We explore the foundational values Rob brought from his military background—like precision and perseverance—and how these have been key to Playa Bowls' growth.
Rob opens up about the early days of Playa Bowls, sharing how he and his co-founder Abby Taylor turned a humble cart into a cult favorite despite the challenges and doubts from those around them. He talks about the critical decisions that shaped the company's trajectory, including the strategic move to franchise and the importance of building a robust, culture-driven team.
Rob’s emphasis on staying authentic in a rapidly changing industry makes this conversation genuinely insightful. He discusses the delicate balance between innovation and sticking to what you know best and how Playa Bowls has managed to keep its identity intact while scaling. Rob also reflects on the invaluable lessons he's learned from mentors and the importance of knowing when to ask for help—a trait he believes is often overlooked in the entrepreneurial world.
This is more than just a business story—it's about perseverance, creativity, and staying true to your vision, no matter the obstacles. Join us for an inspiring conversation highlighting the grind behind what some might call "overnight success."
00:00 - Introduction
02:09 - Building a Brand
07:15 - Guerrilla Marketing and Early Challenges
10:53 - The Power of Culture
2:59 - Overcoming Doubts and Building a Strong Brand
19:52 - Scaling the Business and Injecting Corporization
20:21 - Maintaining Innovation and Consistency
25:46 - Unbelievable Challenges of Franchising
28:15 - Staying Innovative in the Fast-Casual Industry
30:19 - The Role of Healthy Eating in the Industry
33:30 - Challenges of Scaling and Creating Upward Mobility
36:04 - The Impact of Social Media and the Importance of Authenticity
38:02 - Reflecting on Risks and Influential People
Rob On Socials:
IG @rgewls @ playabowls
FB: https://www.facebook.com/PlayaBowls/
X: @playabowls
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-giuliani
Jon on Socials:
IG: @streetschultz
FB: Jon Schultz
X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
LinkedIn: jonschultz1
www.jonschultz.com
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