Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Kefford, Operating Partner of Bitter Bros, located in Mechanicsburg, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make bitters for folks who are particular about what goes into their cocktails and who don't always follow the recipe and make their cocktail their way. We work with local distilleries to create custom bitters for their craft cocktails as well as their bulk products. In addition, we offer "make your own" bitters kits for individuals to create their own handcrafted bitters and to serve as a starting point for their own experimentation.
Tell us about yourself
Our company is owned by myself and my brother-in-law. We both like cocktails and we like them to make with quality ingredients, and we aren't afraid to experiment. We view our bitters like a chef views their spice rack, and we found that we can make really great bitters the way we want them. That gave us our spark, and we have been working at it ever since. Our motivation is knowing that people enjoy the cocktails they make with our products, and that makes us happy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment was having our Orange Bitters used as a base for an old-fashioned mix made by a distillery that makes award-winning high-quality spirits.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For us, one of the hardest things was learning to survive in a market that is filled with large competitors and is governed by very constraining regulations.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be ready to work. It takes a lot of time and effort.
- Know your market (competitors, regulations, suppliers). Understanding these can save you time and money.
- Make sure you are well-capitalized and have a well-thought-out business plan that covers a lot of "what if" scenarios. That way, you'll be better prepared for the inevitable surprises, good and bad.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://baldiesbitters.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baldies.bitters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BaldiesBitters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kefford-0266097/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.