By Okon Ekpenyong

Former Texas Ranger and Yankees great Alex Rodriguez transitioned from stealing bases and hitting home runs to running a successful business. Dylan Lauren gained valuable insights from her parents, Ralph and Ricky Lauren, the founders of the iconic fashion brand Ralph Lauren, which skyrocketed into a global enterprise. Now, she is managing her venture, Dylan’s Candy Bar. On the last day of the 2025 National Retail Federation Retail Big Show, both A-Rod and Dylan Lauren shared their perspectives on mastering the game of business and branding, something they have both learned from a young age.

Alex Rodriguez is the Founder and CEO of A-Rod Corp, and Dylan Lauren, the CEO and Founder of Dylan’s Candy Bar, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on business acumen and brand development. Martine Reardon, the Executive Vice President of Content and Retail Strategy at the National Retail Federation, facilitated this exchange. The conversation centered on strategies for establishing successful businesses and transformative brands through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Upon retirement, Alex Rodriguez transitioned into entrepreneurship by establishing an investment firm known for converting potential into success. It utilizes Rodriguez’s extensive expertise and strategic vision to navigate various business sectors effectively. Inspired by her father’s illustrious career, Dylan Lauren founded Dylan’s Candy Bar in 2001 and redefined the candy industry by integrating fashion, art, and pop culture, creating a unique consumer experience.  Per the company website, her brand and stores feature state-of-the-art decor and an unparalleled selection of candies, gifts, and party favors.

Rodriguez and Lauren emphasized the importance of maintaining a start-up mentality while fostering a collaborative atmosphere to propel their businesses forward. Both shared insights on how to identify new opportunities and engage customers in innovative ways. Furthermore, the leaders elaborated on their methods for encouraging innovation and attaining outstanding results in the increasingly competitive market.

One of the key points from the conversation included Rodriguez’s perspective on team composition and the significance of leveraging individual strengths within a technologically advanced environment. They discussed the necessity of critically evaluating effective and ineffective applications of artificial intelligence in business operations.

Dylan spent years observing her parents, Ralph and Ricky, as they ran their iconic fashion business. This early exposure helped her become familiar with design, art, and fashion, ultimately paving the way for her creative ideas behind Dylan’s Candy Bar. Rodriquez, the World Series Champion, always knew he wanted to go into business after his baseball career, which began when he was eighteen. Regarding business partnerships, “it’s essential to have two visionaries: one who excels in one area and the other (his business partner) who excels in another,” A-rod says.  

Furthermore, the conversation addressed broader economic concerns, such as the impact of inflation and government spending policies. Rodriguez articulated the delicate balance required to sustain economic momentum, especially in light of potential changes in administration policies. He remarked upon the dichotomy of consumer behavior post-pandemic, highlighting the contrasting experiences of consumers across various income levels. While some individuals experienced increased disposable income, others faced significant financial pressures exacerbated by inflation.

Both leaders acknowledged the current fragility of the economy, characterized by varying degrees of consumer confidence and spending patterns. Rodriguez noted the importance of job growth and immigration policies for sustaining economic prosperity. The discussion underscored the relevance of remaining vigilant regarding market reactions, particularly in response to employment statistics and financial indicators.

Overall, the dialogue between Alex Rodriguez and Dylan Lauren offered valuable insights into entrepreneurship and brand management. Their ability to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape, combined with their commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships, serves as a compelling model for current and aspiring business leaders.

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