EP 252 – We talk to Kevin – Founder of artisan iced tea brand Kaytea – about the reality of raising money, challenges dealing with product buyers and the pain of fighting for shelf space in a crowded market. We ask Kevin why he started an ice tea brand, his experience launching the business during COVID and why he values having a mentor.
Kevin also tells us why he thinks people being ‘too busy to reply to emails’ qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to BWB
00:59 Challenges in Food and Beverage
05:01 Exploring the Journey of Starting a Business
06:29 Deep Dive into the Tea Industry and Market
08:03 The Story Behind KAYTEA
10:39 Realities of the Beverage Market
18:09 Fundraising and Distribution Challenges
18:47 Intrusive Emails and Shareholders
19:30 Power of Being a Shareholder
19:47 Biggest Business Mistakes and Lessons
20:22 Challenges of Natural Product Manufacturing
22:01 Importance of Having a Business Mentor
23:39 Art of Marketing and Its Challenges
25:17 Role of Mentors in Business Success
32:31 Impact of Cancel Culture on Business
33:25 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Kevin
37:35 30 Second Pitch: Kaytea
38:10 Closing Remarks
Kevin’s recommendations:
The Grocer (magazine)
The Economist (magazine)
Hungry (podcast)
Brand Growth Heroes (podcast)
Zoe (podcast)
How I Built This (podcast)
FKJ (musician)
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If you’d like to be on the show, get in contact – mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me
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