The Firebelly Social Show

Or Reznichky is the Co-founder and CEO of Dripdash, a company that has introduced the first ready-to-drink Kyoto iced coffee in the US. The company has thrived under his leadership, achieving enough success to be acquired by a private equity firm. Based in San Francisco, he's an entrepreneur with roots in quantitative psychology and economics and a background in SaaS sales. Or is a firm believer in the Japanese principle of Kaizen — continuous improvement — which he applies to his personal life and business ventures. With an extensive background in business and entrepreneurship, Or is actively involved in building communities, like the LA Coffee Club, to foster connections and promote his passion for quality coffee. In this episode… Coffee fanatics are always hunting for a smooth yet shockingly strong brew. However, with so many options available, finding a coffee that satisfies these two criteria can be challenging. Or Reznichky, a renowned coffee expert, has reimagined the traditional coffee brewing method by blending centuries-old Kyoto brewing techniques with the principles of Kaizen and community engagement. Through his entrepreneurial journey, he has built a coffee brand and created a movement that has resonated with modern consumers. He narrates how he and his team identified a unique, underserved niche in the beverage market and iteratively developed their product to resonate with modern consumers. He shares how the company has steadily grown from grassroots beginnings, powered by a passion-fueled strategy that has built a community around a charismatic product and viral marketing successes. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Or Reznichky, Co-founder and CEO of Dripdash, about growing a Kyoto iced coffee brand. They also delve into the intricacies of craft coffee's evolution, the importance of sustainability in coffee production, and how building a community can amplify a brand’s reach and impact.

Brian Graham is the Owner and President of Four Day Ray Brewing, a craft beer brand that prides itself on community engagement and innovative brewing practices. He is praised for his creative talents, from concocting unique brewed flavors to cleverly naming his brews, and has a hands-on approach to managing his establishments. Brian's dedication is evident through initiatives like the 'Tap for Cause' program, which supports local charities and enhances the brewery's role in community development. With a culinary background, Brian is passionate about pairing quality food with exceptional beverages. Before founding Four Day Ray Brewing, he was a Sales Manager at RICS Software. In this episode… Can creating exceptional flavors and focusing on community service redefine an entire industry? How does striving to impact the community one beer at a time change the game for a food and beverage brand? Brian Graham shares how his brewery has navigated the shifting tides of the craft beer market. He discusses pivoting from a distribution model to focus on brewery success and community integration, using a unique ‘Tap for Cause’ program to give back significantly. His commitment is clear — from thoughtful branding that conveys the brewery's message of leisure and impactful community involvement to an investment in the customer experience through staff satisfaction and innovative beer offerings. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Brian Graham, Owner and President of Four Day Ray Brewing, about community building and innovative brewing. Brian talks about the craft beer space, the benefits of treating your employees well, the importance of community and giving back, and Four Day Ray Brewing’s brand values and leisure activities.

Bryon White is the Co-founder and CEO of Yaupon Brothers, a leading CPG firm focused on producing high-quality Yaupon teas grown in America. With over a decade of experience in the CPG industry, indigenous food systems, and native agriculture, he has become an expert in social enterprise and cultural aspects. Bryon also serves as a Venture Builder at Builders + Backers, a Director of Regenerative Agriculture at Eagle's Nest Farms, and a Strategic Advisor at Digiphy. His extensive experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to various business communities. In this episode… Have you ever heard of yaupon tea? Not only is it a delicious and healthy alternative to coffee and traditional teas, but it's also sustainable and environmentally friendly. CPG and regenerative expert Bryon White says yaupon tea, the only caffeinated plant native to North America, is a unique and delicious beverage gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. This tea comes from the leaves of the yaupon holly tree, which grows abundantly in the southeastern United States. With its rich history, natural caffeine content, and earthy flavor profile, yaupon tea is the perfect beverage for anyone looking to switch up their caffeine routine. He shares their journey growing a yaupon tea CPG brand. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Bryon White, Co-founder and CEO of Yaupon Brothers, about growing a Yaupon tea brand. Bryon talks about the genesis of the Yaupon Brothers, how the Yaupon plant differs from other caffeinated plants, the benefits of consuming Yaupon tea, and the challenges of growing a food and beverage (CPG) brand.

Scott Rice is the Co-founder and President of Natural Careers, a boutique recruiter and career transition specialist focused on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Natural Careers works with health/well-being food and beverage, dietary supplement, and ingredient companies, founder-owned and portfolio investments of many private equity groups ranging from one million to over a billion dollars. Before Natural Careers, Scott was the VP of Business Development at Global Recruiters of Madison, a top-performing recruiting team in CPG focusing on the natural products industry. He has over a decade of experience in the recruitment industry. In this episode… Career transitioning or development is crucial in any industry, and the consumer packaged goods (CPG) natural products industry is no exception. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, how can professionals continuously develop their skills and knowledge to stay competitive? And how can brands recruit top talent to grow? As a job seeker, it is vital to understand the recruitment process and how to position yourself as a strong candidate. According to Scott Rice, an executive recruiter, this can include tailoring your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, preparing for interviews, and building a robust online presence. On the flip side, Scott says that, as a recruiter, it is fundamental to deeply understand the industry and the specific skills and experiences required for each role. He shares how he's built a recruitment agency to help job seekers and companies find the right fit and achieve their goals. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Scott Rice, Co-founder and President of Natural Careers, about career development, transition, and recruitment. Scott talks about the genesis of Natural Careers and what it does, LinkedIn optimization tips and premium features, career development through storytelling, entrepreneurship in the CPG industry, and the importance of asking the right questions during job interviews.

Emanuel Storch is the CEO of Blackbird Foods, a plant-based food company providing vegan seitan, frozen pizza, and plant-based meat to retail and wholesale customers. Under his visionary leadership, Blackbird Foods has successfully expanded its operations to over 3000 stores and 350 restaurants. Before his current role, Emanuel was in charge of overseeing operations at Simply Gum. He is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainable food, and agriculture and has shown a remarkable ability to leverage his expertise in these areas to drive business growth and profitability. In this episode… Veganism is rapidly gaining popularity, and the demand for plant-based alternatives is also increasing. Growing a business in this space could be lucrative. So, what can you learn from an experienced entrepreneur in this space? The market for plant-based meat alternatives is rapidly growing as consumers opt for sustainable and healthy options. Emanuel Storch, a leader in the food and beverage space, says that one of the most popular substitutes for meat is seitan, a protein-rich meat substitute made from wheat gluten. Seitan has become a favorite among vegans for its versatility, ease of use, and delicious taste. He shares his journey of growing a plant-based food company producing seitan, frozen pizza, and plant-based meat. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Emanuel Storch, CEO of Blackbird Foods, about building a plant-based food company. Emanuel shares the origin story of Blackbird Foods, how it differentiates itself in the market, lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey, and recommendations for producing quality food products as founders.

Trey Lockerbie is the Co-founder and CEO of Better Booch, a premium single-batch kombucha brewed, bottled, and canned in downtown Los Angeles. He has been a musician traveling the world who prioritizes health and wellness. Trey is also a CNBC contributor and a member of Vistage Worldwide, Inc., the world’s largest executive coaching and peer advisory organization, bringing together leaders to learn and grow. He was also the host of We Study Billionaires, the #1 investing podcast in the world, with over 115 million downloads. Growing Better Booch to $7 million in revenue before accepting external investment showcases his business acumen. In this episode… Recently, consumer awareness regarding the food and beverages consumed has markedly increased. In the beverage space, this trend has led to a shift in preference from alcoholic drinks to more healthful options. Among the popular alternatives is kombucha, a fermented tea with purported health benefits. However, many brands struggle to balance kombucha's taste and health components, leaving consumers with unsatisfactory options. Trey Lockerbie, an experienced professional in the beverage industry, embarked on a mission to find healthy beverage options for himself and his sister after her diagnosis of breast cancer. He discovered kombucha, a popular alternative with potential health benefits, yet found its taste and nutritional value lacking in the market. This led him to create his brand of kombucha that offered a refreshing and nutritious beverage option. With his mission to provide a tasty and healthy alternative to sugary drinks, Trey shares his journey building his kombucha brand. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Trey Lockerbie, Co-founder and CEO of Better Booch, about kombucha. Trey discusses how he transitioned from music into the kombucha industry, the genesis story of Better Booch and its products, how it differentiates itself in the market, and the future of functional beverages and kombucha.

