A few weeks before Solomon Choi's passing, we had the privilege and honor to sit down with him and learn about his journey. After condulting with his wife, she encouraged us to release the podcast as it was recorded in memory of him. We hope that all listeners can learn from and appreciate Solomon's wisdom as much as we did. In this conversation, Solomon talks about how he founded 16 Handles, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop that became a New York City staple. He also shares his insights on building a brand in a competitive landscape, and the importance of customer obsession. He emphasizes how essential it is to be adaptable, stay true to your brand, and embrace new technologies to connect with your target audience. Rest in Peace, Solomon 🕊️

🍦 Solomon’s story highlights the importance of customer obsession and adapting to the evolving needs of your target audience.

🚀 Early adoption of social media and delivery platforms gave 16 Handles a competitive advantage.

🧠 The importance of continuous learning and seeking knowledge from other industries.

🤝 Partnering with like-minded individuals can lead to successful exits and a new chapter for your brand.

💪 Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace the “burning the ships” mentality when you believe in your vision.

0:00 - Intro.

​2:27 - Bootstrapping 16 Handles and growing to 41 locations.​

5:02 - Strategically targeting NYU students for reliable customer base.​

9:08 - Focusing on customer experience and differentiation to compete with competitors.​

15:01 - The importance of building a lasting brand over following trends.​

17:09 - 16 Handles' early adoption of delivery platforms.​

19:00 - Solomon's customer obsession and customization approach.​

24:00 - Evolution and transition in trying different things to cater to specific customer needs.​

24:34 - Importance of customer appreciation for long-term success.​

25:28 - Emphasizing customer retention and building loyalty.​

26:12 - Customization approach and flavor adjustments for products.

​27:09 - Strategic risk-taking and wealth of knowledge in business.​

29:02 - Importance of finding competitive advantages in the market.​

31:16 - Leveraging overqualified staff for business success.​

32:13 - Learning from industry leaders and making strategic partnerships.​

35:10 - Focusing on community and brand resonance over funding.​

38:00 - Continuous learning and adaptation in the business landscape.​

41:05 - Staying true to your brand's story and values for long-term success.

45:52 - Final chew.