During his time as the owner of ENCORE in Hampton, New Hampshire, Anthony Olbres assisted several hip-hop clients in developing retail store brands, including the creation of consumer interactive displays for Ciroc vodka. He was closely involved in every step of the creative process, from design concepts and fabrication to the installation of finished products. Anthony Olbres joined the founding team at ENCORE after his success at INTEREX.
Anthony Olbres worked for INTEREX, Inc., in Massachusetts and in Las Vegas as the design director between 2005 and 2015. He was responsible for every aspect of the design phase from conceptualization through implementation. His efforts were recognized with numerous “Best of Show” honors at the “Shoe Show”, “Ski Show”, the “Outdoor Retailer Show”, and more.
Anthony Olbres studied industrial design at the prestigious Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. He received his bachelor of science with high honors. Upon graduation, he received an employment offer from General Motors Styling. He began his career by developing advanced designs for the Pontiac brand at Advanced Pontiac Studio.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts off after breakfast when I revisit my “to-do” list. This keeps me up to date with what is scheduled as to relative importance.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am always thinking about designing something and solving a problem. Sketching out ideas on paper really works for me.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I must admit that the AI trend is exciting, it’s like a ride into the unknown. Like the lyrics to the song, “Running down the highway, looking for adventure, whatever comes my way….”
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
My “to-do” list keeps me humming. I actually look forward to crossing items off the list. Then, I add several items.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Smile more, and think as positive as you can.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
There is no global warming.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Keep humming a song. It helps you to stay focused.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Go to the beach and stare out at the Atlantic Ocean.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Never take no for an answer. There is always a way to solve an impasse.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Hiring the wrong person. This is a difficult problem to overcome because you need to acknowledge your mistake.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Word is the best for writing and communicating.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I purchased an old set of Rolling Stones record albums, Start Me Up. These guys are the real deal.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Terminal List by Jack Carr will keep you focused.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Recently I watched the Deputy. This series shows what you can do when you are thrown into a position that you weren’t prepared for. You succeed because you do have it in yourself.
Key learnings
- Complete every job you start, today if you can.
- There is no such thing as a simple job. Every job is complicated.
- Always be creative in your approach. Find a solution.
- Spend more time with the ones you love. They are more important than anything else.