Taste Radio

From artisanal foods to craft spirits, this episode explores the evolving business landscape for specialty food and distilled beverages. Steven Rannekleiv, the global sector strategist for beverages at global financial services firm Rabobank, has covered the alcoholic beverage industry for over a decade and in our conversation, we explored the emerging market for craft spirits, including parallels to and differences in the development of the craft beer category. Rannekleiv also discussed how the investment community is evaluating craft distilling companies and how growing consumer demand for cannabis products is affecting alcoholic beverage categories. Later in the episode, we sit down with Phil Kafarakis, who is the president of the Specialty Food Association, the industry trade group that the organizes the annual Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows. In our discussion, Kafarakis spoke about how the term specialty food has evolved in recent years and the ingredients and formulations that are shaping the future of the industry. He discussed the role legacy food and beverage categories, like cocktail mixers and charcuterie, in the development of the space and the Specialty Food Association's long-standing work with international food and beverage producers. Show notes: 2:16: Sitting Pretty at #WFFS19 -- On location at the 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, the hosts riffed on notable exhibits, brands and products featured at the annual trade show. 9:24: Interview: Steven Rannekleiv, Global Sector Strategist - Beverages, Rabobank -- In a call with Rannekleiv spoke about the launch and mission behind Rabobank's beverage-focused podcast, Liquid Assets. He also discussed the growing consumer demand for craft spirits and the opportunities and challenges facing small producers, explained how strategic investors are evaluating the space, why wine, not spirits, might be the alcoholic beverage category most at risk from rising consumer demand for cannabis. 32:28: Interview: Phil Kafarakis, President, Specialty Food Association -- Recorded at the 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show, Kafarakis spoke about the evolution of the Winter event, and the development of its education platform and Incubator Village exhibit. He also explained how the trade group defines "specialty food," and why speciality products are becoming increasingly available at mainstream retailers. Brands in this episode: Chobani, Loca Food, Sonar, Siete Foods, Zola, Pulp Pantry, Cleveland Kraut, Ayoba-Yo, Bohana, Kween Foods, Tea Crush, Q Soo, 1821 Bitters, Pappy's, Bittermilk, Freshe, Perky Jerky, Blue Bottle Coffee, Copper & Kings, Kuli Kuli

At first glance, you might mistake Stillhouse Whiskey for a classic motor oil brand. And you wouldn't be alone; the distillery's signature cherry red steel can has turned more than a few heads in the spirits aisle — which is by design, according to Stillhouse founder and CEO Brad Beckerman. Describing the package as both disruptive and "unbreakable," Beckerman said in the three years since the company introduced the can, Stillhouse has consistently won over consumers drawn to the unique look and brand's portability; "it goes where glass can't," he said. Distributed nationally at major retail chains, Stillhouse also has the backing of popular Oakland-based rapper G-Eazy, who in 2017 joined the brand as an investor and co-creative director. The brand's path to growth and success, however, was riddled with early challenges, pivots and risks. In an interview included in this episode, Beckerman discussed the origins of Stillhouse, which had originally been positioned as moonshine and sold in glass jugs, and the missteps that almost doomed the company. Beckerman, the son of Starter sportswear brand founder David Beckerman, also spoke about his background in entrepreneurship, parallels between his previous career experience and current role, and how country music legend Johnny Cash factored into the partnership with G-Eazy. Show notes: 2:32: Interview: Brad Beckerman, Founder/CEO, Stillhouse Spirits Co. — Recorded at Stillhouse headquarters in West Hollywood, Calif., Beckerman chronicled his journey from Starter to the launch of music apparel brand Trunk Limited to the founding of Stillhouse. He also explained why the spirit brand's original positioning as a moonshine was ultimately unsuccessful and how the idea for a steel can became a reality. Finally, he discussed how the deal with G-Eazy came together and why a white rapper from Oakland is a perfect fit for Stillhouse. Brands in this episode: Stillhouse Whiskey, Patron

