How do you build a category-defining apparel brand from zero? In this episode of In Search of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan sits down with Joe Kudla, Founder & CEO of Vuori, to unpack the real playbook behind scaling a modern athleisure/performance apparel company. We cover building a brand from the ground up, market whitespace, direct-to-consumer vs. retail, product-market fit, storytelling, community, leadership, peak performance habits, and how sobriety, mindfulness, and the FILO (first-in, last-out) work ethic shaped Joe’s journey—from accounting and modeling in Milan to launching one of the most talked-about activewear brands. Chapters: 00:00 Intro — fear vs. confidence; the FILO advantage 02:04 Early years, sports & learning differences → leadership lessons 06:45 Internships that lead to jobs; how to stand out and get hired 11:30 From accounting to Milan: rejection, fit modeling & thick skin 18:52 First ventures → what failed, what stuck, and why 25:40 Building community; why brand is a lived experience, not a logo 31:28 Money milestone & “golden handcuffs” → redefining success 38:12 Clarity, sobriety, yoga & meditation: founder operating system 44:05 Meeting collaborators; the Vuori spark & market whitespace 50:10 Product obsession, positioning, and everyday performance 56:30 DTC vs. retail: distribution, margins, and scale 1:02:18 Hiring, leadership principles, and culture that compounds 1:07:59 Rapid-fire advice for students, job seekers, and founders 1:11:30 Closing thoughts + Joe’s #1 lesson About our guest — Joe Kudla Joe Kudla is the Founder & CEO of Vuori, a California-inspired performance apparel brand known for premium fabrics, everyday versatility, and a community-driven approach to product and retail. Joe’s path spans accounting (EY), entrepreneurship, and the fashion world, culminating in Vuori’s growth as one of the most influential athleisure brands of the last decade. Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ 1-on-1 Coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
