The Brutal Truth About Being A Creative Director | How a Borough Park Kid Landed HBO, Polaroid, and Brother ft. Sam Ash
How data and storytelling can build a career? In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Sam Ash (not the music store!), a marketing powerhouse and the unconventional creative mind behind iconic campaigns for HBO, Brother, Polaroid, and countless brands in the frum world.
Sam takes us on a hilarious and insightful journey from his Borough Park Yeshiva days to the top of the advertising world, pulling back the curtain on how he launched the Brother P-Touch, made Paint fascinating, and why he never wears the same "professional" face twice. He shares profound lessons on faith, family, and why today's consumers don't want to think, they want to feel.
This is a raw, funny, and deeply authentic conversation about the power of a great idea, the importance of knowing your "why," and what Jewish marketing is missing.
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
◼️ Sam’s journey from a Yeshiva kid in Borough Park to a sought-after creative director
◼️ The hilarious story of launching the Brother P-Touch and the "aha" moment that created a new product category
◼️ His philosophy that you're not selling the drill, you're selling the hole! Why benefits always beat features
◼️ The challenge of balancing a demanding creative career with family life and faith
◼️ Why the frum community is the last great bastion of print advertising and how to use it effectively
◼️ His unexpected encounter with John Ratzenberger (Cliff from "Cheers") and the life lesson about money and family
◼️ How to "niche yourself" to break into a creative career
◼️ The problem with AI, SEO, and why they can't replace true talent and insight
◼️ What most Jewish marketing is missing and the agencies that are getting it right
◼️ His advice for business owners on how to choose the right creative agency
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Meet Sam Ash: The Unconventional Creative
3:09 From Borough Park to Big Brands: A Yeshiva Kid's Origin Story
5:07 The Brother P-Touch Launch: Selling the Hole, Not the Drill
22:45 Faith in the Workplace: Wearing a Kippah in Corporate America
27:16 The John Ratzenberger Story: A $150,000 Lesson on Priorities
35:48 How to Break Into a Creative Career: Niche Yourself
41:29 The State of Jewish Marketing: The Last Bastion of Print
43:10 Sam's Final Advice: How to Pick the Right Creative Agency
🔗 Connect with Sam Ash
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samash180/
🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus
X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/
#WhatItTakesPodcast #Marketing #Advertising #BrandStrategy #CreativeDirector #Entrepreneurship #JewishBusiness #Startup #CareerAdvice
Episode made possible by Blackbird Recruiting. Check em out Blackbirdrecruiting.com
After building a tech business and working with giants like Google and Microsoft, Hillel Fuld SHUT IT ALL DOWN after October 7th. He now commands one of the most powerful pro-Israel voices online, reaching BILLIONS of impressions. In this bombshell conversation, he exposes the uncomfortable truths about Zionism, the open miracles happening in Israel, and why he believes there is "zero justification" for any Jew to live outside their homeland today.
Hillel Fuld is a leading Israeli tech strategist and a powerhouse advocate for Israel, with a massive following across social media platforms.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:
◼️ The shocking reason Israel is being "decimated" in the PR war—and what they're doing wrong
◼️ How Zionism is as core to Judaism as Shabbat, and the Gemara that proves it
◼️ The modern-day "gun to your head" argument for why Jews must leave now
◼️ Debunking the biggest Aliyah myths: salaries, language, and quality of life
◼️ Incredible, open miracles from the war that prove divine intervention
◼️ How the Israeli job market really works (it's not about your resume)
◼️ The one thing that still drives him crazy about living in Israel after 30 years
_______________________________________________________________________
00:00 Introduction & Banter
00:31 The Accidental Tech Guru: Hillel's Origin Story
03:10 The Game-Changing Assistant & Business Transformation
04:55 The October 7th Pivot: Shutting Down for Israel
07:48 Why Israel is Losing the PR War
10:25 Defining Zionism & The Core of Jewish Identity
14:24 The Modern-Day "Gun to Your Head" Argument
16:53 Addressing the "I'll Go When Mashiach Comes" Viewpoint
21:54 The "Open Miracles" of the Israel-Hamas War
23:58 A Personal Story of Divine Intervention: The Australian Visa
29:08 Israel as a Practical Paradise: Debunking Aliyah Myths
32:13 How the Israeli Job Market Really Works
41:56 What Actually Drives Him Crazy About Israel
48:35 The Flip Side: The Magic of Israeli Community
51:22 Final Plea: Make a Plan
_______________________________________________________________________
CONNECT WITH HILLEL:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/hilzfuld
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilzfuld/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillelFuld/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilzfuld/
💡 I Found the Key to Hiring A-Players For 50% Less
On this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Klein, Founder & CEO of Real Hires, the company that’s helping businesses hire top talent from 40+ countries without breaking the bank.
Aaron shares how to:
🚀 Hire top-tier talent smarter and faster
💻 Build high-performing remote teams across time zones
💰 Cut hiring costs in half without compromising quality
⚡ Avoid the biggest mistakes companies make when hiring globally
If you’re a founder, manager, or HR leader, this episode will change the way you approach hiring—saving you time, money, and headaches.
