TruTV’s reality series Container Wars “The Israelis” combine unique personalities into a partnership. Eyal appears as a third wheel, but don’t discount him as the “quiet one,” for he is quick to refute bad judgment calls on passionate buying of containers by his partners.
He is a tech guru, thriving entrepreneur, very easy on the eyes, and quite a charming man. Eyal took time out from work on his new business ventures to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.
Eyal Brikman Interview
Q. What was life like in your hometown Haifa, Israel?
A. Living in the suburbs of Haifa, there was not much to do but make life long friends and enjoy life on the Mediterranean coastline. Not to mention the great food. I recommend to everyone to visit Haifa and the country of Israel.
Q. You were an officer in the Israeli armed forces for 3 years; what division, rank and responsibilities?
A. I served in the Mobile Infantry division of the Israeli Defense Force. I served as a SNIPER. At the end of my mandatory service I continued on as a member of the reserve until my move to Los Angeles.
It was an amazing experience. I learned a lot and made good friends. I pray for the day when the mandatory draft will end, and people will serve the military because the feel strongly about defending Israel and its citizens. Israelis and Palestinians alike are sick and tired of the endless war and await the day peace will be made.
Q. You graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies
from Emek Yezreel & Haifa University; and a degree in Psychology from The Public University of Israel. What did you want to accomplish?
A. My original goal was to work in Public Relations; however, as I was progressing in my studies I rediscovered my passion for technology and computers. I’ve made it a point to learn at least one new thing every day.
I have a thirst for knowledge. Today for example, I learned several new “computer coding languages.” After I left my previous position, I was introduced to a very successful business man who is greatly involved in the high-tech industry, and I feel so privileged he agreed to be my mentor.
Q. Did your two brothers, mother and father stay behind in Israel?
A. I miss my family tremendously, but we knew that I had to make this move so I could reach success. For now, I get to see them only once a year, but as my current business is picking up, I hope to have more free time soon, so I can see them more frequently.
Q. Who was your greatest influence in your life when you were young and 
why?
A. I would have to say my parents. They are the most amazing people I have ever met. They bestowed values and passion for life for both my brothers and myself. Like every other Jewish parents, the insisted that we study and work hard. The most important thing my parents ever taught me, was no matter how successful I became, I must never forget where I came from, and that I should never carry myself as if I am better than anyone else.
Q. Why did you leave Israel and come to America?
A. When I completed my military duties, I took a trip to Miami. Honestly, I didn’t like it much, so I returned to Israel. It was then that I met Uzi and we became very good friends. When he left Israel to live in L.A it was hard for me because I was very close to him and his family. It was he who convinced me to move to America and try my luck there. I cannot explain why, but ever since I was a young boy I remembered that I always wanted to live in America. I love this country. This is the land of opportunities.
Q. You worked five years in management at Zara, the biggest clothing retail in the world; how was that experience for you.
A. Zara was the best place I have ever worked in my life. I learned so much about how to manage people and how to run a big company. Zara is the biggest retailer in the world, because they listen to their employees and they give them so much, and that’s so important. That’s what I took with me.
Q. You worked as a Technical Support Supervisor for the global company Orange Communication; what was that experience like for you?
A. That job was my first encounter with “high-end technology.” I worked in
a very stressful environment but, I enjoyed every minute because I helped others to solve problems.
Q. What was it like for you to see yourself on TV for that very first time on Container Wars?
A. It wasn’t the first time on TV for me. I was 8-years old when I was on the National Israeli TV network. I sang in a very famous kid’s competition program for 2 years in a row. So being on TV wasn’t something new to me, but it is fun as well.
Q. How did you get into a business partnership with Uzi and Shlomi?
A. When I moved to California Uzi and Shlomi owned a wholesale company. At that time I worked in a clothing store. I learned by observing them and how they made their money selling on eBay. It was then that I came with the idea to open an eBay store selling brand name clothing called Totalook. I was there by myself.
Then we decide to open more stores. Uzi was responsible for buying merchandise. Shlomi was in the wholesale business. I was managing the technical aspect to create the new sales platforms, employees, orders, customer service and all the daily operation problem solving.
When we decided to take it to the next level, we contracted two amazing women who ran a company called RockaChic to control all the styling, buying and all the design and layouts. After that I also opened an Amazon store with Uzi and Shlomi until I left the company. They invested the money and I was the managing partner.
Container Wars
Q. How did you get cast on the show?
A. Someone called our office and Uzi picked up the phone. A woman came to interview us. Then we went to the main offices, and the rest is history…
Q. What would be your “dream” container?
A. I would have to say lots and lots of electronics such as laptops, cell phones, etc. If that container will come, I’m all in. Basically, anything that I can sell fast and make quick money is welcomed.