Madeline Haydon, the founder and CEO of non-dairy creamer brand Nutpods, isn't fazed by the occasional negative review of her products. On the contrary, she welcomes all customer feedback, good or bad. It's the follow up that matters. "You have to know you're not going to get everyone and you have to be open to hearing what your customers really think about your product," she said in an interview included in this episode. "We have very strict protocols with customer service because what I'm building is not just a brand; it's an experience. And part of that experience is how you can turn someone who's unhappy with your brand to say, 'You know what? They have great customer service.'" That focus on high quality customer service has anchored nutpods' thriving direct-to-consumer and ecommerce strategies and helped it become a top-selling brand on Amazon. As part of our interview, Haydon also discussed her foray into entrepreneurship and how she laid the groundwork for a successful online business via targeted outreach to consumers with specialized diets. Also in this episode: an interview with Nicole Cogan, the founder of Nobread, a popular social media brand focused on gluten-free lifestyles. In our conversation, Cogan spoke about her work with CPG brands, best practices for sponsored social campaigns and how influencer marketing has evolved in recent years. Show notes: 1:39: Fancy Food, Dry January & Sliced Ketchup -- The hosts discussed the upcoming 2019 Winter Fancy Food and Good Food Mercantile shows, which will be held in San Francisco. They also spoke about brands that are embracing "Dry January," new episodes of our Elevator Talk series, which is featured on YouTube and Instagram TV, and a recent Chobani Incubator event in Boston. 16:42: Interview: Madeline Haydon, Founder/CEO, nutpods -- Haydon is the founder and CEO of nutpods, a fast-growing brand of alt-dairy, unsweetened creamers made from almonds and coconuts. Launched in 2015, nutpods has become a best-selling brand on Amazon and parlayed its online success into the grocery channel, where the products are sold in major grocery chains, including Publix, Kroger and Wegmans. In an interview with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider she discussed the attributes of great products, testing nutpods at retail before launching online, the benefits of selling direct-to-consumer, and why reviews and high quality customer service are critical for nutpods. 36:42: Interview: Nicole Cogan, Founder, Nobread -- Haydon noted the importance working with social influencers that are authentically aligned with a brand's mission and marketing strategy. That's also the perspective of Nicole Cogan, who's the creator of gluten-free lifestyle brand Nobread. As of the publication of this podcast, Nobread has over 163,000 followers of its Instagram page, which is loaded with content promoting gluten-free recipes, products and brands. Cogan discussed her role as a social media influencer and how she establishes mutually beneficial relationships with CPG companies. Brands in this episode: Dry Soda, Ugly Drinks, Seedlip, Curious Elixirs, Slice of Sauce, Grain Elevator, Drink Simple, 6AM Health, Nuttin Ordinary, nutpods, Simple Mills, Enjoy Life Foods, Cocokind

For Steve Grasse, the founder of Philadelphia-based creative agency Quaker City Mercantile, inspiration often comes from the music business. In an interview included in this episode, Grasse, who created iconic spirit brands Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick's Gin, explained that he's "always approached brands like bands." "Bands create passion and excitement; and they're not always trying to sell you something," he said. "The content is what you're excited about… and you become part of their circle and their lives. They created an identity that was visual, that was audible and that was also visceral. And then they toured to get you to sign up and be part of their group. They didn't buy a TV commercial and say 'Van Halen!'" That perspective led the strategy for Sailor Jerry Rum, which upended traditional marketing for spirit brands and has since become a standard on back bars and liquor store shelves. Sailor Jerry netted Grasse a fortune when it was acquired by spirits conglomerate William Grant & Sons in 2008, and, not content to sail off into the sunset, he used the proceeds to launch boutique distilling projects Art in the Age and Tamworth Distilling. As part of our conversation, Grasse discussed the roots of his career in branding and design and how he built Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick's from concepts into best-selling brands. He also discussed how Quaker City Mercantile, which he described as a "spirits company that does corporate gigs to pay for experimentation" took on a project to revitalize Guinness beer and why he identifies himself as a "filmmaker that makes booze." Show notes: 3:16: Interview: Steve Grasse, Founder, Quaker City Mercantile: In an interview at Quaker City Mercantile (QCM) headquarters in Philadelphia, Grasse discussed how the firm creates both spirit brands and "the worlds around those brands." He also explained why constant experimentation, frugality and a sneaker deal with Converse were keys to the development of Sailor Jerry Rum, why a focus group that panned the idea for Hendrick's Gin was a good thing. He also spoke about QCM's work with Guinness and why he urged executives to "stop thinking like a marketer and start thinking about the beer," and revisited one of his most infamous projects, "Bikini Bandits." Brands in this episode: Glenfiddich, Sailor Jerry Rum, Captain Morgan Rum, Hendrick's Gin, Guinness, Tamworth Distilling

