Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matt Pickett, Founder of Pickett's Ginger Beer located in Denver, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pickett's is a family-owned craft soda company. We currently make Ginger Beer syrups and sodas. Our products are all-natural and can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old. We have you covered whether you like your ginger citrusy or with a little extra kick.

Tell us about yourself

Pickett's is a family-owned craft soda company. We currently make Ginger Beer syrups and sodas. Our products are all-natural and can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old. We have you covered whether you like your ginger citrusy or with a little extra kick.

I started the business with my two brothers, Bob and Jim, who worked in the NYC beverage industry for over two decades. My brother Jim was a beverage pioneer there. After spending years promoting other brands, he finally decided we should create our own. Jim, passed away suddenly in 2018, and I took over full operations from Denver. His legacy is the spirit behind our company, and I hope to expand on his innovative ideas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making it through a pandemic. In 2019, we had our biggest sales year; in 2020, we almost lost it all. Being able to adapt and shift focus to online sales and different avenues such as collaborations with liquor and THC companies to use our ingredients in canned cocktails. We've expanded our audience away from just bars/restaurants.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Keep it all together without losing yourself or losing balance in life. As a beverage manufacturer, I deal with many moving parts, from ordering packaging materials and raw ingredients, getting on production schedules at a co-packer, coordinating shipping to and from multiple warehouses, tracking orders, distribution, sales, and marketing. And then you have to pay for all that and hope the world doesn't shut down. At the end of the day, I'm just trying to do something I enjoy and can be proud of, and I am.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Do your research.
  2. Don't burn yourself out.
  3. Quality will bring quantity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pickettbrothersbeverage.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PickettBrothersBeverage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickettsgingerbeer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PickettsGB
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3NjxlCA

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.

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