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Arius Websterberry on the Truth About Entrepreneurship and What It Takes to Succeed
What does entrepreneurship really require after the excitement of the idea fades and the hard work begins? In this inaugural episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with Arius Websterberry, entrepreneur, marketing strategist, author, and creator of Launch Ignition, about the real mindset, structure, and discipline required to build a business. Arius shares how his entrepreneurial instincts began with a childhood dog-walking hustle, grew through event promotion and digital marketing, and eventually turned into a system for helping other entrepreneurs move from idea to execution. What You’ll Learn Why entrepreneurship starts with solving a real need, not just chasing a personal hobby How Arius learned early that the market decides whether an idea matters Why entrepreneurs need structure, discipline, and accountability, not just freedom How event promotion taught Arius sales, marketing, logistics, and audience-building Why sometimes taking a job can give entrepreneurs the skills and training they need for the next business How Launch Ignition helps founders build stronger business foundations before scaling Why content creation needs a repeatable process, especially for solopreneurs and small business owners Episode Highlights 01:35 – Arius shares how his first business started at age 10 when he noticed neighborhood dogs were not being walked 03:20 – Why his first dog-walking business was profitable but quickly shut down by his mother 05:02 – How watching major entrepreneur-brands shaped his early view of business and possibility 06:54 – Why many people mistake hobbies for businesses 08:10 – The two mindset shifts entrepreneurs need: market validation and structured work habits 10:45 – Why entrepreneurship is not an escape from discipline, schedules, or accountability 12:18 – How throwing parties in high school and college introduced Arius to promotion and event marketing 14:02 – Moving from parties to concert promotion, street teams, billboards, radio spots, and large-scale event marketing 16:30 – How the 2009 and 2010 economic crash forced Arius to rebuild in Texas 18:14 – Why doing what you have to do can create the foundation for doing what you want to do 20:32 – How a regular job at a major digital marketing company gave Arius formal training and structure 22:41 – Why taking a step back sometimes prepares entrepreneurs to move forward stronger 24:15 – How turning away unprepared agency clients revealed the need for entrepreneur coaching 26:48 – Why ads exposed weak systems, poor organization, and cracks in early-stage businesses 28:42 – How Arius created the first version of Launch Ignition to help entrepreneurs build stronger foundations 31:06 – How ChatGPT and AI became central to the Launch Ignition system 33:20 – The three-part Launch Ignition model: software, one-on-one coaching, and group accountability 35:04 – Why mindset coaching became an important addition to the program 35:55 – Arius introduces Content Cannon, his book on creating a month of business content in one day 36:25 – Why “done is better than perfect” matters for entrepreneurs starting from garages, closets, or wherever they can begin Meet the Guest Arius Websterberry is an entrepreneur, digital marketing strategist, business coach, author, and creator of Launch Ignition, a program designed to help entrepreneurs move from business idea to profitability. He is also the author of Content Cannon, a practical guide for creating a month of business content in one day. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Launch Ignition Content Cannon Digital marketing Event promotion Street teams Billboard advertising Radio spots Social media marketing Google Ads training Market validation Entrepreneur mindset Business structure Sales machine development AI-assisted business planning ChatGPT for entrepreneurs One-on-one coaching Group accountability Launch Ignition’s nine-step framework Content batching “Done is better than perfect” Closing Insight and CTA Arius’ story shows that entrepreneurship is not only about having a dream. It is about testing the market, building structure, accepting accountability, learning from setbacks, and doing the work even when the path is uncomfortable. The real truth about entrepreneurship is that freedom comes after discipline, not before it. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW 🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast 📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: podcast@inglesidereviews.com ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.
