July 28, 2009
GONE TO THE DOGS
Cooper my attention loving Weimaraner (far left) loving the camera!
IT’S a dog-eat-dog city, and New York’s newest breed of dog walkers — the recently unemployed — are discovering the business can get downright catty.
As the economy continues to crater, scores of laid-off workers have taken up dog walking to make a quick buck. They are quickly learning this business can bite, and the biggest problems aren’t from the pooches — it’s the hyper-competitive pro dog walkers who rarely throw a bone to outsiders. FULL ARTICLE
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Posted by Jay
July 27, 2009
NY Post Page 6 – July 26, 2009
IF you’re looking for ghosts, head to the Chelsea Hotel. “It’s definitely haunted. If there’s one place that’s haunted in Manhattan, it’s there,” Abel Ferrara, director of the new documentary “Chelsea on the Rocks,” told Page Six. “We were five months making this movie, and we could feel spirits all the time. They were all over the place.” The flick, featuring Ethan Hawke, Grace Jones, Bijou Phillips and Dennis Hopper, plus archival footage of Sid Vicious and Andy Warhol, is critical of the new management that is running the hotel, so don’t expect the premiere party there. Executive producer Jay Kubassek said, “There was constant friction between Abel and management, in particular when he tried to film in the lobby with Milos Forman. We assume they do not want us.”
NY POST: http://www.nypost.com/seven/07262009/gossip/pagesix/chelseas_favorite_haunt_181438.htm
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Posted by Jay
July 27, 2009
Persistence.
I’ve often been curious to hear the responses given by individuals of substantial success when asked about their methods or secrets. The secrets of the wealthy, the winners, the business elite. Over the years, I’ve heard some remarkable responses, and some quite simple doctrines as well. I once at a conference listened to a rather engaging older gentleman profess that his secret was writing goals on a small piece of plywood, and then sleeping with it under his pillow. Honestly I thought to try it, once, no more than twice, but the idea of an inordinate amount of splinters ravaging my cheeks kept me from running to Home Depot for sharpies and 2×4’s.
The success of Carbon Copy PRO has now placed me in this interesting and honorable congregation of advice givers. I’ve welcomed the responsibility. The act of bestowing advice has always seemed to be considerably humbling experience, but also a small, indirect way of giving. It’s important to remember we know not the time or the hour when a quiet word of encouragement, a discreet act of kindness, or simple interest in the plight of another can be the catalyst for great change. We allow ourselves to be conditioned into thinking change comes as the result of adverse circumstance, in glamorous packaging; accompanied by fireworks, tragedy, severe adversity etc.
I rather believe that every passing moment, whether silent or filled with unrest, marked with modest bliss or an aching uncertainty, are all opportunities for breath-through growth. The moments when you not just hear, but truly listen to yourself.
I sat in my office late last night going over some of PRO’s latest logistics and stats from the previous week. I section I rather enjoy reviewing documents the countries we have members and site traffic. I sat alone, accompanied by (what I felt to be) a well-deserved after-work beer, hit refresh and the number appeared. We now have active members in 158 countries. 158! The irony of this revelation wasn’t that our business had reached such an expansive global presence, or the really the number itself, rather the shock came as a fact that it this international growth had not occurred as the result of a concerted effort. We had run no international special campaigns or promotions. Yes our new translation capabilities are crucial for global business, but that was part CarbonCopyPRO’s initial launch. I tried to put my finger on whether we had done something different recently, maybe a detail I was missing that would explain the situation. After some time, and another beer, it quietly dawned on me; there was no detail, no business elixir that we had used. It was simply the act of true Persistence.
Persistence is often spoken of, but usually has a short shelf life. People invigorate themselves initially. The idea of staying the course begins with passion and fortitude, but then we struggle to maintain the enthusiasm. We encounter discouragement, but don’t use it as fuel for the next accomplishment. The successful entrepreneur not only learns, but profits from their mistakes.
What we all must realize is that we cannot go back and start again, but we can start now and create a new ending for ourselves. We are now in 158 countries because no matter the hurdle, no matter the strife, we kept moving forward.
