From the Founder
By Elliot Dweck
We inspire the entrepreneurial spirit by revealing the untold stories behind businesses and their founders.
From the FounderMay 10, 2022
00:00
30:36
Season 3 Episode 5 | The Untold Story Behind Naeem Khan | From The Founder
Naeem Khan is a modern fashion icon, but how did he go from a small town in India to dressing Michelle Obama and Penelope Cruz? Find out on this week's episode of From The Founder.
May 10, 202230:36
Season 3 Episode 4 | How Oren Alexander Conquered The Residential Real Estate Industry | From The Founder
How did Oren Alexander go from dreaming of working in real estate to co-founding the country's top residential real estate team? Find out in this all-new episode of From The Founder.
This episode is sponsored by FX Collaborative.
Apr 20, 202247:05
Season 3 Episode 3 | How YesJulz Became The Queen Of Snapchat | From The Founder
Julieanna Goddard, better known as YesJulz, went from foster care to conquering Snapchat and transforming the Miami nightlife scene. How did she do it, and what drives her everyday passion? Find out in this all-new episode of From the Founder!
This episode has been sponsored by And1.
Mar 29, 202219:19
Season 3 Episode 2 | How Joe Martin Revolutionized The Subscription Box Industry | From The Founder
Joe Martin went from a struggling college student, to creating the largest full-size beauty-box in the world.
How did Joe break into the makeup industry, and what did he do to turn Boxycharm into a leading beauty company? Find out in this all-new episode of From the Founder!
***Note from the producers: This episode was filmed in June 2021. Joe is no longer a part of Boxycham/BFA. We cant wait to see what Joe tackles next, and you can be sure the From The Founder team will be there to update you on his journey.
Mar 15, 202223:58
EXCLUSIVE interview with TURNBERRY’S Founder - Don Soffer
We hope you enjoy hearing about Don’s highs, lows, and all the in between moments. Thank you Mr. Soffer for your warm Miami welcome!
The legendary Don Soffer was born during the Great Depression in the steel town of Pittsburgh where he'd eventually go on to develop Pittsburgh's first indoor mall in 1965.
But that was just the beginning.
2 years later, Don and his father Harry purchased 785 acres of swamp land in South Florida - which Don was responsible for developing. He had a vision for this land, which is known today as Aventura. Don would go on to form Turnberry Associates, which owns the Fountain Blue and has developed over $7 billion dollars of real estate to date. Including the Aventura Mall, where this interview actually takes place!
If you felt inspired by Don, and want to hear more, check out more content on our social media platforms below:
Feb 21, 202215:54
Overcoming Addiction to Founding Juice Press
In recent years the food and beverage industry has transformed to focus on health foods, and at the forefront of the industry is Marcus Antebi, founder of Juice Press. After recovering from his drug addiction, Antebi flipped the script by building a health food empire which attracted prominent investors like Kenny Dichter, Mark Teixeira and Ken Langone. Today, Juice Press expands to 87 stores across the country. Tune in to hear how he did it.
May 11, 202118:53
The Man Who Put Wynwood on the Map
We continued our tour of Miami by talking with food and restaurant connoisseur Alan Drummond. After growing up in Mexico City, Drummond had a dream of bringing authentic Mexican cuisine around the world, with his first stop being Wynwood. Drummond put Wynwood on the map by opening Coyo Taco, a fresh Mexican street food experience. Drummond, then, brought Miami its first food hall, 1-800-Lucky. He now spearheads all food and beverage initiatives at The Oasis Wynwood and the Moxy Hotel in South Beach. Watch to listen to Drummond talk about how he achieved his childhood dream and the expansion of his business around the world.
May 04, 202114:19
The King of Miami Nightlife
This weeks guest is David Grutman, one of the prominent figures spearheading the Miami hospitality and nightlife industry. From humble beginnings as a bartender, Grutman has worked his way to the top as the “King of Miami Nightlife.” He started by opening his operation Groot Hospitality and now runs the world-renowned club Liv and several other premier venues. Since, he has continued to expand his business ventures to open various distinguished Miami restaurants. For his latest project, Grutman has partnered with Pharrell Williams to open The Goodtime Hotel. This week we sit with Grutman to find out how he made is mark on the magic city.
