Advertise on podcast: Hustle Inspires Hustle with Alex Quin

In this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, Alex Quin sits down with Brandon Travin, Director of Sales and Partnerships at Resident.com, a legacy luxury lifestyle publication founded by his father in 1988. Brandon shares how he helped transform the brand from a print-focused magazine into a modern, digitally dominant media company with a domain authority of 70. They discuss the power of SEO, personalized brand partnerships, email marketing, luxury events, and leveraging AI in content. Brandon emphasizes the value of storytelling, long-term relationships, and meeting clients where they are. The episode also highlights the importance of combining tradition with innovation while staying true to brand values in the fast-evolving luxury media space. Episode Outline: [00:00:00] Intro and welcome [00:01:30] Brandon's background and Resident.com origin story [00:05:45] From local paper to global luxury publication [00:09:10] Family legacy and media industry roots [00:12:00] Brandon’s digital transformation strategy [00:16:50] Growing Resident.com’s domain authority to 70 [00:19:20] Balancing print and digital [00:22:00] Focus on travel, real estate, fashion, dining [00:25:45] Brand activations, events, and client strategies [00:29:30] High-profile covers, celebrity features [00:32:10] The power of storytelling in luxury branding [00:36:15] Leveraging AI and multilingual content [00:41:30] Sales wins and in-person dealmaking [00:43:45] Brandon’s values and how he wants to be remembered Wisdom Nuggets: Legacy Can Fuel Innovation: Brandon Travin didn’t just inherit a company—he brought it into the digital age, using Resident.com’s trusted legacy as a launchpad for tech-driven growth. SEO is a Long Game: Achieving a domain authority of 70 in under three years came from consistency, content upgrades, and leveraging the strength of the Resident.com domain. Print Still Has Power, But Digital Scales: Print remains a high-touch brand tool, while Resident.com drives scalable traffic and conversion—showing how modern media needs both. Sell With Purpose, Not Pressure: Brandon highlights that listening deeply to client goals and customizing media plans around their KPIs builds trust and long-term wins. Meet Clients Where They Are: From targeted email campaigns to luxury events and global SEO visibility, Resident.com’s success lies in reaching audiences across every relevant channel. Power Quotes “It doesn’t always have to be money—you don’t always need to make something out of the relationship.” - Alex Quin “Luxury is personal. You gotta meet clients in person.” - Brandon Travin “I want Resident.com to be the go-to for luxury in every major city.” Connect with Brandon: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/brandon.travin) Linkedin: (linkedin.com/in/brandontravin) Resident Magazine Website (https://resident.com/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Alex Quin sits down with Christian Pombo of Creative Real Estate Deals to unpack how he moved over $20 million in off-market real estate deals in the past year using creative finance strategies. From his start in pre-med to becoming a wholesale dealmaker, Christian shares actionable insights on wholesaling, sub-to deals, seller finance, and how he built a community of over 500 investors in a thriving paid WhatsApp group. Episode Outline: [00:00] Intro & High School Roots [03:00] How Christian Pivoted from Pre-Med to Real Estate [05:50] Early Real Estate Influences in His Family [08:15] Real Estate Seemed "Played Out" at First [10:30] Why Wholesaling and Creative Finance Clicked [13:15] Sub-to vs Seller Financing Explained [18:50] Recent $400K Deal Example in Homestead [23:00] Objections Sellers Have About Sub-To [27:20] Off-Market vs On-Market Property Deals [33:30] Why Most Realtors Don’t Know About Creative Finance [38:00] The Importance of Problem Solving in Real Estate [43:45] Cherry-Picking the Best Deals [47:50] Importance of Buy Box and Market Familiarity [51:30] Creative Financing Example from Hialeah Purchase [55:10] Foreclosures Are Up: Here’s Why [59:00] Building the WhatsApp Group & Helping New Investors Wisdom Nuggets: Creative Financing Is a Problem Solver: Creative finance isn't just about strategy—it’s about finding ethical ways to solve real problems. When banks say no, these methods can create win-win scenarios for both investors and distressed property owners. Sellers’ Situations Dictate the Terms: Forget falling in love with the kitchen layout—real estate investing success comes from understanding the seller’s situation. The better you grasp their challenges, the better your chances at structuring a mutually beneficial deal. Build Your Buyer List Before the Deal: Don’t wait until you have the contract to look for a buyer. Build