I set an incredibly lofty goal for myself, and then did more than ask of myself to persevere, I demanded it of myself. I knew if I could strive to do simple things perfectly, I would build the skills to do difficult things easily.
There is nothing intrinsically magical or mystical about myself, or any other successful entrepreneur. Successful entrepreneurs take their ordinary talents, and apply extraordinary perseverance. All things are attainable when your commitment begins within, when you refuse beyond all others not to let yourself down.
The bottom line is this: Years from now, whether it be 5, 15, or 40 years, you will most certainly be more disappointed with the things you did not do, rather than the things you did. Be brazen with your desires and the ideals you hold dear for yourself. Know that there is nothing you cannot accomplish if you refuse to waiver in your pursuits.
I’ll leave you with a short proverb I enjoy and call on when my own discouragement begins to surface:
“Fall down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight.”
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Posted by Jay
July 22, 2009
MESKADA Shooting Wraps in Catskills, NY
New York, July 13, 2009: “Meskada,” an original feature penned by writer/director Josh Sternfeld (”Winter Solstice”) has wrapped production on location in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. The film marks the second collaboration for Aliquot Films, the recently formed New York City production and finance company, and Deerjen Films.
Both companies are behind the soon to be released Cannes favorite, Chelsea on the Rocks. Abel Ferrara’s documentary about New York’s legendary Chelsea Hotel. “Meskada” hosts a great group of promising new stars who have been swiftly making their mark in both independent and Hollywood features. The cast includes: Nick Stahl HBO’s “Carnival”, “Terminator Uprising”, Grace Gummer (Meryl Streep’s daughter), Rachel Nichols (”Star Trek,” “GI Joe”), Kellan Lutz (”Twilight”).
“Meskada” is a meticulously crafted murder mystery that tells the story of small-town detective Noah Cordin (Stahl) as he attempts to solve a home burglary, turned juvenile homicide, in the affluent town of Hilliard. The single clue in the case leads him towards Caswell, the downtrodden hometown of Cordin’s youth. As the case unfolds Cordin is forced to confront the people and places he’s left behind. Tensions between the two cities begin to escalate when the county board threatens to derail a much needed manufacturing plant in Caswell. Juggling a murder investigation, corporate sabotage and the shadows of his own past, Cordin struggles to put the pieces together before a shocking climax that shatters the truth for everyone involved.
Recently founded Aliquot Films is making its debut into feature film with “Meskada.” Aliquot Films was founded by New York based Internet impresario Jay Kubassek, Founder and CEO of CarbonCopyPRO, an Internet marketing firm boasting clients in 117 countries. The self-made Kubassek, himself a high school dropout and former muffler salesman, has diversified his already burgeoning umbrella of business with the launching of Aliquot Films.
The Aliquot mandate is for a yearly slate of features, with an emphasis on compelling character driven cinema thats is both edgy and audacious. DeerJen Films was founded by Jen Gatien. In addition to the eagerly awaited Abel Ferrara documentary Chelsea on the Rocks, DeerJen has also produced “Hounddog,” “Holy Rollers” and “Evolution of a Criminal.” “Meskada” other producers are Ron Stein, Michael Goodin and Shawn Rice.
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Posted by Jay
July 22, 2009
Chelsea Hotel Rejects Its Past
One would think the Chelsea Hotel would seize the opportunity to host the party for Abel Ferrara’s eagerly awaited documentary about the hotel steeped in history and controversy. Such is not the case as Executive Producer Jay Kubassek of Aliquot Films learned in a meeting at DeerJen Films, the initiator of the project.
“The hotel has been taken over by new management, the Chateau Marmont Hotel Group, which plans to transform the hotel with its well-known artistic-friendly origins into a high-end luxury residence. Ferrara’s documentary follows this transition. In fact, towards the end of filming, Ferrara was doing an interview with award-winning director Milos Foreman with the blessings of then owner Stanley Bard. Shooting came to a halt when a shouting match ensued between Ferrara and the new management. Maybe the Chateau group wants to distance itself from the film, due out in August, because of the well-publicized rent strikes and protests by long time residents? Meanwhile, we are all on the hunt for the perfect party spot that embodies the aura of the famed Chelsea space.
