Josh Reed is building a menswear brand from the ground up, which is never an easy task.
He’s definitely going about it the right way. I’ve received some of GENTS garments, and I am sold, I wear their Gents Newsboy hat consistently. I could tell that this company had great vibes and energy behind it, which naturally made me want to speak with whoever was at the wheel. This happened to be Josh, so I reached out to him to get his perspective on what it takes to build a new menswear brand.
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Please describe your position at your company.
Founder/CEO since November 2012 when the company launched.
How long have you known you wanted to do what you are currently working on?
Having my own business has been a life long dream. In what capacity that would take, I did not know. After working in the men’s fashion business for 15 years, I dove into what I knew best and what I enjoyed.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
It’s very fulfilling to pursue a life long dream and all the work it takes to do that. I truly enjoy striving to grow every aspect of Gents bigger and better all the time. I also have employees and shareholders that count on me.
How did you overcome your own doubts and the doubts of other people?
To a certain degree I think I, and anyone else, will always have doubts and questions as you grow personally and professionally, but in the beginning I had to clearly believe in myself and what I brought to the table in terms of my experience in the past, professional support system and my business concept. That confidence combined with the fact there is no time or room for doubt, forced me to overcome it. As far as the doubts of other people, I learned very quickly “everyone has something to say” and I stopped asking and listening and followed my gut.
What were some bumps you hit to get where you’re at now?
Choosing the right people to partner with in a variety of ways: employees, company partners, vendors, etc. I think that was my biggest bump. Learning to say no, stand up for yourself and not sell yourself short were other lessons I’ve learned fast through “bumps” in the road. I’m sure there will be more to come but I now make sure to look at each one carefully as a learning tool.
What is one thing you did wrong in the past that you can share with people?
Know who you go into business with, choose the best and most honest vendors you work with, and hire carefully.
What is a way you got your name out there?
15 years of working hard in the industry and securing that reputation and those connections helped me to have a lot of support in many aspects, but particularly public relations, advertising, marketing, social media and celebrity endorsements.
Is there anything that almost stopped you from doing this?
MONEY. It takes money to make money and at the beginning the better you are doing many times requires more money. But, when there is a will there is a way. I overcame it by adjusting to budgetary constraints and learning about raising funds. It’s always a part of most people’s businesses the entire time, but especially at the beginning. I was lucky to have a member of my board help in fundraising and investors that generously advised in financial management while getting my feet off the ground.
Is there anyone in your profession that you admire and/or model yourself after?
I admire Tom Ford for his work ethic, professional trajectory, sense of grace and style personally and professionally and every aspect of how he has launched and managed his new company A to Z.
How do you continue to perfect your craft?
First and foremost, a strong work ethic and hard work. I listen much more, try to surround myself with people who know more than I do about their particular field and work hard to educate myself and get inspired more each day.
How do you envision the future of your product/services?
I hope to be able to continue to expand into further product categories, enrich the current product with better and better style and quality and cater to a wider and wider demographic as we grow.
What’s some advice you can share for anyone who wants to pursue what you are doing?
Believe in yourself 100% and don’t give up along the many bumps along the ride.
You have a great website. How much of your business is driven by online buyers/clients?
Absolutely. Gents was launched only as e-commerce the first 8 months of the 15 months we have been in business. It is the strongest platform you can have for e-commerce sales, communication on all aspects of your brand and showcasing product, press, retail locations and much more.
Where can people go to find out more about your awesome products/services?
visit www.gentsco.com Follow , and .
Thanks Josh!
“Live life with passion!”
-7 Days Theory
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