Apr 27, 202126:02
S2:E11: Kenneth Park - Kenneth Park Architects
If you’ve ever found yourself marveling over New York City’s designer stores, you have witnessed the masterpieces behind world-renowned architect Kenneth Park.
Tune in to hear the story of Kenneth Park, how he overcame incredible adversity and language barriers, to build one of the leading architectural design firms in New York City
Tune in to hear the story of Kenneth Park, how he overcame incredible adversity and language barriers, to build one of the leading architectural design firms in New York City
Apr 13, 202114:00
S2:E10: Norma Cohen - Norma Cohen Productions
From New York to Paris, from Sardinia to St. Barts, Norma Cohen Productions has orchestrated over 100 events a year for the most prestigious clientele. She started at just 12 years old planning events for her local community center as a volunteer. A natural businesswoman turned designer, Norma created show-stopping spectacles around the world.
Apr 11, 202119:19
S2:E9: David Lewis Jr., Jarrette Atkins, and Fritz George - MacroBites
We often talk about businesses embodying the American Dream, but not enough about the impact they have in their own communities. David Lewis Jr., Jarrette Atkins, and Fritz George are the Co-Founders of MacroBites, a meal prep service that has been hard at work to provide healthy food to their hometown in Neptune NJ. As people who have been released from the prison system, they have endured many challenges that most traditional entrepreneurs would not experience. Driven by an unstoppable will to give back in a big way, they are now providing healthy eating options to food deserts in over 35 different states.
Mar 25, 202116:32
S2:E8: Joey Shamah - e.l.f. Cosmetics
Meet Joey Shamah, the co-founder of e.l.f Cosmetics. At 23, he was just a kid with a vision. But with the power of e-commerce and a bulldozer mentality, he built a budget cosmetic brand that would eventually evolve into a billion-dollar publicly-traded company. How'd he do it? Find out tonight on this episode of From the Founder.
Mar 16, 202118:48
S2:E7: Andrew Barrocas - MNS Real Estate
When he was 12 years old, Andrew Barrocas was making a thousand dollars a day, shoveling snow. At 16, he made $50,000 in one summer driving a good humor ice cream truck. In his first year out of college, he made $175,000 renting apartments. He eventually went on to launch MNS Real Estate. Today he shares with us his secrets to success and the steps he took to build a firm responsible for over five billion dollars worth of real estate sales.
Mar 09, 202115:36
S2:E6: Dan Kaplan - FXCollaborative
Dan is a founding partner of FX Collaborative, the architectural firm that has designed buildings all over the world, most notably in New York City. If you've ever been to Times Square, Penn Station, Hudson Yards, or even The Bronx Zoo, you've been witness to Dan's work. Today, I sit down with Dan on the top floor of his latest masterpiece, 1 Willoughby Square. It's the tallest office building Brooklyn. Join me for a special conversation with the extraordinary architect, Dan Kaplan.
Mar 02, 202114:54
S2:E5: Nissim Levy - Boutique Butcher
The Burger
In its simplest form, it is beef patty on a bun.
And that has not changed much over the last 150 years.
But the impact of that burger is more significant than one might think.
It is the meal that built America and historically championed by the proletariat.
Tonight, we sit down with Nissim Levy, founder of The Boutique Butcher, tucked away in a corner of South Brooklyn. A butcher by trade and a meat lover at heart, he has shaped his life around elevating the burger to unmatched quality.
The entrepreneurial spirit is the cornerstone of the American dream
A beacon to all willing to weave their story into the fabric of our history.
In its simplest form, it is beef patty on a bun.
And that has not changed much over the last 150 years.
But the impact of that burger is more significant than one might think.
It is the meal that built America and historically championed by the proletariat.
Tonight, we sit down with Nissim Levy, founder of The Boutique Butcher, tucked away in a corner of South Brooklyn. A butcher by trade and a meat lover at heart, he has shaped his life around elevating the burger to unmatched quality.
The entrepreneurial spirit is the cornerstone of the American dream
A beacon to all willing to weave their story into the fabric of our history.
Feb 23, 202115:19
S2:E4: Dan Kellner - Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club
Fencing
Commonly referred to as physical chess, originated from the aristocratic art of sword fighting.
Now one of the oldest Olympic sports, it has come along way from its dueling roots.
