Here’s our interview with Ben Guttmann, Executive Director of Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), about his rules for success.

Ben is the Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation, where he leads a team that supports thousands of entrepreneurs each year and relentlessly champions the vibrant and diverse Queens economy. Previously, Ben founded and ran an award-winning marketing agency and published a book on marketing and communications.

He also teaches as adjunct faculty at Baruch College.

Background of Ben Guttmann

At QEDC, Benn Guttmann leads programs that support over 3,000 entrepreneurs each year. A lifelong New Yorker, Ben is also the author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win, and an adjunct professor of marketing at Baruch College (CUNY). His career bridges entrepreneurship, communication, and civic leadership, all rooted in the belief that community and clarity drive meaningful progress.

Access the Mindmap

Access the Notebook LM: Summary, Flashcards and Quiz

Ben Guttmann Questions and Discussions

Here’s a bullet-point summary of the questions and discussions from our interview with Ben Guttmann:

1. Ben Guttmann’s Introduction & Background

• Born and raised in New York City; studied marketing at Baruch College (CUNY).
• While still a student, partnered with a professor to co-found a marketing agency at the dawn of the iPhone and social-media era.
• Started small—serving neighborhood shops like local ice-cream and camera stores—then grew the firm to 15 employees with clients including NFL, Comcast NBCUniversal, and I Love NY.
• Successfully sold the company after ten years, ensuring every team member and client transitioned smoothly.

2. From Business Owner to Civic Leader

• Appointed Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) in 2023.
• Leads programs that assist more than 3,000 entrepreneurs each year through business counseling, funding access, and incubator initiatives.
• Oversees a 6,500-square-foot commercial kitchen and food-business incubator in Long Island City serving over 75 current food makers.
• Focused on empowering small-business owners to turn local dreams into sustainable enterprises.

3. Core Philosophy: Nobody Does Anything Alone

• Believes all success is built on community and collaboration.
• Stresses that even “solopreneurs” depend on mentors, clients, suppliers, and local networks.
• Encourages founders to surround themselves with supportive peers and to give back to the ecosystem that fuels their growth.

4. Lessons from Running a Marketing Agency

• Running a small client-services firm is the fastest way to build real-world skills in communication, adaptability, and leadership.
• Emphasizes learning to “work on the business” rather than just “in the business.”
• Hiring the right people and developing trust are key ingredients in any growing organization.

5. Queens: A Model for the Future

• Champions the borough as “the most diverse and exciting place on Earth.”
• Highlights major growth: new film studios, airport redevelopments, rezoning projects, and the upcoming NYC Football Club Stadium.
• Notes Queens has the best food, beaches, and skyline views in New York City—making it a magnet for tourism and innovation.
• Shares that nearly 12 percent of local jobs are tied to tourism, which injects outside dollars directly into neighborhood economies.

6. Entrepreneur Space Success Stories

• Over 820 food entrepreneurs have launched their products from QEDC’s incubator.
• Alumni brands now appear in Whole Foods, Walmart, and on Shark Tank.
• The facility provides tangible evidence of how public-private collaboration accelerates local opportunity.

7. Why Clear Messages Win

• Author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win, exploring how clarity in communication drives influence and trust.
• Advises entrepreneurs to remove jargon, speak plainly, and make their messages actionable.
• Teaches marketing and communication as adjunct faculty at Baruch College, sharing real-world lessons with future business leaders.

8. Risk-Taking and Resilience

• Favorite quote: “A ship is safe in port, but that’s not why we build ships.”
• Urges entrepreneurs to choose bold action over comfort, the so-called “safe” path is rarely safe in the long run.
• Sees each setback as a chance to course-correct and grow stronger.

9. Purpose and Generational Impact

• Personal mission deepened after becoming a father; driven to make Queens a better place for his daughter’s generation.
• Views civic service as a continuation of entrepreneurship—building systems that enable others to thrive.
• Aligns closely with Joseph Varghese’s belief in “Generational Impact” and community-driven success.

10. Daily Habits and Mindset

• Practices adaptability and presence, balancing leadership duties with family life.
• Stays grounded through reading, reflection, and prioritizing sleep.
• Encourages entrepreneurs to design habits that sustain energy for long-term service and leadership.

In this episode, Ben Guttmann reminds us that growth isn’t a solo journey. Success happens through partnerships, collaboration, and the courage to venture beyond the comfort zone. Whether you’re launching your first business or scaling your next big idea, his story reinforces a timeless truth. We rise higher when we rise together.

Success is never built in isolation. The most impactful leaders surround themselves with teams that challenge, support, and uplift them. He believes that clarity is the ultimate advantage—complexity slows progress and drains energy. Entrepreneurs must learn to step back and work on the business, not just in it, creating space to lead strategically rather than reactively. Above all, Ben Guttmann encourages us to take the voyage, to play bigger even when the waters look uncertain. Because in the end, real success isn’t measured by individual wins, it’s defined by the strength of the community that grows with you.

~Joseph

💡 Quote of the Episode:

“A ship is safe in port, but that’s not why we build ships.” – Ben Guttmann