Michael Dubin, founder of Dollar Shave Club and a master of humor and branding, shares his journey from a layoff at Sports Illustrated to launching a viral company. He discusses the genius behind Dollar Shave Club's success in redefining razor sales and reflects on the emotional aftermath of selling to Unilever. Mike also dives into his creative pursuits in screenwriting and the role of meditation in maintaining focus. Plus, get the scoop on unique caffeine alternatives like Mudwater and the importance of community in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Michael Dubin revolutionized the razor industry by identifying consumer frustrations and creating a convenient subscription model with Dollar Shave Club.
Utilizing humor and emotional engagement in marketing, Dubin emphasized the importance of authentic brand communication to differentiate in a crowded market.
Deep dives
The Birth of Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club originated from a simple observation about the frustration of acquiring razors, highlighted by Michael Dubin’s experience in a New York City store. Recognizing that the traditional razor purchasing process was cumbersome, with locked displays and long lines, he identified a larger problem faced by many consumers. This insight led to the creation of a subscription service, addressing both affordability and convenience, especially in a market dominated by a few major brands. By leveraging a warehouse full of razors he encountered serendipitously, Dubin transformed the shaving experience and created a billion-dollar business with over three million subscribers.
The Role of Humor in Branding
Humor plays a significant role in engaging consumers and making brands memorable, as discussed by Dubin. He emphasizes that evoking emotional reactions, such as laughter, fosters a stronger connection with the audience, leading to increased brand recollection. By presenting the brand in a humorous light, Dubin aimed to differentiate Dollar Shave Club in a market that often lacked genuine personality. This strategic approach not only resonated well with consumers but also highlighted the importance of authenticity in brand communication.
Navigating Life Post-Exit
After the successful sale of Dollar Shave Club to Unilever, Dubin experienced a notable shift in his professional landscape, leading to new learning opportunities. Unlike the independent phase where he was the primary decision-maker, his role within Unilever required collaboration across various departments and brands. This experience provided him with insights into corporate dynamics and the challenges of maintaining a brand's identity within a larger portfolio. Importantly, Dubin found that his entrepreneurial drive remained unchanged, demonstrating that the desire to create and innovate persists beyond initial successes.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dubin advises aspiring entrepreneurs to cultivate an ability to navigate challenges and adapt creatively, emphasizing the significance of problem-solving skills. He believes that passion and the willingness to figure things out independently are key traits of successful entrepreneurs. He reflects on the years he spent developing his business and the importance of surrounding oneself with complementary skill sets to achieve success. Ultimately, his perspective suggests that while guidance is beneficial, the core of entrepreneurship lies in the relentless pursuit of one's vision.
Most people just dream of going viral. Michael Dubin has actually pulled it off.
Mike went from being rejected from every business school he applied to and being laid off from Sports Illustrated to revolutionizing how razors are sold in America with Dollar Shave Club. Beyond operational ingenuity and opportunity spotting, Mike made use of his talents in sketch comedy and improvisation to create a video in 2012 that lit the internet on fire and birthed a generation of “direct-to-consumer” businesses. Four years later, Dollar Shave Club counted over 3M subscribers and secured a $1B sale to Unilever.
Has fame and fortune changed him? Not really.
In this interview, we’ll talk about the cultural undercurrents that enabled Dollar Shave Club and provide a peek behind the curtain of how multinational corporations approach acquisitions and divestitures. We’ll also drink a lot of MUD\WTR as Mike talks about his latest creative endeavors in screenwriting, his pause practice with Vedic meditation, and the sentimental bowl in which I serve mike a homemade peach and fennel salad.
Finally, if you’re interested in joining our Friday morning Santa Monica swim club called The Starfish, send me a DM on Twitter or Instagram @swhnorton
This podcast is made available solely for entertainment and educational purposes. The information presented here does not constitute investment, legal, or other professional advice, and should not be construed as an offering of advisory services, or as a solicitation to buy, an offer to sell, or a recommendation of any securities or other financial instruments. The thoughts and opinions expressed by or through this podcast are those of the individual guests and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of any investment advisor. The discussion on this podcast of any entity, product or service does not imply an endorsement thereof, and the guests may have a financial interest, whether through investment or otherwise, in one or more of any such entities, products or services.
Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating on your audio platform and comment below your favorite part of the episode. See you next week!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode