Hardware Podcasts

#95 GT Dave - Founder & CEO of GT’s Living Foods: 25+ years of building the kombucha industry one batch at a time

The Startup CPG Podcast · 20 Jun 2023 · 1h 23m · Episode 72

What this episode covers

GT Dave, founder and CEO of GT’s Living Foods, discusses building a nearly billion-dollar kombucha brand while remaining 100% owner and rejecting acquisition offers. He explains that their manufacturing process relies on small, five-gallon fermentation batches rather than industrial-scale mixing, requiring half a million square feet of facility space to meet North American demand. Dave emphasizes a leadership philosophy centered on cultural alignment, hiring for attitude over credentials, and maintaining profitability without outside investment. He also details the company's product portfolio, including Synergy Kombucha, Agua de Kefir, and Live Medicinal Mushroom Elixirs, while sharing insights on managing a massive brand ambassador force and navigating public perception as a founder.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
GT’s Living Foods, Whole Foods, Erewhon, Target, Coke, Pepsi
Products
Synergy Kombucha, Agua de Kefir, Live Medicinal Mushroom Elixirs, Cocoa Yo, Vitamin Water

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