Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zac Dudzik, Co-Founder of Rogue Energy, located in Green Bay, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Rogue Energy. We pride ourselves on creating the World's Best Tasting Gaming Drinks. We create powerful, effective, and delicious drink products to serve people living an ever-increasing online lifestyle. Our core niche is streamers, content creators, professional Esports athletes, and casual gamers. In a day and age when our strongest relationships are moving digital and more time is spent on a screen, there is a massive demand for a new style of energy drink that supports this lifestyle. Rogue Energy is formulated for a smooth energy curve that puts people in the sweet spot without spiking them too high and sending them into a "crash" later. Instead, find yourself laser-focused, entering a flow state without knowing it.
Tell us about yourself
I have always had a passion for supplements since I was a kid.
Additionally, I have been an avid gamer for most of my life. When I first conceptualized the idea for Rogue Energy, I realized we could pair these two passions of mine together and fill a hole in the market that wasn't being served. My partner, Chris, and I set out to create the healthiest, most effective "gaming drink" brand on the planet.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as business owners must be seeing the impact we have had on the lives of our full-time employees. It has been incredibly rewarding to grow our team of employees and provide income for their families while they do something they love.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about owning a business is overcoming challenging tasks for the first time. When presented with a massive project or undertaking that has never been done in your company's history (i.e., developing a new sales or manufacturing channel or developing a new product line), the work falls on your shoulders. It's an incredibly rewarding experience, but the lands are uncharted, and it falls upon you as the business owner to lead your team in the proper direction to meet your lofty and ambitious goals.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a team around you and be willing to delegate. You should be doing everything yourself.
- Be willing to take feedback and learn when to act upon it. Some of the greatest ideas come from people working for you or your community.
- Build a community. Your customers will cheer for your success if you truly show you care about them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Entrepreneurship is beautiful, and I encourage everyone to develop a business or side hustle. I suggest surrounding yourself with a team of people you care about and focusing on businesses and projects you genuinely care about so that you are incredibly passionate for every work day. There is such a thing as "loving what you do," which makes life so much better!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rogueenergy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRogueEnergy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therogueenergy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRogueEnergy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-dudzik/
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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