Mike Cessario, Founder of Liquid Death, shares how he built a $1.4 billion brand through unique marketing strategies and rebellious image. The podcast explores lessons in scaling a cultural beverage brand, navigating skepticism, simplicity in marketing, and building a killer marketing strategy. It also delves into his journey from punk rock to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of trusting your taste in business decisions.
Mike built a $1.4 billion brand through rebellious marketing tactics and innovative branding strategies.
Facing setbacks and challenges, Mike's resilience and determination led to the unconventional success of Liquid Death.
Deep dives
From Punk Rock to $1.4 Billion Brand: The Liquid Death Journey
As Mike Cesario reminisces about his backstage experience at the Warped Tour, where he discovered the trickery behind energy drink sponsorships, he ultimately founded Liquid Death, a $1.4 billion beverage company. His rebel approach to marketing turned his water brand into a cultural sensation, emphasizing talent and innovative branding to scale the business.
Graphic Design Roots and Entrepreneurial Spirit Shape Brand Innovation
Growing up playing in punk bands and exploring graphic design, Mike transitioned into the advertising world. His creative roots and rebellious spirit, combined with an urge for disruptive work, led him to challenge corporate norms. Despite clashes in creative vision with big clients, Mike's determination to create unique, impactful advertising set the stage for Liquid Death's unconventional success.
Navigating Setbacks and Pivots Towards Entrepreneurial Success
After facing setbacks and disheartening moments in his entrepreneurial journey, Mike's resilience shone through. From early struggles with a brandy venture to the eventual inception of Liquid Death, he embraced challenges head-on. Through setbacks, firings, and personal crises, Mike's pivot to building his unique brand saw him emerge triumphant in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Executing Innovative Marketing and Brand Expansion Strategies
Mike's groundbreaking marketing strategies, centered on entertainment and edginess, propelled Liquid Death's rapid scale. Capturing social media attention with bold branding and humorous content, the brand's retail success, especially with Whole Foods, validated its distinct approach. Diversifying product lines like flavored sparkling water and tea showcased Mike's commitment to making health products as engaging as they are beneficial, marking the continued growth and evolution of Liquid Death.
Can drinking water look cool? That was the driving question behind Liquid Death founder Mike Cessario’s big business idea. Since launching its first tallboy cans of water in 2019, Liquid Death has used humor, design and smirk-worthy marketing to grow into a beverage company valued at $1.4 billion. Mike talks with host Jeff Berman about how he built the irreverent brand to help him escape his professional boredom.