How to Succeed Massively with All Odds Stacked Against You, with Five Four Club CEO Andres Izquieta

When faced with adversity, some people crumble.

Andres Izquieta is not one of those people.

Andres is a fashion designer, serial entrepreneur, and the CEO and co-founder of Five Four Club, an online men’s clothing subscription service. 

In 2008, Five Four (then a retail and wholesale outfit) was on the brink of failure. The worldwide credit crisis that gave birth to the Great Recession was decimating the retail industry, and it looked like Five Four might not survive.

But Andres and his business partner had other ideas. They brought the company back into the black by pivoting to a men’s fashion subscription service.

The strategic shift paid off. Today Five Four Club has more than 70k active monthly subscribers, and is about to launch several new verticals before the end of the year, including a formalwear accessory line, an athletic wear label, and a shoe brand.

On top of that, Andres is the host of Weekend Fix on the Esquire network, and recently launched vegan eatery Fala Bar, which has two locations in Los Angeles, including one on the ultra hip Abbot Kinney Blvd.

In our interview, Andres traces this comeback story to the grit, determination, and drive to be the best that was instilled to him by his immigrant parents. The experience of being a first generation American both sparked his interest in fashion, and has given him an edge that, according to Andres, helps account for much of his success. 

Andres’ fashion tips: what every professional male should have in his wardrobe.

White oxford shirt Blue chambray shirt (long sleeve)  Black or blue raw jeans  Black or navy cardigan Black or kaki bomber jacket

Key Takeaways

Andres shares the origin of the Five Four name. Andres tells us why his nickname is “Pablo,” and why he considers himself more Picasso than Escobar. Why Andres’ admires Allen Iverson, and why he feels AI is a bit misunderstood.  Why Andres believes that failure is the best force to shape you into the person you need to become. How to make your relationship with your business partnership last through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.  What the experience of having immigrant parents instilled in Andres, and how this mindset has been an asset his entire life. Why the feeling you get from dressing well is the key to understanding fashion. What we lose from the “anti-fashion” Silicon Valley culture, and why emulating Steve Jobs isn’t always a great idea. Andres’ shares his and his business partners’ lowest moment, and how they were able to pivot their model and find success. 

Links

FiveFour Club  Fala Bar AndresIzquieta.com Weekend Fix Views by Drake Life of Pablo by Kanye West Isse Miyake  Allen Iverson

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