How I Built This with Guy Raz cover image

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Jack Black Skin Care: Curran and Jeff Dandurand

Sep 11, 2023
01:01:00
Snipd AI
Curran Dandurand and Emily Dalton co-founded Jack Black, a premium skincare brand for men, despite skepticism from investors. With the help of Curran's husband Jeff, they launched in 2000 and eventually sold the brand for almost $100 million. They discuss the challenges, strategies, and a bit of luck that led to their success.
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Jack Black successfully redefined the men's skincare market by creating a luxury brand with a rugged masculinity appeal and focusing on product quality and exceptional customer service.
  • Effective hiring of exceptional salespeople, like Elaine Syke, who engaged with customers personally and provided expert product recommendations, was instrumental in changing consumer behavior and driving sales.

Deep dives

Jack Black: Redefining Men's Skincare Market

Jack Black, a men's skincare brand, was founded by Curran Danderan and Emily Dalton in 2000. They aimed to target the luxury end of the market, offering high-quality grooming products for men. Initially facing resistance in the industry, they focused on selling in specialty stores and department stores like Stanley Korshak and Nordstrom. One key strategy was introducing men to their hero product, Beardlube, a superior shaving cream. They also relied on skilled salespeople like Elaine Syke to educate men about skincare routines and convince them to try their products. While facing financial challenges and tight budgets, they eventually broke even and turned a slight profit in the third or fourth year with $5 million in annual sales. Despite the pressures on their marriage and the need for frugality, Curran and Jeff remained committed to their mission of redefining the men's skincare market.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

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