Today we’d like to introduce you to David Anderson, III.
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I like to say my story started long before I was born at my great-grandmother’s restaurant, Momma Alice’s Café in 5th Ward, where she had the first jukebox in the neighborhood and planted seeds that would later blossom on the South Side of Chicago, in my uncle’s record store, George’s Music Room. Being at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce is in my DNA.
Fast forward to now, that same energy drives everything I do.
I built The Heist Agency to connect the dots between creativity, culture, and commerce. We manage talent, build brands, and design experiences that move people. What started as helping a few friends elevate their art turned into a full-service management and experiential firm representing artists, DJs, chefs, and cultural tastemakers across the country.
My path hasn’t been linear. It’s been about evolving. I’ve been the guy throwing parties, building brands, negotiating deals, and bridging boardrooms with the block. Today, I see myself as a trend igniter and problem solver. My job is to create moments that feel alive and build ecosystems that empower others to win.
Every chapter, from managing Peyton and Doc, to building venues like Off The Record and Fancy’s, to leading marketing for major spirit brands, has been about one thing: turning ideas into impact. I’m still building, still learning, and still grateful for every room I walk into.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but that’s where the growth came from. Every step has been earned. I’ve had seasons where the vision was clear but the resources were limited, where faith had to fill the gap between what I saw and what I could touch.
When you’re building something from scratch, especially in culture, you face resistance. People do not always see what you see. You lose friends, money, and sleep trying to bring ideas to life. There were times I questioned everything, but I kept coming back to purpose.
I have learned to embrace the process. The setbacks taught me patience, the delays built character, and the failures sharpened my vision. I had to become disciplined enough to dream big but humble enough to start small.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I operate three ventures that all live at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce; just in different forms.
The Heist Agency is my flagship. It is a management and experiential marketing firm that represents artists, DJs, chefs, and cultural tastemakers. We build brands, design events, and connect creative talent with opportunities that amplify their impact.
Off The Record is a listening lounge and cocktail bar inspired by vinyl culture and nostalgia. It’s about slowing down, curating sound, and creating a vibe that reminds people that music is meant to be felt, not just heard.
Fancy’s is our lounge concept; a refined, high-energy dining experience that merges food, music, and design. It represents where Houston hospitality is headed: intentional, elevated, and rooted in culture.
Together, these brands form an ecosystem. Each one feeds the other, creating spaces where creativity can live, connect, and scale.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship and networking have been everything for me. I learned early that relationships are the real currency. The right connection can change the entire trajectory of your life.
My advice is to lead with value, not agenda. People remember how you made them feel, not what you asked for. When I meet someone I admire, I try to understand what they care about and find a way to contribute to that. That could be helping them with an event, connecting them to someone, or simply showing up consistently.
Mentorship for me has come in many forms, from powerful conversations over coffee to watching how someone moves through life. Sometimes your mentor never officially signs up for the role. You just have to study greatness and apply it.
Most of my opportunities came from showing up, following up, and adding value. That’s how you build a network that lasts; not by chasing connections, but by nurturing relationships rooted in purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: The heist agency.co
- Instagram: @DAthree
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daiii-success-is-the-only-option
