At first the oddly delightful sensibility of "The Hammer" seems to derive from stand-up comedy -- lots of free-form riffs on topics ranging from toggle bolts to the La Brea tar pits.

WSJ: Performance Lifts 'Same Moon'

He began codifying a system of self-betterment, and set up an office near the corner of La Brea and Sunset, where he tested his techniques on the actors, directors, and writers he encountered.

NEWYORKER: The Apostate

For example, since IAWS acquired La Brea, the artisan bread maker has tripled its output and is becoming a global brand.

FORBES: Magazine Article

It has a strong presence in the U.S., where 10% of the country's supermarkets sell its La Brea Bakery bread.

FORBES: Goodbody Stockbrokers' Liam Igoe

The L.A. boutique on La Brea Avenue reopened in 2004.

FORBES: The Queen of Vintage Fashion, A Treasure-Hunter at Heart