Marc Ecko, founder of ECKO UNLTD and COMPLEX, shares his journey from creating a streetwear brand inspired by hip hop to launching a successful media company. He discusses his passion for hip hop and graffiti art, the challenges of building a lifestyle brand, pivotal moments in his entrepreneurial journey, and the intersection of luck, hard work, and faith in entrepreneurship.
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Quick takeaways
Marc Ecko's journey from streetwear to media showcases innovative entrepreneurship.
ECKO UNLTD faced challenges like debt and rebranding amidst financial turmoil.
Strategic negotiations and lean marketing saved ECKO UNLTD from bankruptcy.
Transition to media with Complex reflects Mark Ecko's adaptability and digital trend foresight.
Deep dives
Introduction of Personalized M&Ms as a Gift Idea
The podcast discusses the introduction of personalized M&Ms as a unique and thoughtful gift idea, recounting the speaker's personal experience of receiving a personalized M&M bottle with a special message and picture. This personalized gift was highlighted as one of the best gifts received, prompting the consideration of using personalized M&Ms for various special occasions like graduations, weddings, and birthdays, with a promotional offer provided for creating customized gifts at mms.com.
Ad of the American Express Business Gold Card
An advertisement for the American Express Business Gold Card is featured, emphasizing its benefits such as flexible spending capacity that adapts to business needs and the opportunity to earn annual statement credits on eligible purchases at select business merchants. The card's support for business growth and financial operations simplification is underscored, directing listeners to learn more at the American Express website.
Mercury's Financial Operation Simplification
Mercury is discussed as a solution to streamline financial operations, offering banking and software services to power critical financial workflows within businesses. The emphasis is on simplifying processes like bill payments, expense control, and reconciliation through integrations with accounting systems. Businesses are encouraged to apply for Mercury services for improved financial efficiency and simplified operations.
Range Rover Sport's Advanced Features and Performance
The Range Rover Sport's third generation is lauded for combining a dynamic sporting personality with refined features like active noise cancellation, cabin air purification, and advanced seating options. The vehicle's performance capabilities on and off the road are highlighted, along with the intuitive PIVI Pro infotainment system. Listeners are directed to Land Rover USA to explore more details about the vehicle's sporting luxury.
Mark Echos' Journey in Fashion and Streetwear
Mark Echos' entrepreneurial journey in fashion and streetwear is explored, delving into his background and influences from hip-hop and graffiti culture. The founding of Echo Unlimited in the 1990s and its growth in the streetwear market are detailed, including collaborations with rappers and musicians. The episode showcases Echos' innovative approach in building a lifestyle brand and transitioning into successful business ventures like Complex, focusing on youth culture interests.
Challenges and Evolution in Echo Unlimited's Business Operations
Echo Unlimited encounters financial challenges, including unprofitability and debt accumulation due to operational inefficiencies and legal disputes with business partners. The podcast reveals the struggles faced by the company in changing its brand name from ECHO to ECKO due to trademark issues, leading to inventory complications and a rebranding strategy. Additionally, the episode highlights negotiation attempts to sell the brand amidst financial turmoil and potential partnerships.
The Challenges of Financial Struggles and Partnerships
Facing financial struggles in the late 90s, Mark Echo navigated difficult situations with Levi's and Nautica, where partnerships were complicated by debt and shifting corporate dynamics. His strategic decisions, like working with Allen Finkleman for debt relief without compromising business ownership, showcased his ability to negotiate complex deals while safeguarding his brand's future through lean marketing strategies.
Transition from Apparel Business to Media
Transitioning from the apparel business, Mark Echo delved into the world of media through the creation of Complex. Recognizing the shift towards digital consumption, he embraced innovative content creation, notably evidenced by the success of First We Feast, steering Complex towards profitability. This shift highlighted his adaptability and foresight to capitalize on emerging trends, ultimately reshaping his outlook on brand management and leveraging digital platforms for success.
Growing up in the ‘80s in New Jersey, Marc Ecko loved hip hop, graffiti art, and painting t-shirts for friends. His passion soon bloomed into a full-on business: ECKO UNLTD, a streetwear brand known for its iconic rhino logo. By the 1990’s, the brand had become a cultural force, but not without its share of bad deals, daunting debt, and a close brush with bankruptcy.
Eager to keep innovating, Marc launched COMPLEX, a media company hyper-focused on “convergence” culture: hip hop, fashion, sports and pop culture. Within a decade, COMPLEX had weathered the financial crisis, and emerged profitable. After being bought–and sold–by Buzzfeed, it was purchased by a video shopping company for over $100 million, and ECKO UNLTD just celebrated its 30th anniversary.
This episode was researched and produced by Katherine Sypher with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant. Our audio engineers were Gilly Moon and Kwesi Lee.
