Est. Talks #3: Ron Simpson
Ron Simpson’s life is as sparkling as his eyes, but success wasn’t handed to him. Growing up in numbingly normal Nieuwegein, he is a true self-made man: a serial entrepreneur with a passion for life and celebration. Best known as the visionary behind The Avocado Show, a global avocado-themed restaurant franchise, Ron is also the founder of Skybox, a one-stop shop for next-level speakers, creative business sessions and events. All of this, while also running 24K, an award-winning creative agency, for the past decade.
True to Ron’s nature, we learned during this interview that two of these businesses are already behind him, as he’s already focused on his next big venture. This contagiously energetic 40-year-old is about to launch four very different yet potentially game-changing business concepts. Ron’s relentless passion for entrepreneurship and creativity is clear. So, what motivates this sharply dressed, sharp-minded trailblazer who’s constantly evolving, and never rests on his laurels? Established, but new.
1. Describe yourself in three words.
Chess not checkers.
2. Could you consider yourself ‘Made by Amsterdam’? (as it says on our label).
I wouldn’t say Amsterdam made me, but it absolutely shaped me. And hopefully I shaped Amsterdam a bit back.
3. You’ve initiated numerous creative concepts and businesses – can you share the sparkling inspiration behind your ideas?
Yeah, I can’t seem to stop dreaming up new concepts, business models, or ways to colour to the world. So, I’ve learned to focus on curating them, sharing them, and choosing the best ones to pursue.
I am a very, VERY curious person that loves to discover interesting stories and valuable insights from any industry. Once I find something inspiring, my brain just connects the dots.
The trick is keeping it simple enough for everyone to understand, but still compelling enough to grab their attention right away. Inspiration can come from anything: a word, a model, a product, a problem, you name it.
After that, the details just start flowing, and I can’t stop until the idea is fully developed. I love it when you can summarise an entire concept into just a few words, like ‘an all-avocado restaurant’ or ‘Tinder for dogs’.
4. Is it true that you have synesthesia, where two or more of your senses are interconnected? If so, does this help explain your enhanced creativity and unconventional thinking?
Yes, it’s true – sometimes it feels like a superpower, and other times, it feels like a flaw. Apparently, I see things from a completely different perspective than all my friends and clients.
I approach ideas in an original, unrestricted way that opens up entirely new paths to a destination. When a spark of inspiration hits, I can almost feel the colours, shapes, names, sounds, and everything else about it. I can practically taste it.
5. What is your proudest mistake?
(Yo mama. Just kidding).
My proudest mistake is choosing to study at a fashion academy just because my friends were going there.
It wasn’t challenging at all, but I had tons of fun, and it gave me the time and space to start working on my own projects next to my studies.
6. Somewhere on the WorldWideWeb, you’ve described entrepreneurship as “falling in love with something, coming up with a concept for it, and then making it happen”. What’s the hardest part of this process?
To me, entrepreneurship is just a mindset of someone who solves problems and creates opportunities to get to where they want or need to be.
You don’t need to own a business to be entrepreneurial, at least not in my book. But if you do want to start one, falling in love with the right idea is the hardest part.
It’s also the only way to push through the risk and work double hours for half the pay – at least until you get successful. And not everyone does. That takes dedication and dedication takes love.
7. What drives you, and what ultimately brings you the most satisfaction?
I am driven by the concept of creation. The ability to change, improve and add to the world and the people around you.
If I can make a positive difference by bringing more fun, love, pleasure, progress, or any form of growth into our lives, then I’m happy.
8. Which established person do you admire the most, and why?
The list of people I admire is pretty long, but today I’m going with Frank de Ruwe, aka Streetart Frankey. He’s someone with unmatched creative power, a unique vision, and the drive to turn even the most challenging ideas into reality.
His work always puts a smile on people’s faces, including mine. And as a person, you won’t find a kinder soul.
9. What is something that deserves more celebration?
The small stuff.
10. What’s next?
I can’t wait for next year, with a whole bunch of new concepts launching in different countries and seeing ideas come to life.
Food, Interiors, Events and Brands are all set to be launched. Let’s have some fun.