Barry LaBov on Why Your Network, Customers, and Culture Define Your Brand
How do resilient entrepreneurs turn rejection, uncertainty, and hard lessons into lasting business differentiation? In this episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with Barry LaBov, founder and CEO of LaBov Marketing Communications and Training, about entrepreneurship, creativity, branding, differentiation, and the power of relationships. Barry shares how his early life in music unexpectedly prepared him for business, why trust and word of mouth still matter in a digital marketing world, and how entrepreneurs can identify what makes them truly different before trying to scale. What You’ll Learn Why entrepreneurship is often less about freedom and more about commitment, persistence, and responsibility How Barry’s experience in rock bands and music production shaped his understanding of business, products, and customer experience Why relationships, trust, and one-client-at-a-time service still matter in modern marketing How rejection can become a filter instead of a stopping point Why differentiation starts with discovering what customers already value about you How founders can build a culture around what makes their company unique Why early entrepreneurs should think small, serve deeply, and let satisfied customers become advocates Episode Highlights 01:15 – Barry’s background as founder and CEO of LaBov Marketing Communications and Training 03:30 – Why entrepreneurship often means working whichever 12 hours of the day are required 05:02 – How Barry’s early rock band experience taught him about products, performance, and customer experience 07:05 – The death of Barry’s father and how it pushed him to focus his creative energy into business 08:42 – Why Barry discovered that creativity, not music alone, was his true passion 10:15 – How marketing has changed through digital tools, but still depends on doing great work for one client at a time 12:04 – Why Barry bootstrapped his business and did not take a salary for seven years 14:18 – The painful rejection from a New York music publisher who told Barry he had no talent 16:02 – How the very next meeting with Billy Joel’s publishing company led to a song being accepted 18:10 – Why entrepreneurs cannot let one bad meeting define the future of their dream 19:28 – How a trusted client convinced Barry to move from jingle writing into full-service marketing and advertising 21:06 – Why Barry chose entrepreneurship over becoming someone else’s employee 22:45 – What differentiation really means for a brand, product, or service 24:12 – Why Barry starts by discovering what already makes a client unique instead of inventing something artificial 25:20 – The customer question that can reveal your strongest differentiator: “What are we doing that you do not want us to stop?” 27:02 – Why employees must understand and celebrate differentiation before the market does 29:08 – The kind of clients Barry works with and why mindset matters more than company size 31:35 – Barry’s advice for entrepreneurs trying to build identity with limited resources 33:02 – Why small business owners should avoid compromising the quality of what they create 34:15 – Why serving one or two clients exceptionally well can be more powerful than chasing mass marketing too early 35:48 – How customer referrals and word of mouth become the strongest early growth engine Meet the Guest Barry LaBov is the founder and CEO of LaBov Marketing Communications and Training, a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient, BBB Torch Award for Ethics recipient, author, speaker, and branding strategist. His work focuses on helping companies discover, name, celebrate, and communicate what makes them uniquely valuable. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned LaBov Marketing Communications and Training L Squared Global Investments Plow Digital The Power of Differentiation Brand reengineering Customer loyalty Employee engagement Dealer and distributor performance Differentiation discovery Customer feedback interviews Employee culture alignment One-client-at-a-time growth Word-of-mouth marketing Bootstrapped business growth Relationship-based selling Brand storytelling Psychographic client fit Young Presidents Organization Sycamore Hills Golf Club Closing Insight and CTA Barry’s story shows that entrepreneurship is built through persistence, trust, creativity, and the courage to keep going after rejection. The strongest brands do not always win because they are louder or larger. They win because they understand what makes them different, deliver it consistently, and turn customers and employees into believers. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW 🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast 📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: podcast@inglesidereviews.com ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.
From Kitchen Idea to Walmart Shelves: The Millie’s Sipping Broth Story
