Episode 064: Kevin Lavelle – CEO of Mizzen+Main: Intellectual Curiosity Leads To Growing 500%
Kevin Lavelle is an incredibly intelligent leader. He truly understands the importance of possessing three qualities as a leader: An overwhelming amount of optimism, an intellectual curiosity, and persistence. We are extremely fortunate to have Kevin share his knowledge with us, the loyal listeners of The Learning Leader Show.
Kevin Lavelle is an American entrepreneur and business executive. He is the founder of Mizzen+Main, a men's clothing brand where he serves as the company's CEO. Kevin was named to the 40 Under 40 list by Dallas Business Journal in 2013. He was also named to Men's Fitness list of Game Changers in 2014. Investors in the company, which makes its products in the United States, include Zappos founder Tony Hsieh's Vegas Tech Fund and Navy SEAL Marcus Lutrell. They have grown 500% year over year!
And most recently, he has partnered with NFL star JJ Watt on an endorsement deal that gives JJ an equity stake in the business.
Episode 064: Kevin Lavelle – CEO of Mizzen+Main: Intellectual Curiosity Leads To Growing 500%
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The Learning Leader Show
“I want to build the next great American brand.” – Kevin Lavelle
Some Questions I Ask:
- What are the common characteristics of high achievers?
- What is unique about Mizzen+Main?
- How did you initially fund your company?
- What effect did it have on your brand when you advertised on a podcast? (Tim Ferriss)
- What do you say to critics who claim you should make your product outside of America?
- Take us into your pitch meetings… What specifically did it sound like in those meetings?
- What was it like negotiating with JJ Watt?
- Why is the name Mizzen+Main?
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The importance of: Optimism, curiosity, & persistence
- Pitch meetings (to investors) and the specific verbiage used in them
- The power of advertising on a podcast
- Working with JJ Watt
- Getting started… Specifically starting to sell immediately (prior to quitting day job)
- Mentors and how they’ve helped
- The importance of taking a complicated message and making it clear
“The best business decision for us is to make our products in America.” – Kevin Lavelle
Continue Learning:
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This was a jam packed episode full of great content. Kevin is leader who is constantly learning in order to help us all live a better life. Who do you know that needs to hear this? Send them to The Learning Leader Show!
Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell
Biography
Kevin Lavelle is an American entrepreneur and business executive. He is the founder of Mizzen+Main, a men's clothing brand where he serves as the company's CEO. Kevin was named to the 40 Under 40 list by Dallas Business Journal in 2013. He was also named to Men's Fitness list of Game Changers in 2014. Investors in the company, which makes its products in the United States, include Zappos founder Tony Hsieh's Vegas Tech Fund and Navy SEAL Marcus Lutrell. And most recently, he has partnered with NFL star JJ Watt on an endorsement deal that gives JJ an equity stake in the business.