🎯 Stop settling for “good enough” talent. Learn how to get A-players, for less.
In Episode 12 of The What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Rob Farmer, a global auto industry veteran with over 24 years of experience at Nissan Motor Company and General Motors. As Senior Director & Chief Market Intelligence Officer for the Americas at Nissan, Rob led a team of 50+ across four global locations, driving insights straight to the CEO’s desk.We dive deep into his career journey—from working in Shanghai, navigating the complexities of global automotive markets, to pioneering AI-driven analytics that cut development timelines, optimized brand tracking, and opened new business growth opportunities. Rob shares how he built a career that makes an impact on a global scale, the lessons he learned, and how he empowers teams to succeed in a fast-evolving industry.🎙 What you’ll learn in this episode:How Rob leveraged AI and advanced analytics to transform decision-making at NissanThe strategies behind entering new markets and categories successfullyLessons on leadership, upskilling, and building high-performing global teamsInsider perspectives on navigating the auto industry on a global scaleWhether you’re an aspiring executive, an automotive enthusiast, or someone curious about how insights and data drive big decisions, this episode is packed with actionable lessons and inspiration.A special thanks to our sponsors:United Refuah HealthShareAn affordable alternative to health insurance. Learn more at http://bit.ly/46s0F6fThe 3rd month of membership is free for new applicants. Enroll by 8/31 with code BLACKBIRDBlackbird RecruitingHelping businesses find the best talent with a personal, hands-on approach. Visit BlackbirdRecruiting.com to learn more about how we can you great employees.
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we’re joined by Yoni Rudansky, who made a bold move from learning in Kollel in Queens, NY, to building a thriving Jewish community in Louisville, KY. Yoni shares his incredible journey of starting from scratch in a new city, raising over $700K, and creating a vibrant community that’s flourishing today.We dive into how Yoni uses EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to run his community-building efforts like a business, the challenges he faced in establishing roots in Louisville, and the rewards of seeing his vision come to life.Whether you’re interested in community building, faith-driven entrepreneurship, or making bold life decisions, Yoni’s story is a powerful example of what it takes to turn vision into reality.A special thanks to our sponsors:United Refuah HealthShareAn affordable alternative to health insurance. Learn more at http://bit.ly/46s0F6fThe 3rd month of membership is free for new applicants. Enroll by 8/31 with code BLACKBIRDBlackbird RecruitingHelping businesses find the best talent with a personal, hands-on approach. Visit BlackbirdRecruiting.com to learn more about how we can you great employees.
Disclaimer:This video is being published Motzai Shabbos Israel time.In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Ron Coleman, a top-tier 1st Amendment lawyer, prominent legal blogger, and social media powerhouse with over 250,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Ron has built a massive online presence while maintaining a highly successful legal career, and in this episode, he opens up about how he’s navigated the intersection of law, blogging, and online influence.We dive into his journey from practicing law to becoming one of the leading lawyer bloggers in the country. Ron shares how he built his online following, the challenges he’s faced in managing his platform, and how social media has impacted his legal career and client relationships. We also discuss his experience working with the Trump team, the advice he has for attorneys looking to build their personal brand, and his thoughts on the future of the legal profession in the digital age.A special thank you to our sponsors:United Refuah HealthShareAn affordable alternative to health insurance. Learn more at http://bit.ly/46s0F6fThe 3rd month of membership is free for new applicants. Enroll by 8/31 with code BLACKBIRDMegaPayUSASimplifying payroll with cutting-edge technology and dedicated support. Visit https://www.megapayusa.com/BLACKBIRDRECRUITING to streamline your payroll process today!
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Chaim Book, an expert employment lawyer who specializes in helping businesses stay compliant and navigate the complexities of employment law. With years of experience in the field, Chaim shares valuable insights into how employers can avoid costly legal issues, best practices for handling workplace disputes, and the critical role of having strong employment policies in place.From explaining the nuances of employment contracts to discussing the latest trends in labor law, Chaim breaks it all down for business owners and professionals who want to stay ahead of potential legal challenges.Huge thanks to our sponsor, MegaPayUSA, for making this episode possible. MegaPayUSA provides businesses with efficient payroll solutions and dedicated support to ensure your team gets paid accurately and on time. Visit MegaPayUSA.com/blackbirdrecruiting to learn more about how they can simplify your payroll process!
