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
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
• Buy their merchandise at
  • Dare to Roam
  • Harper & Scott

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

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