The Purpose and Promise of a Business with Edward Leaman

We're excited to have a special guest with us – Edward Leaman, the Chief Brand Officer for California Closets – for this episode of our Inside Design Podcast. We had the chance to hear Edward speak with Jeremiah Brent at the C-Next Event last February in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He had so many nuggets of wisdom and so many great takeaways that we wanted to share him with you, our listeners!

SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by the Atlanta Market. They are the only wholesale product discovery experience that gives designers more. Their team is geared up this Summer to visit all the fun events and networking opportunities that Atlanta Market offers. You can discover new resources and product introductions for your clients. It is also a great way to connect in-person with thousands of trade makers, manufacturers and sales reps to help your business grow.

Summer market is happening July 16 – 22, 2024. They are introducing consolidated floors of temporaries making it easier for designers to navigate. We will be checking out the many floors of outdoor furnishings at the Casual Market that runs during the show Monday to Thursday July 15 – 18. To learn more and preregister for Summer Market, visit AtlantaMarket.com

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. When it comes to your brand, no matter what category you are in, your job is to make sure it is constantly evolving, whether it be your product, your customer experience or your marketing.
2. Clarify your beliefs and values and how you want to represent yourself to the world and to your customers. This leads to authenticity and trust in your brand.
3. Know the difference between “brand” and “branding”: Brand is the central driver of your business, a promise and a purpose. Branding is your visuals, logo, etc.

KANDRAC & KOLE BIO:

Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.

Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.

In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.

Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.

EDWARD LEAMAN BIO

Edward was born in London, England, and in 1986 he came to the United States to run an apparel company, after six years in Japan. In 1998, he and a partner launched a consulting company, to connect global retailers with new opportunities in licensing, franchising, cross-border expansion and brand development. Clients included Gap, Joe Boxer, Nike, The Body Shop, Marks & Spencer, Giorgio Armani and many Japanese retailers.

From 1994 to 1998, he was the Executive Vice President of California Closets, where he played a key role in growing the brand. After the company was acquired, he expanded his focus to building brands across various property service companies.

In 2001, he founded Growers and Nomads, a brand-building agency that works with a diverse range of clients, including direct-to-consumer, business-to-business, and non-profit organizations. He continues to serve as CEO and is based in Marin County, CA.

Edward is known for his ability to increase market share, company growth, and shareholder value by aligning products, customer experiences, and marketing strategies with core customer attitudes. He believes that successful brands are built on strong beliefs and values that resonate with everyone they touch. To him, a brand is a promise that must be delivered and measured.

In addition to his professional work, Edward was the Chair and Professor of Design (fashion) at the California College of the Arts (CCA) from 1995-2005. He has also taught at the Saint Martin’s School of Art in London, in the Green MBA program at Dominican University, and currently teaches at Stanford University. He frequently speaks at conferences about brand building.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES

https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/

https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/

https://twitter.com/KandracKole/

https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

FUNNY QUOTE – “Remember your brand is your baby. Feed it, nurture it and try not to leave it in the car…”

SERIOUS QUOTE – “If you spend your time chasing butterflies, they’ll fly away. But if you spend your time making a beautiful garden, the butterflies will come. Don’t chase – attract.”