Chris Allen is the Co-founder of Osena Spiked Coconut Water, a beverage brand that creates better-for-you alcohol options. Osena drinks are made with coconut water, naturally occurring electrolytes, 100 calories, and zero sugar for the health-conscious fun seeker. A serial entrepreneur passionate about human health, Chris’ expertise spans food and beverage, wellness, health technology, biotechnology, and retail. Before founding Osena, he spent five years in the corporate finance program at Johnson & Johnson. With an MBA from The Wharton School, Chris’ roots are deeply entrenched in commercial strategy. In this episode… With the rise of health consciousness, people are more cautious about what they consume. For those who love to have fun but are still mindful of their health, where can they get a healthy and enjoyable alcoholic option? After struggling to find a healthy alcoholic beverage to enjoy, serial entrepreneur Chris Allen embarked on a journey to create the perfect solution. He combined the health benefits of coconut water with a touch of alcohol to create spiked coconut water that people can indulge in without guilt. He shares his journey building this brand so that people can now have the best of both worlds — relish their favorite alcoholic drink without compromising on their health. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Chris Allen, Co-founder of Osena Spiked Coconut Water, about sugar-free Spiked coconut water. Chris talks about his transition from corporate finance to the beverage space, the benefits of coconut water, Osena’s alcoholic coconut water with functional benefits, and the brand’s marketing and branding strategies.

Nick Brune is the Owner and CEO of Eco Caters, an organic event catering company that has been delighting clients in Washington DC., L.A., and San Diego for over 10 years. As a chef passionate about flavor and design, he served as a head chef at some of the city's premier catering establishments. Nick has a profound affection for organic farming, locally sourced ingredients, and sustainable seafood. He is also the owner of Virtual F&B, Virtual Kitchen Assistant, and 7 Figure Food & Beverage and partner of The Florida Oyster Trading Company. In this episode… As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing sustainable food options and supporting businesses that share our values. It contributes to a healthier and greener planet. According to Chef Nick Brune, food sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a critical issue affecting our planet, health, and economy. From reducing food waste to promoting local agriculture and sourcing organic ingredients, individuals can support sustainable food practices in numerous ways. He shares how he's grown an organic event catering company, providing a unique and memorable culinary experience, teaching others, and making a difference while doing what he loves. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Nick Brune, Owner and CEO of Eco Caters, about the future of food. Nick talks about his partnership with The Florida Oyster Trading Company and the benefits of consuming oysters, how he grew his catering business, sustainability in the food industry with a focus on locality and supply chain, and self-care and mental health in the culinary industry.