Larry Kahn, a partner and managing director with private equity and venture capital firm Beechwood Capital, is not a fan of surprises. In his five years with Beechwood, Kahn has invested in a variety of entrepreneurial companies, including baby food brand Once Upon a Farm, chickpea pasta company Banza and fresh, organic food maker Urban Remedy. In an interview included in this episode, he stated that forthrightness about both successes and failures has been critical to Beechwood's relationships with the companies. "Surprises are the worst part of a relationship as you move forward," he said in an interview included in this episode. "Being honest and upfront about what those challenges are… will bring you closer together." As part of our conversation, Kahn outlined Beechwood's investment thesis and discussed how his previous job experience as an advertising executive and with his family's company, appliance manufacturer The Holmes Group, have helped shape his perspective as an investor. He also spoke about the courtship process between brands and potential capital partners, and what entrepreneurs should and shouldn't say in a funding pitch. Also in this episode: a review of recent beverage investment and acquisition deals involving Tio Gazpacho, Revive Kombucha and Dirty Lemon. Show notes: 1:32: Tee-ing Up The Show -- The hosts thank listeners who've rated/reviewed Taste Radio Insider on iTunes and encourage others to do the same. They also riffed on Ray's recent visit to Allium Market, a specialty food store in Brookline, Mass. that carries a wide variety of small production foods and beverages from across the country, including FilFil, a maker of gourmet garlic condiments and The Urban Canning Company, which makes artisanal pickled products like its Sriracha Peppered Okra. They also discussed an interview with Ripple Foods/Method Products co-founder Adam Lowry in Ep. 140 of the flagship Taste Radio podcast. 12:07: Interview: Larry Kahn, Partner/Managing Director, Beechwood Capital -- A private equity and venture capital firm based in Wellesley, Mass. Beechwood describes itself as focused on disruptive, differentiated businesses. The firm holds stakes in a number of fast-growing brands, including Once Upon a Farm, Banza, Urban Remedy and Foodstirs (Listeners may recall interviews with the founders and CEOs of the latter three companies featured in Eps. 120, and 97 and 110 of the flagship Taste Radio podcast). In an interview with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg, Kahn discussed his background as an venture capitalist and Beechwood's portfolio and shared his perspective on what makes for a successful relationship between entrepreneurs and investors. 29:31: Breaking Down Recent Beverage Investment Deals -- In 2017 Beechwood Capital invested in Revive Kombucha as part of the company's Series B round of funding. On Dec. 20, Revive announced that Peet's Coffee, had acquired a majority stake in the kombucha brand and in doing so, bought out Beechwood's shares. BevNET's Martin Caballero and Brad Avery discussed that deal along with other recent investment/acquisition news involving Tio Gazpacho and Dirty Lemon. Brands in this episode: Once Upon a Farm, Banza, Foodstirs, Urban Remedy, Revive Kombucha, Tio Gazpacho, Zupa Noma, Simply Soupreme, Dirty Lemon, Coca-Cola

In this special edition of Taste Radio, we feature highlights from interviews with a few of the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs and who joined us on the podcast during the second half of 2018, including BodyArmor investor Kobe Bryant, Angie's Boomchickapop co-founder Angie Bastian, "Bizarre Foods" host Andrew Zimmern, Blueprint founders Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss, America's Test Kitchen/Milk Street creator Christopher Kimball, and AriZona Beverages co-founder and chairman Don Vultaggio. Show notes: 1:56: Interview: Angie Bastian, Co-Founder, Angie's Boomchickapop -- We kick off the episode with Angie Bastian, who we featured in Ep. 126. Angie and her husband Dan launched Angie's Boomchickapop in 2001 and it has evolved from a tiny operation selling kettle corn at farmers' markets and fairs to an ubiquitous retail brand that was acquired last year by ConAgra Foods for $250 million. In the following clip, she spoke with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg about why she believes in celebrating "the feminine with food," and how that perspective played into a celebrated package revamp. 