I sit down with former Olympian Dan Kellner who found success in strategy over strength.
He continues this tradition today by passing on the torch to the next generation of Olympic fencers.
Commonly referred to as physical chess, originated from the aristocratic art of sword fighting.
Now one of the oldest Olympic sports, it has come along way from its dueling roots.
I sit down with former Olympian Dan Kellner who found success in strategy over strength.
He continues this tradition today by passing on the torch to the next generation of Olympic fencers.
Feb 16, 202114:03
S2:E3: Connie, Christina, and Carlo Schiattarella - Mamma Mia
Times Square, the Mecca of billboards and selfie sticks. But before Broadway, you used to catch a very different kind of show here. What was once home to the grittier side of New York's nightlife, is now one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. And while the neighborhood has changed a lot over the years, it has been the home to this family-run trattoria for over 5 decades. Mamma Mia, tucked off the corner of 44th, is a neighborhood staple providing home-cooked meals for Hell's Kitchen's community and New York celebrities alike.
The entrepreneurial spirit is the cornerstone of the American Dream. A beacon to all, willing to weave their story into the fabric of our history
Tonight we sit down with Connie and her family to celebrate the risks they took to serve their community, one bowl of pasta at a time.
The entrepreneurial spirit is the cornerstone of the American Dream. A beacon to all, willing to weave their story into the fabric of our history
Tonight we sit down with Connie and her family to celebrate the risks they took to serve their community, one bowl of pasta at a time.
Feb 09, 202111:17
S2:E2: Desdemona Dalia - Broad Street Dough Co. 47/100
The Donut, originally shared by the Dutch settlers who came to New York, has now become an American staple. Frosted, glazed, jelly, cider. This week we celebrate the entrepreneurial journey of Desdemona Dalia, a New Jersey native, who is committed to bringing back the time-honored traditions of this tasty treat. Broad Street Dough Co, first founded in 2014, has since become an acclaimed donut haven. Now with three locations and a team of over 40, we sit down with her to find out how she built and plans to expand this donut dynasty.
Feb 02, 202112:09
S2:E1: Rocco Sacramone - Trattoria L'incontro
You’ve probably seen the recent viral video of a man eating outside during a blizzard. You might’ve even heard that his restaurant, Trattoria L’Incontro, was one of the first Barstool Fund recipients. But what’s the story behind Rocco Sacramone? How did a poor kid from a small town in Italy manage to build a high-quality Italian restaurant in Astoria, Queens open for 21 years and is frequented by celebrities and politicians from around the world?
Jan 26, 202113:37
Episode 41: David Dweck - Camp Allsport
How did a guy who got fired from his first camp counselor job end up creating his own summer camp, comprising of 850 campers and over 130 staff members for 17 years?
Jan 14, 202116:16
Episode #40: Dylan Kaufmann & Eric Braunstein- Dream Dribble
See the problem for Dylan and Eric was that they always loved basketball but they couldn't dribble in the house because it was too loud. And when they dribbled outdoors the neighbors would complain. So what's a kid supposed to do? You want to practice dribbling but it's just too loud. After years of testing different materials, Dylan and Eric created Dream Dribble, a sound-absorbing device allowing kids to silently dribble at home. Before launching the product, they approached 5x NBA All-star, Tim Hardaway Sr, who immediately loved the idea. Because when he was a kid he had the same problem dribbling in his house. Hardaway is now a partner in Dream Dribble and the three are changing kids' lives one dribble at a time.
Dec 31, 202009:04
Episode #39: Barbara Pisch- Patriae
Ever since she was a little kid in Slovakia, Barbara was knitting, crocheting, and operating sewing machines. You see Barbara comes from a long line of Tailors in Easter Europe, so textiles were in her blood. But at age 7, Barabara became a political refugee, escaping communist Slovakia with her family and moving to America. After graduating from FIT and a few stints in the fashion industry, Barbara began repurposing antique textiles from her native Slovakia that were hand-woven by her ancestors. In 2016, she opened up a shop in Asbury Park, NJ selling vintage tote bags, runners, and apparel. All fashioned from her homespun heritage.
Dec 24, 202006:50
Episode #38: Joyce Abady- Juice Theory
How did a Tony Robbins seminar inspire Joyce Abady to manufacture green juices and ultimately open award-winning vegan restaurants by mistake?
