After a successful stint in Investment Banking, Robert Goldfaden soon found himself wanting to leave the corporate world to explore his entrepreneurial side. Luckily, he didn’t have to look far to find the perfect project.
“My father was always into formulating products and mixing things in his lab (and even in our kitchen sink)! I had seen him really help people with his Dermatology practice and had always felt compelled to do the same,” explains Robert. “I didn’t like the Wall Street atmosphere anymore and wanted to do something more entrepreneurial.”
His father, the creator of GOLDFADEN MD, had given him a specialty scrub growing up, one that Robert remembered as extremely covetable. “When I was in college, my roommates were always stealing my face scrub,” he laughs. “Even years later I was still being bombarded with calls from old friends in desperate need of the scrub! It was then that it clicked — there is a need for quality skincare products and I knew I had access to something really special.”
Now, Robert is on the forefront of researching and collecting exotic ingredients from across the globe. He also writes for The Life Extension Foundation focusing on ingredient-driven articles. “Working with my family has been amazing. There is a collective passion and strength behind the concept,” he explains.
An all-American champion golfer, banker, and now CEO of GOLDFADEN MD, Robert Goldfaden is a true “renaissance” man. The Miami Beach native graduated from the University of Pennsylvania before spending three years working at Bear Stearns & Co. in New York City.
What surprised you most about fatherhood after becoming a dad? Why?
Parenting is a 24/7 job and it’s not easy. No matter how important your plans are, they can change in a split second when your child doesn’t feel well, gets hurt, or just needs you.
What product have you not been able to live without since becoming a dad?
Wipes… kids are very dirty and touch everything. You can never have enough wipes!
What is your favorite thing to do with your little ones?
Bath time — nothing makes me happier having them clean and smelling great! I always feel safe with Mini Bloom’s organic ingredients, which are free of parabens, toxins, and any harsh chemicals.
How did you come up with and decide on a name for your children?
It can be quite challenging to land on a name. My wife and I both wanted names that meant something to us together, such as honoring a relative or something we both care a lot about and respect together as a couple (such as a place, experience, etc). It was also important for us to have names that short-name versions worked with as well (ie. William — for short we call him Liam).
How has fatherhood changed your outlook on life?
Fatherhood makes you realize that there are so many distractions in life and so few special moments. Having children really makes you appreciate and value these little moments, no matter how small they may be. Being together with my wife and children as a family for these moments makes you appreciate your life.