Return on Reputation

In this engaging episode of the Proof University podcast, host Justin Obey welcomes entrepreneur Joe Heron. Joe shares his remarkable journey of founding and selling multiple beverage companies, including Nutrisoda, Crispin Cider Company, Copper & Kings, and his latest venture, Blue Sky Miners. The episode dives deep into the intricacies of building successful brands, the importance of strategic execution, and the role of luck breaks in business success.

Joe also delves into the operational challenges of the beverage industry, from securing supply chains to managing margins. He shares insights on the importance of product taste and quality, stating that while branding is crucial, the product itself must deliver an exceptional experience to ensure repeat purchases.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the beverage industry, offering a blend of strategic advice, personal reflections, and industry trends.

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👋 Hey! I'm Justin Obey and I'm the founder of Obey Creative. We help adult beverage brands pull off the shelf and build communities of raving fans without competing on price. Ask me about our latest offer: The Social Advantage Blueprint. Within 30 days, you'll go from your love-hate relationship with social to pure love with a strategy that will help you build an iconic brand.

👉 ⁠Follow Justin Obey on Linkedin⁠

👉 ⁠Follow Justin Obey on Instagram⁠

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Keywords: entrepreneurship, beverage industry, Joe Heron, Justin Obey, Proof University podcast, Nutrisoda, Crispin Cider, Copper & Kings, Blue Sky Miners, brand building, strategic execution, luck, serendipity, consumer trends, brand equity, supply chain, product quality, non-alcoholic beverages, THC-infused drinks, ready-to-serve cocktails, innovation, market segments, work-life balance, partnership, reading, industry challenges, advertising background, consumer demand, brand resonance, product differentiation, business strategy, operational challenges, brand architecture, market creation, adaptability, industry trends, perseverance, resilience, product development, entrepreneurship analogy, success factors

Welcome to the Proof University Show! Today, we dive into the flavorful world of Tropink, a hemp-powered, non-alcoholic, tropical functional beverage with its founder, Sierra Thomas.

Sierra shares her journey from the music and ad industry to creating a drink that promotes inclusivity and wellness. We discuss the challenges of rebranding from Pink Cloud Beverages to Tropink, the importance of building a supportive community, and the art of balancing entrepreneurship with family life.

Sierra opens up about her personal journey of sobriety since 2010 and how it inspired the creation of Tropink, aiming to provide a premium non-alcoholic option for those who want to enjoy life without alcohol.

Tune in to hear Sierra's inspiring story, and her passion for creating meaningful connections, and learn how Tropink is making waves in the beverage industry by offering a taste of tropical euphoria with every sip.

In this episode of The Proof University Show, host Justin Obey sits down with Jordan Bass, co-founder and CEO of HOP WTR, to delve into the intricacies of launching and growing a successful non-alcoholic beverage brand. Jordan shares invaluable insights on the importance of speed and decisiveness, likening it to navigating through one-way and two-way doors, essential for capitalizing on limited opportunities in a fast-paced market.

Jordan reveals the innovative product developments at HOP WTR, including a double-hopped variant and a special passion fruit edition, demonstrating the brand's dedication to continuous improvement and meeting consumer demands. He discusses their strategic choice to incorporate adaptogens and nootropics for cognitive and stress support, providing a unique alternative to CBD, which posed regulatory challenges.

The discussion also touches on Jordan's unique take on work-life balance, his organizational strategies involving calendars and prioritized to-do lists, and the books "Sapiens" and "Quiet" that have influenced his thinking. Additionally, Jordan emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, personality types, and the "disagree and commit" philosophy that guides decision-making at HOP WTR.

Listeners will gain insights into HOP WTR's journey of rapid growth, the significance of packaging iterations based on consumer feedback, and the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a balance between a booming business and a growing family. From behind-the-scenes decision-making to community-building events and authentic brand content, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration for anyone in the entrepreneurial or beverage industry.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jordan Bass on The Proof University Show, where we explore the flavorful world of adult beverages and the challenges of building a successful brand.

Timestamps:

00:00 Finance to venture, then e-commerce head. Disrupting the adult beverage industry.

04:03 Transition from beer to healthier alternative options.

08:05 CBD wasn't right fit; chose Ashwagandha.

12:40 Numerous packaging changes, logo remains unchanged.

13:50 Early packaging mistake led to retail disaster.

17:39 Solving problems is like building a pyramid.

21:12 Involving family in work, making sacrifices joyfully.

25:02 Creating multiple content pieces to test effectiveness.

27:04 Create diverse, frequent content for effective advertising.

30:39 Prioritize speed; decisions are two way doors.

33:24 Balance in traditional sense is a myth.

36:24 Embracing introversion for effective leadership and productivity.

👋 Hey! I'm Justin Obey and I'm the founder of Obey Creative. We help adult beverage brands pull off the shelf and build communities of raving fans without competing on price. Ask me about our latest offer: The Social Advantage Blueprint. Within 30 days, you'll go from your love hate relationship with social to pure love with a strategy that will help you build an iconic brand.

