Michael Scott Cohen is the co-founder of Harper and Scott Inc. who specializes in designs and produces branded merchandise and promotional items. Michael with his friend, Jon Alagem founded Harper and Scott to be a more creative, flexible, and responsive player in the crowded business of merchandising. Harper and Scott oversee products from design to delivery, including having a 12-person production operation in China that assures quality and quick turnaround. Harper and Scott was listed in INC 5000 for three consecutive years.
In this episode we discuss:
- His candy and snow cones selling stint when he was young [4:30]
- Working as a CFO at 21; 2008’s financial crisis [7:33]
- Losing money, getting into debt, and getting a loan from his grandma [9:30]
- Harper and Scott’s background [14:30]
- Created lipstick-shaped USB drive for Sephora; gaining more clients after [19:00]
- B-Corp certification, getting recertified after 3 years [23:50]
- China trips and finding factories to work with [29:20]
- Challenges in their design process; time and client’s budget [34:10]
- Enhancing and balancing their workers’ experience in work at home setup [35:55]
- Becoming one of the largest suppliers of masks in Fortune 500 companies [38:50]
- Creating their own brand, Dare To Roam [41:15]
- Ideal strategy in growing their client base [43:40]
- How to get in touch with Michael, Harper and Scott [44:20]
Links to sources and tools:
- Connect with Michel on LinkedIn
- Follow their company’s update on
- Buy their merchandise at
Listen to other PTSS episodes
- The Demand in Customized Modular Homes with Joel Comino
- Revenue Growth Hacking Tips from an INC 500 CEO with Olin Hyde
- AIM Framework – Useful for People and Business with Michael Roderick
- Leaders That Create Culture, Build Behavior and Produce Results with Brian Kight
Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to get updates on new episodes. If you haven’t already, please follow and leave a review for our podcast, we’ll really appreciate it. And as always, don’t forget to pass the secret sauce.
Support our podcast
If you’re a fan of the show, there are three simple things you can do to support our work:
- Rate and review the podcast on iTunes or wherever you subscribe.
- Tell a family member, friend, or colleague about the show.
- Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
