The Hard Part with Evan McCann cover image

The Hard Part with Evan McCann

Aidan Vaandering from Reserv Labs

Jan 24, 2025
43:01

Aidan Vaandering is the Co-Founder of Reserv Labs.


Reserv is the yerba mate based focus + productivity drink made for the modern consumer.


Takeaways

  • Aidan's sales skills from Shopify and how they help as a founder.
  • The branding and positioning of Reserv in a crowded market.
  • Nuances with Red Bull, Monster and other energy products.
  • Understanding customer rituals and where Reserv fits in.
  • How new rituals can drive product adoption.
  • Starting with DTC and how you can scale to $100M+ in revenue on DTC alone.
  • Reserv's subscription model.
  • Figuring out taste and ingredients for Reserv.
  • "Scrappy Marketing".
  • Vancouver's often-overlooked CPG scene, is full of numerous success stories.


Chapters

00:00 From Sales to Startup: A Founder's Journey

03:03 The Genesis of Reserv Labs

08:45 Branding and Positioning in a Crowded Market

11:48 Understanding Customer Interaction and Rituals

15:42 Direct-to-Consumer Strategy and Subscription Model

20:30 Ingredient Selection and Product Taste

30:35 Market Expansion and Customer Density

33:58 Marketing Strategies: The Scrappy Approach

39:55 Networking in Vancouver's CPG Scene

40:03 Personal and Professional Excitement Ahead

44:05 Balancing Life as an Entrepreneur


Keywords

entrepreneurship, branding, direct-to-consumer, product development, marketing strategies, customer interaction, subscription model, Vancouver CPG, sales experience, startup journey

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