👉 ⁠Follow Justin Obey on Linkedin⁠

👉 ⁠Follow Justin Obey on Instagram⁠

👉 ⁠Follow Justin Obey on Youtube⁠

Keywords:

HOP WTR, Jordan Bass, non-alcoholic beverage, healthy alternative to beer, functional ingredients, adaptogens, nootropics, vitamin C, product development, double-hopped product, passion fruit offering, work-life balance, fitness routines, organizational strategies, calendar usage, prioritized to-do lists, "Sapiens" book, "Quiet" book, stress management, cognitive performance, regulatory challenges, social lubricant, brand formulation, packaging changes, consumer feedback, beer festivals, brand video production, return on investment, content production, "disagree and commit" philosophy, leadership decision-making.

Jordan Tepper co-founded Apologue, a cocktail company he launched in 2017 with Robbie Haynes.

Coming from investment banking and consulting, Jordan discusses how Apologue adapted during challenging times, particularly with the rise of ready-to-drink cocktails. They recently launched Hoste Cocktails, emphasizing no compromises on ingredients' quality, which led to the creation of their premium gold fashion cocktail.

Listen in today to learn more about Jordan's unique and daring journey into the wonderful world of Spirits.

Paul McSharry, founder of Maze Wines and the Osiris Club, shares his journey in the wine industry and the concept behind the Osiris Club. He started in the wine industry in South Africa and eventually moved to California to pursue wine-making. With Maze Wines, he built a successful brand over 14 years, and now he is launching the Osiris Club, which offers members the opportunity to create their own bespoke barrels of wine in collaboration with top wineries.

Listen in today to learn more about Paul's unique and daring journey into the wonderful world of wine-making.

In this episode of The Proof University Show, I sit down with Vincent Jacobbi, the co-founder of Togronis, to discuss his journey in creating a premium ready-to-drink Negroni brand.

Vincent shares how the pandemic sparked the idea for Togronis, turning a challenging time into an opportunity for innovation. We dive into the story behind Togronis' unique offerings, their focus on high-quality ingredients, and the creative process of crafting classic cocktails in a can. Vincent also opens up about the hurdles they faced in the spirits industry, the strategies they used to achieve rapid growth, and their vision for the future. 

In this value-packed episode of the Proof University Show, we dive deep with Dave Holmes, co-founder of Spiked Seltzer, exploring the burgeoning world of hard seltzers and the entrepreneurial journey that helped shape the industry. Dave provides an insider’s perspective on the early challenges and milestones of launching a pioneering beverage brand that helped define a new category.

Key Discussion Points:

• Supportive Networks: Dave highlights the crucial role his spouse played in his journey, underlining the importance of having a supportive partner when venturing into new business territories.

This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for any entrepreneur looking to make a mark in the beverage industry or navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a business. Join us as Dave Holmes shares his wisdom and experiences, offering a roadmap for building a resilient and beloved brand.

In this insightful episode of the Proof University Show, we are joined by Mara Smith, the dynamic founder of Inspiro Tequila. Mara takes us through her compelling journey of launching a tequila brand as an outsider to the spirits industry. She candidly shares the hurdles she encountered and how these challenges sparked innovation and fresh perspectives in her business approach.

Mara emphasizes the profound impact of building a supportive community, particularly among female entrepreneurs, highlighting how mentorship and solidarity have played pivotal roles in her success. Additionally, she delves into the personal side of her life, discussing how motherhood has reshaped her views on entrepreneurship.

Mara stresses the importance of mastering time management, maintaining flexibility, and prioritizing self-care to effectively balance her professional goals with her personal life.

Join us on this episode of the Proof University Show as we sit down and learn about the spirited journey of Paul Hletko, the innovative founder of https://www.fewspirits.com/. With a background in law, Paul made a daring shift into the world of craft distilling, establishing FEW Spirits in the historic town of Evanston, Illinois. Under his guidance and with an incredible team, FEW has gained acclaim for its meticulously crafted, small-batch spirits, earning the title of Whisky Advocate Magazine's Craft Whisky of the Year.

Tune in to hear Paul's unique insights on innovation, brand building, and the future of craft spirits.

Join us in this aromatic episode as we sit down with the founders of Sae Coffee Studio, a pioneering coffee shop that's redefining the coffee experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, Sae Coffee Studio has quickly become a sanctuary for coffee lovers, known for its innovative brewing techniques and commitment to sustainability.

During our conversation, the founders share their journey from coffee enthusiasts to entrepreneurs, highlighting the inspiration behind their unique approach to coffee. They delve into their passion for sourcing ethically-produced, high-quality beans and how they use these to craft distinct flavors and profiles that stand out in a crowded market.

Listen in as they discuss the challenges of maintaining a high standard of quality while pushing the boundaries of traditional coffee culture. Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for the art and science of coffee making at Sae Coffee Studio.