a community—like Christian’s WhatsApp group—so when the right deal lands, it moves quickly. Long-Term Financing Buys Time and Options: In creative finance, the longer the financing terms, the better. It gives investors the breathing room to hold, refinance, or cash flow without pressure. Relationships Drive Revenue: Speed and communication are important, but nothing replaces trust. Christian attributes much of his success to in-person networking and repeat business from buyers who trust his word and deal quality. Power Quotes “I sell good deals, but I buy great deals.” - Christian Pombo "I'm raising gentlemen." - Christian Pombo Connect with Christian: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/pomborealestate) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/creativerealestatedeals) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode, Alex Quin fires up the Hustle Inspires Hustle community with a reality check about procrastination and goal-setting. He emphasizes why waiting for January to start pursuing your goals is a trap and explains how momentum built in the last stretch of the year leads to long-term success. Alex offers a personal pep talk to help listeners assess their progress, realign their vision, and set clear intentions for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Episode Outline: [00:00] – Intro: Why waiting for January is a mistake [00:22] – The cost of waiting and procrastinating on goals [00:48] – Check your 2025 goals: what’s working, what’s not [01:18] – Do your audit: finances, health, business, mindset [01:46] – Don’t waste Q4: fix the gaps, build momentum [02:10] – What a strong finish gives you: peace, freedom, cash flow [02:38] – Start planning for 2026 now [03:03] – Align with your partner or team [03:24] – Final word: stop surviving, start living with intention Wisdom Nuggets: Stop Worshipping the Calendar: Waiting for a date like January 1st to take action is an excuse disguised as a plan. Start now or risk staying stuck. Audit, Don’t Assume: You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Look at your current goals and get honest about where you're winning and where you're behind. Purpose Over Panic: Finishing the year strong isn’t about panic hustling—it’s about creating meaningful outcomes like peace, cash flow, and confidence. Talk Like a Team: If you’re in a relationship, your success plan shouldn’t be a solo mission. Discuss your shared goals and stay aligned. Survive or Thrive: If you’re constantly reacting and living bill-to-bill, you’re not really living. Set direction and move with intention. Power Quotes “I’ll start in January is pure loser talk.” – Alex Quin “Twenty twenty five isn't over yet, so don't act like it is.” – Alex Quin Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this quick solo episode, Alex Quin shares a powerful reminder: relationships matter more than ever during the holidays. With campaigns and deadlines stacking up, Alex encourages listeners to pause and intentionally connect with the people who made their year meaningful—clients, team members, mentors, and supporters. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s smart branding. Episode Outline: [00:00:00] Intro: Hustle Inspires Hustle mission [00:00:25] Why Q4 should include gratitude, not just goals [00:01:10] How to build a holiday appreciation list [00:01:50] Actionable ways to make it personal and impactful [00:02:30] Final thought: People remember how you made them feel Wisdom Nuggets: Gratitude Is Smart Branding: Saying “thank you” isn't soft—it’s strategic. It fuels trust, loyalty, and referrals. Systematize Your Appreciation: Create a simple contact sheet so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to show love. Small Gestures, Big Impact: A handwritten note or quick call sticks more than a generic email blast. Be the Signal : In a noisy digital world, your authenticity is what people will remember. Power Quotes “Strong relationships fuel referrals, loyalty, and real trust.” - Alex Quin “Take the time to show love to your people.” - Alex Quin Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, Alex Quin breaks down practical, actionable strategies to help both e-commerce and service-based businesses succeed during Black Friday. He emphasizes the importance of keeping offers simple—such as clear tiered discounts or urgency-based service upgrades—to reduce friction and improve conversions. Alex stresses that successful marketing goes beyond flashy ads; it's about preparation across your funnel, creative assets, and backend systems. From fast-loading product pages to tight onboarding flows and accurate CRM tracking, every part of the customer journey needs to be ready. He also dives into content strategy and ad execution, encouraging brands to repurpose their top-performing content from