Chris Conway is the Founder of Happy Being, a functional beverage brand producing iced white tea packed with turmeric, elderberry, vitamin D3, and polyphenols for a delicious and healthy refreshment that fights inflammation at the source. With over 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space, Chris is also the Founder of Solutions 4 Health and Everyday Throat Spray. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded other companies, including Bewell Inc. and Healthy Humans. He's passionate about empowering consumers to take control of their health and creating science-based products that enable consumers to live long healthy lives. In this episode… The rising prevalence of health issues among individuals has become a significant concern recently. The consumption of unhealthy food items and other detrimental lifestyle choices has severely impacted the digestive system, thus affecting overall health. In light of this, people are now seeking ways to take control of their health and lead a longer, healthier life. Chris Conway, a renowned serial entrepreneur in the health and wellness industry, believes that an individual's diet and lifestyle choices are crucial in determining their overall health. Motivated by this conviction and armed with extensive research, he embarked on a journey to create Happy Being—a novel range of iced tea infused with delicious flavors and enriched with polyphenols. He has meticulously curated this beverage, incorporating research-backed nutrients in doctor-recommended doses and the most bioavailable forms, ensuring science-backed results. Through Happy Being, Chris aims to empower people to take control of their health and make informed choices that enable them to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Chris Conway, Founder of Happy Being, about their healthy, refreshing, and delicious white teas. Chris shares the reasons for Happy Being's inception, the good-for-you, scientifically proven ingredients it uses, and the value of educating consumers about healthy products.

Bill Birgen is the Founder and CTO of SAVRpak, an award-winning product that helps preserve the freshness and intended state of the food. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded and co-founded numerous businesses, including AirFloe Mask, Midwater Collective LLC, Soggy Food Sucks LLC, Kyllburg Technologies LLC, and many others. Before becoming an entrepreneur in food tech, former DARPA expert, and an X prize winner, Bill worked as a rocket scientist on rockets, missiles, and defense systems for over 30 years. In this episode… As more people become health-conscious, they prefer to bring their homemade foods to work. However, when it comes time to eat lunch, the food is always soggy and does not taste as good. So, how can they improve their food packaging to prevent this from happening again? Scientist Bill Birgen says this was also a problem he dealt with. Fed up with his soggy lunches, he developed a pocket-sized thermodynamic solution that creates the perfect atmosphere inside his lunch box, keeping his food fresh and crisp. It prevents condensation, the root cause of premature molding, wilting, and spoilage of packaged foods. He shares how he turned this into a successful business in the food industry. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Bill Birgen, Founder and CTO of SAVRpak, about food safety. Bill talks about the origin story of SAVRpak, how to reduce food waste with innovative packaging solutions, the future of SAVRpak, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Andrew E. Johnson is the CEO of Goode Foods, a reputable provider of high-quality canned beans and vegetables dedicated to meeting individuals' dietary and nutritional needs. During his tenure, he led a sales team that expanded brand distribution by 700%, securing deals with major retailers such as Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Food Lion, Shaw's, and Target. Additionally, Andrew played a pivotal role in transforming the company's distribution channels from government contract-based to retail-based, significantly increasing its reach and market share. He holds a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies from Loyola University Chicago. In this episode… In today's market, many subpar canned foods lack nutrition and flavor. As a health-conscious person, where can you find healthy alternatives to the canned foods available? According to an expert leader in the food industry, Andrew E. Johnson, convenience and nutrition can coexist. For over two decades, their family-owned business has dedicated itself to providing customers with high-quality canned beans and vegetables that meet dietary and nutritional requirements without sacrificing convenience. He shares his journey of growing the brand to offer a better alternative to the highly processed and unhealthy canned foods that dominate the market. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Andrew E. Johnson, CEO of Goode Foods, about growing a canned food brand. Andrew talks about the genesis of Goode Foods and its products, how he successfully expanded its distribution by 700%, and its marketing strategies.

