Thursday, March 28, 2024

Dan Folger: Photographer Turned Jewelry Mogul Creates an Eight-Figure Enterprise

Not many people can spot a diamond in the rough. Photographer and entrepreneur Dan Folger, however, has mastered that craft, both literally and figuratively. As a result, the twenty-seven-year-old entrepreneur from Pittsburgh has built one of the fastest-growing jewelry brands, closing 2020 with an astonishing record of eight figures in company sales.

Dan is the co-founder of GLD, a fast-growing jewelry company at the cusp of creating history as one of the biggest brands in the world of fashion and bling. He started the company with his friend and co-owner Christian Johnston only five years ago. In half a decade, the company has taken GLD to greater heights with over 1.1 million followers on its Instagram page and $50 million in sales last year despite the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has been called “the Nike of Men’s Jewelry,” and for a good reason. Its mission has been to provide aspirational customers with a more affordable jewelry option. What would typically cost $12,000 to acquire, GLD now offers at a rate starting at $899. But Dan shares how the company’s success did not happen overnight. A lot of patience, hard work, and dedication played a huge role in the brand’s rise to prominence.

Dan started as a cameraman and photographer, traveling worldwide to document the life and music of hip hop icon Wiz Khalifa. He formed a strong bond with the artist, and the two became inseparable. Seeing the opportunity to build a name for himself, Dan started forming his brand and regularly networked with people he would meet. When the time was right, he decided to capitalize on his learnings and connections. He got in touch with Christian, and the two formulated the idea of starting an affordable jewelry option.

In the world of music and sports, jewelry has become a staple. Athletes and artists often appear before press sporting bling that catches the media and audiences’ attention, growing a desire within the masses to have their own set of jewelry. Unfortunately, jewelry pieces were once out of reach for many fans and followers of celebrities and icons. GLD has filled that gap by providing a friendlier price point while still maintaining authenticity and quality.

GLD has worked with many big names in sports and music, including ASAP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Trippie Redd, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Paul Pogba. Dan and Christian have also penned strategic partnerships with organizations like the NBA, MLB, and the NFL. Most recently, they’ve also started working with Marvel Comics to push the brand’s awareness further.

It’s safe to say that Dan Folger has cemented his legacy in business as GLD continues its dominance in the world of fashion, sports, and music. He hopes to inspire more young entrepreneurs to work hard to achieve their dreams. “There will be a ton of road bumps to success,” the entrepreneur shares. “A lot of times you will want to quit but you have to keep going. Taking risks is also very important. Every successful person has taken risks. It’s a must!”

Learn more about Dan Folger by checking out GLD’s website and Instagram account.

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