Noah Kaplan: Building Creative Businesses That Last

In this episode of Creative Currents, host Mark Clague sits down with University of Michigan alumnus and entrepreneur Noah Kaplan, '95, to explore how an arts education can become the foundation for a lifetime of creative innovation.

As the founder and president of Leon Speakers, Noah has spent more than 25 years transforming an idea born from his background in art and design into a globally recognized company that blends premium audio, craftsmanship, and beautiful design. He shares the story behind Leon's early days, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and why leading with creativity—not just technology—has remained central to the company's success.

The conversation also explores how Noah has expanded that same philosophy beyond Leon Speakers through ventures including York Food & Drink, Mothfire Brewing Company, and Blimpy Burger. Together, these businesses form what he describes as a "Creative Campus" in Ann Arbor—spaces where design, community, entrepreneurship, and local culture intersect.

In this episode:

• Noah’s journey from New York to the University of Michigan
• How Noah founded Leon Speakers and built it into a global design and audio company
• How an arts education prepared Noah for entrepreneurship
• Advice for students and aspiring entrepreneurs 
• The concept of arts as “team sport”

Production Note:
Creative Currents is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Brian Lillie.

• Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter
• Checkout our website
• Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival