Leadership, Longevity, and Success I Danny Kole, Kole Imports & Closeouts

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Danny Kole, Co-President, Kole Imports & Closeouts.

• 1:47:  How Two Brothers started a business at swap meets using wait lines to source merchandise before the meets started.
• 3:35: The Pivot - from swap meets to selling promotional, new merchandise.
• 4:36: Sourcing - Diving to LA and using sourcing wholesale merchandise from import businesses in downtown Los Angeles.
• 7:55: Trade Shows - If you build it, they will come. How trade shows laid the foundation for Kole Imports & Exports.
• 8:30: Re-packaging existing products to develop items that could retail for .99 stores.
• 11:00: You need to find and sell merchandise that customers recognize in order for it to sell well.
• 13:55: Lessons from family, be impeccable to your word.  Show up and be authentic to your customers.
• 15:00: Longevity and retention is important. Having your employees stay with you is critical to your success.
• 17:15:  Creating a team with an entrepreneur mindset.  People don’t work for us, they work with us.
• 20:38: Defining leadership and adapting with shifting environments.
• 23:00: Focus your energy on what you can influence. Find the positive in all situations and focus your attention on progress.
• 24:30: Learning to pivot with the industry and being a considerate leader.
• 27:00: Building grit and learning to problem solve for personal success.
• 31:00: The importance of generational family-owned business and how family members play key roles in the future of the company.
• 33:46: Balance your booth merchandise, Kole Imports carries 50% closeouts and 50% imports.
• 34:00: Closeouts allow retailers to create excitement in their stores with consumers! Trending now - closeout buys are at an all time high.
• 35:04: ASD Market Week is an order writing, high volume, show.