost a decade he was an integral part in managing, growing and overseeing operations of the El Hefe, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and Riot House brands in the Scottsdale, Chicago and Nashville markets.
In 2020 Justin co-founded Clive Collective with longtime partner and friend Mikis Troyan. Their shared love for creating fresh and unique concepts, mixed with a passion for design and entertainment, led to this new venture. In 2021, they opened Money, Baby! in Las Vegas, quickly followed by CALA Scottsdale in 2022. CALA quickly became a Scottsdale staple within the food and beverage scene, earning accolades and awards in both design and conceptual excellence. As Clive Collective gears up for its next big leap, it continues to challenge the norm, anticipate trends and introduce fresh and distinctive concepts to the market.
