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Display of Power
With worldwide distribution, the FUBU brand is an international symbol of empowerment and success, standing as a blueprint for young business people looking to chart their own course.
In "Display of Power: How FUBU Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle, " Daymond John (Founder and CEO) gets to the heart of his unlikely run to the top of the fashion world, and shines compelling light on what it takes to succeed-from the dizzying street corners of his old neighborhood to the dazzling corner offices of corporate America-and what it takes to harness and display the power that resides in us all.
"Daymond John is a driven, visionary leader who is not afraid to take risks. This brief glimpse into his life and mind is also a look at the new generation of CEOs. If you want to own your own business, or if you're a veteran executive who wants to know the mindset of this changing world, Daymond walks you through in Display of Power. A must read." -Russell Simmons, Media Mogul
"Daymond John brings his signature style to the world of books, and Display of Power is a must-read for anyone wondering how a kid from Hollis, Queens could climb to the very top rungs of the fashion industry." -Montel Williams, TV Talk Show Host
"This book details the amazing story of how FUBU inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs. The brand's success reaches across the globe to more then 60 countries. In Korea, FUBU is the #1 sports casual brand with over 70 stores. Daymond John's story is an inspiration to businessmen and women worldwide." -Soo Kee Lee Sr., Managing Director, Samsung Corporation
"Display of Power is a remarkable read for all. Daymond John's story is more than how the fashion world was turned inside out by FUBU. It's a lesson on how to overcome obstacles in life and how to unleash your latent talents to make your dreams come true. It's also a very valuable tool for the business world-from start-up companies finding their way, to large companies where policies and politics can often smother the entrepreneurial spirit. And finally, it's a story of how the crucible of life experiences formed the pathway for John to create the exceptional lifestyle brand we know as FUBU!" -Don Franceschini, Vice Chairman [Ret.], Sara Lee Corporation
In "Display of Power: How FUBU Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle, " Daymond John (Founder and CEO) gets to the heart of his unlikely run to the top of the fashion world, and shines compelling light on what it takes to succeed-from the dizzying street corners of his old neighborhood to the dazzling corner offices of corporate America-and what it takes to harness and display the power that resides in us all.
"Daymond John is a driven, visionary leader who is not afraid to take risks. This brief glimpse into his life and mind is also a look at the new generation of CEOs. If you want to own your own business, or if you're a veteran executive who wants to know the mindset of this changing world, Daymond walks you through in Display of Power. A must read." -Russell Simmons, Media Mogul
"Daymond John brings his signature style to the world of books, and Display of Power is a must-read for anyone wondering how a kid from Hollis, Queens could climb to the very top rungs of the fashion industry." -Montel Williams, TV Talk Show Host
"This book details the amazing story of how FUBU inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs. The brand's success reaches across the globe to more then 60 countries. In Korea, FUBU is the #1 sports casual brand with over 70 stores. Daymond John's story is an inspiration to businessmen and women worldwide." -Soo Kee Lee Sr., Managing Director, Samsung Corporation
"Display of Power is a remarkable read for all. Daymond John's story is more than how the fashion world was turned inside out by FUBU. It's a lesson on how to overcome obstacles in life and how to unleash your latent talents to make your dreams come true. It's also a very valuable tool for the business world-from start-up companies finding their way, to large companies where policies and politics can often smother the entrepreneurial spirit. And finally, it's a story of how the crucible of life experiences formed the pathway for John to create the exceptional lifestyle brand we know as FUBU!" -Don Franceschini, Vice Chairman [Ret.], Sara Lee Corporation
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
35 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Daymond John
29 books216 followersA young entrepreneur, an industry pioneer, a highly regarded marketing expert, and a man who has surpassed new heights of commercial and financial success are just a few ways people have described Daymond John. Over the last 20 years, Daymond has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation to one of the most sought after branding experts, business, and motivational speakers in the country.
Daymond’s creative vision and strong knowledge of the marketplace helped him create one of the most iconic fashion brands in recent years. FUBU, standing for “For Us By Us”, represented a lifestyle that was neglected by other clothing companies. Realizing this need in the marketplace, Daymond created the untapped urban apparel space and laid the groundwork for other companies to compete in this newly established market.