7:20: Interview: Christopher Kimball, Founder, Milk Street/America's Test Kitchen -- Next up is Christopher Kimball, best known as the creator of television show "America's Test Kitchen." In 2015, Christopher, who also founded the magazines Cook's Illustrated and Cook's Country, launched Milk Street, a company focused on instructional recipes and techniques inspired by global cuisine. In this clip, from Episode 124, he explained why he's not a fan of the term "ethnic cooking" and shared his stance on trendy buzzwords in the food business. 13:26: Interview: Zoë Sakoutis & Erica Huss, Founders, Blueprint -- We continue with Zoë Sakoutis & Erica Huss, the founders of Blueprint, a brand that pioneered the packaged cold-pressed juice category and helped mainstream juice cleansing. In a clip from our wide-ranging interview, which we featured in Ep. 133, they explained how a phone call from former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz accelerated BluePrint's eventual sale to Hain Celestial. 19:58: Interview: Andrew Zimmern, Host/Co-Creator, "Bizarre Foods" -- From Blueprint to Bizarre Foods, the show, that is. Andrew Zimmern is the host and co-creator of the popular television series in which he has chowed down on stomach-churning foods like raw pig testicles, a frog's beating heart and cobra penis. In an interview included in episode 127, Zimmern discussed the role of food as a cultural medium that unites people and why he has a bone to pick with the natural food industry. 25:22: Interview: Don Vultaggio, Co-Founder/Chairman, AriZona -- On to Don Vultaggio, co-founder and chairman of AriZona Beverages and, at height quite literally, a towering figure in the drinks industry. In this clip, pulled from Ep. 139, Don discussed the mindset of successful entrepreneurs, how the company has maintained its iconic 99 cent pricing model for 26 years and why running a business means handling all kinds of problems, even if it means mopping up blood. 30:05: Interview: Kobe Bryant, Investor, BodyArmor -- Last, but certainly not least, we have NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who is an investor in fast-growing sports drink brand BodyArmor and has an active role in its business and marketing strategy. As part of an interview featured in Ep. 137, Kobe explained how the same ambition that fueled his NBA career drives his passion for beverage. He noted that with co-founder Mike Repole leading the way, the insatiable desire to win permeates every aspect of the brand. Brands in this episode: Angie's Boomchickapop, Blueprint, Starbucks, Evolution Fresh, AriZona Beverages, BodyArmor

What will 2019 hold for funding, innovation, and emerging categories in the food and non-alcoholic beverage industries? In this episode, BevNET and NOSH editors offered their predictions on how they see the business of food and beverage evolving over the next 12 months. Also in this episode: an interview with Danny Grossfeld, the founder of HotShot Coffee, a brand of canned coffees that are served hot. Grossfeld was inspired by a trip to Japan where warmed beverages are commonly sold in vending machines throughout the country. In our conversation, we discussed the opportunities and challenges in bringing an international food/beverage concept stateside, his experience on Shark Tank and how he's incubated HotShot in non-traditional retail channels. Show notes: 0:53: Review and Reward -- A call to action! Rate and review Taste Radio Insider on iTunes, let us know that you did by sending an email to ask@tasteradio.com, and we'll send you a brand spanking new Taste Radio t-shirt. It's soft and high quality and you'll be the envy of all of your fellow entrepreneurs. The hosts also discussed upcoming travel in January for the Taste Radio/BevNET/NOSH teams, including visits to Bend, Ore., Sonoma County and San Francisco, where we'll be attending the 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show. They also examined a recent rebrand and new product from Nomad Trading Co. 11:00: Trendspotting for 2019 -- In a series of short interviews, John Craven, Carol Ortenberg, Martín Caballero and Jeff Klineman shared their perspective on factors that could shape the food and beverage industry in 2019, including the continued emergence of cannabis, the environment for funding and M&A, plant-based brands, global flavors and micro-diets. 31:23: Interview: Danny Grossfeld, Founder/CEO, HotShot Coffee -- Grossfeld discussed the origins and development of HotShot Coffee, which is merchandised in heating cabinets that warm the cans to 140 degrees and sold in a mish-mash of convenience stores, sporting venues, movie theaters; the brand also has a presence at Cirque du Soleil. He also explained why it took six years and $2 million to launch HotShot, which debuted in 2015 -- the same year he presented the brand on the ABC reality show Shark Tank. Brands in this episode: Nomad Trading Co., Bai, Oatly, Quaker Oats, Starbucks, Califia, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Humm Kombucha, GT's Kombucha, Revive Kombucha, Peet's Coffee, HotShot Coffee