Kristin Patrick is the Co-founder of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, a women-owned alcohol-free boutique selling alcohol-free drinks and mixers. She is a digital learning consultant who builds outcome-based, culturally responsive interactive training modules that inspire and teach. Kristin is also a Blended Learning Coach at Noblesville Schools and an Instructional Designer at Indiana University. Andrea Marley Simpson is the Co-founder and COO of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, a women-owned alcohol-free boutique in Carmel, Indiana, where she sells alcohol-free drinks and mixers. She is a digital designer and an operations enthusiast focusing on leadership and wellness. Previously, Andrea was the Director of Operations at CSA360 and the Executive Director at Hamilton County Leadership Academy. In this episode… The increasing consciousness about health and wellness has led to a significant surge in demand for nonalcoholic beverages. Traditional alcoholic drinks often leave people with hangovers and other adverse side effects, pushing many individuals to look for a healthier alternative. In response, the nonalcoholic beverage industry is rapidly evolving to meet this demand. Industry stalwarts Kristin Patrick and Andrea Marley Simpson are leading the charge at the forefront of this movement. Kristin and Andrea believe having a fun and social night out is possible without compromising your health. They suggest that zero-proof drinks are a fantastic option for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious beverage without experiencing any of the adverse side effects of alcohol. Although the drinks are nonalcoholic, they have flavors that mimic traditional alcoholic beverages. Kristin and Andrea have expanded their brand of alcohol-free beverages and are spearheading a movement towards a more health-conscious approach to drinking that's gaining traction among consumers who prioritize their well-being. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Kristin Patrick and Andrea Marley Simpson, Co-founders of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, who return to speak about their journey growing an alcohol-free beverage brand. They talk about starting their business and overcoming challenges, their growth and marketing strategies, and the variety of tropical-flavored sparkling teas and kombucha products they offer.

Tia Glave is the Co-founder of Catalyst, a coaching program that helps organizations establish sustainable food safety cultures. The program employs a comprehensive approach incorporating proven strategies, leadership development, and technical training to build food safety systems within companies. With nearly a decade of experience, Tia is a food safety, quality, and regulatory professional who has worked in large-scale food manufacturing, start-up environments, and retail settings. Her primary role is to assist manufacturing and retail companies develop and enhance their food safety and quality programs. Employing her chemical engineering background to utilize systems, data, and proven methodologies to design and execute effective FSQs (Food Safety and Quality) strategies, she delivers cost savings and efficiency gains for her clients. Jill Stuber is the Co-founder of Catalyst and is an experienced professional and coach who has worked in the food industry for several years. Serving various multimillion-dollar food companies and food industry support companies, both at corporate and front-line facility levels, Jill has defined expectations and developed programs for company-wide FSQ systems. Leading multi-plant teams with up to 50 members, she implements clearly defined team and individual roles, expectations, and boundaries to promote collaboration across the organizations. In this episode… As an entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry, ensuring the safety and quality of your products is crucial for the success of your business. In addition to protecting your customers, these measures help you save valuable resources and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Do you possess the necessary capabilities to implement these standards? Experts in the food and beverage space, Tia Glave and Jill Stuber say that food safety and quality are crucial from a regulatory standpoint and consumer perspective. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the safety and quality of the food they consume, and failure to meet their expectations can lead to severe consequences for your brand reputation and revenue. By establishing a culture of food safety within your organization, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, reduce waste and recalls, and improve the efficiency of your operations. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Tia Glave and Jill Stuber, Co-founders of Catalyst, about food safety and quality. They discuss how Catalyst helps food companies build sustainable food safety cultures, how Catalyst leverages social media, and psychological safety in the food and beverage industry.

Joshua Rood is the Co-founder and CEO of Dr Hops, a globally recognized brand specializing in producing delightful and health-conscious alcoholic beverages. As an astute leader, creator, and builder, he has extensive experience in many domains, including videography, communication, group facilitation and training, event planning and supervision, coaching, customer relationships, and sales. Joshua previously held several senior roles at reputable organizations such as Lululemon Athletica, Landmark Education, HD Buttercup, and World Evolution Yoga and Liberty Advance. With his broad experience, he has honed his abilities to navigate complex business environments and drive growth and innovation. In this episode… As people become more health-conscious, they are starting to pay more attention to what they consume, including when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Gone are the days of mindlessly consuming beer or liquor without considering the impact it might have on our health. Joshua Rood, the lead brand champion for a popular celebratory beverage brand, recently observed a shift in the alcoholic beverage industry toward creating health-conscious drinks. Consumers are increasingly seeking out alcoholic drinks that not only taste great but also offer some health benefits. This trend has led to the development of innovative beverages such as kombucha-infused beers and probiotic-rich cocktails. Joshua documents his journey of building a brand that caters to this growing demand for healthier alcoholic beverages. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Joshua Rood, Co-founder and CEO of Dr Hops, to discuss the trend toward creating health-conscious alcoholic beverages. Joshua recounts how Dr Hops came to be, details their journey of developing health-conscious drinks, and explains the challenges they faced building an alcoholic beverage brand with a focus on wellness.

