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February 2022 Leader: Robbie McInerny



 

The whole world is fighting to be Robbie's favorite LOL.

But don't worry, we all know Robbie wouldn't want that. He's truly our fearless leader—so unbelievably kind, creative, generous, intelligent and affable. There's never not a time when I'm disappointed to hear from or see him. SO YEAH, the jigg is up. I am obsessed with him and so is the rest of us—so wait in line! Just kidding.


On the real, Robbie and I met in high school at Laguna Beach. It's funny because we share the same friends but we never really connected for real, you know what I mean? It wasn't until after college. I'm trying to even remember how we got connected or what connected us. We used to do photoshoots, go to the beach, talk shop, be silly gooses. I remember when he mentioned him building a company. He would joke about how he's living at home with his mom, hangs out with his grandparents and his only friends are dogs (I mean, is that the worst situation?). To be a part of Robbie's life now where he's successfully launched his company WillBo, running and operation a full on shop in Laguna Beach, and is continuing to build his company with the mission to enrich our community is just mind blowing.


He's one of the few Laguna buds I have that are doing incredible things to our town and serving it by investing back into their home to make it that much better.


Robbie Mac, folks.

It's wild—Robbie went to UC Berkley and was a DOUBLE ATHLETE. Like... K?! Whatever. So anyways, he got into Berkley as a double freakin' athlete. After a season or two, he literally threw in the towel because it wasn't the livelihood he wanted. I don't even care if it was a short lived career, I still think it's insane that we entered with two sports like SEE YA LATER?!


Anyways, I am being so ridiculous. Robbie decided to major in History, like all successful entrepreneurs do and cornering the end of his college career was when Journeux came into existence. This was the first company that was very similar to WillBo, but more of a community aspect. The entirety of this company was taking "art pieces" inspired by other artists, creatives and luminaries and that entire collection would be based off their story. Pretty dope, right? However, along comes that damn shoe store, Journey's, and they SUE Robbie. Because the names are too similar. Listen to this though.... EVEN THOUGH HE ALREADY WENT THROUGH ALL THE LEGAL HOOPS. I think it's half ridiculous, half shitty, half kind of bad ass that his company was that dope it got sued. Ammaright?


I really hope you're enjoying reading this as much as I am writing it. So the story goes and Robbie has to pivot. This is stemmed from that law suit (which he folded and he's like nope, we're over this) and because of COVID. It completely turned his world upside down and forced him to change entirely. Thus, WillBo was born.


WillBo is a lifestyle brand that celebrates play and nature's playgrounds, specifically in California. I adore WillBo not only for it's absolutely intuitive design, but Robbie intentionally fosters community through a clothing line. When he opened up shop in Laguna Beach, WillBo has hosted a gathering for every collection launched, plus art + wine nights during the Thursday night Art Walks in Laguna Beach, music nights with fellow talented friends, and will continue hosting lively gatherings.


 

Episode Show Notes

  • 11:10 Are you currently reading something, and what is it? How do you like it?

  • 14:00 Do you have a favorite author and genre? Are they symbiotic?

  • 15:58 What is your earliest memory of reading?

  • 19:40 What are your reading habits?

  • 23:52 What moves you in a work of literature?

  • 26:35 What has been the book that has motivated you in terms of your creativity, success and journey?

  • 39:30 If you could have an author write about your life, who would it be?

  • 43:20 What role has reading played in your life?

  • 45:52 What books are on your to-be-read list?

  • 1:05:50 If you could gift someone a book, what would it be and who would it be to?

  • 1:07 what makes you dog-ear a page?

  • 1:09 Why do you read?

  • 1:14 What book would you recommend for me to read?

Books mentioned in the podcast

  • Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

  • Harry Potter series

  • This is Not A T-Shirt by Bobby Hundreds

  • Greenlights by Matthew Mcconaughey

  • Let My People Go Surfing Yvon Chouinard

  • The Overstory by Richard Powers

  • Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari


Connect with Robbie!

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