How I Built This with Guy Raz Talenti: Josh Hochschuler
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Jun 30, 2025 
Josh Hochschuler, founder of Talenti Gelato, shares his journey from experiencing Argentina's vibrant gelato culture to launching a successful brand in the U.S. He faced early setbacks, including shutting down his retail shop to pivot to wholesale, which ultimately led to Talenti's national acclaim. Hochschuler discusses the importance of resilience, creative marketing, and strategic partnerships, including a game-changing deal with Costco and navigating the 2008 financial crisis. His story highlights the transformative nature of entrepreneurship and personal growth.
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Immersing in Buenos Aires Life
- Josh lived in a newly renovated apartment in Buenos Aires by paying rent upfront and sleeping on the floor.
- He started teaching English to make money and gradually settled into life there despite many initial challenges.
Learning Traditional Gelato
- Josh learned traditional gelato making in Argentina from Jorge's expert, focusing on natural ingredients and manual, small batch techniques.
- The process involved caramelizing nuts and making unique pastes, illustrating the old-world artisanal craftsmanship.
Opening Talenti Gelato Shop
- Josh opened Talenti gelato shop in Dallas with $600,000 raised from friends and family.
- Despite great reviews and long lines, the business struggled financially due to low transaction sizes and high overhead.