Meet John Fowler | CEO & Founder at Outlive

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Fowler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Twenty-four years ago, I started a career in construction after school and ventured on a study abroad stint in Europe. I first sold kitchens, then went on to sell windows across Europe and the Middle East for Andersen Windows, and eventually Marvin Windows while living in Brussels with my family for six years. I learned early on from my now longtime mentors that business is about people and being able to have a conversation. Sales, growth, and profits come with being able to offer solutions and a solid product or service. I’ve always tried to maintain a positive attitude and not be afraid to take a risk. I wanted to try to develop and build a business. Starting this in early 2020 did provide serious challenges given the world crisis, however as things have evolved, we are now growing across the US. Providing excellent and efficient service along with a product unlike what anyone else offers has given us a breath of fresh air, and we are fortunate to have come out on the other side of the pandemic with great potential and opportunity here at Outlive. With all the screen time in the world now, we’ve personalized our approach to better our business and showcase our integrity and reputation which are extremely important to us especially in these early years.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my career selling kitchens in Minneapolis, Minnesota, then worked for Andersen Windows across Europe and the Middle East, before living in Belgium for six years with my family. I was traveling internationally globally and for long spells, where I met lots of close, to this day, business connections and friends. The challenges of overcoming selling an American product to markets with different construction methods, languages, and cultures was interesting, but extremely challenging. Learning to listen, how to communicate, to keep an open mind, and always maintain a positive attitude and focus to allow us to find solutions, and not complain about challenges. The experience in Belgium allowed my kids to see another culture and learn more perspective and allowed me to develop even stronger business relationships. We at Outlive are excited to be distributing the most unique building material to come to the US market in some time. Family owned and operated Millboard (UK), offers us something unique and innovative to bring to contractors, remodelers, builders, architects, and designers here in the US. We are excited and looking forward to continuing to grow and develop our brand and product offering.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the ocean. The beach and the views of Santa Monica Pier. I love the drive along US1 with a latte, the coastline, and to breathe in the fresh air and relax. One of a million sushi restaurants for dinner and meeting as many interesting people as possible along the way. It’s all about the people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was fortunate at a young age to have encouraging and supportive mentors. Seeing the world was going more global and international through technology, media, products and/or services helped me to look at the world market, not a particular industry or job. Technology has changed the world; however, it is still incredibly important to be able to read body language, learn different languages, and be able to hold a conversation with someone in person. This skill is fading and needs to be prioritized in the next generation as I have tried to instill into my own children and the people at Outlive.

Website: https://outlive.info/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outlive_usa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outlive-usa/

Facebook: @OutliveUSA

Youtube: Outlive USA