Michael Valenti is the CEO of Great Spirits Baking Company, a well-known and distinguished brand that crafts high-quality premium spirits-infused cakes using top-notch ingredients. As a results-driven professional, Michael uses his expertise in sales, marketing, and distribution strategies to deliver impressive outcomes for the company. An exceptional team leader and communicator, he motivates his team to achieve ambitious goals. Before Great Spirits Baking Company, Michael served as the President and COO of Regulator Brands, where he led the development of sales strategies and budgets for potential acquisitions of CPG businesses. In this episode… Hosting events and parties can be challenging when you want to offer your guests something unique and memorable. Whether it's a corporate event or a birthday party, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication can make all the difference. How can you grow a brand that stands out and accomplishes that mission? Michael Valenti and the Great Spirits Baking Company team have created something extraordinary to elevate events to the next level. The company partners with globally recognized brands to bring high-quality, dessert-style baked items to the marketplace at scale. They employ an extensive research and development phase and product submission process to brand owners to ensure that each product aligns with their taste profile and quality standards. Through this approach, the company can maintain brand ideals, build partnerships, and attract new customers. They continue introducing new products, expanding their following, and offering new creations on their website, Amazon, and brick-and-mortar stores. By staying on top of the trends in the desserts category, Great Spirits is able to remain competitive with its premium products without compromising on quality. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Michael Valenti, CEO of Great Spirits Baking Company, to discuss how to grow a distinctive premium desserts brand. Michael shares how he entered the baked goods industry, what makes Great Spirits unique, and why staying on top of trends in the space is essential.

David Mesa is the President of We Grow CPG, a boutique sales management agency offering elevated sales partnerships to the CPG industry. The agency's core expertise lies in helping emerging brands expand their distribution by building aggressive and strategic revenue plans from the seed stage to the late stage. With over 20 years of experience in the CPG industry, David has extensive knowledge in developing unique brands that stand out in a competitive marketplace. Additionally, he is the Founder of 4T Mesa Consulting and serves as a Strategic Advisor at both TIG Brands and Pricklee. David is also a US Marine Corps veteran. In this episode… The process of building a successful CPG brand requires a strategic approach. Although it may seem challenging, you can differentiate yourself from the competition by establishing a unique position in the market. What considerations should you take into account to succeed in the highly competitive CPG industry? David Mesa, a professional with extensive experience in the CPG industry, suggests that a critical factor in achieving success is to create a brand that prioritizes people and their needs. To build a thriving brand, it's essential to keep customers at the center of your business. This means understanding their pain points, desires, and aspirations, enabling you to produce products that cater to their needs and provide genuine value. By doing so, you can build a stronger connection with your customers and foster a loyal following, which will propel sales. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with David Mesa, President of We Grow CPG, about driving sales with a people-first brand. David shares We Grow CPG's approach to helping brands thrive, the value of authenticity, and advice for entrepreneurs entering the CPG market.