earlier in the year with updated Black Friday messaging. Volume matters—especially with Meta’s new Andromeda update—so having multiple creatives pre-approved and scheduled can lower costs and reduce last-minute stress. Whether paid or organic, campaigns should be well-structured and tracked meticulously. The core message? Black Friday isn’t about hype—it’s about execution, efficiency, and data-driven decisions. Episode Outline: [00:00] Welcome Back: Alex thanks listeners and sets up the Black Friday topic [00:15] Importance of Simplicity: Easy-to-understand offers and discounts [00:45] Service Business Tips: Creating urgency with bonuses and intro deals [01:10] Creative Strategy: Bold visuals, testimonials, and multi-format content [01:45] Funnel Tips: Fast product pages, clean checkout, single-action landing pages [02:10] Backend Systems: Fulfillment, calendar space, CRM, and onboarding readiness [02:40] Financial Modeling: Know your margins, track all costs [03:05] Repurposing Content: Use your best-performing content with new Black Friday angles [03:30] Meta Update & Scheduling: More creatives = lower cost; schedule everything early [04:00] Post-Purchase & Tracking: Upsells, LTV, CRM follow-ups, and clean analytics [04:20] Final Thought: Black Friday is about preparation, not just hype Wisdom Nuggets: Simplicity Sells: Your offer should be instantly understandable. Whether it’s tiered discounts or bundled services, remove friction—no mental math or coupon codes. Urgency Wins: Black Friday thrives on limited-time offers. Add urgency through countdowns, limited bonuses, or time-sensitive upgrades to drive faster conversions. Prep the Back End: A killer front-end campaign fails without backend support. From ecom fulfillment to service onboarding systems, preparation prevents revenue leaks. Repurpose to Scale: Your best content from earlier in the year is your blueprint. Reuse proven assets with Black Friday messaging instead of creating from scratch. Track Everything or Risk Everything: If your data is off, your scaling efforts will fail. Ensure all pixels, UTMs, and analytics are accurate before campaigns go live. Power Quotes “The key is simplicity. Customers should get it right away.” - Alex Quin “No guessing, no mental math, and no making them type in coupon codes.” - Alex Quin Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, Alex Quin sits down with Greg Vetter, founder of Tessemae’s, to discuss how a stolen bottle of his mom’s homemade salad dressing sparked the creation of a national clean-food brand. Greg shares the realities of building a business from scratch, including cold-calling executives for insights, inventing clean manufacturing, and scaling Tessemae’s to a $300–$500 million valuation—only to later face investor conflict and a complete collapse of the company. He opens up about writing his book Undressed, launching new ventures like Altaresh, Quenchers, and Tushies, and how staying grounded through family, routine, and faith helped him rebuild and support other entrepreneurs through his brand accelerator. Episode Outline: [00:00:04] Greg Vetter joins Alex Quin; summer recap and background [00:01:45] Exposure to wealth at college sparked entrepreneurial curiosity [00:04:22] Cold-calling executives to learn about success [00:05:29] Developing a sales system for tracking daily productivity [00:06:26] How a stolen bottle of dressing sparked a business idea [00:08:02] Early reactions from wife and mom to Tessemae’s concept [00:09:00] First retail demo and 660 bottles sold in 5 days [00:11:35] What made Tessemae’s different: clean ingredients and taste [00:12:55] Early marketing strategies: Facebook, in-store demos [00:14:12] Building a manufacturing plant from scratch [00:15:54] Business valued at $300M–$500M [00:17:27] Investor conflicts, legal battles, and business implosion [00:20:39] Launching the book Undressed after losing the company [00:23:20] Daily routines, mindset, and resilience as a dad and entrepreneur [00:26:33] New venture: Altaresh, and major partnerships with Sam’s Club and Costco [00:28:59] Other businesses: Quenchers (vodka beverage), Tushies (portable toilets & wipes) [00:31:30] Brand accelerator and helping others scale their product companies [00:32:51] Legacy thoughts and personal branding symbols Wisdom Nuggets: Curiosity Fuels Success: Greg’s success started with asking questions—first to wealthy teammates' parents, then to CEOs. Curiosity and the willingness to learn opened massive doors. Track Progress, Not Busyness: By creating a point-based system to track real sales progress, Greg focused on results over appearances. Real productivity drives outcomes, not just effort. Clean Ingredients, Clear Value: Tessemae’s succeeded by removing unnecessary ingredients and offering better taste and transparency. Consumers valued