How do you turn a simple healthy snack idea into a new category on the shelves of Walmart and Sam’s Club? In this episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with Llance Kezner, co-founder of Millie’s Sipping Broth, about how he and his wife, Lori, transformed a homemade wellness idea into an award-winning, nationally distributed food brand. What started as a healthier alternative to bouillon cubes for Lori’s school-day snack became a plant-based sipping broth in a tea bag, built for people who want a savory, satisfying, low-calorie option between meals. Llance shares lessons on product testing, customer feedback, retail growth, food innovation, and what it really takes to create a new category in the health-conscious food and beverage market. What You’ll Learn How Millie’s Sipping Broth began as a simple solution for a healthier snack during the workday Why customer feedback at Pike Place Market helped shape the product, pitch, and name How Llance and Lori moved from kitchen experiments to professional food manufacturing Why finding the people who truly need your product is more important than trying to sell to everyone How Weight Watchers, Walmart, and Sam’s Club helped expand Millie’s national reach Why innovation requires flexibility, fast learning, and a willingness to adjust in motion How plant-based ingredients, shelf-stable packaging, and dry broth formats support health and sustainability Episode Highlights 01:36 – Llance shares his background growing up in Bellevue, Washington 02:22 – How growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped his early view of business 03:06 – Selling Christmas trees as a six-year-old and learning how to sell through conversation 04:38 – How creativity showed up early for both Llance and his wife, Lori 06:02 – Why health and wellness became part of the product story through Lori’s everyday needs 07:05 – How Lori’s teacher schedule and desire for a healthy snack led to the first broth idea 08:08 – Why Llance created a healthier alternative to bouillon cubes 09:11 – The first kitchen experiment using Lipton tea bags and a tomato basil broth blend 10:24 – The problem Millie’s was designed to solve: a savory, satisfying snack without sugar, caffeine, or junk food 12:15 – Moving from homemade samples to a co-packer and professional production 13:40 – Why they needed both manufacturing support and proof that customers would pay for the product 14:52 – Testing the minimum viable product at Pike Place Market in Seattle 15:35 – How selling hot broth in summer helped them perfect a five-to-ten-second pitch 16:48 – Why creating a new category brought both opportunity and ongoing challenges 18:10 – How weight-conscious consumers helped Millie’s find its first strong market fit 20:22 – How Weight Watchers discovered Millie’s during COVID and introduced the product to millions of subscribers 22:18 – How Millie’s expanded into Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon, and thousands of retail locations 24:11 – Winning the Specialty Food Association’s Sofi Gold Award for Outstanding Hot Beverage 26:02 – Why awards build credibility, but the product still has to win on taste and usefulness 27:14 – How Walmart’s Open Call led to a golden ticket and a major retail opportunity 29:18 – Scaling from small production runs to making more product in a week than they previously made in a year 31:02 – Why customer feedback led them to change the name from Millie’s Savory Teas to Millie’s Sipping Broth 33:05 – Why innovation means solving real problems instead of reinventing products that already exist 35:14 – How plant-based ingredients became a natural part of the brand because Lori is vegetarian 37:08 – Why Millie’s focuses on flavor first, with health as a strong added benefit 39:12 – How dry broth reduces the need to ship water and supports a more sustainable format 40:48 – The most rewarding customer feedback, including people using Millie’s during chemotherapy or in hospitals 42:22 – Lessons from early manufacturing challenges and why mistakes help entrepreneurs learn where the trap doors are 43:48 – How Llance and Lori balance working together, family life, and entrepreneurship from home 45:10 – New international-inspired flavors and potential food service opportunities 46:21 – Llance’s vision for broth as an airline beverage option alongside coffee and tea 47:33 – Why health-conscious food and beverage products will keep growing with younger consumers 49:38 – The legacy Llance hopes to build through Millie’s and the entrepreneurial lessons he wants to pass to his children Meet the Guest Llance Kezner is the co-founder of Millie’s Sipping Broth, a plant-based savory broth in a tea bag created with his wife, Lori. The brand has won a Sofi Gold Award, reached national retailers including Walmart and Sam’s Club, and created a new way for consumers to enjoy healthy, satisfying broth as a snack, beverage, or wellness ritual. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Millie’s Sipping Broth Plant-based sipping broth Savory snack alternative Tomato basil broth Minimum viable product Pike Place Market testing Five-to-ten-second sales pitch Co-packer manufacturing Weight Watchers discovery Walmart Open Call Walmart golden ticket Sam’s Club retail launch Specialty Food Association Sofi Gold Award Direct-to-consumer sales Customer feedback loops Health-conscious snacking Intermittent fasting support Vegan food innovation Shelf-stable dry broth Sustainable packaging Food service opportunities Airline beverage concept Closing Insight and CTA Llance’s story shows that innovation often starts with a small, personal problem. Millie’s Sipping Broth began as a better snack for one busy teacher, then grew because other people recognized the same need in their own lives. The lesson for entrepreneurs is clear: get the idea in front of real customers, listen closely, stay flexible, and build for the people who truly need what you offer. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW 🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast 📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: podcast@inglesidereviews.com ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.