Mariah Hilton Wood is the Co-founder and COO of Tilden, a brand that makes sophisticated, ready-to-serve nonalcoholic cocktails for the growing wave of consumers looking for choices beyond alcohol. A lifelong teetotaler from Las Vegas, she is passionate about food and beverages and solving complex supply chain issues. Previously, Mariah held various roles at InSITE, PwC, and the BYU Global Supply Chain Association. Betsy Frost is the CEO of Hoplark, a company that brews teas and waters like craft beer with the sophisticated flavor of hops but without the alcohol or calories. She is a marketing executive who combines CPG experience with an entrepreneurial mindset to build businesses, brands, and big ideas. A creator and innovator who unlocks differential thinking, game-changing innovation, and exceptional growth, Betsy is also passionate about developing people and transforming cultures to create diverse and engaged teams and deliver purposeful experiences. Laura Silverman is the Founder of Zero Proof Nation, one of the only fully comprehensive global resource hubs devoted to a nonalcoholic beverage culture. She got sober at 24, and today, she's a mental health advocate passionate about nonalcoholic beverages. As a serial entrepreneur, Laura is also the Founder of Booze Free in DC, The Sobriety Collective, and LMS Designs and is a Non-Alcoholic Drinks Industry Advisor at The Spearhead Group, Inc. In addition, she is a Web Manager and Podcast Producer at American Purpose. Andrea Marley Simpson is the Co-founder and COO of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, a women-owned alcohol-free boutique in Carmel, Indiana, where she sells alcohol-free drinks and mixers. She is a digital designer and an operations enthusiast focusing on leadership and wellness. Previously, Andrea was the Director of Operations at CSA360 and the Executive Director at Hamilton County Leadership Academy. Kristin Patrick is the Co-founder of Loren's Alcohol-Free Beverages, a women-owned alcohol-free boutique selling alcohol-free drinks and mixers. She is a digital learning consultant who builds outcome-based, culturally responsive interactive training modules that inspire and teach. Kristin is also a Blended Learning Coach at Noblesville Schools and an Instructional Designer at Indiana University. In this episode… Zero-proof beverages, also known as nonalcoholic drinks, have become increasingly popular in recent years. This trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon as the nonalcoholic beverage category grows and evolves. As industry leaders in the nonalcoholic beverage category, Mariah Hilton Wood, Betsy Frost, Laura Silverman, Andrea Marley Simpson, and Kristin Patrick say that as people become increasingly health-conscious, there has been a noticeable shift towards zero-proof beverages as a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. This trend is not only driven by the desire to lead a healthier lifestyle but also by growing concerns about the adverse effects of alcohol on health. As a result, the nonalcoholic beverage market has experienced a surge in new and exciting options, ranging from artisanal sodas and specialty teas to sophisticated mocktails and alcohol-free spirits. These choices reflect the latest trends in the nonalcoholic beverage industry and provide a welcome solution for those who wish to enjoy social gatherings without feeling the pressure to consume alcohol. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Mariah Hilton Wood, Betsy Frost, Laura Silverman, Andrea Marley Simpson, and Kristin Patrick about the zero-proof beverage category. They talk about their journeys in the nonalcoholic drink space, the increased availability of zero-proof drinks and their impact on the industry and social events, and the emerging trends and innovations expected in the zero-proof space over the next 12 months.