authenticity, especially when paired with a strong story. Chaos Isn’t the End—It’s the Shift: Even after investor lawsuits and the collapse of Tessemae’s, Greg used the experience as fuel to write a book and build new businesses. Failures can spark reinvention. Build Systems That Serve Others: Altaresh streamlined grocery prep with pre-portioned kits. Solving industry pain points and making others' jobs easier can be a path to big wins. Power Quotes "We were the first clean ingredient salad dressing on the market." - Gregory Vetter "We got valued between 300 and 500 million bucks." - Gregory Vetter Connect with Gregory: Website: (https://www.gregoryvetter.com/) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/glvetter/) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvetter/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Quin and Michelle Chia break down a complete marketing strategy for taco restaurants—from naming and branding to launch tactics, special events, social media content, AI tools, influencer campaigns, and customer retention. Emphasizing the importance of storytelling, consistent brand voice, data-driven decisions, and team culture, they offer actionable advice for creating a successful restaurant brand. With tips for pre-launch hype, engaging content, SEO tactics, and local outreach, the episode is packed with practical insights for anyone in the hospitality space. Episode Outline: [00:00:00] Welcome + Overview: Restaurant Marketing Strategy [00:03:30] Naming, Branding, and Domain Setup [00:10:00] Identifying and Speaking to Your Core Audience [00:15:00] Storytelling Through Decor, Food, and Staff [00:22:00] Menu, Ambiance, and Event-Based Differentiation [00:30:00] The Importance of Brand Voice and Hook Writing [00:36:00] Leveraging AI and Custom GPTs for Content and Analysis [00:44:00] Tech Stack Must-Haves Before Opening [00:48:00] Pre-Launch Timeline and Content Plan [00:55:00] Setting Up Systems for Email, SMS, Reservations [01:01:00] Paid Ad Structure + Organic Content Planning [01:07:00] Customer Retention and Avoiding Common Pitfalls [01:12:00] Final Tips + How to Stand Out Long-Term Wisdom Nuggets: Know Your Audience: You can’t serve everyone. Define specific customer personas and tailor your menu, messaging, and ambiance to those profiles. Brand Voice is Everything: Decide how your restaurant sounds—sarcastic, witty, warm, or blunt—and stay consistent across all platforms and content. Use AI to Scale Smart: Leverage tools like ChatGPT to streamline your content, respond to reviews, and analyze OpenTable data for better marketing decisions. Build Culture, Not Just Food: Great food won’t carry your brand if the team’s morale is low. Happy employees and genuine service are core to customer retention. Create Experience, Not Just Meals: From events and unique cocktails to birthday specials and storytelling, experiences drive loyalty and word-of-mouth buzz. Power Quotes "People come back not just for food, but for how they felt." - Alex Quin "Use your data. That’s where your real marketing edge is." - Alex Quin "Make sure your branding is consistent across everything—domain, socials, emails. - Michelle Chia "Behind-the-scenes content builds trust. Show the human side." - Michelle Chia "If your team isn’t trained, you’re leaving thousands on the table every day." - Michelle Chia Connect with Michelle: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/michellechia) Twitter: (https://x.com/michellechiaaa) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-chia1/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@michellechiaa) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Swanwick, founder of Swanick Sleep and the Stop Drinking coaching program, joins Alex Quin to discuss how choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle can transform health, wealth, and relationships. James shares the personal and professional milestones that led him to create Swannies blue light blocking glasses and a coaching platform helping professionals take back control of their lives. He breaks down the cultural stigma of sobriety, the financial and cognitive cost of drinking, and the growing wellness trend reshaping consumer habits. Episode Outline: [00:00:03] Introduction & Medellín living [00:04:20] Life before entrepreneurship: ESPN and Bali years [00:08:50] Launching Swannies & Stop Drinking program [00:14:10] Cultural shift toward wellness and alcohol-free lifestyle [00:21:00] Customer transformations and generational impact [00:28:15] The business cost of casual drinking [00:34:40] Why younger generations are skipping alcohol [00:38:30] Swannies: Sleep benefits and productivity explained [00:40:00] Closing thoughts and where to find James Wisdom Nuggets: 1. Alcohol-Free is a Strategic Advantage: Removing alcohol from your life can dramatically enhance clarity, energy, and decision-making—especially for high performers and entrepreneurs. 