Glenn Rudin on Mastering Brand Identity and Brand Messaging
How do you make your brand message clear enough for people to remember, trust, and act on? In this episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with Glenn Rudin, branding expert, communications strategist, author of A Brand in Your Hand, and founder of Always Been Creative. Glenn explains why entrepreneurs must treat themselves like products, package their message with intention, and communicate their value with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Drawing from decades in sales, product development, marketing, and coaching, he shares practical lessons on elevator pitches, personal branding, storytelling, first impressions, and how to stand out in competitive markets. What You’ll Learn Why entrepreneurs need to think of themselves as brands, not just business owners How first impressions, body language, confidence, and clarity shape business opportunities Why simple messaging is often more powerful than complicated explanations How to avoid overtalking during elevator pitches, investor conversations, and sales meetings Why authenticity and audience understanding are essential in today’s digital marketplace How storytelling helps customers connect with a brand’s heritage, purpose, and promise How AI can support messaging work without replacing the human voice behind the brand Episode Highlights 01:20 – Glenn shares his background growing up in northern New Jersey and developing an early entrepreneurial spirit 03:18 – How snow shoveling, car washing, and selling New Kids on the Block hats taught early business lessons 05:05 – Why riding along with his father, an electronics salesman, became Glenn’s first real sales training 07:10 – How Glenn learned that people buy from those they know, like, trust, and respect 09:18 – Why Glenn came to see people as products that need branding, packaging, and clear communication 11:45 – What makes an entrepreneur’s message memorable when pitching investors, partners, or customers 13:52 – Why overtalking and overcomplicating are two of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make 16:08 – How preparation helps business owners deliver a clear pitch without rambling 18:12 – A client story about repositioning a chef from lunch delivery to high-end private dining experiences 22:05 – Glenn introduces A Brand in Your Hand and explains why he wrote it as a rhyming business book 24:34 – Why ideas must move from your head to paper before they become real business opportunities 26:50 – How writing the book helped Glenn refine his coaching approach for entrepreneurs and business owners 29:02 – The branding challenge behind naming Always Been Creative and securing a strong identity 31:05 – Why hiring a coach can help business owners stop wasting time searching for answers alone 34:12 – How businesses in competitive markets must study competitors and find true differentiation 37:05 – Why authenticity is critical in branding, especially in a crowded digital world 39:18 – How knowing your exact audience helps you speak in a way that feels real and relevant 41:06 – Why storytelling gives brands heritage, emotional connection, and memorability 43:24 – How founders must balance personal branding with professional brand representation 45:18 – Glenn’s perspective on AI, messaging, and the danger of relying on generic automated content 47:05 – The reward of seeing a product or brand move from concept to major retail shelves 48:02 – Glenn previews his next book, The Story of You, focused on the life experiences that shape personal identity Meet the Guest Glenn Rudin is a sales, marketing, branding, and communications strategist known as The Message Master. He is the founder of Always Been Creative and the author of A Brand in Your Hand, a rhyming business book designed to help entrepreneurs understand personal branding, messaging, elevator pitches, and the power of making a clear first impression. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Always Been Creative The Message Master A Brand in Your Hand Personal branding Elevator pitch development First-impression strategy Audience evaluation Mission statement development Product development Brand positioning Brand differentiation Storytelling in branding Authentic messaging Competitive analysis Coaching as business acceleration AI-assisted messaging LinkedIn branding Message Master Thoughts The Story of You Closing Insight and CTA Glenn’s message is clear: a great idea is only the beginning. To make it real, entrepreneurs must write it down, clarify who it serves, shape the message, and communicate it in a way people can understand quickly. The strongest brands are not always the loudest or most complicated. They are the clearest, most authentic, and most intentionally presented. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW 🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast 📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: podcast@inglesidereviews.com ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.
