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.

Gabrielle (Gabby) Fitzpatrick is the Founder and CEO of Damn Right Cocktails, an organic premium tequila cocktail brand targeting modern millennial women. With a background as a bartender, Gabrielle pursued her passion for mixology and recognized a gap in the ready-to-drink spirits industry. Her commitment to creating bold, health-conscious, innovative products has garnered high praise and awards. As an advocate for women's representation in male-dominated fields, she's a voice for change and empowerment. Gabrielle's entrepreneurial journey embraces education and inclusivity, always aiming to inspire others through her work.

Have you ever walked into a liquor store searching for something that's not just good but also represents your values? What if a brand served delicious, bold flavors and stood for something more? How can a tequila brand embody the fearless spirit of millennial women and change industry norms?

Serial entrepreneur Gabrielle Fitzpatrick has made waves in the spirits industry by focusing on organic, unique tequila and mezcal-based beverages aimed at a market seeking authenticity and conscientious consumption. She discusses her journey from a bartender recognizing a market gap to an entrepreneur crafting a spirit brand that pushes boundaries. Gabrielle's commitment to quality, her narrative of empowerment, and her hands-on approach to product development are evident as she shares the stories behind her award-winning flavors.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Damn Right Cocktails, about crafting distinctive spirits with a mission. Gabrielle delves into the challenges and successes of creating Damn Right Cocktails, how it differentiates itself through design and modern consumer appeal, tequila and mezcal, the significance of quality spirits, and the hurdles female entrepreneurs face.

Jordan Silbert is the Founder and CEO of Agro Power Jerky, a company that creates high-protein snacks made from plants. With a history of success in the beverage industry with Q Mixers, he brings over 16 years of entrepreneurial experience to his fresh endeavor. Jordan is passionate about creating great-tasting, environmentally-conscious products. He is also deeply committed to contributing to a healthier planet by encouraging a shift from meat-based to plant-based diets.

Are you tired of the same old snacks that offer little nutritional value and harm the environment? What if there was a way to fuel your body with delicious, powerful protein without guilt? How can we turn delicious snacks into a force for good?

Jordan Silbert, a serial entrepreneur in the food and beverage space, shares exactly how he's revolutionizing the snacking industry. He discusses transitioning from a successful beverage brand to tackling the food industry with a mission to provide healthy, plant-based jerky options. He dives deep into the importance of taste, texture, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to innovate and lead in a competitive market. Jordan shares the challenges and triumphs of creating and scaling a mission-driven food and beverage brand.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jordan Silbert, Founder and CEO of Agro Power Jerky, about creating a sustainable future through plant-powered snacks. Jordan shares his journey from Q Mixers to Agro Power Jerky, how taste reigns supreme in developing Agro Power Jerky's products, and the potential macro and micro benefits of consuming plant-based products.

Zack Burnett is the Co-founder of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, a wholesale coffee roaster focused on sustainable supply chains, purposeful roasting, and value-added service and support. With nearly two decades of experience in the coffee industry, his journey began unexpectedly when his father proposed starting a small coffee roastery, igniting his enduring passion for specialty coffee. Zack has mastered multiple facets of the business, from roasting and quality control to green coffee sourcing and café management. Under his stewardship, Bold Bean Coffee Roasters focuses on sustainability, relentless improvement, and deep connections with coffee suppliers and the community. His approach embodies the essence of driving a continuous quest for excellence.

Imagine a world where your morning coffee is more than just a quick caffeine fix. What if it could be an experience that connects you to the rich complexity of its flavors and the global community from which it originates? What if every sip could feel like a warm embrace, inviting you into a story that spans generations and continents?

Specialty coffee enthusiast Zack Burnett dives into his lifelong relationship with coffee, which began alongside his father with the inception of Bold Bean Coffee. He shares his journey from novice to master roaster, emphasizing how creating authentic experiences and fostering community are at the heart of his business. By focusing on the continual refinement of their product, Zack shares how they've established Bold Bean Coffee as a leader in the specialty coffee world, offering a broad palette of flavors and experiences that cater to both the connoisseur and casual drinker.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Zack Burnett, Co-founder of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, about the meticulous craft of roasting and the culture of coffee. Zack shares his journey into the coffee world, growing a community-centric and quality-obsessed coffee brand, selecting coffee partners, the evolution of coffee trends, and the enduring importance of barista-customer relationships.