2. Productivity Isn’t Just Effort—It’s Clarity: You don’t need to work harder, you need to remove the blocks. Alcohol often functions as a productivity brake without you realizing it. 3. Wellness Trends Aren’t a Fad: The shift away from alcohol is part of a broader, long-term cultural move toward wellness. Businesses that ignore this change risk being left behind. 4. Modeling Over Preaching: Kids emulate what they see. If you want future generations to live healthier, show them through your own habits—not just words. 5. Sleep is Non-Negotiable for Peak Performance: Artificial light and alcohol sabotage your rest. Quality sleep, enhanced by tools like Swannies glasses, is foundational to success. Power Quotes “Removing alcohol is a superpower for your love life and business life.” - James Swanwick“Every day you don’t drink is a special occasion.” - James Swanwick“In 30 years, we’ll see alcohol the same way we see cigarettes.” - James Swanwick“Most of our problems have simple roots we often ignore.” - Alex Quin“It's wild how hard we fight to keep things that hurt us.” - Alex Quin Connect with James: Website: https://alcoholfreelifestyle.comInstagram: @jamesswanwickBook: Clear – Available on Amazon Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this brand spotlight, Alex Quin explores how Diplo, the world-renowned DJ and producer, created a unique blend of fitness and music with Diplo’s Run Club. Starting in Miami after a spontaneous half marathon, the idea grew into a multi-city wellness experience where Diplo both runs a 5K and performs a post-race DJ set. This episode breaks down the branding strategy, community engagement, and logistical challenges behind this innovative concept. Episode Outline [00:00] Intro to the show and episode format [00:52] Diplo’s background and the birth of Diplo’s Run Club [02:12] 2024 San Francisco debut: 11,000 runners, 14,000 partygoers [03:07] Expansion to 8 cities in 2025–2026 season [03:40] Miami 2026 event preview at Bayfront Park [04:01] 3 brand pillars: authenticity, experience-driven marketing, purposeful scaling [05:22] Challenges: balancing celeb image with runner credibility & managing city-wide events [06:14] Wrap-up and final thoughts Wisdom Nuggets Diplo doesn’t just slap his name on the brand—he runs every race. This personal involvement makes the brand feel real to both fans and serious runners. The Run Club is more than a 5K. It's an immersive event with music, recovery booths, and media-friendly moments—marketing built into the experience. Scaling wasn’t rushed. Diplo partnered with wellness brands and event experts like PlusOne, Mascot Sports, and Wasserman to keep the mission clear while expanding. Balancing Diplo’s celebrity persona with the expectations of authentic runners is tricky. Success lies in walking both lines without alienating either group. The blend of music, movement, and shared post-run celebration creates a lasting impression that fuels loyalty and word-of-mouth. Power Quotes: “Diplo’s Run Club expanded to eight major cities in a single season.” – Alex Quin “Scaling with purpose means aligning with the right partners from the start.” – Alex Quin Connect With Diplo Run Club : Website: (https://diplosrunclub.com/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, host Alex Quin sits down with Yvan Jacqueline, President of the Americas for Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés. They unpack the world of luxury fragrance branding, retail strategy, and the power of genuine customer connections. From starting in hypermarkets to leading two top-tier fragrance brands carried in major department stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale's, Yvan shares how purpose, risk-taking, and people-first values fueled his career. You’ll also hear about groundbreaking products like functional fragrances and their revolutionary scent diffuser system, all rooted in science, innovation, and unmatched customer experience. Episode Outline [00:00] Intro: Meet Yvan Jacqueline, President of Parfums de Marly & Initio [02:20] Moving to the U.S. to build brand presence [05:45] How Parfums de Marly became #1 at Nordstrom [07:50] Yvan’s career shift from hypermarkets to luxury fragrance [13:15] The importance of doing every job with pride and integrity [18:05] Traveling to build global fragrance presence [23:00] In-store experiences vs. online fragrance marketing [27:00] Initio’s unique approach to functional fragrance [33:30] Customer trust, education, and staying true to brand DNA [38:40] Packaging innovation and detail in luxury marketing [44:10] Organic TikTok impact and connecting with Gen Z [51:00] Closing thoughts on values, leadership, and being remembered Wisdom Nuggets Lead with Purpose: Yvan