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we’re joined by Eli Freedman, a former 9-5 professional who took a leap of faith and made aliyah to Israel, embarking on an entrepreneurial journey that would change his life. Eli’s story is one of emunah (faith), bitachon (trust in Hashem), and resilience.Eli built a successful wine storage facility and concierge business for high-net-worth clients, investing $500K in a dream project. But when the October 7 war broke out in Gaza, his business faced unexpected challenges. In this episode, Eli opens up about his journey of balancing business, faith, and overcoming adversity. He shares how to navigate life’s tests, the importance of maintaining faith through tough times, and what it really takes to pivot and keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan.This episode is for anyone facing obstacles or questioning their path—Eli’s story of perseverance, trust in Hashem, and entrepreneurship will inspire you to push through and keep the faith, no matter what.To reach Eli and learn more about his services, check out https://www.corkandcellar.net/club
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we’re joined by Laibel Schwartz, the CEO of Laibel, a top-tier video production company that’s making waves in the corporate world. Laibel’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—he started by filming Bar Mitzvahs and now creates high-end corporate headshots and $25K corporate videos for some of the biggest brands.Laibel shares how he evolved his business, built a reputation for excellence, and took his passion for video production to the next level. From navigating challenges in the video industry to scaling his company, Laibel gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to grow a successful video production company in today’s competitive market.Tune in for a deep dive into how Laibel transformed his business and stayed ahead of the curve.Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible.For great, reasonable, and fast turnaround videos, check out https://everyoneneedsavideo.com/Also, thank you to Blackbirdrecruiting.com for sponsoring this episode.Reach out to them if you are looking to hire better employees.
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we’re joined by Uri Kirschner, a seasoned real estate lawyer with over 30 years of experience, who’s also found a way to balance his legal career with something truly impactful: starting the 100 Ride, a charity cycling event raising money for Kupas Ezra and Tomchei Shabbos.Uri shares how he’s been able to juggle his busy law practice while creating an event that’s bringing together a community of cyclists to support an incredible cause. From overcoming challenges in the legal world to tackling the obstacles of running a charity, Uri offers invaluable insights into leadership, time management, and what it really takes to combine professional success with giving back.Whether you're in the legal field, running a business, or just looking for inspiration on how to merge passion and purpose, this episode has something for you. Tune in for lessons, laughs, and a peek into how Uri turned a love for cycling into a charitable movement that’s making a real difference!And if you want to join this incredible movement, sign up now at https://www.the100ride.com/mt-register
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, I chat with Brian Wallace, CEO of Nowsourcing. Brian shares his journey, from becoming a religious Jew to starting an infographics agency that ended up creating viral content. He also tells the story of how he helped a basketball player land a massive $64 million contract.
Brian’s path is anything but ordinary. In this conversation, we dive into how faith, creativity, and marketing came together to shape his career. If you’re into personal branding, marketing that actually works, or just want to hear a unique success story, this one’s for you.This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting.
If you are looking to hire great talent, check out ineedgoodemployees.com
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, Naftuly Kraus sits down with Shaina Keren, a career coach who has successfully guided over 1,000 individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve career success. Shaina shares her journey from starting as a coach to becoming a sought-after expert, and the strategies she uses to help clients overcome career obstacles, navigate transitions, and build fulfilling careers.If you’re looking for advice on how to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with powerful insights and actionable steps. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of career coaching and the mindset needed to thrive in any professional environment.
In this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, Naftuly Kraus interviews Shany Kaufman, the founder of ICO Design Group, a full-service interior design company.
Shany shares her unexpected journey into the interior design industry, revealing how she went from face painting to marketing and explored various careers before unintentionally launching her own company.
Shany also discusses her experience designing the iconic 33 DOWNTOWN office building in Monsey.
We also discussed what it’s really like to be a business owner. If you're interested in starting your own design business or simply want tips on designing your home, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.
Episode 2: Esther Miller – From Single Mother to $150K Earner: Balancing Life, Family, and Career SuccessIn this inspiring episode of The What It Takes Podcast,
Naftuly Kraus sits down with Esther Miller, a single mother of 8, who has successfully built a career earning $150K a year. Esther shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges, balancing the demands of motherhood with the drive to succeed in her career.
Tune in as Esther reveals how she navigates work-life balance, manages multiple responsibilities, and stays focused on her goals. If you're looking for a dose of motivation and real-life insight into what it truly takes to achieve success against the odds, this episode is for you.
For feedback or ideas on how we can make the podcast better, please email tuli@blackbirdrecruiting.com
The What It Takes Podcast is your front-row seat to stories of success from high achievers who’ve cracked the code on thriving in both corporate and non-corporate worlds.
Hosted by Naftuly Kraus, founder of Blackbird Recruiting, this podcast features exclusive interviews with business owners who have built successful businesses and employees who've made over $300K, revealing the strategies, mindset, and hustle that propelled them to the top.
Whether you're looking to level up your career or understand what it really takes to break through, you’ll get actionable insights, real stories, and inspiration from those who’ve done it.
Tune in and start learning what it takes to succeed at the highest level.On today's podcast, we are schmoozing with David Wanounou.
David shares with us what it was like working in a publicly traded company and climbing the corporate ladder to owning his own business to currently doing consulting multi million dollar businesses.
Hope you enjoy.
If you have any recommendations for future guests or would like to be a sponsor, please email tuli@blackbirdrecruiting.com