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Posted by Jay
July 21, 2009
This is all I get? Pssst!
So… we gave Meryl Streep’s daughter her first major break with a great role in MESKADA and this is all we get? One line?
NY POST, Thursday July 23, 2009 “Former muffler salesman Jay Kubassek has launched something called Aliquot Films. First output is something called “Meskada” with Meryl Streep’s kid Grace Gummer…”
Pssst! That’s it?
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Posted by Jay
July 17, 2009
Leadership-A Daily Gift
I just spent the last week vacationing on the shores of Lake Ontario, a hallmark setting, not a rumble of city life for miles. Subsequent to this gorgeous setting I had very little access to the outside world. The one day that I was able to get the New York Times, I was struck by an article about President Obama’s nominee for Surgeon General.
Dr. Regina Benjamin is a rural Alabama family physician whom founded a clinic in a small shrimping village called Bayou La Batre. (sound familiar…yep Forrest Gump) The town of 2,500 contained residents with almost no health insurance, most are immigrants from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Since opening the clinic, she has rebuilt it 3 times due to hurricane devastation. During the rebuilding she twice mortgaged her own home, maxed out 3 credit cards, and to this day is owed $300,000 dollars of her own money she put into the clinic. If this is not the mark of a leader, someone who leads with action, then I don’t know what is.
I’ve often found that when academics, motivational speakers, politicians and the like speak of leadership, they regularly refer to military heroes. Individuals whom have marked themselves on the battlefield, bled for country, cause, or possibly just the man next to them. These metaphors ring true in our ears, years of cinematic vignettes flood our minds. We recall explosions, last breaths and the fearless leader promising it will be okay.
Fortunately for most of us, we have never had to endure the trappings of war, never been asked to charge a bunker in some distant land, or take a final sweetheart letter from a fallen comrade. But still each day offers us a chance of sacrifice, an opportunity to provide leadership in a moment of uncertainty, give hope when it seems there is nothing to be promised. We do not need a battlefield to experience this, we simply need to open our eyes to the opportunity before us.
We awake each day with the incredible gift to lead. Leadership is not pithy sayings, kitschy slogans, or daily calendar quotes. Leadership is taking on the personal responsibility, everyday, to have your actions and deeds be the example that your words describe. Leaders awake every morning with the conviction of person to carve their own path, they call on their own minds to be the lighthouse of guidance. A leader has the confidence, and welcomes the challenge, of standing alone, accountable and compassionate of others. A leader does not say, “follow me”, rather, a leader says, “follow you.” Be reliant, and unwavering with the commitment to yourself, and your own personal truth.
Leaders have vision. There is very little more powerful than an individual’s imagination. Imagination is often associated with fanciful daydreaming, the best friend of childhood. But imagination is the emotional capital of the true entrepreneur. It’s not enough to articulate your vision; you must be the very manifestation of your words. Leaders are always cognizant of the greater purpose, and have active plans of achievement.
Leaders set standards. Accountability begins intrinsically. We often assume accountability is a list of responsibilities. A schedule, punctuality, bills. Accountability comes from within. It is the fervent belief that I will not let myself down.
Leaders take vigorous action. Passivity is the mark of the follower. They are stagnant and allow themselves to be victims of circumstance rather. Circumstances only befall those who allow it to be so.
Leaders make excellence the expectation. An individual can never outperform their own expectations, if they expect excellence. Mediocrity is simply the result of mediocre ambitions. Be brazen with your thoughts, desires and expectations.
Leaders don’t set out to be so, the integrity of their actions and intent make them so.
All My Best,
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Posted by Jay
July 9, 2009
The Humility of Good Business
It’s 8am. My son is off with his nanny for the day, coffee in hand, I’m approaching the office and I see a rather conspicuous notice taped to the window of the architecture firm directly next door. I decide to take the peak. The place is eerily dark, lights off, something sort of ominous about the place. I take a look at the notice. It’s a court ordered eviction summons, cease and desist immediately, five days to respond to New York State Superior Court. $83, 575 dollars in delinquent rent owed. Wow.
