Meet JT Barnett
JT Barnett hung up his skates and went on to start (not just one) but five new businesses.
Content
Like a Hawke
It’s no secret that some of the most influential innovations are born out of recognizing a problem or inadequacy in a market and then solving it. This is exactly what Erik Huberman did when he started Hawke Media. Erik’s intrigue, however, is that he did it at a very young age after he’d already started three other companies. He has the laser sharp focus, impressive business acumen, and overall wisdom of someone well beyond his years. Hawke Media has continued on a steady path of growth, placing Erik time and time again on prestigious lists and granting him numerous awards. He treats his team like equals has created a positive, encouraging work environment. Spending time getting to know him was inspirational, to say the least.
Curious Provisions
Russell Fry epitomizes the idea that inspiration can be found in unlikely places. He’s a rare combination of business savvy and creative af, which is why his speakers with swagger can be found in places like the Gansevoort Hotel and in the hands of people like Shaq & Bruno Mars. Curious Provisions boomboxes turn heads not only because they are handcrafted using rare vintage suitcases, but also because they. sound. dope. We spent a day in his colorful Santa Monica showroom and gained a massive amount of respect for Russell, who has navigated career changes, started multiple businesses, and turned his passion for music into a one-of-a-kind, culture defining product.
The Kaplan Twins
Allie & Lexi Kaplan are flipping the switch on feminism and sexuality and disrupting the traditional art scene with an unapologetic Millennial perspective. Their art is a parodical pastiche of Instagram fame, a celebration of the female form, and a cheeky commentary on celebrity culture.
Opening The Third Door
Alex Banayan went rogue. He traded his predetermined path as a USC med student to embark upon an impossible journey; a quest to interview the world’s most influential and innovative thinkers and write a book about it.
Magic Behind Music
Elmo Lovano began touring as a drummer when he was only 15. He won the Warped Tour World’s Fastest Drummer Contest at 16. He’s played with acts like Skrillex, Juliette Lewis, and Miley Cyrus. Elmo is a creative genius, superstar music director, and natural born entrepreneur. What stands out most, however, is how much he cares about people. At the height of his musical career, Elmo took a huge risk switching his focus to build a tech start-up that helps fellow studio musicians connect, create, and book gigs. In just a short time, the app has seen tremendous growth, investment from Quincy Jones, and is securing its place as a digital backbone of the music industry. Jammcard is a sacred, safe network for the musicians it supports...and Elmo Lovano is the man behind it.
Machine Meets Garden
JuiceBot vending machines are the first-ever robotic juice dispensers that keep light and heat oxidation out of garden-fresh fruits and vegetables for a truly fresh juice at the push of a button.
Our Holographic Future
For many of us, the idea of holograms is simply a childhood fantasy, but for VNTANA co-founders Ashley Crowder and Ben Conway, they are a daily reality.
HI-LITES, HI LIFE
Not everyone can create a business, so it’s even more impressive when you’re successful at it even if it’s just for fun. We had a chance to sit down with Noah Lichtenstein the investor of Hi-Lites. Really funky glasses that project shapes when looking at lights. Hi-Lites has been gaining steam lately, so it was nice to see how Noah, a venture capitalist decided to create something fun, exciting and revenue driving. In true fashion he’s working out of his garage (and home) and we sat with him to learn how he turned his side hustle into a real hustle.
Jacob’s CryoCafe
Jacob Perler is a seasoned entrepreneur and currently CEO & Founder of CryoCafe, a new-age health & wellness centered cryotherapy lounge. It’s an unassuming escape right off of “Melrose Alley” in Los Angeles. We had a chance to sit down with him and his [partner and Cryo's] Creative Director, Rachel Schoenbaum, to discuss what they’re building. We also had a chance to try out the treatment and can say they’re creating something special. In just a couple weeks of opening, CryoCafe has had thousands of people from executives to celebrities come and enjoy various types of cryotherapy sessions backed by their favorite musical tracks. Clients can grab a juice from the Juicebot machine, box at CruBox next door or simply hang out on the cafe-style patio. Armed with their new “#CryoCult” they’re taking Hollywood’s elite by storm, creating a community of wellness that is bound to supersede the wellness behemoths before them.