Q. How can you control Uzi’s crazy spending, because he wants what he wants even if the container doesn’t make a profit?
A. First of all, most of the containers he wanted made good money. Most of the time, I trust his instincts, even when he gets crazy.
Q. Which cast member is your biggest competitor?
A. I don’t see any of the other cast members as competitors. I wish to make as much money as I can and I wish them all the same. They (the cast) are all very hard working people who deserve to make a living.
Q. Describe your cast mates:
A.
Q. What surprised you most about working on a reality TV series?
A. The amount of people who work and create each episode. It’s much more complex then you think.
Q. What do you think about Mo & Ty “Team Muscle” as they try to intimidate other players?
A. Under all of that, they are very good people who try to make money like me. They can’t intimidate anyone. They are too good for that.
Q. How difficult is it for you to get your two partners, Uzi and Shlomi to agree with you when you’re against buying a container?
A. Well it’s not easy, but we always said that if two of us have a good hunch, then we will follow it even if the third does not agree. That’s why 3 always better than 2; and most of the time I was the middle man while they were fighting (laughs).
Q. What would surprise us about your personality that we don’t see on the show?
A. I talk much more then people think, but I prefer to let the others scream and make a noise. I think twice before I say anything. I am intelligent and bright enough to decide what to do next. However, when I decide on something, nothing will stop me.
Q. How would you describe the show?
A. Very funny, interesting, and lots of drama!
Eyal enjoys keeping his fans up-to-date on his latest business ventures and his time on Container Wars. Please “Like” his Facebook fan page at Eyal Israel Brikman – http://www.facebook.com/eyalbrik.
Q. You’ve been in a relationship with Alina, who owns Rocka Chic (a lifestyle and entertainment business), for a year now. How did you two meet?
A. We met through mutual Friends. I brought her and her partner Marina to work with me on our online store. She is the most amazing woman I know, second to my mother.
Q. She speaks English, German, and Polish, but she doesn’t speak Hebrew. Is it difficult to communicate and does you family accept her even though she’s from a different background?
A. We speak English together. She’s learning Hebrew and I’m learning German, so it’s not a problem. When you love someone, nothing is a problem. My family loves her. She is an amazing person. My family is very open to accept any race, color or background.
Q. You left your business partnership with Uzi and Shlomi to start what type of new business ventures?
A. I’m working on many amazing projects. One of them is a start-up 
company that I’m creating with my brother called ThumbsApp. I also partnered with other great entrepreneurs. Together we are working on something new and exiting, but I cannot elaborate at this time. I must say the recent changes in my life make me look forward to see what else life has to offer. I am meeting new people and together we are working to change our world.
Q. What projects would you like to get into and are you done with the fashion business?
A. I like fashion, but it is no longer my passion. Most of my current projects involve e-commerce and AR technology. In the future I may look at how I might be able to include fashion, but for now I am done.
Q. How did you get interested in technology?
A. I always had passion for technology, since I was young. I wasn’t sure I wanted to work in that industry, but given how dependent we are and everything is about new technology; I realized it is an opportunity for great success.
Q. Do you have any regrets in life?
A. I no longer dwell on my past. I learn from my mistakes and implement what I learn. I don’t believe in regrets.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I devote nearly 100% of my time for the development of my business. As odd as it may sound, it doesn’t feel like a job, but rather a hobby. I get to work with the most amazing-minded individuals. However, when I do have some free time, I love cooking, especially for my girlfriend. I love spoiling her and I feel fortunate to finally be in a position where I can afford to do so. I will also admit to the fact that I sometimes sing… in the shower.
Q. What motto(s) do you live by?
A. I have a couple, and I have to give credit to my brother for them:
- Always to be on the winning team.
- Always smile and be happy with what you do, once you’re no longer smiling, get out and find something else.
Q. What’s your best attribute?
A. I am a very relaxed. I don’t get fazed by negative people.
Q. What’s your worst attribute?
A. I expect too much from people. I give people too much credit from the beginning. While I don’t necessarily think that it is a bad thing, most people think it is.
Q. What’s on your bucket list?
A. After opening this new chapter in my life, I realized I should focus on the “right now” and not think about the end. A small change in my life opened doors I never would have imagined. I am finally happy! Come to think of it… opening as many of these doors is on my bucket list.
Q. How would you like to be remembered?
A. Honestly, it is more important for me to leave a positive impact on future generations then to be remembered.
Eyal embodies humility and gentle soul whose mission in life is to make a difference in this world.
“I believe in myself and my love ones… I believe that you need to be good to everyone and help when needed.”
He is a scholar. He was a solider. He is the future of modern Israel.
Container Wars airs on TruTv. Check your local listing for showtimes.
Please leave your insightful thoughts on Eyal’s interview in the comment box below.
katrina
July 10, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Why are you not on container wars anymore?