Daymond grew up in the community of Hollis, Queens, quickly becoming known as the birthplace of the new genre of music called Hip-Hop, with acts like RUN DMC and Salt-N-Peppa rapidly making names for themselves. Being surrounded in this influential neighborhood helped spur the inspiration for his clothing line that would ultimately change the fashion world.
His first foray into the apparel market came when he wanted a tie-top hat he had seen in a popular music video but could not find one for a good price. With the sewing skills he had learned from his mother, Daymond started making the hats for himself and his friends. Realizing he was on to something, Daymond made a sizeable order of the tie-top hats, sold them on the streets of Queens one day, and made $800 in just a few hours. There was a buzz about Daymond’s products that simply could not be ignored.
Based on that early success, Daymond recruited some of his neighborhood friends and FUBU was born. They created a distinctive logo and began sewing the FUBU logo on all sorts of apparel, including hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts. The brand hit a tipping point when Daymond convinced Hollis native and Hip-Hop superstar, LL Cool J, to wear FUBU for a promotional campaign. This was the catalyst behind the entire Hip-Hop community supporting the new brand and instantly giving it credibility. In need of start-up capital to keep up with demand, Daymond and his mother mortgaged the home they collectively owned for $100,000. Soon, the home was turned into a makeshift factory and office space.
FUBU gained even more nationwide exposure when Daymond and his partners traveled to the industry trade show Magic in Las Vegas. Despite not being able to afford a booth at the event, the FUBU team showed buyers the distinctively cut, vibrantly colored sportswear in their hotel room. The company came back to Queens with over $300,000 worth of orders. FUBU soon had a contract with the New York City-based department store chain Macy's, and it began expanding its line to include jeans and outerwear. A distribution deal with Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung allowed their designs to be manufactured and delivered on a massive scale. With the brand transcending into the mainstream markets, FUBU recorded annual sales of $350 million, placing it in the same stratosphere as designer sportswear labels such as Donna Karan New York and Tommy Hilfiger.
In 2009, John joined the cast of the ABC entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, produced by acclaimed TV producer Mark Burnett. As one of the “Sharks”, Daymond and four other prominent executives listen to business pitches from everyday people hoping to launch their company or product to new heights. Investing his own money in every project, Daymond becomes partners with the entrepreneurs helping turn their dreams into a reality. Millions of viewers tune into the show as Daymond demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.
Due to the increasing amount of requests from major companies, Shark Branding was formed to provide companies with the marketing insights that have made D
Daymond’s creative vision and strong knowledge of the marketplace helped him create one of the most iconic fashion brands in recent years. FUBU, standing for “For Us By Us”, represented a lifestyle that was neglected by other clothing companies. Realizing this need in the marketplace, Daymond created the untapped urban apparel space and laid the groundwork for other companies to compete in this newly established market.
Daymond grew up in the community of Hollis, Queens, quickly becoming known as the birthplace of the new genre of music called Hip-Hop, with acts like RUN DMC and Salt-N-Peppa rapidly making names for themselves. Being surrounded in this influential neighborhood helped spur the inspiration for his clothing line that would ultimately change the fashion world.
His first foray into the apparel market came when he wanted a tie-top hat he had seen in a popular music video but could not find one for a good price. With the sewing skills he had learned from his mother, Daymond started making the hats for himself and his friends. Realizing he was on to something, Daymond made a sizeable order of the tie-top hats, sold them on the streets of Queens one day, and made $800 in just a few hours. There was a buzz about Daymond’s products that simply could not be ignored.
Based on that early success, Daymond recruited some of his neighborhood friends and FUBU was born. They created a distinctive logo and began sewing the FUBU logo on all sorts of apparel, including hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts. The brand hit a tipping point when Daymond convinced Hollis native and Hip-Hop superstar, LL Cool J, to wear FUBU for a promotional campaign. This was the catalyst behind the entire Hip-Hop community supporting the new brand and instantly giving it credibility. In need of start-up capital to keep up with demand, Daymond and his mother mortgaged the home they collectively owned for $100,000. Soon, the home was turned into a makeshift factory and office space.
