From dental practices to owning adult nightclubs, Joey Bien‘s career has been a study in versatility and vision. Recently elected as the President of ACE National, Bien brings a wealth of experience and determination to lead an industry facing both opportunity and challenge.
Bien’s rise to the presidency of ACE National was anything but conventional. Reflecting on his early years, Bien shares how his fascination with the adult nightclub industry grew from annual trips to Myrtle Beach with friends.
“I would go to Myrtle Beach every year and hit up the club scene. It was a ritual for us. I was fascinated by how the adult clubs made money,” Bien recalls. “I’d been in other businesses and thought: Why not this one? I started looking for a club to buy, and that’s when I met Winston Hines. Winston spent two hours telling me all the reasons I shouldn’t buy a club and one hour giving me the positives. It was a short conversation,” Bien jokes.
Despite the challenges, Joey was hooked. 
Through the mentorship of industry veterans like Winston Hines and David “Slim” Baucom, Bien learned invaluable lessons.
“Slim was kind enough to show me four or five of his clubs, sharing the good parts about owning an adult club and what to avoid. I’m forever grateful for the lessons he and Winston taught me.”
Bien’s first acquisition was the Treasure Club in Asheville, North Carolina—a venture that solidified his commitment to the industry. Over time, he expanded his portfolio to include clubs in Greensboro, Myrtle Beach, and Hickory.
Bridging business worlds
From dentists to dancers Joey Bien’s business expertise extends far beyond nightclubs. Having dabbled in everything from an executive in advertising and marketing, the framing industry, to running dental practices, his leadership style is shaped by a diverse background.
“Dentists are divas and more difficult to work with than dancers,” Bien chuckles. “But my previous business experience brought a fresh perspective to clubs. In the adult club business, I have to say it was more about learning from the right people, listening, and evolving.”
This blend of entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability has shaped his approach to leadership, both within his clubs and now at the helm of ACE National.
Tackling Industry Challenges Head-On As the newly elected president, Bien is fully aware of the challenges facing the adult nightclub industry. Chief among these is the escalating cost of insurance. 
“The biggest problem I see is the cost of insurance. It’s skyrocketing. As ACE National president, I’d like to address this challenge and help club owners because it affects everyone, large and small. Finding solutions that work is, unfortunately, a long and difficult process. There must be a better way.”
Beyond insurance, Bien has a clear vision for addressing a couple of issues during his tenure:
• Growing membership
• Engaging with local governments
• Changing the perception of the industry
Bien also sees an evolving landscape for the adult nightclub industry, particularly as regulations tighten and cultural perceptions shift.
“This industry’s advancement depends on how ACE members evolve,” said Bien. “Together, we are an incredibly compelling group of people. It is in our power as a trade association to organize and decide how we’ll collectively and positively evolve in the next ten years. It will require pivoting and innovation, perhaps along with technology and hybrid forms of entertainment.”
Bien is a firm believer in the potential for growth and change. Whether through innovation, new technology, or stronger relationships with community stakeholders, his leadership seeks to usher the industry into a new era of prosperity.
Grounded leadership
“Be nice” a key principle Bien has carried with him through all his business ventures is deceptively simple: be kind to others.
“It’s always harder to get a new customer than it is to keep the one you have,” Bien said. “Even when it’s easier said than done—BE NICE.”
This people-first approach has allowed him to maintain strong relationships within the adult nightclub industry and beyond. He sees leadership as a role of service, both to his employees and to his patrons.
A broader vision for the industry
Changing public perception is also one of Bien’s top priorities as the president of ACE National, and he’s determined to dispel some of the most harmful misconceptions surrounding the industry. 
“We must get the message across that EVERYONE in this industry matters. We keep suppliers, landlords, insurers, and many others in business. We are just as important as any other legal business out there—and our bartenders, dancers, DJ’s, and managers…they ALL matter!”
Bien is also passionate about correcting the misinformation surrounding sex trafficking in the strip club industry.
“The public and the industry both need to know: We are NOT purveyors of sex trafficking. The government’s own data shows that sex trafficking within legal adult clubs is less than 1%.”
Looking ahead
Success is not just about personal achievement for Bien but also about building up those around him.
“Receiving the 2021 ED Ambassador of the Year meant the world to me,” he said. “But more importantly, I enjoy watching our workers meet with success. Adult clubs offer good people a great place to work and grow, where someone can move up in this business or gain valuable skills to move forward in another sector.”
Despite his many responsibilities, Bien stays grounded by spending time with his significant other and his loyal German Shepherd, Charlie. “Dogs make the best friends,” he says with a smile.
Looking ahead, Bien is ready to collaborate with the ACE Board, continue meeting industry leaders, and build a thriving future for the adult nightclub industry. His enthusiasm, vision, and willingness to tackle challenges head-on position him as the right leader at the right time.
Story courtesy of Angelina Spencer-Crisp, Executive Director of ACE National. For more information, visit AceNational.org.
