We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Cox and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyle, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is an inherent part of business. The most obvious risk is that, as an entrepreneur, you risk failure. Many people often overlook the other risks that come with choosing to be an entrepreneur. You risk your health, your relationships, and your financial well-being. If you’re not willing to accept these risks and truly understand what they mean and how they could impact you, I wouldn’t recommend becoming an entrepreneur.
However, this element of risk is also part of the excitement. When you succeed, you experience the same euphoria as someone who has just hit the jackpot in Las Vegas. While it’s a much healthier version of gambling, the highs and lows feel very similar.
For me, the wins are so rewarding that they make the losses worth it. At the end of the day, you have the opportunity to live out your dreams on your own terms, which makes it all worthwhile.
What should our readers know about your business?
My business is Thoroughly Crafted Goods (TCG). TCG is a social enterprise, family-owned men’s footwear brand that speaks to the modern man, or as we like to say, the ThoroMan. TCG shoes embody 3-pillars – design, craftsmanship, and comfort – creating the perfect footwear for any occasion. Whether you need to impress at work or relax on the weekend, we have you covered, no matter your lifestyle.
What I am most proud of is that at Thoroughly Crafted Goods (TCG), we don’t just make shoes for the Thoroughly Crafted Gentleman (ThoroMan); we make a positive impact. Our shoes are symbols of excellence, character, and social responsibility while giving you the comfort and confidence to pursue your dreams. When you buy a pair of TCGs, 100% of the profits go towards our 501(c)(3) social impact initiative, ThoroMan Worldwide (TMW).
TMW is our non-profit organization that aims to empower young men and boys to achieve their full potential through mentorship, education, and inspiration. Our flagship program, G.O.H.T. (pronounced goat), is to help you grow personally and professionally. These live sessions will teach students the skills, mindset, and values to make them a leader among their peers and a force for good in the world.
It was definitely not easy! I had to make a lot of sacrifices in my life. I lost friends, gained weight, lost money, and added all kinds of stress to my life. The only way I was able to overcome it was through self-care and a strong network of supportive people. Remember that you cannot do this alone!
Another lesson I learned is to make sure you are doing something you are passionate about, or that gives you a purpose. Even if that passion is as simple as more money, this will motivate you to keep going no matter how hard it gets. The other lesson is that you must have a high level of perseverance because there will be many roadblocks and reasons to quit. You must be willing to get up every day and take those challenges head-on.
I want people to know that we believe that being a man is not just about what you wear but what you do. Being a ThoroMan is not a status; it’s a lifestyle.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast: Coffee Co. in Westchester, J Nichols in Marina Del Rey, Roscoes on Sunset, and Cafe Laurent.
Lunch: Hermosa Beach, Malibu Fish (BYOB/W), Skys Tacos, Santa Monica Pier/Promenade, and Fat Burger.
Dinner: We can head to Javiers in Century City, Crustaceans, Spagos, Nobu Malibu, and pick a random Michelin-rated restaurant since LA has more than any other city.
You must go to one of the many sporting events, concerts, or comedy clubs as well.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my parents, Kathy and Kerry Cox, my business partners, Rob Purvy and Nick Damuth, and my close friends; they know who they are. I also want to shout out my professional network, Alder. Without these people, I would not be where I am today.
Website: https://www.tcgfootwear.com
Instagram: @tcglosangeles
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleedmondscox/
Twitter: @tcglosangeles
Facebook: @tcglosangeles
Youtube: @Thorovizion
Other: https://www.bethoro.org