FUBU gained even more nationwide exposure when Daymond and his partners traveled to the industry trade show Magic in Las Vegas. Despite not being able to afford a booth at the event, the FUBU team showed buyers the distinctively cut, vibrantly colored sportswear in their hotel room. The company came back to Queens with over $300,000 worth of orders. FUBU soon had a contract with the New York City-based department store chain Macy's, and it began expanding its line to include jeans and outerwear. A distribution deal with Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung allowed their designs to be manufactured and delivered on a massive scale. With the brand transcending into the mainstream markets, FUBU recorded annual sales of $350 million, placing it in the same stratosphere as designer sportswear labels such as Donna Karan New York and Tommy Hilfiger.
In 2009, John joined the cast of the ABC entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, produced by acclaimed TV producer Mark Burnett. As one of the “Sharks”, Daymond and four other prominent executives listen to business pitches from everyday people hoping to launch their company or product to new heights. Investing his own money in every project, Daymond becomes partners with the entrepreneurs helping turn their dreams into a reality. Millions of viewers tune into the show as Daymond demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.
Due to the increasing amount of requests from major companies, Shark Branding was formed to provide companies with the marketing insights that have made D
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 21, 2020
When I started reading
Display of Power: How Fubu Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle
by Daymond John I expected a plunge into the business strategies, challenges and how they were overcame, and more of what shaped FUBU to the brand it is ... but I was disappointed that I was being taken through the life of the author and asked: Why do I need to know all this? The devil on my left said, "You don't have to even read it!". It's not about the forces of good and bad, but the angel on my right answered, "You have to, there are insights there. Check others' reviews ..." and I did - the reviews are good. Well, in the end the devil won.
The book was grueling to read, a drag for me; and I had to stop right where I was.
The book was grueling to read, a drag for me; and I had to stop right where I was.
May 20, 2023
You can't help but respect the moxie and hustle that Daymond John and his partners put into building FUBU.
This book, though not necessarily exquisitely written, does a solid job of describing just how green the FUBU founders were when they started and how they grew in their business intelligence. It demonstrates how determination and dedication can trump book knowledge on the path to building an enterprise.
What I didn't like: The overly informal writing style that occasionally violates grammatical norms in an effort to seem more relatable. It just makes certain sections harder to read.
What I did like: Daymond tells it plainly. He does not try to cover up questionable decisions or tactics in an effort to look holy. He and his crew were hustling and scheming and building throughout the early years of FUBU and Daymond is transparent about that.
This book, though not necessarily exquisitely written, does a solid job of describing just how green the FUBU founders were when they started and how they grew in their business intelligence. It demonstrates how determination and dedication can trump book knowledge on the path to building an enterprise.
What I didn't like: The overly informal writing style that occasionally violates grammatical norms in an effort to seem more relatable. It just makes certain sections harder to read.
What I did like: Daymond tells it plainly. He does not try to cover up questionable decisions or tactics in an effort to look holy. He and his crew were hustling and scheming and building throughout the early years of FUBU and Daymond is transparent about that.
May 30, 2017
Page 196.."Don't be so set in your ways that you fail to recognize how a shift or a trend in another arena might impact your bottom line."
Page 217..."We might have started out at the same place but I'd stepped on the gas and passed this guy by a long time ago."
Very inspirational & thought provoking. The author created a way out of no way. The difference between all of us is opportunities or created opportunities. Also, a winning mindset or a pessimistic mindset. We all have the chance to decide.
Page 217..."We might have started out at the same place but I'd stepped on the gas and passed this guy by a long time ago."
Very inspirational & thought provoking. The author created a way out of no way. The difference between all of us is opportunities or created opportunities. Also, a winning mindset or a pessimistic mindset. We all have the chance to decide.
January 10, 2021
You'll Get To Dive Into The Personal Story Of Daymond John & His Fashion Brand Fubu In This Book.
This Is One Of Those Rags To Riches Story That'll Leave You Wanting To Think Big For Yourself.
It's Inspiring Through Out How Daymond Stayed Away From The Negative Influences In The Hood And Beat All Odds Against Him While Staying Relevant To His Roots.
In General, In The Book, You'll Learn About Business In Bits Here And There Which I Feel Can Be Very Useful For Your Business And Personal Life. Tips Ranging From Disciple To Marketing.
