Suitsupply: Fokke de Jong

This podcast episode explores Fokke de Jong's entrepreneurial journey from bootstrapping a suit-selling business to building the global brand Suitsupply. De Jong shares the challenges and strategies involved in sourcing high-end fabrics, optimizing manufacturing processes, and expanding into new markets. The episode highlights the importance of taking calculated risks, embracing innovation, and investing in staff development to build a successful retail brand. De Jong emphasizes the need to balance growth with control to maintain the brand's identity and excellence.

Outlines

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How I Built This with Guy Raz

Suitsupply: From Dorm Room to Global Fashion Brand

Fokke de Jong's Journey to Becoming a Suit Entrepreneur

The Evolution of the Suit Business: From Factories to E-commerce

The Challenges of Sourcing High-End Fabrics for a New Business

Suitsupply's Unconventional Location: From Guerrilla Retail to Zoned Retail

Fokke's Blueprint Hack: Turning a Retail Nightmare into a Retail Dream

Suitsupply's Growth Strategy: Expansion and Efficiency

Sued by a Competitor: A Marketing Triumph in Amsterdam

The Trials and Tribulations of Establishing a Store on Savile Row

Sourcing Suits in China: A Rollercoaster Ride from Quality to Nightmares

The Rise of a Global Suit Brand: From Savile Row to the US Consumer Market

Fokke's Lucky Break in Soho

Fokke's High-Stakes Gambit: Opening a Store Without a Permit

Training and Retention: The Cornerstones of Success in Retail

Fokke de Jong on the Power of Experience and the Importance of Controls

Suitsupply: Navigating the Pandemic and Beyond

Fokke de Jong on Hard Work, Luck, and Personal Sacrifices

Suitsupply: Fokke de Jong

How I Built This with Guy Raz

00:00Suitsupply: From Dorm Room to Global Fashion Brand

Suitsupply: From Dorm Room to Global Fashion Brand

05:45Fokke de Jong's Journey to Becoming a Suit Entrepreneur

Fokke de Jong's Journey to Becoming a Suit Entrepreneur

10:12The Evolution of the Suit Business: From Factories to E-commerce

The Evolution of the Suit Business: From Factories to E-commerce

15:46The Challenges of Sourcing High-End Fabrics for a New Business

The Challenges of Sourcing High-End Fabrics for a New Business

20:30Suitsupply's Unconventional Location: From Guerrilla Retail to Zoned Retail

Suitsupply's Unconventional Location: From Guerrilla Retail to Zoned Retail

24:02Fokke's Blueprint Hack: Turning a Retail Nightmare into a Retail Dream

Fokke's Blueprint Hack: Turning a Retail Nightmare into a Retail Dream

28:18Suitsupply's Growth Strategy: Expansion and Efficiency

Suitsupply's Growth Strategy: Expansion and Efficiency

32:44Sued by a Competitor: A Marketing Triumph in Amsterdam

Sued by a Competitor: A Marketing Triumph in Amsterdam

36:47The Trials and Tribulations of Establishing a Store on Savile Row

The Trials and Tribulations of Establishing a Store on Savile Row

41:34Sourcing Suits in China: A Rollercoaster Ride from Quality to Nightmares

Sourcing Suits in China: A Rollercoaster Ride from Quality to Nightmares

46:09The Rise of a Global Suit Brand: From Savile Row to the US Consumer Market

The Rise of a Global Suit Brand: From Savile Row to the US Consumer Market

50:48Fokke's Lucky Break in Soho

Fokke's Lucky Break in Soho

56:06Fokke's High-Stakes Gambit: Opening a Store Without a Permit

Fokke's High-Stakes Gambit: Opening a Store Without a Permit

1:00:01Training and Retention: The Cornerstones of Success in Retail

Training and Retention: The Cornerstones of Success in Retail

1:05:33Fokke de Jong on the Power of Experience and the Importance of Controls

Fokke de Jong on the Power of Experience and the Importance of Controls

1:11:32Suitsupply: Navigating the Pandemic and Beyond

Suitsupply: Navigating the Pandemic and Beyond

1:17:54Fokke de Jong on Hard Work, Luck, and Personal Sacrifices

Fokke de Jong on Hard Work, Luck, and Personal Sacrifices