emphasizes the importance of doing your work with pride and ethics, no matter your current role. You never know which connection will shape your future. Listen to Your Customers: True growth happens when brands remain open to feedback. Yvan's team excels because they prioritize listening and adapting to customer needs. Packaging is Experience: Luxury goes beyond product—it’s about the total experience, from unboxing to scent memory. Details matter in high-end branding. Risk the Right Way: Leaving a secure CEO position to join a then-small brand took guts. But trusting your instincts, when paired with strategic vision, can lead to massive success. Stay Accessible, Stay Human: Whether speaking with celebrities or 12-year-olds, Yvan believes in genuine human connection—something even the best marketing can’t replace. Power Quotes: "People think fragrance is for others, but it’s about how you feel." - Alex Quin "Perfume has a powerful emotional connection—it’s not just a scent." - Yvan Jacqueline "Great sales happen when clients talk about the product at home." - Yvan Jacqueline Connect With Yvan: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/yvanjacqueline) Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvan-jacqueline-8b672173/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, Alex Quin spotlights Latin music powerhouse De La Ghetto, breaking down how he’s built a lasting brand through strategic collaborations, genre fluidity, and sharp media instincts. From his memorable verse on Bad Bunny’s “Acho PR” to his calculated hiatus and comeback, De La Ghetto reveals how he treats each release as a full campaign—balancing creativity with business acumen. He shares insights on staying grounded, leveraging authenticity, and aligning visuals and timing to elevate his presence. This episode offers valuable lessons in branding, consistency, and navigating the evolving music landscape with intention. Episode Outline [00:00] Alex Quin introduces the Spotlight Series and De La Ghetto's impact [01:14] The story behind the “Acho PR” feature with Bad Bunny [02:30] In-studio chemistry, process, and quick turnaround [03:06] On Bad Bunny's humility and longstanding connection [04:23] Dela’s genre versatility and global music collaborations [05:15] Strategic brand focus and return to solo projects [05:43] How De La Ghetto wants to be remembered [06:00+] Final thoughts on branding, strategy, and artistic identity Wisdom Nuggets Versatility Wins: De La Ghetto’s identity as “El Mas Versati” isn’t just a nickname—it’s his strategic advantage. Crossing genres and languages keeps him relevant and adaptable in a changing music scene. Every Release Is a Campaign: From visuals to timing, Dela treats each song drop like a full-scale brand launch. Musicians can learn from his emphasis on storytelling and media alignment. Stay Real Off-Camera: Authenticity breeds connection. Dela and Alex highlight how consistency off-camera builds trust and strengthens fan relationships. Strategic Collabs, Not Just Features: His work with major artists isn’t random—it's planned to grow his brand reach and appeal. It’s not about stacking names; it's about making the right moves. Reignite When It’s Time: After a period of helping others, Dela’s October 2024 pivot to focus on his own music is a reminder that stepping back doesn't mean you're out—it can be setup for a strong return. Power Quotes: “I come from the gutter, from the gully.” - De La Ghetto “Be good, but don’t be a fool.”- De La Ghetto Connect With De La Ghetto : Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/delaghetto) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRp097cJIVS-cQ_GuZWQkJg) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Alex Quin sits down with Mikael Hamaoui, founder of Riviera Horizons and one of the visionaries behind Pagani Residences—a groundbreaking collaboration with the Pagani family that merges ultra-luxury living with cutting-edge design. Known globally for crafting some of the most exclusive hypercars on the planet, Pagani Automobili is synonymous with performance, craftsmanship, and Italian artistry. Mikael shares how this legacy of precision and innovation is now being translated into elite real estate. He opens up about the concept and creative process behind the project, the collaboration with the Pagani brand, and how his background in luxury event design shapes unforgettable living experiences. The conversation also explores the business challenges and triumphs of building at the top tier of the luxury market. Episode Outline [00:00:03] Alex Quin welcomes listeners to the show [00:01:40] Mikael’s background and the origins of Riviera Horizons [00:04:50] Early influences and the leap from design to events [00:08:10] Conceptualizing Pagani Residences with the Pagani family [00:11:25] What makes Pagani