Eric Hoang is the Co-founder of YATÉ Yerba Mate, a sparkling, naturally delicious twist on tea that gives you a clean boost of energy. YATÉ is made from 100% organic yerba mate and offers plant-based benefits without adverse effects such as crashes or jitters. Eric has founded two businesses and has an intimate understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. Working across more than 30 countries, he is a seasoned strategy and transformation executive with extensive experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Eric possesses a wealth of experience in corporate strategy, sales, international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational design. His career has spanned working with startups as well as Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate complex problems and facilitate change. In this episode… If you're looking for an alternative to traditional energy drinks that are loaded with sugar and questionable ingredients, you're not alone. Many people are in search of a healthier and more effective way to keep going during a night out without experiencing a hard crash or jitters. Many people enjoy socializing and partying with friends after a long day at work or on weekends. However, finding beverage options to stay energized throughout the night can be difficult. The available options may not always be suitable for a night out, and healthier alternatives to energy drinks and caffeine are scarce. Recognizing this gap in the market, Eric Hoang, a seasoned strategy and transformation executive, founded YATÉ Yerba Mate to create a clean energy drink that provides a natural and delicious twist on tea. Starting a beverage brand is hard, but despite its challenges, Eric shaped and grew YATÉ through a social media presence, brand partnerships, and influencer marketing to target its ideal demographic. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Eric Hoang, Co-founder of YATÉ Yerba Mate, about growing a beverage brand for social occasions. Eric talks about the inspiration for creating an alternative energy drink with unique benefits, how YATÉ differentiates itself in the market, the role of social media, customer feedback, collaborations, and partnerships in its growth, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the beverage industry.

Tina White is the Chief Commercial Officer at Brainiac Foods, a company specializing in creating delicious products to support brain development, performance, and health through food-based brain nutrition. With a well-established background in digital marketing, e-commerce, and brand management, it is Tina’s responsibility to grow the business by fostering innovation and driving progress in the development of Brainiac Foods. Her professional experience includes positions at The J.M. Smucker Company, Big Heart Pet Brands, AKQA, CIBO, and numerous other organizations. In this episode… Parents often prioritize feeding their children's growing bodies but overlook the importance of nourishing their developing brains. Essential foods with nutrients crucial for brain development, performance, and overall health are not always readily available and are often too expensive. Nevertheless, frequently consuming these essential nutrients is vital. The brain is the most cardinal organ in our body, regulating our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therefore, feeding our brains with the proper nutrients should be a top priority. Unfortunately, our everyday foods aren't enough to provide all the essential nutrients for cognitive health. This is why we need to make a conscious effort to consume brain foods in our daily diet. Since most of us only consume 20% of the daily essential nutrients our brains need to thrive, Tina White says that incorporating these foods into your regular meal plan can fuel your brain for success. A well-fed brain leads to optimum short- and long-term mental health and focus. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Tina White, Chief Commercial Officer at Brainiac Foods, about fueling your body with brain foods. Tina talks about the common problems with accessing brain foods, how Brainiac Foods was born, the impacts of brain foods on cognitive health, the various products they produce, and the trends in the brain foods space.

Dino Dakuras works at Second City Beverage Co., the only micro-distillery in Augusta, Georgia. The company is a powerhouse in the spirits industry and has an expert team of master distillers, warehouse managers, mixologists, and sales and marketing professionals. Dino is also the President of Durty Gurl Cocktails, a company that focuses on providing high-quality cocktail mixers at competitive prices. With his extensive sales experience, Dino has worked in distribution, operations, and manufacturing for startups to Fortune 200 companies. He has a proven track record of creating successful, high-performing teams through strategic coaching, culture-building, and development initiatives. In this episode… The spirits industry is an exciting and dynamic segment within the food and beverage space, offering its own unique challenges. The business constantly evolves, with new products, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. How can these brands keep up and remain competitive? With a clear mission, it is possible to create a successful brand in the crowded alcoholic beverage industry. A seasoned professional with a background in sales, distribution, operations, and manufacturing, Dino Dakuras has thrived in this industry. Despite the challenges posed by the presence of established brands and new entrants in the market, developing a unique and differentiated brand is possible. Dino explains why you must stand out and resonate with your target audience. It's essential to capture consumers' attention through a carefully crafted strategy and approach that considers market trends, consumer behavior, and brand identity. By focusing on building a brand that is not only unique but also sustainable, you can grow, evolve, and make a name for yourself. On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Dino Dakuras of Second City Beverage Co. and Durty Gurl Cocktails about building a spirits brand. Dino shares his diverse background, the trends in the alcoholic beverage space, the supply chain and marketing challenges he faces, and why having a well-crafted marketing strategy is vital.