Sam Mitchell is the Co-founder of roo.bru, a health-focused beverage alternative to coffee. With a background in construction management from the University of Florida, Sam drew on his competitive surfing experience and interest in nutrition to create something better than the traditional coffee experience. He prides himself on his Australian roots, incorporating wit and a cheeky sense of fun into the roo.bru brand. Under his leadership, roo.bru remains self-funded, boasting an organic, non-GMO product line focused on ethical sourcing. Sam promotes health, wellness, and passion through innovative energy tea blends.

Modern professionals need high energy and focus, yet traditional coffee often leads to jitters, anxiety, and an afternoon crash. Many professionals struggle to find a beverage that offers sustained energy without the adverse side effects of coffee. What if there was a beverage that could replace your daily coffee and benefit your body without any of the unwanted side effects?

Successful entrepreneur Sam Mitchell dives into the story behind roo.bru, the superfood-infused drink that stands out boldly in a sea of coffee alternatives. He shares the lightbulb moment that led him to create an alternative to the traditional coffee experience that caused jitteriness and crashes. By focusing on holistic health benefits and ethical sourcing, Sam developed a product that supports cognitive function, heart health, and overall well-being, offering a practical solution to the coffee dilemma.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Sam Mitchell, Co-founder of roo.bru, about launching and growing a healthy beverage brand. Sam discusses how his dissatisfaction with coffee led to the inception of a new energy drink roo.bru, how organic ingredients can offer a cognitive boost without the downsides of usual stimulants, what sets roo.bru apart, and how to balance friendship and business in a startup environment.

Mika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Issei, a brand that has reimagined the gummy candy world with a heartfelt mission. Of Japanese heritage, Mika ventured into entrepreneurship to offer her children healthier candy options inspired by her native mochi. Her innovative product, the world’s first shelf-stable mochi gummies, has earned acclaim as the most innovative among thousands. With a profound background at the UN, Mika embeds a message of cultural inclusivity and the celebration of immigrant voices in her confections. Her journey from kitchen experiments to retail success embodies passion, heritage, and the power of a mother's love.

Crafting tradition into modernity isn't always a walk in the park, but when perseverance meets a vision that yearns to share cultural heritage, can the result be anything short of remarkable? What does this blending of legacy and innovation look like in practice, and what hurdles must you overcome?

Successful entrepreneur Mika Shino dives deep into the makings of Issei, a brand that has successfully infused Japanese tradition into the competitive candy marketplace with its innovative mochi gummies. From winning awards amidst giants to standing tall in the face of production nightmares, she shares her story full of challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons. Her fusion of culinary passion, cultural pride, and a mother's intuition has led to a line of products that speaks to a growing demand for diversity and inclusivity in food.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Mika Shino, Founder and CEO of Issei, about cultural innovation in the candy industry. Mika shares her journey of creating better-for-you snacks that resonate with traditional roots and modern demands, the challenges and insights of bringing innovation into a competitive candy market, how diversity and inclusion in the CPG space benefit consumers and cultures alike, and the triumphs and lessons from Issei's early production challenges.

Alan Laws is the Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House, a distillery renowned for its uncompromising approach to whiskey production. Laws Whiskey House is known for using heirloom grains and a meticulous distillation process, earning world-class recognition for their bourbons and ryes. Formerly a Wall Street worker, Alan transitioned to pursue his passion and obsession with whiskey, establishing his brand over 13 years ago. His commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, prioritizing heirloom grains, traditional pot stills, and the unique terroir of Colorado.

What if the spirit you savored had a tale of meticulous craft, a narrative woven into its essence that transcended mere taste? Imagine a whiskey that captures the heart of its maker's passion and the soul of the land it springs from, offering not just a drink but an authentic experience. What does it take to create such a legendary brew?

Whiskey enthusiast Alan Laws dives into high-craft whiskey production, where compromise is not an option and every detail matters. He discusses his transition from a career on Wall Street to pursuing his whiskey-making dream, the importance of local heirloom grains, and the unique aging process influenced by Colorado's climate. Alan shares where traditional methods meet modern excellence, and every bottle promises a spiritual journey from grain to glass.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Alan Laws, Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House, about his quest to create the finest whiskey. Alan talks about the dedication and sustainability practices behind Laws Whiskey House that contribute to a superior product while supporting local agriculture, insights on running a business with integrity, nurturing a community-driven ethos among his team, and his aspirations to expand while maintaining the core values of success.