Residences a new standard in luxury [00:14:00] Lessons learned from working in high-pressure luxury markets [00:17:30] How Riviera Horizons blends creativity with operational execution [00:21:00] The long-term vision for Pagani Residences and future projects [00:24:20] Advice for creatives and founders entering luxury markets [00:27:00] Final thoughts from Mikael and closing by Alex Quin Wisdom Nuggets Design with Emotion: Mikael emphasizes that true luxury isn’t about flash—it’s about how a space makes you feel. Emotional design creates lasting impact. Collaborate with Legacy: Working with the Pagani family brought decades of design excellence into a new space. Aligning with iconic brands elevates your own. Translate Creativity Across Fields: From events to real estate, Mikael applies the same principles of storytelling and precision. Creative skills can scale across industries. Build a Brand on Trust: Pagani Residences reflects years of trust between Mikael and his collaborators. Relationships, not just vision, drive long-term projects. Lead with Vision, Adapt with Skill: Balancing big-picture goals with real-world constraints is key. Mikael shows that strong leadership means being visionary and flexible. Power Quotes: “You can’t fake luxury—it has to be felt in every detail.” - Mikael Hamaoui “We wanted Pagani Residences to feel like a sculpture you live in.” - Mikael Hamaoui Connect With Mikael : Pagani Residences Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/paganiresidences) Pagani Residences Website (https://paganiresidences.com/) Riviera Horizons Website (https://rivierahorizons.com/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Alex Quin sits down with Alicia Grande, founder and CEO of Grande Cosmetics—a beauty powerhouse known for its iconic GrandeLASH-MD serum. Alicia shares how she turned a single product into a $100 million+ brand without outside investors. From grassroots trade shows to landing shelf space at retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and beyond, she breaks down the branding, grit, and customer obsession that fueled her success. Alicia also opens up about the challenges of scaling while staying authentic in a competitive industry. Episode Outline [00:00:03] Introduction and welcome by Alex Quin [00:01:45] Alicia's media background and shift to beauty [00:04:12] The creation of GrandeLASH-MD [00:07:00] Leveraging trade shows for grassroots marketing [00:09:30] The power of before-and-after images [00:12:20] Early business struggles and breakthroughs [00:15:05] Building credibility in the beauty industry [00:17:40] Scaling with Sephora and e-commerce growth [00:21:10] Staying innovative and customer-focused [00:24:30] Key challenges and advice for entrepreneurs [00:27:45] Alex Quin's final thoughts and wrap-up Wisdom Nuggets Start Where You Are: Alicia leveraged her radio background to connect authentically with potential customers at trade shows. Your current skills can translate into unexpected successes. Proof Sells Products: Real customer results, showcased through authentic before-and-after photos, helped build trust and credibility. Visual evidence trumps flashy ads. Bootstrapping Builds Grit: Without outside investment, Alicia learned to be scrappy and disciplined. She emphasizes the strength that comes from doing more with less. Evolve With Feedback: Customer feedback directly informed product development at Grande Cosmetics. Listening isn't just polite—it's profitable. Growth Requires Risk: Alicia took major steps by expanding into Sephora and doubling down on e-commerce. Calculated risks are often the bridge to the next level. Power Quotes: “I started with one product and a passion for helping women feel beautiful.” - Alicia Grande “Don’t rush into partnerships. Vet them like your brand depends on it—because it does.” - Alicia Grande Connect With Alicia : Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/ceoaliciagrande) Grande Cosmetics Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/grandecosmetics/) Website (https://grandecosmetics.com/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Chef Adrianne Calvo joins Alex Quin to discuss her rise from an accidental high school cooking class to becoming a celebrated chef, restaurateur, author of seven cookbooks, and culinary ambassador for St. Jude. Chef Adrianne shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including her appearance on Montel Williams, her early passion for journalism, and her sharp business acumen that’s helped sustain her independent restaurant for over 18 years. Tune in for a conversation full of insight on branding, resilience, and using your craft with purpose. Episode Outline [00:00:03] Alex welcomes Chef Adrianne and highlights her achievements. [00:03:45] A class mistake led her to culinary arts. [00:06:20] Her first book