Made in Detroit: How Shinola’s Good Ole Fashioned Business Values Outperform the Status Quo
You don’t know s#!t from Shinola.
Ever heard that saying before? This World War II era colloquialism caused a movement to revive the American watchmaking industry and with it bring to Detroit yet another chapter in its storied history in manufacturing.
This year at SXSWV2V, I was fortunate enough to interview Shinola president Jacques Panis live on the main stage. He’s not only the president of a thriving lifestyle company contributing to the resurgence of Detroit, he’s also incredibly genuine and humble. More so, Panis is building a business that’s focused on people, inside and out, and is equally passionate about bringing back the art of design and production to everyday products we take for granted today.
From a town made famous through its vehicle manufacturing, Shinola has reinvented the model of manufacturing watches, bikes, leather goods and more. Please take some time to watch and learn how Shinola has grown and found success through believing in its people, utilizing a unique workspace and forging an unheard of partnership with the College for Creative Studies all why gaining trust through engagement and transparency among its customers.
The team at SXSW just released the full interview. They don’t usually do so and I’m thankful as I get to share with you one of the most refreshing and inspiring conversations I’ve had in a while.
Please make the time to watch this and do take notes and do take action. It’s long, I know. But, this is one of those rare stories that offers precious lessons in how to do business in a digital world. Shinola started with a vision and then brought it to life through a culture of people, purpose, and promise (the new 5th, 6th, and 7th additions to the outdated 4Ps of marketing). Shinola reminds us of the importance of doing business in a bygone era where quality, commitment and core values counted for everything.
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Originally appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of BizTech
