Prepare to have your mind blown as we sit down with the legendary Richard Kestenbaum of Triangle Capital LLC to unravel the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. As we navigate through the depths of human psychology pivotal in deal-making, you will gain unprecedented insights into the ballet of numbers and narratives shaping the fate of consumer retail and merchandising companies. Richard's four decades on Wall Street have honed his instincts, not just for the hard data driving valuations but equally for the soft power of relationship-building and networking - skills that any businessperson will find invaluable.Venture further with us into the dynamic interplay between consumer values and business growth, as Richard illuminates the seismic shift towards sustainability and ethical practices. We scrutinize how this evolution challenges established brands and carves paths for emerging disruptors, all while ensuring that our conversation remains firmly grounded in real-world examples. Our discourse doesn't shy away from the delicate balancing act between creative integrity and commercial imperatives, especially salient for those of us in the handbag industry striving to maintain artistic vision without sacrificing market appeal.To cap off this conversation, we peer into the crystal ball to discern the markers of brand longevity and dissect the strategies behind crafting a brand that resonates across generations. Richard shares his perspective on navigating the diversification of product lines without diluting a brand's essence and the criticality of building a solid core audience. His invitation for listeners to connect weaves a golden thread through the conversation, reminding us that an engaging online presence is more than a profile—it's a platform for building professional bridges. So, whether you're a handbag aficionado or a business enthusiast, this is an episode that promises to enrich your understanding of the art and strategy behind successful brands.Connect with Richard:https://trianglecapitalllc.com/ Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass Book a handbag session with Emily: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/ Hire Emily to be a guest speaker at your event: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/speaking Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HandbagDesigner101-IHDA Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handbagdesigner/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handbagdesigner Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/handbagdesigner