at 19 and national TV debut. [00:13:30] Competitions, flavor focus, and early hustle. [00:21:10] 18 years in business and leading with a team. [00:34:10] Work with St. Jude, kindness, and long-term impact. Wisdom Nuggets Accidents Can Be Opportunities: What seemed like a class schedule error in high school introduced Chef Adrianne to culinary arts. Embrace unexpected changes—they might lead to your true calling. Build With Purpose, Not Just Hype: Chef Adrianne emphasizes that her brand is rooted in authenticity and service, not trends. She built her empire by staying grounded, creative, and consistent. Storytelling is Strategic: From social content to books, Chef Adrianne shows how chefs can transform their stories into strong personal brands. Passion plus storytelling equals connection. Invest in People, Not Just Processes: Chef Adrianne’s success is also a product of training and retaining loyal staff. One skilled person is more valuable than three under-trained ones. Patience Pays Off: Success didn’t come overnight—seven books, 18 years of restaurant growth, and national recognition came from years of consistency, learning, and community service. Power Quotes: "I do think that God has really held me in the palm of his hand.” - Chef Adrianne Calvo “Nothing replaces word-of-mouth. That’s still king." - Chef Adrianne Calvo Connect With Chef Adrianne : Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chefadrianne) Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefadrianne/) Restaurant (https://chefadriannes.com/) Personal Site (https://adriannecalvo.com/) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, Alex Quin talks with Chris Mirabile, founder of Novos, a company using science from Harvard and MIT to help people live longer and healthier lives. After surviving a brain tumor at 16, Chris committed to mastering health and aging, eventually becoming biologically 13.6 years younger than his chronological age. He shares low-cost lifestyle strategies like fasting, clean eating, consistent sleep, and moderate exercise, as well as advanced tools like Novos supplements and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Chris also cautions against trendy, untested biohacks and stresses the importance of prioritizing fundamentals. His goal: to add over a billion years of healthy life to humanity. Episode Outline [00:00:00] Introduction of Chris Mirabile and Novos [00:03:00] Chris’s brain tumor diagnosis and recovery journey [00:08:00] Impact of health struggles on self-esteem and mindset [00:12:00] Realizing aging is modifiable through lifestyle [00:15:30] Creating Novos and the science behind it [00:20:00] How lifestyle affects 70–90% of lifespan [00:24:30] Low-cost health tips: fasting, diet, activity, sleep [00:34:00] Higher-cost biohacks: Eight Sleep, supplements, hyperbaric chambers [00:40:00] Novos Core, Boost, and Vital explained [00:48:30] Risks of trendy health fads: grounding and peptide injections [00:55:00] Chris’s vision: a billion years of healthy life for humanity [00:58:00] Final thoughts and where to follow Chris and Novos Wisdom Nuggets Lifestyle Over Genetics: You Have More Control Than You Think : Up to 90% of your lifespan is influenced by how you live—not your DNA. Chris emphasizes that the power to extend your healthspan is mostly in your hands. Build the Foundation First: Health Before Hacks : Chris stresses mastering sleep, diet, movement, and mindset before jumping into expensive tools or supplements. The basics drive the biggest results. Don't Fear Aging—Understand It : Aging is not a random process. It's driven by 12 known biological mechanisms, which you can slow with proper interventions backed by real science. Intentional Living: Reframe Hardship Into Purpose : Chris turned a brain tumor and his mother’s cancer into fuel for building a health-driven company with a mission to help others live better, longer lives. Be Cautious with Health Trends : Not everything hyped in the wellness world is safe. Chris breaks down the importance of risk vs. benefit and why skepticism is healthy when it comes to biohacks. Power Quotes: ""People have normalized feeling like shit.” - Alex Quin "Your body is the most advanced computer ever made." - Chris Mirabile Connect With Chris : Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/slowmyage/) Novos Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/novoslabs) Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iandeloney/) Website (slowmyage.com) Company: (novoslabs.com) Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin) Website: (https://alexquin.com) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin) Our Community Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle) Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com) *This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.