"I'm starting a new category." It's a familiar refrain often heard in the food and beverage industry, even if most times what's spoken isn't necessarily true. But in the rare cases in which an entrepreneur is indeed breaking new ground, the challenges are plentiful. GT Dave, the founder of GT's Living Foods and a pioneer in packaged kombucha, has experienced firsthand the difficulties of introducing an entirely new category to the market after launching his brandin 1995. For years, GT's was the singular bottled kombucha brand and paved the way for what is now a thriving category that includes dozens of players. Reflecting on the first few years of his business in an interview included in this episode, Dave said that entrepreneurs should carefully consider consumer needs before launching a product that sits outside the lines of traditional food and beverage categories. "To me, looking back, the questions that need to be answered to define and determine if you're creating a new category [are], 'What is it that the consumer needs and wants?' and 'Why are they not getting it?' and 'How am I, the company, the brand owner, the pioneer… going to satisfy that need?' he said." Dave also discussed why being an "artistic sponge" supported GT's development,spoke about his approach to working with competitors and emphasized the importance of authenticity in and around the bottle. Also in this episode: an interview with Karen Nation, the founder/CEO of no-bake protein bar mix brand Creation Nation, which was victorious in NOSH's Live Pitch Slam 5. Nation spoke about the genesis of her early-stage brand and experience in the competition. Show notes: 2:20: Pitch Slam Food For Thought -- The hosts humbly asked listeners to please rate and review Taste Radio Insider on iTunes. They also reflected on NOSH Live Winter 2018's Pitch Slam competition, which was held on Nov. 30 in Santa Monica, discussed Mike's evil dentist, and thanked the founders of Nectar CBD Drink and Enduraphin for visiting BevNET HQ earlier in the week. 16:27: Interview: GT Dave, Founder/CEO, GT's Living Foods -- Dave sat down with BevNET's John Craven and Mike Schneider for an interview recorded at the headquarters of GT's Living Foods in Vernon, Calif. As part of their conversation, Dave spoke about the early days of introducing kombucha to consumers and the milestones that helped chart his entrepreneurial journey. He also opined on the pitfalls of criticizing your competition and discussed the company's innovation strategy, which includes a new line of CBD drinks. 41:23: Interview: Karen Nation, Founder/CEO, Creation Nation -- About an hour northwest of Vernon, Calif., you'll find Calabasas, a quiet celebrity haven that's also home to Creation Nation, an upstart brand of protein bar and bite mixes. Creation Nation was the winner of NOSH Live's Pitch Slam 5, having bested five other emerging and better-for-you packaged food brands in the competition, Shortly after her big win, Nation sat down with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider and spoke about what she's learned about her consumers, her go-to-market strategy, surprises about being a CPG entrepreneur, and preparation for the Pitch Slam. Brands in this episode: GT's Kombucha, Creation Nation, Bumble & Butter, Spudsy, Tiny Giants, Kotatsu (formerly Punk Rawk Labs), Olyra, Nectar CBD Drink, Enduraphin, Odwalla

Humm Kombucha co-founder and CEO Jamie Danek says that after several years and lots of practice, she's finally become a good listener. Danek admits that during her first few years at the helm she had a talk first, listen second approach to leadership, and, as a result, struggled as a manager. She eventually realized that for Humm to grow, she needed to evolve from being what she described as a "solopreneur," who constantly put her voice ahead of others, into an attentive leader. "Listening is the number one thing you can do as a CEO or a leader," she said in an interview included in this episode. "Listening to your staff, listening to your partners, listening to your investors -- just listening." That change in leadership style helped accelerate the rapid rise of Humm into one of the top brands in the red hot kombucha category, with sales more than doubling last year. In the following interview, we spoke with Danek about the steps she took to support her development while growing into the role of CEO. We also explore why launching the brand during a recession actually worked, how Humm was incubated within its hometown of Bend, Ore., and why relationships were key to its landmark deal with Target, one that made Humm just the