On the Razor's Edge

Success Leaves Clues—An Entrepreneur's Journey from the Ground Up Anyone can start a business. All it takes is an idea, a little creativity, and a product or service offered in exchange for money. Sounds simple enough, right? If it were that easy, then every business ever launched would be thriving, filling our storefronts, malls, and online shopping sites with an endless supply of products and services. Unfortunately, most businesses don’t succeed, and it’s not always due to a lack of work ethic or creativity. Eric Malka, past CEO of The Art of Shaving, offers his insight on what makes a business thrive, from the time the doors open until long after the company is sold. Malka discovered firsthand that an entrepreneur needs three things to survive and excel: grit, prudence, and timing. In On the Razor’s Edge, he shares his journey from his humble beginnings to the eight-figure sale of his company, detailing what he gained from setbacks and unexpected obstacles. While many businesses were closing because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the pandemic, and financial crises, The Art of Shaving managed to prosper. The brand pivoted along with customer expectations, made possible by Eric and his wife’s partnership and commitment to breakthrough innovations and hiring extraordinary people. After the sale of The Art of Shaving, Malka knew his job was not over and he discovered a new passion: mentoring entrepreneurs and investing in businesses as a way to give back. Today, he believes his own entrepreneurial journey was a launching pad for Strategic Brand Investments, the business he launched to help transform early-stage companies into scalable and profitable business models.