$83, 575 dollars! That is an incredible amount of money for just about anyone. That says to me a number of different things. For the sake of context, our office is on a quaint street in SOHO New York. It holds a certain cache, being still cobblestoned, and free from most of the click-clack of tourist foot traffic. A number of creatively inclined businesses hold office space on the block. It’s quite pleasant actually. With that said…
First: $83K back rent is not a problem that manifests out of thin air, like an inconvenient zit on the morning of a first date or something. This is the result of long term business negligence, arrogance, maybe both.
Second: Just the day before, the doors were open, employees buzzing to and fro. The next day… death hanging in the air. This tells me management most likely kept their employees in the dark as to how dire straights had become. I had become friendly with many of the neighborly staff. The polite wave, smile or hello was common. I had sensed no impending disruption in the day’s prior. I couldn’t help but ponder the anxiety, shock and dismay to get that call, or maybe even email. 10pm, preparing for work, you’re checking your Blackberry before settling in. “Dear, so and so, don’t come in tomorrow, we’re bankrupt and a year behind on the rent.” Devastating.
Third: The pretense of contemporary business has become the source of such an enormous amount of failure. We’ve had a first row seat to the dismantling of business lies here in NYC. It’s been called derivative financial modeling, faulty accounting, mis-calculated assets, fraud, Ponzi schemes. All of it rooted in this rather sickening sense of entitlement. Business owners of all shapes and sizes wore like a pretentious lapel pin that said “screw you, I’m not accountable”
I’ve always believed that the fundamental principle of humility does not have to exist in conflict with supreme self-confidence. They are not exclusive of each other; rather they are like emotional and mental sisters. Supporting each other in the pursuit of what some would call PERSPECTIVE. I challenge, and believe every PRO family member is part of the crème de la crème. The top 3%, but this does not mean we are infallible and without room for constant improvement. Becoming individually stagnant is the mark of indifference and ignorance. I force myself to learn something new every single day, knowing that constant progress is the mark of the proactive. The mark of the successful.
Evaluating our neighbor’s situation, I see a telltale sign of extreme hubris. The arrogance to not believe in adaptation. Being negligible of the simple business principles and having a sense of humble foresight. I have a favorite quote I use often from Einstein that states: “the mark of insanity is doing something the same way over and over and expecting a different result.” Good business is about having enough humility to know your practices are not perfect and keeping your ego in check. Knowing that your current success is not promised, it’s earned. It’s earned with a commitment to consistent evaluation, with listening and learning. Lessons of extreme value are amongst us constantly. Only those with the humility to accept their own imperfection as not an indictment on their ability, but an opportunity for betterment, see these lessons.
I also saw the importance of community. Success is the result of a collective energy, focus and common goals. A commitment to the success of the other only positively augments your own pursuit of achievement. The way these employees were marginalized, rendered more than just replaceable, but expendable is sad. The mark of good business is a belief that everyone has value, a sense of value breeds a sense of responsibility, a sense of responsibility breeds an environment of effort, an environment of committed effort breeds success.
We are in the midst of an economic situation that has been the result of, and mired in the muck of ENTITLEMENT. Living in New York, the epicenter of commerce the effects of this pervading arrogance have been more than apparent. Yes, we all deserve to have our hopes and dreams come to fruition. We deserve to provide for our children what we couldn’t have imagined experiencing ourselves.
I leave you with this.
“You’re never as good as they say you are, You’re never as bad as they say you are.”
“Stay humble when winning, Stay hungry when satisfied, Complacency Kills”
All my Best,
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Posted by Jay
Over the last five years, JAY KUBASSEK went from selling mufflers at a Midas franchise to revolutionizing the internet based business industry with the 2007 launch of CarbonCopyPRO, an internet marketing education company, now worth over $20 million with customers in over 160 countries co-owned by his business partner, Aaron Parkinson; and the successful launch of [...] [Full Bio]
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