Co-founded from a blank pageVuka.

2008. The bottom of the worst recession in a generation, and 250 energy drinks a year were failing. Everyone thought we were out of our minds.

Six months of consumer research, focus groups and concept testing told us the 25+ consumer was completely underserved. We launched at the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market in August 2009. For 14 years I owned the whole commercial engine: brand, demand generation, retail partnerships, marketing budget and P&L. I built the V-Team, our field marketing force, and landed an exclusive deal with the City of Denver.

One of the first natural energy drinks to go mainstream. 17 states. The official energy drink of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Convention Center, the Denver Coliseum, the Denver Performing Arts Complex and Denver Pride. Over $1M in Whole Foods sales. Moving the online store to Shopify increased online sales by 400%. And a community that still clears out every DTC batch in under 14 hours.