Josh Weinberg Hot footing it to the big league Josh Weinberg has always had a passion for business and using his ventures to give to others, so it’s no surprise that he has managed to rise above the pack and excel at such a young age. This Yeshiva College alumnus is a director of 411 Distributors, and is about to launch Soul Gallery in Sandton City. “My involvement is hands-on as I run the day-to-day operations, serving as the captain of the ship for both ventures,” Weinberg said. “My specialty lies in product sourcing and deal-making, which I’m passionate about. I love navigating the deal-making process and ensuring that our business strategy aligns with securing the best products and opportunities for the markets we serve.” Weinberg’s entrepreneurship journey began when he was 10 years old. He started by selling second-hand phones and clothing. This soon turned into a love for the sneaker industry. By the age of 11, he was regularly queuing before dawn to secure some of the most coveted sneakers that he would then resell. Through this, he established himself as one of South Africa’s leading sneaker resellers. By 2019, Weinberg said he had sold more than 10 000 pairs of superhigh-end sneakers and had secured a partnership with four major retail locations as well as one of the largest sneaker market places in the world – in Detroit in the United States (US). His big break happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he acquired most of the high-end sneaker stock in South Africa. After holding on to it for a few months, he said, “I capitalised on the easing of restrictions by selling thousands of pairs to buyers in the US.” This was a pivotal moment in his career. Following this success, Weinberg reinvested in the South African market, and partnered with a local retail chain, operating on a consignment basis. Over the next three to four years, he helped the chain grow its weekly sales from 20 pairs of sneakers to hundreds. This year, he took another direction with the launch of Soul, a luxury, multi-brand store launching in Sandton City. “Soul isn’t just a store,” he said. “It’s an experience designed to transcend traditional luxury retail. Our curated selection features exclusive fashion brands and products, many of which are being introduced to the South African market for the first time.” In 2022, he expanded his portfolio to become the sole importer of Don Julio Tequila in South Africa. This led to him investing in 411 Distributors in 2023, a business he said was founded by a close friend, where he would eventually become director. Together, they began importing Ocho Tequila and other premium tequila brands. In a short time, 411 became one of South Africa’s leading tequila distributors. Weinberg oversees the company’s growth and focuses on delivering top-tier tequila to the local market. “My passion for tequila has driven me to learn the intricacies of the trade, understanding what makes a great product, and tailoring offerings to the local consumer,” he said. Weinberg has also delved into the entertainment industry, where in partnerships, he has helped bring out renowned DJ groups like KeineMusic and Monolink to South Africa. Weinberg’s biggest challenge has been managing his attention deficit disorder, which has an impact on focus, organisation, and written communication. “Growing up with major learning disabilities, I had to overcome obstacles that most would consider limiting,” said Weinberg. “But instead of letting them hold me back, I found my passion in business and used it as a vehicle to achieve my goals. On paper, I shouldn’t have achieved the success I have, but my passion for business, drive to have an impact, and determination to overcome obstacles have led me to where I am today.” His philosophy for success is rooted in his belief that success comes from responsibility. “Success,” he said, “involves not just reaching milestones, but embracing a mindset of never giving up and never accepting the word ‘no’”. His greatest achievement to date has been proving that conventional rules and limitations don’t apply to him. “I’ve overcome doubts and defied expectations by building a strong, respected name within my community. The true measure of my success lies in establishing a reputation that’s associated with integrity, value, and positive impact.” What’s more, he has used his success to help those around him in South Africa and abroad. Early in his career, Weinberg sponsored a Fingertips of Africa food truck and food scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to provide meals to townships and underprivileged schools. Similarly, in 2022, inspired by respect for soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, he sponsored the construction of a shul on a special forces base. He has also been actively involved in supporting soldiers through braais and other projects. In October 2023, he organised a fundraising campaign that provided thousands of pairs of tzitzit, food, helmets, tactical vests, and other supplies to soldiers in Israel amidst the conflict. He has also made several trips to Israel, visiting army bases, and hosted a braai on the Gaza border for hundreds of soldiers. One moment he will never forget is organising a braai on the Gaza border in June this year for soldiers who had just come out of the battlefield and hadn’t eaten a home-cooked meal for a week. “We provided top-quality meat including steaks, sausages, lamb chops, rice, chips, and fresh bread, offering them a truly remarkable and comforting meal,” Weinberg said. Weinberg hasn’t escaped unscathed, encountering many obstacles along the way, the largest of which is having to end his relationship with a major fashion reselling brand at the end of 2023. “This business was like a child to me, and the departure was deeply painful, especially due to unforeseen circumstances including geopolitical conflicts and disagreements with my partner,” he said. “It was a challenging period marked by feelings of betrayal and a struggle to rebuild trust.” He used the experience to propel him forward with the support of family and friends. “While work and financial success are important, they mean little without the support and well-being of those around me,” he said. His father is his biggest inspiration. “I’ve learned from him that regardless of how hectic life gets, prioritising relationships and showing up for others is crucial,” he said. “I strive to implement this lesson by ensuring that, no matter how busy I am, I remain available and supportive to those around me. My father’s ability to balance his demanding career while placing family first is something I deeply admire and aim to reflect in my own life and work.” Weinberg hopes to use everything he has learned and will continue to learn to propel his businesses further. “My journey underscores the importance of standing out and embracing uniqueness rather than conforming to the norm,” he said. “Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, my persistence and innovative approach have led to notable achievements at a young age.” • Josh Weinberg is also nominated in The Eric Ellerine Entrepreneur category 52 Ichikowitz Family Foundation Rising Star Award winner
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