Intro

 Welcome!

I am excited that you found your way here – my place to share the stories, lessons, and moments that have shaped both my career and my life.

I’ll be writing mostly about business, what it really looks like to build something, maintain it, and sometimes, reimagine it entirely. I’ll share my journey - especially some of the mistakes that guided my own professional development. 

I’ve spent years building, managing and exiting businesses, hiring and building teams, and always trying to find humor and joy in the process.

If you are starting a business, beginning a new job, or just like to share experiences and learn, then I think you’ll find inspiration and useful information here.

I look forward to sharing my journey and possibly helping you shape yours. 

Thank you for being here.

 - Lauren Marrus

Who am I?

I am an experienced entrepreneur and business executive.  I acquired Dempsey & Carroll, the heritage brand founded in 1878, from bankruptcy in 2004 and brought it to profitability in the first year.  After more than 20 years, I am excited to step back from the day-to-day operations to focus on building the brand in new ways.  I am also building a platform to support like-minded brands with storytelling, marketing, and new product development.

Why read what I’m writing? 

I have years of experience across companies – my stories come from lived experience:

·  management consulting – Booz, Allen & Hamilton

·  investment banking – Banker’s Trust Company

·  media – ABC Disney

·  financial information – Multex / Reuters

·  e-commerce – The Chelsea Paper Company / Papyrus

·  luxury heritage brand – Dempsey & Carroll