As a business consultant, I’m always looking for ways to bring real-world entrepreneurial experiences to my clients. I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Jacob Guss, the founder and CEO of Bold Move Beverages, on my podcast, The Brand Blueprint. Jacob’s journey in creating an innovative, coffee-infused alcoholic beverage is a fantastic example of how passion, market research, and persistence can lead to success—even in the competitive beverage industry.
For those who missed the episode, I highly recommend checking it out. Jacob is a serial entrepreneur early in his career, but he’s already blazing trails with his creativity and drive. His journey is not only inspiring but filled with actionable insights for any entrepreneur, especially those navigating complex industries like beverage or consumer goods.
A Personal Reflection on Jacob’s Journey
Though I don’t have an MBA myself, I've always been a big believer in the value of obtaining one—not just for the education but for the networks it helps you build. Jacob’s experience at the University of Texas MBA program gave him more than business knowledge; it gave him access to mentors and opportunities that have been vital to his success. This is a reminder to founders that having access to a powerful network can be as important as the business lessons learned in a classroom.
While Jacob's background is impressive, his insights on distribution in the beverage industry really resonated with me. During my time at Pepsi, I worked with many startup founders like Jacob who had to navigate the complexities of the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) system and the Three-Tiered distribution system—the same systems Jacob had to figure out with Bold Move Beverages. These founders had brilliant ideas and great products but often struggled because they didn’t have the practical knowledge to navigate these distribution channels effectively. It’s a huge learning curve, and it was a challenge for many, with some failing to gain traction because they didn’t know how to play within these systems.
The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
One of the key takeaways from my conversation with Jacob was the importance of mentorship. He actively sought out guidance from others, especially those who had already succeeded in the beverage industry. Jacob's story is a reminder that no matter how innovative or talented you are, you need a network of advisors and mentors to help you through the inevitable challenges that come with entrepreneurship.
Learning from Bold Move’s Market Research
Jacob emphasized the importance of market research in shaping Bold Move’s product offerings. By engaging with real consumers and doing the groundwork through surveys and guerrilla marketing tactics, he was able to refine his coffee-whiskey product to fit the tastes of his target audience. He mentioned how critical it was to understand the consumer demographic for his product—something every founder should take to heart when developing a new brand.
At Value Growth Partners, we work with founders who are looking to refine their market strategies and get a clearer picture of their target customers. If you’re struggling with understanding your market or figuring out how to execute on your distribution strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.
Thank You, Jacob!
I want to thank Jacob for coming on The Brand Blueprint and sharing his insights. His story of perseverance, adaptability, and innovation is one that will inspire entrepreneurs in any industry.
For those of you who are as intrigued as I was by Jacob’s story, I encourage you to visit Bold Move Beverages and order his innovative coffee-infused whiskey. Trust me, it's a drink worth experiencing!
And for more in-depth entrepreneur stories and practical advice on growing your business, don’t forget to follow The Brand Blueprint Podcast for future episodes featuring incredible founders like Jacob Guss.
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