Downtown Las Vegas celebrated one of the city’s giants on Saturday and honored Tony Hsieh the day before his 48th birthday.
The celebrations began with a ribbon severing ceremony to mark the renaming of the old chambers of Las Vegas City Hall in the downtown Zappos Building to the Tony Hsieh Theater.
The nearby Downtown Container Park was full of eccentric cars, food trucks, and signs saying “We love you Tony”. A traditional Chinese dance was performed under the area’s famous giant praying mantis. The performers then paraded into the park and led the crowd to a set in the courtyard. A role with Hsieh’s iconic quotes was projected behind DJs on stage.
“Stop chasing memory and start chasing passion,” read one.
The former CEO of Zappos died on November 27, 2020 from injuries sustained in a house fire in Connecticut. He was 46.
In a livestream on Saturday afternoon in downtown Las Vegas, hoteliers Jonathan Jossel and Derek Stevens spoke about Hsieh’s vision of creating spaces for people to “collide” and about the “renaissance” on Fremont Street that is opening up Hsieh’s investment followed: a “15-year-night” success, ”said Jossel.
Stevens revered Hsieh’s networking skills and noted that no one like Hsieh introduced him to anyone else.
“He always had so many people around him and just set the table,” he said.
Actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Arquette, plus singer Jewel, have joined from afar.
“Today will be a happy day and a sad one,” said Gordon-Levitt. “It will be happy because we will celebrate Tony … and it will also be a sad day because he is not with us as we would like.”
Hsieh hired Gordon-Levitt to direct 10 short films to highlight the 10 core values of Zappos. The actor introduced one based on Company Value # 2: Embrace and Drive Change.
“Tony Hsieh changed the world, but he didn’t do it himself,” said Gordon-Levitt. “He did it by inspiring everyone around him to embrace and drive change. I know I was inspired by him, and so do all of you. So let’s celebrate today and own the show. “
Jewel said not a day goes by without reading a quote or an article that reminds her of Hsieh.
“And it’s so strange not being able to pick up the phone or visit you,” she said.
“You have certainly left a great mark on my heart, and it is still with me and with so many people. Your goal and vision to bring happiness was revolutionary, ”said Jewel. “To honor you, I know that I will live each day to try to realize this vision of being whole, to continue to celebrate emotional and spiritual health in the workplace and in our lives. Most importantly, I know that I will share your love, kindness and curiosity forever. “
She wished Hsieh a happy birthday and kissed the camera.
Arquette filmed his remarks near train tracks and noticed that Hsieh was giving him lessons in friendship and kindness.
“I chose this place because it takes you on adventures all over the world, and you did that for us, for so many,” said the actor, offering his condolences to Hsieh’s family.
“I know you are still part of this whole adventure, just on a different frequency,” said Arquette. “I love you.”
Ryan Smith, director of economic development for the city of Las Vegas, recalled attending one of Hsieh’s downtown gatherings. Hsieh, already an established business tycoon, walked around with a tray offering appetizers.
“What does he do?” Smith thought, describing it as the Hsieh “who is the leader.”
“It was about connecting people, bringing them together, he’s no better than anyone,” said Smith. “He’s such a savvy person, but he didn’t care. It wasn’t about, but about, ‘How can I bring these people together, how can I be equal to everyone else and how can I help make all these relationships in life easier?’ “
Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @rickytwrites. Contact Sabrina Schnur at sschnur@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0278. Follow @sabrina_schnur on Twitter.
