Punk Rock HR Episode 106:   How are brands like Warby Parker or Casper Mattress re-shaping the way we make purchases in the 21st century? Well, Larry Ingrassia, my guest this week, is going to tell us. Larry is a former journalist, and editor turned author of the book, Billion Dollar Brand Club: How Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Other Disruptors Are Remaking What We Buy. Together we discuss the online brands you know, with billion-dollar valuations. We also talk about customer experience as a critical differentiator for many of these brands. And finally, we talk about COVID-19 and how it may or may not change our shopping habits. In this episode you'll hear: How the questions, "How did this happen?" And "How did what I thought was impossible become possible?" were the inspiration for writing the book, Billion Dollar Brand Club. Consumers shop differently today than they were even a decade ago. Larry shares some of the changes that have taken place in our shopping habits, even before COVID-19. What it takes to create a product and a brand that will be around for the long term and have value. What makes a billion-dollar brand, a billion-dollar company. Today's economy and what the fallout will be due to COVID-19. We discuss brands as disruptors and how they affect the marketplace.  A reminder for entrepreneurs: what might seem impossible to a lot of people, you have to say, I'm going to make possible.   Resources from this episode: Larry’s Website Larry on LinkedIn Billion Dollar Brand Club: How Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Other Disruptors Are Remaking What We Buy  Buying a Mattress in an Actual Store? That’s So 2010. Store Traffic Limits At Walmart And Target Are Good, But Kroger’s Pick-Up Only Idea Is Even Better Inside the Success of Dollar Shave Club and Why DTC Changed the Retail Landscape Laurie on Instagram Laurie on LinkedIn Read more from Laurie Work with Laurie   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com