Dec 24, 202013:35
Episode #37: Margo & Dan Rusinowitz- NY Therapy and Wellness
High school sweethearts, Margo and Dan Rusinowitz, combined their talents to create a physical and occupational therapy practice. Through perseverance, creative partnerships, and a lot of laughs along the way, this power couple grew New York therapy and wellness to the point where they now serve three states and manage a team of over 100 therapists.
Dec 10, 202014:47
Episode #36: Joe Kassin- Aquinelle
It all started one night when Joe Kassin had a bad bathroom experience. Flushable wipes were clogging the pipes and dried toilet paper just wasn't getting the job done. Joe got back in bed that night, he was frustrated and he thought to himself there has to be a better way. At that very moment, Aquinelle, the world's first toilet tissue mist, was born.
Dec 10, 202016:29
Episode #35: Adina Kamkhatchi- Adina's Jewels
When she was 19 years old, Adina Kamkhatchi saved up $100 and decided that she was going to make her own jewelry - and so she did. She took the subway up to 47th Street and she bought materials to handcraft pieces of jewelry at her kitchen table. After starting to sell her jewelry on Instagram, and recruiting her brother Meyer as CEO, Adina’s side hustle began to flourish. In just 2 years, Adina’s Jewels had reached over $1M in sales, all from a hundred bucks. Today, Adina and Meyer’s self-funded multi-million dollar business has over 1500 SKU’s in its shop in Brooklyn, in department stores across the country, and in the hands of A-list celebrities, like Arianna Grande and Billie Eilish.
Nov 26, 202026:51
Episode #34: Beth Warren- Beth Warren Nutrition
In 2010, Beth founded Beth Warren Nutrition, seeing clients in her basement. Over the last ten years, she wrote 2 books, appeared on Fox and NBC, and has been featured in Women’s Health, Glamour, Shape, and the NY Post. Today, Beth Warren Nutrition served over 100 clients, with weekly meetings conducted across 3 locations.
Nov 26, 202010:37
Episode #32: Morris Tabush- Tabush Group
Ever since his parents bought him a home computer when he was eight years old, Morris Tabush has always had a passion for computers. When he was in high school, that passion led him to assist people with setting up their first home computer. He eventually transitioned to providing IT services to small businesses and officially founded Tabush Group out of his college dorm room. Today, Tabush Group has 37 employees and serves hundreds of businesses across the country.
Nov 13, 202016:36
Episode #31: Amin Adjmi- Staycoolnyc
Staycool’s founder, Amin Adjmi, is all about getting us to connect with a simpler time. A time in our lives where happiness meant watching cartoons, playing video games, and eating milk and cookies. Inspired by the vintage aesthetic of the past, Amin launched a retro-futuristic brand centered around nostalgia and positivity. Staycool has been featured in Hypebeast, Insider, and Complex. Don’t be surprised to see a StayCool themed diner, motel, or even ice cream flavor.
Nov 12, 202014:56
Episode #30: Jennifer Nisan- Front Row Live
While it sounds like a ticket brokerage, Front Row Live is actually a fashion concierge sourcing luxury items around the world. Whether it’s the out of stock Prada loafer or the hard to find Chanel bag, Jennifer Nisan is confident she can find it, even though you can’t. With over a hundred requests a day, Jen utilizes the network she built across the industry to deliver products to her clients who can’t find them on their own.
Nov 11, 202016:33
Episode #29: David Ash- Prince Realty Advisors
For as long as he could remember, David Ash has always loved people and connecting people. So much so, that he describes himself as a matchmaker. Growing up, he connected friends through sports, in college, his job was to connect NYU students with a nightclub, and today he connects institutions and funds with property owners. Am I oversimplifying his life? Why, yes I am. But who has the time to talk about David climbing out of debt? Or how he pulled off a $300M record-setting deal with Zara in SoHo? I certainly don’t. And you’re right - it’s a different level of matchmaking when you’re connecting Kaufman Organization with Extell Development for the $200M sale of the Ring Portfolio. I agree. Selling $4B worth of real estate did take ingenuity, creativity, and a whole lot of persistence.
