Laura Jakobsen is the Co-founder and CEO of RIOT Energy, a brand focused on delivering clean, plant-powered energy drinks with zero artificial ingredients. As a former competitive ski racer, Laura brings an athlete's mentality to entrepreneurship, emphasizing perseverance and performance. She's passionate about challenging the status quo of the beverage industry and prioritizing consumer wellness above all. Laura has a history of leadership roles, including her impactful tenure in the C-suite at Pinkberry. She strives to make energy drinks that are both functional and health-conscious, aligning with her vision of making the world a better place.

Are consumers informed about what goes into their energy drinks? Between artificial sweeteners and ambiguous "natural flavors," finding a genuinely clean and healthy option can seem impossible. Is there a brand listening to consumers' demands for honesty and integrity in their beverages?

Laura Jakobsen, a successful entrepreneur in the beverage space, delves into how she tackled these issues by creating RIOT Energy. Obsessed with simple, clean ingredients, she discusses the value of listening to customer feedback and staying true to the brand's foundational values. She explains the importance of being agile and adaptive in messaging to bridge the gap between health-conscious individuals and mainstream consumers. Laura provides a deep dive into the challenges and insights of scaling a mission-driven brand in the competitive beverage market.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Laura Jakobsen, Co-founder and CEO of RIOT Energy, about creating a clean alternative in the energy drink industry. Laura talks about RIOT Energy's fight against artificial ingredients and commitment to natural alternatives, how a genuine commitment to health and wellness trends can shape product development, approach to innovation and customer feedback, and self-care strategies for balanced entrepreneurship.