We’re looking forward to introducing you to Josue Ortiz. Check out our conversation below.
Josue, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Honestly, what drives me most is getting Cutthroat Gents off the ground and turning it into something successful—something I can be proud of and say I built from absolutely nothing. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so I’ve seen firsthand the ups and downs of being your own boss—the long days, late nights, and sacrifices it takes to create something meaningful. Being raised in that environment gave me the motivation to build something great of my own, and that’s what makes this journey so exciting. I enjoy the challenges along the way and know my hard work will pay off in the end.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Cutthroat Gents is built for men who want more from their grooming line—more quality, more character, and more meaning behind every product. Unlike mass-produced items that flood store shelves, each of our products is crafted in small batches to ensure the highest standards and attention to detail. Every batch is limited, and every product is individually numbered, giving each customer the assurance that they’re holding something truly unique and special. This isn’t just grooming—it’s ownership of a product made with intention, for the rugged and refined gentleman who values exclusivity over excess. Eventually we’d even like to produce a women’s line with the same principles and practices but that’ll be sometime in the distant future.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and seeing firsthand the rewards that come from hard work has been one of my biggest motivations to start my own business. Growing up around that drive taught me that while long hours and challenges are part of the process, the payoff of building something from nothing is worth every bit of effort. That same mindset is what fuels Cutthroat Gents. Every product reflects the dedication to do things differently—crafted with intention, built with pride, and created for men who appreciate the value of something authentic and hard-earned.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
What I really miss—and it’s something I don’t think many people talk about—is the time when products had heart behind them. Before everything became mass-produced, there was a pride in creating and owning something that was built with care, built to last, and carried a sense of character. You weren’t just buying a product—you were buying into craftsmanship, quality, and meaning. That’s exactly what I’m trying to bring back with Cutthroat Gents. Every product is small-batch, intentional, and individually numbered so it feels unique and personal, not like something pulled off a crowded store shelf. It’s about reviving that lost sense of value and giving men something they can actually be proud to own.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I’m completely committed to—no matter how long it takes—is that products should be made with real care and sincerity. I want the effort that goes into something to be obvious, because that’s what makes it stand out from the thousands of mass-produced items on shelves these days. For me, it’s never about rushing to profit or cutting corners—it’s about putting in the hard work to create something people will genuinely value. Even if it takes longer, I’d rather make something authentic, something you can feel wasn’t made like everything else, and know it’s made with pride.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who built a company that never cut corners and always cared about quality. That in a world full of mass-produced products, Cutthroat Gents was different—something made with real heart and attention to detail. I hope people hold onto the products they have, not just because they work well, but because they know they’re rare and special, something they can’t just replace. I want them to miss having a brand that truly put care and pride into what it made, and to feel that those products weren’t like anything else on the shelf.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cutthroat Gents
Image Credits
Photos provided by Cutthroat Gents.