Oct 16, 202016:08
Episode #28: Milain Fayulu- Congo Clothing Company
Milain was born in The Democratic Republic of Congo and although he no longer lives there, his life’s mission is to help his country and empower its natives. That’s been the theme across all three companies Milain founded. Milain was driving around Congo one day when he saw a billboard advocating for skin bleaching and it really bothered him, so he created Eben. Eben is a cosmetics brand catering to the specific skincare needs of people of color. He wanted people to embrace their natural skin tone. Eben has been featured in Forbes and Miami Herald, but Milain knew he needed a lot more funding to really scale it. So he started another company in the real estate tech space to pump cash into Eben. This property management and hospitality company, Flashstay, now generates over $1M in annual revenue. But that wasn’t enough. Milain still felt like he could do more to help his country so he partnered with a Nobel Peace Prize recipient to start his third company, called Congo Clothing, to raise awareness for rape and war in Congo. From cosmetics to real estate tech to clothing, this serial entrepreneur has set out to create successful companies that can make a real impact on his country, solving one problem at a time.
Oct 14, 202020:46
Episode #27: Lottie Bildirici- Running On Veggies
Lottie is a holistic nutrition coach for some of the best Olympic athletes around the world. She worked with Tour de France winner Team Sky. She ran multiple triathlons and was on the cover of Triathlete Magazine. She formed partnerships with brands including Equinox, Whole Foods, and Proctor and Gamble. Adidas Runners created a position for her that never existed before. She is now the North America Nutrition Coach for Adidas Runners - and she’s the only one. They fly her around the world. She’s done panels in Austria and workshops in Istanbul, Turkey.
Oct 14, 202017:10
Episode #26: Doris Dwek- Doris Dwek Events
How in the world did Doris go from planning her one-year-old daughter’s birthday party to now, 24 years later, planning hundreds of events a year around the tri-state area?
Sep 24, 202015:28
Episode #25: Morris Zeitouni- Connected Copper
When Morris was 11 years old, he was the only kid on the block building amusement park models in his attic. After a short stint at IBM in Bentanharbour, Michigan, and Munich, Germany, designing internet-connected home appliances and cars for companies including Whirlpool, BMW, and Allstate, Morris started his own industrial engineering consulting firm and is now building a smart city.
Sep 24, 202019:25
Episode #23: Gracy Accad- Gracy Accad
Without having studied fashion or having any prior work experience at a fashion house, how did Gracy Accad, in just four years, become a fashion designer who Martha Stewart said could be the next Monique Lhuillier?
Sep 23, 202014:29
Episode #24: Jake Elias- Sparrow Associates
After graduating from NYU Stern, Jake Elias found himself alone in a new city recently fired from 3 different jobs. How did Jake start his own recruiting firm poaching software developers from Google, Uber, and Facebook?
Sep 17, 202015:52
Episode #22:Paulina Ashkenazi- Holy Kale
How did a culinary instructor go from teaching to becoming a microinfluencer to creating exclusive high end pop up restaurants?
Sep 17, 202016:21
Episode #21: Florence Cohen- Grandma's Cheese
Inspired by her grandmother, Florence started selling string cheese when she was in high school. Along with her husband Maxie, Florence built a wholesale and retail cheese company called Grandma’s Cheese.
Sep 17, 202015:24
Episode #20: Raquel Dayon- Raq That Body
Most of us grew up watching cartoons, but not Raquel. When Raquel was just 6 years old, would pop in workout videos into her VCR. 20 years later she's running Raq That Body a workout lifestyle. In the past 4 years, she's taught thousands of classes.
Sep 04, 202010:30
Episode #19: Lynda Levy- Party by Lynda
How did a Zumba instructor go from teaching Zumba classes 6 times a week to creating a luxury summer camp experience for children across the country?
Sep 04, 202011:41
Episode #18: Joseph Aizer- S4K Entertainment
When you here the name Smiles 4 Kids, what do you think of? A dentist? A playgroup? Smiles 4 Kids is actually a ticket brokerage that Joe Aizer co-founded Steven Ashaer and Ezra Azizo. Pulling each of their unique talents together, a ticket dynasty was born
Aug 27, 202013:40
Episode #17:Josh Spiegel- Birch Event Design
Josh Spiegel was married at 18 years old, was a father at 19 years, started selling flowers out of his dad’s balloon store in Borough Park, and now produces high end weddings in New York City’s most iconic venues.