How To Succeed As An Independent Filmmaker With John Wayne S. III
How do you succeed as an independent filmmaker when you do not have film school, industry gatekeepers, or a clear roadmap guiding the way? In this episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with John Wayne S. III, filmmaker, producer, director, writer, and founder of Londyn Town Pictures, about building a creative career through persistence, relationships, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial thinking. John shares how he unexpectedly entered filmmaking after losing a job, learned the business from the ground up, moved from production assistant work to music videos, commercials, and feature films, and why creative entrepreneurs must understand both artistry and execution. What You’ll Learn How John Wayne S. III accidentally entered the film industry and discovered his calling Why relationships, dependability, and reputation matter in entertainment entrepreneurship How music videos, commercials, and independent films each taught different business lessons Why filmmakers need to understand writing, producing, directing, budgeting, and paperwork How to balance creative vision with financial reality Why branding matters early for creative entrepreneurs How John thinks about AI, streaming, and the future of independent filmmaking Episode Highlights 02:20 – John explains how a mistaken phone call led him to work on an indie film instead of pursuing medicine 04:25 – How working on Scenes for the Soul introduced him to film production and music videos in Chicago 06:02 – The third-grade memory that helped John realize he was doing what he was meant to do 08:10 – Why starting without film school helped him learn by doing and avoid preconceived limits 10:02 – How early production assistant work taught him dependability, communication, and follow-through 12:30 – Why criticism about not being “black enough” pushed John to create his own opportunities 15:08 – How relationships from the music industry helped him launch his own production work 18:20 – Why entrepreneurs in creative industries must create opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered 20:34 – How John moved from music videos into commercials by finding businesses with strong products but weak visual branding 24:05 – Why creatives need to understand producing, budgets, timelines, and business constraints 27:15 – How John thinks about personal branding versus company branding for entrepreneurs and creators 30:02 – Why John looks for team members who can think creatively without simply solving every problem with money 33:10 – How to keep a team aligned by finding the right people and building trust over time 36:05 – Why setbacks are part of the process and why happiness, optimism, and focus are choices 38:20 – How daily lists help John stay organized across multiple creative projects 40:06 – The story behind Red All Over and how John approached gun violence from both sides of the issue 43:10 – How divorce delayed the release of Red All Over and what that taught him about life and creativity 45:12 – Why John now looks for projects that align with what investors, distributors, and audiences already care about 47:05 – John discusses False Prophets, a film about a woman who creates a Ponzi scheme inside her father’s church 50:08 – John previews Hard Holiday, a Christmas film about addiction, redemption, and rebuilding a life 53:02 – Why John says he makes films because he wants to “live forever” through his work 56:20 – The practical advice he gives creatives: be open, do the paperwork, and build the foundation first 59:10 – John’s advice to stay focused, stay determined, and lead the people who depend on you Meet the Guest John Wayne S. III is a filmmaker, producer, director, writer, and founder of Londyn Town Pictures. His career spans music videos, commercials, independent films, and creative consulting, with work shaped by Chicago, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and a commitment to creating opportunities instead of waiting for permission. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Londyn Town Pictures Music video production Commercial directing Independent filmmaking Production assistant path Production coordinating Production management Writing to budget Completion bond Film financing Investor alignment Personal branding Company branding Creative problem solving Team alignment Daily task lists Red All Over False Prophets Hard Holiday Soundtrack strategy Streaming distribution AI in filmmaking Paperwork, contracts, publishing, and copyrights Closing Insight and CTA John’s story shows that filmmaking is not only a creative journey. It is an entrepreneurial one. Talent matters, but so do relationships, preparation, budgeting, paperwork, leadership, and the ability to keep moving when the path is unclear. His message for creators is direct: be open, build the foundation, do the paperwork, and create your own opportunities instead of waiting for someone else to give you permission. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW 🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast 📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: podcast@inglesidereviews.com ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.
Eric Malka on Building The Art of Shaving into a Global Grooming Brand
How do you turn a forgotten daily routine into a global luxury grooming brand? In this episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with Eric Malka, co-founder of The Art of Shaving, about how passion, strategy, branding, and execution helped transform men’s shaving from a basic drugstore habit into a luxury self-care experience. Eric shares how he and his wife started with $12,000, opened a tiny Manhattan store, built a premium grooming category, expanded through major retailers, and eventually sold the company to Procter & Gamble. He also discusses clean beauty, consumer health, brand building, and his current work through Strategic Brand Investments. What You’ll Learn How The Art of Shaving began with a small shop, old-fashioned shaving products, and aromatherapy formulas Why execution matters more than having a completely original idea How luxury branding helped create a new category in men’s grooming Why customer experience, ritual, packaging, scent, and store design became central to the brand How wholesale partnerships with Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdale’s, and other retailers helped the company scale What entrepreneurs need to understand before selling a company Why clean beauty, transparency, and ingredient awareness matter in the future of personal care Episode Highlights 02:05 – Eric shares how old-fashioned shaving shops in London and his wife’s aromatherapy work inspired The Art of Shaving 04:18 – Selling their car and opening the first Manhattan store with only $12,000 05:41 – Why starting quickly mattered more than waiting for the perfect plan 07:04 – How an early supplier conflict pushed Eric and his wife to create their own product line 09:03 – Why The Art of Shaving entered an underserved luxury category instead of competing in mass-market shaving 10:52 – How branding, public relations, and media attention helped the company grow 12:18 – Creating an in-store experience through scent, music, barber services, packaging, and atmosphere 14:05 – Why customers connected with the morning shaving ritual as an early form of men’s self-care 15:07 – The Neiman Marcus opportunity that showed Eric the brand could become something much bigger 17:12 – How The Art of Shaving scaled from boutique stores into 800 retail locations 18:42 – Why raising money often means beginning the path toward an eventual exit 20:08 – Lessons Eric learned while negotiating the sale to Procter & Gamble 22:24 – Why entrepreneurs should understand that bankers and brokers may not be fully aligned with their interests 24:03 – Why founders need to know their selling threshold before entering acquisition talks 25:55 – How selling the company changed Eric’s view of entrepreneurship, health, mindset, and financial freedom 28:10 – Why Eric would have brought in investors and a management team earlier if he could do one thing differently 30:20 – How Eric shifted into clean beauty, wellness, and Strategic Brand Investments after selling The Art of Shaving 33:06 – Why ingredient transparency became central to his work in beauty and personal care 35:12 – How consumer demand for clean products is rising, but misinformation remains a major problem 37:02 – Brands Eric is currently working with, including Jack Henry, Barberino, and Miami Beach Bum 39:05 – Why consumers need to read ingredient labels and protect themselves in a lightly regulated industry 40:24 – Why innovation, differentiation, and emotional connection separate real brands from ordinary companies 42:16 – How company culture grows from shared values, purpose, and customer obsession 44:03 – Eric’s daily routine around family, exercise, meditation, tea, and health 45:30 – Why entrepreneurship often comes from rule-breaking, challenging norms, and refusing the status quo 46:40 – Why the future of beauty and wellness may include a return to brick-and-mortar retail Meet the Guest Eric Malka is the co-founder of The Art of Shaving, the luxury men’s grooming brand later acquired by Procter & Gamble. He is also an entrepreneur, investor, clean beauty advocate, and founder of Strategic Brand Investments, where he supports emerging brands in wellness, grooming, beauty, and personal care. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The Art of Shaving Procter & Gamble acquisition Strategic Brand Investments Ingredients Jack Henry Barberino Miami Beach Bum Luxury grooming category creation Aromatherapy-based product formulation Premium retail strategy Neiman Marcus shop-in-shop model Wholesale scaling Public relations as brand growth Experiential retail Customer advocacy Men’s self-care ritual Clean beauty Ingredient transparency Non-toxic formulations Founder exit planning M&A negotiation Selling threshold Brand versus company distinction Closing Insight and CTA Eric’s story shows that a powerful brand is not built by copying what already exists. It is built by finding an overlooked category, serving the customer better than anyone else, and creating an experience people want to return to. The Art of Shaving succeeded because it turned a simple routine into a meaningful ritual. His later work in clean beauty and brand investment shows that the same principles still apply: innovate, differentiate, protect the customer, and build with purpose. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW 🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast 📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: podcast@inglesidereviews.com ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.
Showing 1–6 of 21 episodes
Meet the Innovators
Every guest on the show brings a different lived experience—founders, executives, creators, and everyday builders with something real to say. Explore the guest directory to see who's been on the show and revisit your favorite conversations.
WebsterBerry Marketing
Arias WebsterBerry is an entrepreneur, author, and marketing strategist known for building systems that help founders turn ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses. As the founder of WebsterBerry Marketing, Ignite Funnels, and Launch Ignition AI, he works at the intersection of marketing, automation, and leadership. Over the past decade, Arias has coached more than 400 sales professionals and helped generate over $112 million in revenue across multiple industries. He has also produced large-scale cultural events recognized by the City of Los Angeles for contributions to the arts. On Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, Arias shares insights on building clarity, confidence, and systems that create long-term freedom for entrepreneurs.
CEO / LABOV Marketing Communications
Host A.D. Edwards speaks with Barry LaBov, a renowned branding and marketing expert with decades of experience building memorable brands.
Co-Founder / Millie's Sipping Broth
A.D. Edwards talks with Llance Kezner, co-founder of Millie's Sipping Broth. Llance shares the inspiration behind the brand and how a simple idea became a business.
Branding Strategist / Glenn Rudin Associates
Branding expert and marketing strategist Glenn Rudin joins the show to break down what effective branding really means for modern businesses.
Filmmaker / Londyn Town Pictures
Filmmaker and entrepreneur John Wayne S. III shares his journey building Londyn Town Pictures and creating impactful independent films.
Founder / The Art of Shaving
Eric Malka, founder of The Art of Shaving, shares how he built a premium grooming brand and scaled it globally.
Showing 1–6 of 20 guests