Over the years FollowTheBrand has consulted for and introduced many brands to global markets. Brands include ViPR, JumpSport, Marpo, Dynamax, Styku, Hyperwear, The Abs Company, AMB and others. Most recently FollowTheBrand’s Joshua Brand has co-founded and launched innovative percussion therapy company, NIMBL.
Q&A with Joshua Brand
How did you first become interested in the Japan market?
I have always been fascinated with Japanese History and have a minor in Asian Studies from my University. I got my first opportunity to come to Japan 25 years ago and traveled to Kyoto and Tokyo. It was an incredible experience to see the traditions mixed with one of the most powerful economies in the world. I have been traveling to Japan ever since.
What is difficult to do business in Japan, that people might not know is difficult?
Japan is a very amazing place to do business in. It is hard to understand the nuisances of business. People are always very polite and kind. I have found it takes a much longer period of time to get a new business going. The Japanese people are very detailed and like certainty. Most western countries do not have the same attention to detail that Japanese people do. This is a wonderful thing for companies that want to get better. I have always said that doing business in Japan will make your entire business process better. The Japanese will ask questions that we may not have ever thought of before.
What made you decide to do business with Bravo?
We looked to do business Bravo because they are an innovative company. They have really done some unique businesses in Japan and are a thought leader. They are a unique company, having a long history in the fitness community and we wanted to choose a company that had a depth of experience working with US based brands and could understand our culture and translate it to the Japanese market. Bravo is also at the same time very aware of Japanese sensibilities and are able to bridge the gap and serve both us as a manufacturer and the Japanese consumer in a manner that is head and shoulders above the competition. For us, we could not think of having a better partner!
How has it been to do business with Bravo?
As noted above we have really enjoyed our business relationship with Bravo. They always have the customer at heart and after all, this what makes the business tick. Bravo has proven to be a very reliable partner for us in Japan and is always the first company we approach when we seek to introduce another new brand to the market.
Is there any event which is memorable for you?
Yes, I attended the Bravo 20th anniversary, and what struck me was the relationships that Bravo has in the industry. This was an amazing experience for me to see in a first-hand way how much Bravo has impacted the Japanese market. Customers, athletes and celebrities came from all over Japan. Also, Bravo had their suppliers come from all corners of the universe. They had people from New Zealand, Italy, and the United States. It was such an emotional and significant experience for me, and I can honestly say that few companies anywhere have had this kind of impact. Bravo is a mission driven company and they are sincere in their interest to help the Japanese people to become more fit and healthy. They are involved in a variety of charitable contributions which also demonstrates how much they care for their fellow man and woman. I left this event inspired and content knowing we had selected a great company that is fueled by very gifted people.