Kevin has had roughly 50% hearing loss since birth and is a strong advocate for an inclusive workplace. He believes businesses can create a better workplace by accommodating and hiring people with disabilities. Kevin’s book “Always Wear Pants” is a practical guidebook for working from home with numerous tips and tricks ranging from creating an ideal home workspace to managing distractions and many more. He is the founder and host of the popular podcast named Private Label Movement where he interviews the biggest and brightest minds in e-commerce. Kevin is also a speaker and has shared his knowledge of e-commerce and finding passion and purpose in your work with audiences throughout the world.

What is the idea behind your book “Always Wear Pants”?K: When the pandemic hit in 2020, there was nothing "new" about working remotely for me, as I had been doing it for over a decade. What was new was seeing nearly everyone else doing it. I laughed at the funny stories, photos and videos posted on social media. I saw people making many of the mistakes I had made, and realize many of the same benefits that I had come to experience as well. I knew there was something there that was worth exploring, so I started jotting down ideas and talking to people about their experience working from home. I decided to write a guidebook, if you will. And then I thought about the #1 piece of advice for people working from home, and that was pretty easy: Always wear pants.

What inspired you to start Private Label Podcast?K: I've always struggled with self-doubt, and the feeling that maybe I wasn't good enough or didn't have what it takes. I would hear about people being successful, and think "That's just them. Maybe they have something I don't, some special skill or ability. Or maybe they got lucky, and that won't happen to me. One thing that cuts through that for me is hearing stories of people who have been successful - that always helps to cut through the doubt in my mind. I thought that if hearing the stories of other people who had started a private label brand helped me, it might help other people. So I started talking to people about their story, recording it, and it became a podcast.

How do you usually handle success and setbacks?K: Two rules: Don't believe your own press, and setbacks aren't permanent. "Don't believe your own press" is a way of saying that when people say nice things about you, when they celebrate your success, when they put you on a pedestal, it is critical to stay grounded. That's not to say you should put yourself down, or downplay your success, but keep it in perspective. Having people around you who see the "real" you - flaws and all, and giving them permission to be real with you, helps a lot. "Setbacks aren't permanent" is one of my golden rules. Storms will come, trouble will arise, and something will go wrong. It's not a matter of if, but rather when. And when those times do come, it is important to remember that those things are temporary. The more we can see obstacles and challenges as opportunities, the easier it is to see our way through to the other side.

What are your other hobbies?K: I love anything outdoors: hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and more recently because of the pandemic, running. I also love reading for both self development and pleasure, and I am always down to binge a great show on Netflix.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities who want to get their kids ready for employment?K: Don't hold them back. If there's one thing that is almost universal amongst the community of differently-abled people I have been privileged to know, it is that they are capable of so much more than society generally gives them credit for. Let the explore, let them try, and as painful as it can sometimes be, let them fail. Then encourage them to get right back up and try again.

Any special message for our community?K: Let your full self shine through! You are unique, and different, and valued - not in spite of what makes you different, but because of it. Those that understand that, and appreciate it, are all that matter.