Andrew Brooks

Andrew Brooks is a Miami and NYC-based entrepreneur, and the founder of Sinclair Global, a lifestyle brand designed to breathe life into authentic streetwear and all things fontaine.

Andrew Brooks has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Global since September 2020 and has leveraged years of business experience to elevate the growing brand.

In 2017, Andrew Brooks received the distinction of being named as one of Forbes Magazine’s coveted “30 Under 30” for his contribution in the realm of Retail and E-Commerce.

Andrew Brooks graduated from the University of Miami in 2010, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.

Where did the idea for Sinclair Global come from?

Sinclair Global was born out of COVID, in reaction to what I saw as a dying city. It all started as a fun way to give energy to the city, and around the globe. Essentially, as the pandemic wore on, peoples’ perspectives on comfort, style, and aesthetic preferences changed in a way not previously seen.

As a result, there was a need for lifestyle brands to adapt to these changes, and that was the void that Sinclair Global wanted to fill. As the company continues to evolve into a lifestyle mainstay, Sinclair aims to retain the exclusivity and purpose of the brand.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

As an entrepreneur, every day can look different, and a myriad of components can change up the trajectory of the day. That’s why it is vital to maintain a schedule and to ensure that all facets of the business are taken care of. Typically, in the morning, I start the day off by trading commodities. Before even stepping foot into Sinclair’s offices, I have already accomplished an important task, which sets the stage for movement throughout the rest of the day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

When I come into the offices, I focus on creative content immediately. I work with designers, developers, and my trusted team to bring my visions to life. Working collaboratively creates an energy that’s hard to describe, but this very essence is what allows us to bounce ideas off of each other, and turn ideas into products. I get excited to create a product and watch it sell out.

We are more than a brand; Sinclair is a lifestyle. Living by this mantra means that I think about bringing authentic ideas to life constantly, and surround myself with a creative team that not only understands this notion but is also fully immersed in it.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The rise of secondary marketplaces is truly exciting. As technology and globalization continue to connect traders, investors, and consumers in a real-time capacity, the possibilities for creating alternative marketplaces and products are endless.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

My personal love of great products drives my approach as an entrepreneur. I truly value craftsmanship, aesthetic beauty, and well-designed elements within everything that I purchase. I take the time to appreciate a product that stands the test of time, avoids wear and tear, and is inspired. Thus, I instill the same high standards and values for everything that is created by Sinclair Global.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Start slow, build a following, and then build a brand around it. In today’s rapid-fire culture and economy, entrepreneurs often want things to happen instantaneously. However, it’s important to not put the proverbial horse before the proverbial cart and to scale every venture accordingly.

Sinclair Global started off slowly and built momentum organically. The company started as an Instagram account, with the goal of breathing life into the city through fresh ideas, looks, and a fun aesthetic. I began making very limited runs of “trader vests”, and soon enough, friends, family, and followers began showing interest, and requesting pieces. I knew I could do this better than most other brands. I had the experience, the time, and the income to organically, purposefully, and slowly grow the brand.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I’m in constant communication with my team, ensuring that everyone is always on the same page. In every business, there are so many moving parts and so many different departments that depend on each other for continued success. It’s crucial for all of these different players to be on the same page. In the same vein, I value the opinions of every team member and make sure to keep all team members involved in processes.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I surround myself with smart, trustworthy people who share in my best interests. While every entrepreneur wants to “do it all”, a healthy and thriving business cannot grow without a dependable team. As the business grows, the team needs to grow with it.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

About 10 years ago, I got into a partnership buying a wide range of IPOs. After a while, I recognized that there was too much exposure. Learning from my initial mistake, I refocused my investment strategies via a mix of long-term value stocks and high-risk-high-reward commodities.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would tell readers to invest in resale businesses, as they are the future.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently purchased a subscription to The Economist. Obviously, for any entrepreneur, business person, or savvy investor, maintaining awareness of the world at large is important. The intricate ways in which seemingly unrelated facets impact the financial markets, businesses, and economies are astounding.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Google Analytics has an ever-growing list of functionalities to showcase performance, provide insight and metrics, and give a real-time health analysis of every website, eCommerce platform, etc. For any company that has a web presence (which should be every company in existence at this point), Google Analytics is a crucial tool.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“Barbarians At The Gate” by Henry Kravis. It’s about the history of big business, Wall Street, and the art of the leveraged buyout.

What is your favorite quote?

I was born at night, but not last night.

Key Learnings:

• Learning to review analytics, and react accordingly to the data, is crucial for the growth of any business in any industry.
• Surrounding yourself with people who share common goals, interests, and motivations is a surefire way to spark growth and success.
• Growing a brand organically is imperative to building momentum and a true following.