How a Young Solo Founder Is Taking on Alcohol Seltzer Giants | EP 39
<p>In this episode of the UNinvested Podcast, host Sahil speaks with guest Dominic Minogue, founder of Dirty Water, a hard seltzer brand carving out its unique space in a crowded industry. Dominic shares insights on navigating strict alcohol regulations, building a shelf-stable product, and finding the sweet spot between brand marketing and sales. He also offers a look into his personal routines that help maintain balance in the demanding world of entrepreneurship.</p><p><strong>What We Explore:</strong></p><ul><li>The challenges of entering the alcohol market with minimal industry experience</li><li>The importance of product formulation and working with flavor houses</li><li>Differentiating a brand in a mature and saturated seltzer market</li><li>Balancing founder-led sales efforts with building a team and scaling distribution</li><li>Using content creation and personal storytelling to connect with consumers</li><li>Considering strategic partnerships and new product lines, including non-alcoholic alternatives</li><li>Maintaining personal well-being to stay focused and productive as a solo founder</li></ul><p><strong>Where to Find UNinvested:</strong> </p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.uninvested.org/">https://www.uninvested.org/</a> </li><li>X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/UNinvested_">https://x.com/UNinvested_</a> </li><li>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/uninvested">https://www.linkedin.com/company/uninvested</a></li></ul><p><strong>In this Episode, We Cover:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>[0:00] Introduction & Guest Background:</strong> Overview of UNinvested, introducing Dominic and Dirty Water’s origins</li><li><strong>[0:34] Entering the Alcohol Industry:</strong> Facing regulatory hurdles, discovering resources, and working with industry experts</li><li><strong>[2:01] Creating a Shelf-Stable Product:</strong> Partnering with flavor houses, iterating formulations, and positioning the brand for market entry</li><li><strong>[2:50] Standing Out in a Mature Market:</strong> Competing with household seltzer brands by focusing on simplicity, quality, and sessionability</li><li><strong>[5:00] Branding vs. Sales:</strong> Balancing marketing narratives with boots-on-the-ground selling, securing key retail placements, and nurturing accounts</li><li><strong>[8:00] First Sales & Distribution Lessons:</strong> Gaining initial traction through personal connections, creative merchandising, and founder-led relationship building</li><li><strong>[17:00] Content Creation & Personal Branding:</strong> Leveraging a personal following to support the brand and connect with potential customers</li><li><strong>[20:01] Long-Term Vision & Partnerships:</strong> Considering acquisition, equity deals, and expanding into new product categories, including THC-infused beverages</li><li><strong>[27:21] Personal Routines & Mindset:</strong> The importance of nonnegotiable habits, like daily running, to maintain mental health and resilience as a founder</li></ul>
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