Aug 25, 202017:07
Episode #16- Jack Ezon & Julie Danziger- Embark Beyond
For 15 years Jack Ezon was the president of one of the largest travel companies in America. Along with Julie Danziger and Eli Asher, Jack propelled Ovation's leisure department from 2 million dollars to over 400 million dollars in sales. In 2019, the travel gurus founded Embark Beyond
Aug 23, 202003:46
Episode #15: Teddy Khafif- Akimori
With a burning passion to get involved in hospitality, 18-year old Teddy Khafif quit his E-commerce job to wash dishes in the back of a French bistro. After climbing the ranks at the most expensive sushi restaurant in the country, Masa, Khafif opened the first kosher omakase experience. But for some this experience may have to wait because Khafif is triple-booked until October.
Aug 19, 202014:43
Episode #14: Morris Faks- Faks Productions
Syrian immigrant Morris Faks started DJing because he could afford to hire a DJ for his brother’s birthday party. Together with his brother Simon, Morris now DJ’s over 140 weddings every year!
Aug 13, 202014:43
Episode #13:Ezra Dweck & Joey Oved- Icecap Group
In 2017, Z Dweck and Joey Oved joined forces to create Icecap group. 900 loans later, they are now one of the largest private money lenders in the northeast.
Aug 11, 202013:59
Episode #12: Kim Kushner- Kim Kushner Cuisine
When Montreal native, Kim Kushner, moved to Manhattan she quickly realized that her cooking skills were special. And knowing how to cook was not common amongst her peers. After graduating from culinary school, Kim became a private chef for some of New York Cit's most discerning eaters and taught cooking classes out of her apartment. Three cookbooks later, this Queen of Kosher redefined kosher cooking and was featured in the International New York Times, Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, and appeared on The Today Show.
Aug 07, 202015:36
Episode #11: Ohad Fisherman- Hummus Joonam
Alone in America, Ohad Fisherman was hungry for success, and his customers hungry for his authentic hummus. New York's Hummus Hunk took his family's 40-year old secret recipe and built a livelihood out of chickpeas. All in an effort to give back to his parents. From importing the ingredients from Israel to waking up at 3am to make it, Ohad crafted high-end unrivaled chickpea spread. Ohad now manages a 12-person team and Hummus Joonam can be found in a dozen supermarkets and very soon in Whole Foods.
Aug 04, 202014:39
Episode #10: Elizabeth Sutton- Elizabeth Sutton Collection
“A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.”
Elizabeth Sutton started her business during one of the most trying times in her life. After tremendous financial difficulties, a miscarriage, and a divorce -Elizabeth picked herself up and understood that she had to start taking her life into her own hands. She knew that if she put enough pressure on herself, she would have no choice but to perform. It was then that she took a leap and started her own company, Elizabeth Sutton Collection, an NYC based, highly curated design firm whose goal is to spread positivity through artwork. Elizabeth began by making custom pieces for friends and acquaintances and watched the demand skyrocket. Fast forward to today… she is creating one of a kind designs and collaborating with icons such as Joe and The Juice, TileBar, Eden Rock St. Barths, Blatt Billards, and many more. She has really thrived. This was no coincidence. She is a trendsetter and a hustler by nature, but it was not an easy road to success. in any business, there are ups and downs, but Elizabeth learned to roll with the punches and is still continuing to propel her company to the next level.
Elizabeth Sutton started her business during one of the most trying times in her life. After tremendous financial difficulties, a miscarriage, and a divorce -Elizabeth picked herself up and understood that she had to start taking her life into her own hands. She knew that if she put enough pressure on herself, she would have no choice but to perform. It was then that she took a leap and started her own company, Elizabeth Sutton Collection, an NYC based, highly curated design firm whose goal is to spread positivity through artwork. Elizabeth began by making custom pieces for friends and acquaintances and watched the demand skyrocket. Fast forward to today… she is creating one of a kind designs and collaborating with icons such as Joe and The Juice, TileBar, Eden Rock St. Barths, Blatt Billards, and many more. She has really thrived. This was no coincidence. She is a trendsetter and a hustler by nature, but it was not an easy road to success. in any business, there are ups and downs, but Elizabeth learned to roll with the punches and is still continuing to propel her company to the next level.
Aug 04, 202014:08