Starting a Beverage Business? Recipe to Distribution Selling Handcrafted Spirits | Alek Szczupak

Описание: #623 Ever wonder what it really takes to launch a handcrafted spirits brand from scratch — without owning your own distillery or a massive marketing budget? In this episode, host Brien Gearin sits down with Alek Szczupak, founder of Broda Beverage Company in Chicago, to share how he transformed a generations-old Polish family recipe into a fast-growing, small-batch vodka brand. Alek dives into the story behind Broda’s authentic, all-natural production process — from zesting lemons by hand to infusing real honey and ginger — and opens up about the challenges of navigating alcohol regulations, finding the right co-packer, and building distribution relationships in a crowded industry. He also reveals how grassroots marketing, local tastings, and one viral TikTok helped Broda gain traction and develop a loyal following. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a kitchen recipe into a nationally recognized product, this episode will give you a front-row seat to what it really takes!

What we discuss with Alek:
0:00 Introduction & Polish Vodka Roots
3:44 Family Tradition and Recipe Origins
7:28 From College to Beverage Startup
11:12 Overcoming Production Challenges
14:56 Taking Broda to Market
18:40 Distribution, Sales, and Early Reception
22:24 Marketing, Branding, and Team Building
26:08 Revenue, Margins, and Scaling Up
29:52 Product Expansion and Flavors
33:36 Advice for Aspiring Distillers & Closing Thoughts

Thank you, Alek!
Check out Broda at ⁠DrinkBroda.com⁠: https://drinkbroda.com/
Follow Alek on ⁠Instagram⁠:   / drinkbroda  

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#entrepreneurship #productbusiness #beveragebusiness #distillery #vodkadistillery #familyrecipe