In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Steve Schwartz, Founder & CEO of Art of Tea, to uncover how he turned a deep passion for tea into a globally recognized brand. From hand-selecting the finest tea leaves across the globe to crafting blends enjoyed in top restaurants and luxury hotels like Wolfgang Puck and Caesars Palace, Steve shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a premium tea empire.

Steve discusses the entrepreneurial drive that fueled his journey, the art and science of blending high-quality teas, and the challenges of scaling while maintaining authenticity. He explains why great tea isn’t just about taste—it’s about experience, storytelling, and creating a lasting impact. Fueled by his unwavering belief in his vision, Steve–with the help of his wife–self-funded Art of Tea—relying on personal credit cards to turn his passion into a thriving business, proving that quality and vision drive long-term success.

Join us for an insightful conversation on brand-building, product excellence, and the business of tea, as Steve shares his lessons on leadership, sourcing, and the power of creating a product that consumers love and recognize.

Let’s keep building… 

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