Motivating And Inspiring.
This Is One Of Those Rags To Riches Story That'll Leave You Wanting To Think Big For Yourself.
It's Inspiring Through Out How Daymond Stayed Away From The Negative Influences In The Hood And Beat All Odds Against Him While Staying Relevant To His Roots.
In General, In The Book, You'll Learn About Business In Bits Here And There Which I Feel Can Be Very Useful For Your Business And Personal Life. Tips Ranging From Disciple To Marketing.
Motivating And Inspiring.
May 23, 2018
Really enjoyed this story about Daymond John and how he started FUBU. Loved the fact that the book was written in such a way that I actually felt as if John was speaking to me in his own voice and not in some sanitized tone that a faceless publisher wanted in order to make the story more palatable.
January 1, 2021
Power
This book was a page turner. It gives great insight on the mindset of a businessman and being goal oriented. The ups and down of starting and maintaining a business from the ground up.
This book was a page turner. It gives great insight on the mindset of a businessman and being goal oriented. The ups and down of starting and maintaining a business from the ground up.
April 18, 2022
It's a simple book. I love that he covered every activity you can think of in starting and managing a business.
June 20, 2011
This book was very similar to his branding book, but nearly as good. This was much more the story of how FUBU rose to the top. For the most part is was poorly written and seemed more like ghetto bragging than anything meaningful. Which is sad because the last 25% of the book had some good messages for life and business. I really like Daymond John, but if this would have been my first introduction to him or FUBU I wouldn't be at all impressed.
September 15, 2011
Great book on how to perservere. For some who read it and dont see the literary value, you have to understand that Daymond John is telling his life story and most African Americans will instantly relate to the tone, style and meanings of his words and interpretations because that is what they experienced. If you have never experienced it then you will critique the book differently book you can't deny the morals of his story. Excellent book for anyone thinking of starting a business.
May 24, 2013
I think Mr. John has a compelling journey, and I appreciate his efforts to remain true to himself and the brand. I found the word choice refreshing and much less stuffy than most business books. I wish the he shared more information about his time after succeeding and how his life has evolved. He talks about giving away $200K+ to friends/neighbors... but at some point he changed, and Id like to know more about his transformation to a business leader.
April 20, 2018
Absolute genius. I love his ingenuity and determination, also his mom's resourcefulness; clearly he gets a LOT of his hoodspa from her. His drive and fearlessness was evident from childhood. It was a beautiful glimpse into the mind of a true entrepreneur and a front seat at the passion, which is his driving force.
April 25, 2011
This novel by John was a decent read. It is a little different but the plot and characters will get you interested in the book. It was an enjoyable read to see how he grew his business.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
November 2, 2014
An entertaining read about Daymond John's life and his rise to fame and fortune. I enjoyed it for a different reason - his descriptions of black culture. That rated it a 4*
Read my entire review on my blog http://www.spiritof13.com/?p=315
Read my entire review on my blog http://www.spiritof13.com/?p=315
March 22, 2017
John takes us on the journey to build one of the world's largest hip hop brands but you get a lesson in life and business along the way.
A good read for aspiring entrepreneurs or those in business thinking about giving up.
A good read for aspiring entrepreneurs or those in business thinking about giving up.
May 11, 2009
Great story of how hard-work, ambition, and having a vision can lead to success for a boy who had everything going against his ability to be successful
Read
March 4, 2011American entrepeneurship in action.
October 13, 2011
I found this book very conversational, easy to read, and an excellent testament to organic branding and looking beyond what is directly in front of you to seize opportunities.
February 17, 2012
Interesting autobiography from someone who rose from the 99% to the 1%. ;)
September 4, 2012
Daymond John is a very interesting guy. Easy read and insight on the FUBU Brand on how it got started.
March 30, 2013
A should-read autobiograpy on leadership for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs.
July 22, 2015
Very interesting autobiography of Daymond John as well as the start of FUBU. Also good discussion of business and marketing in general from an upstart entrepreneurial perspective.
July 27, 2015
Good book! Wish he covered more of the challenges of first starting up FUBU, not just the financial aspect. But overall a good read.
February 28, 2016
An entertaining and very personal look at John's building of a fashion empire.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews