GP Welcomes DB Collective!
Remember the two desks that we saw as potential? DB collective not only filled those seats but brought with them soaring talent, drive, and ambition in the most humble package we’ve ever seen! With great pleasure, we introduce to you Brian Jacobs and Barbara Alves of DB Collective. They’ve shared with us some of their background and what keeps them inspired!
Brian Jacob, Chief Brand Strategist
Are you originally from Ft. Lauderdale? If not, from where?
-I was born in India. My parents traveled there to see their family and my mom didn’t want to fly back to the US while she was in her last trimester. My Parents are both Doctors, and it was hard to find residency in the 70’s, and early 80’s for immigrants. So they traveled a lot to give us a good life. I lived in Houston, Chicago, Hollywood Florida, NJ, NY, and now I am back in FL, and have lived here for the last 9 years.
What field are you in? What inspired you to start your own business?
-I currently own a digital creative agency, my 6th company. I was always an entrepreneur. Sold candy in school for double the profit at the age of 8 which started my love of business. Went to Rutgers pre-med, but shifted gears, when a business opportunity presented itself. Never looked back.
What’s the best advice you’ve received.
Two lines by advisors. 1) Fail Fast: If it’s not working, pivot and find a way, or close down and move on. 2) If you can find a pain point, solve it, and find customers willing to pay for it… then you have a business, if not… don’t do it.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
-Passionate, Driven, Understanding.
It was revealed during member lunch that you are a musician. In fact, you were a second chair violinist for 13 years. Can you tell us more?
-My dad wouldn’t let me play the guitar unless I played something classical first. Like the Piano or the Violin. I picked the violin. I can play by ear, meaning I can pick up most stringed instruments, and play any melody I hear.
Is there any music in particular that helps you stay focused or motivated at work?
-Classical, lounge, or trance. Nothing with words.
What’s your favorite part about co-working?
-The people, the noise, and the hustle. As well as the feeling of knowing there is a collective empowerment of many individuals creating something wonderful together.
What’s on the top of your bucket-list?
-To be as successful as my father. He was an IVF specialist, and helped Connie Chung’s, David Letterman’s, and countless other families achieve parenthood. It’s not about the money, it’s about helping people.
Coffee or beer?
-A Stella Artois
Barbara Alves, Designer
Are you originally from Ft. Lauderdale? If not, from where?
I’m originally from Brazil. I came here about two years ago and I currently live in Deerfield Beach.
What brought you to Ft. Lauderdale?
The People, the Culture, and of course my new business DB Collective.
What’s your favorite tool as a designer? What keeps you inspired?
My sketch book. I’m an artist, and I’m constantly sketching and drawing things that I imagine. As an illustrator, I take those drawings and make digital illustrations. That ability to make an idea come to life or have a visual personality via art, digital or print is truly amazing and something I’m passionate about.
Regarding inspiration… it’s seeing or creating art that can “Communicate without words.” It’s People, it’s life, it’s nature, and all that is in it.
During our (member lunch) it was revealed that you are a musician. Can you tell us about your band and what type of music you play?
Well, let me tell you a story:
Once upon a time, there were a little girl that wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Her daddy bought an old/broken acoustic instrument for her start. Sometimes she had teachers, but most of the time she taught herself. Even though she loved playing the guitar, that instrument never captured her heart. When she grew up, a few of her friends started a band. They needed a bass player.
The end.
I know that it wasn’t that simple. But it was very close to what happened. I learned to play the bass out of necessity, and I just fell in love with it. It was fun and I was among friends.
My “first band” was a punkrock band. We didn’t even have a name. We just played for fun in a garage. We were all still learning. The next band we formed was called “Breaking the Silence.” We used to play a style called metalcore. We lasted for 4 years. (note: all member were either designers or photographer or video productors). But we stopped because our singer was “too busy working to have a band” and we couldn’t keep going without him. Like he was the only one! 🙂 We were all too busy to be honest with you…
My last band was called “Tesla grave” we used to play the same style of music but shifted more towards heavy metal than hardcore. The band only lasted till I came to the US. 🙁
I have some pictures if you want.
What’s your favorite aspect of coworking?
I love seeing different people working on different projects. The networking and the ability to get things done faster is also great. But I’m very shy. It will take me at least a month for me to comfortably socialize with everyone here!
Do you have a favorite quote?
“You see things; and you say ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say ‘Why not?’”
– George Bernard Shaw
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
I would like to go to so many places!
Where: New Zealand
Why: Lord of the Rings. 🙂
Why don’t I have a beer question??
I would like a Guinness, please.
Do you want to be a part of Fort Lauderdale’s most creative community? Join us today!