second kombucha brand with a national distribution footprint. Show notes: 2:38: Interview: Jamie Danek, Co-Founder/CEO, Humm Kombucha -- Recorded at BevNET Live Winter 2018, Danek sat down with BevNET's Ray Latif for a wide-ranging conversation that explored her transition from a career in recruiting to co-founding Humm Kombucha and the role that Bend, Ore. played in her journey. Danek also discussed how she and co-founder Michelle Mitchell divided responsibilities, how her leadership style has evolved over the years and the four core values and three pillars that guide Humm. She also spoke about her growing concern with kombucha made from concentrate and how Humm landed a deal with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. Brands in this episode: Humm Kombucha

Aloha, a brand of organic, plant-based protein bars and powders, almost said goodbye to the market. Serial entrepreneur Constantin Bisanz created the company in 2014 with grand aspirations to democratize access to organic, healthy and better-for you food. At launch, the brand's direct-to-consumer platform featured a wide variety of products, including snack bars, elixirs, vitamin supplements and teas, that were promoted as nutritious and made from sustainably-sourced ingredients. Although Aloha came out of the gate with considerable hype and funding and later secured a national distribution deal with Target, the brand's development was stunted by a number of missteps and stumbles that eventually threatened its survival. Enter Brad Charron, who was tapped as the company's new CEO in 2017 and tasked with revitalizing the company and brand. Prior to joining Aloha, Charron had shepherded the turnaround of four sports nutrition brands as the SVP/GM of the Nature's Bounty Company, in addition to previous work experience at Under Armour, Chobani and Kind Snacks. In an interview included in this episode, Charron discussed the challenges facing Aloha, and noted that a lack of focus was chief among its problems. "If you try to bite off more than you can chew, if you not choiceful in the prioritization of your resources, you can find yourself in a heap of trouble quickly," he said. As part of our conversation, Charron discussed his belief that upon his arrival Aloha hadn't yet passed the proof of concept stage, as well as how the brand is refining its product portfolio. He also spoke about his approach to formulating and executing a turnaround strategy for the brand, and why addressing issues with company culture was critical to his mission. Also included in this episode: an interview with Dean Eberhardt and Andrew Markley, the co-founders of HopLark HopTea, a new brand of sparkling, non-alcoholic hop-infused teas. The brand claimed victory in BevNET Live's New Beverage Showdown 16, and in our conversation, we discussed the origins, formulation and positioning of HopTea and what's next for the brand. Show notes: 1:39: Landis Lives! Blurring Lines Amid Scenes of a Showdown -- The hosts welcomed back Jon Landis, who fell ill at BevNET Live and also discussed the final round of BevNET Live's New Beverage Showdown 16 and why it was challenging for the judges to pick a winner. They also spoke about blurring lines among non-alcoholic beverages and beer, cannabis at the conferences, and how BevNET CEO John Craven busted a pinata. Lastly, they thanked Mike Dunford, the co-founder of chocolate beverage brand Coco Metro and Patrick Tannous, the co-founder/president of tea company Tiesta Tea for visits to BevNET HQ and noted that the Nov/Dec 2018 issue of BevNET magazine, which includes features on kombucha, hard cider and dairy alternatives, is now available online. 16:44: Interview: Brad Charron, CEO, Aloha -- Charron joined BevNET's Ray Latif for an interview recorded in the Taste Radio studio in Watertown, Mass. where he discussed the process of reinvigorating Aloha, which had been mired in problems before he joined the company in 2017. Among the topics discussed: Aloha's complicated mission, why he decided to focus on selling powders and bars, changing company culture to achieve "a team of equals," lessons from Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya and Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky. 36:53: Interview: Dean Eberhardt and Andrew Markley, Co-Founders, HopTea -- Victorious in New Beverage Showdown 16, HopTea beat out 11 other early-stage brands over the two-day competition, which was held on Dec. 3 and 4 in Santa Monica. Shortly after their big win, Eberhardt and Markley sat down with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider and spoke about their journey as early-stage entrepreneurs. Brands in this episode: Aloha, HopLark HopTea, Willie's Superbrew, Joybird Wellness, Mother Matcha, Hubble, Riff Cold Brew, Zest Tea, Kiva, EvoHemp, DRNXMYTH, BTL SVC, My B Sweet, Coco Metro, Tiesta Tea, Health-Ade Kombucha, Chobani, Kind Snacks, Under Armour