When my cofounder Andrew and I first embarked on our entrepreneurial journey at Bizzy Cold Brew, I couldn’t have predicted the dramatic growth that lay ahead. Starting in 2013 with a few cups of homemade coffee in our cramped apartments in Minneapolis, our passion for making the perfect cold brew coffee would soon lead us to producing hundreds of thousands of cups daily in our own manufacturing facility.
Andrew and I were no strangers to the corporate grind, working long hours, and juggling multiple responsibilities. Coffee was our go-to energy source, but the high acidity of traditional brews left us with stomach discomfort. We set out to create a smoother, bolder coffee without sacrificing the caffeine kick we depended on.
Our quest led us to cold brew coffee, known for its low acidity and smooth flavor. Intrigued by the process, we started experimenting with different beans and brewing techniques. In those early days, our homes turned into mini laboratories, with jars of coffee steeping for hours on countertops and in refrigerators.
After countless trials and taste tests, we developed a unique blend that was both smooth and strong, with a balanced flavor profile. This blend used a combination of light, medium, and dark roasted Arabica beans sourced from Central and South America that had nutty, chocolate flavor notes.
Testing the coffee market
Realizing we had something special, we began sharing our cold brew with friends and family. The positive feedback was overwhelming. Encouraged by the enthusiasm, we decided to take our product to the local farmers’ markets. This was a pivotal moment. The cold brew flew off the shelves, confirming our belief that there was a market for high-quality, ready-to-drink cold brew coffee.
Despite our initial success, scaling up production was no easy feat. We faced numerous challenges, from sourcing high-quality organic beans to finding the right equipment for large-scale brewing. We invested in roller grinders, which provided the precision needed to achieve a consistent grind size, essential for making top-notch cold brew.
We also perfected our brewing process, cold brewing the coffee for 18 hours to extract the optimal amount of caffeine and flavor while minimizing acidity. This meticulous attention to detail became a hallmark of Bizzy Cold Brew’s production process.
With a refined product and a growing fan base, the next step was to expand our reach. We set our sights on getting Bizzy Cold Brew into retail stores, tirelessly pitched our product to grocery chains, and secured shelf space in local co-ops and independent stores. The response was astonishing, and soon larger retailers took notice.
In 2017, we launched our cold brew on Amazon, which was a game-changer for the business. Bizzy Cold Brew quickly became one of the top-selling cold brew brands on the platform. The increased visibility and sales volume allowed us to invest further in production and distribution, paving the way for national expansion.
We understood that building a strong brand was crucial for long-term success. We emphasized our commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainable practices such as composting spent coffee grounds and using organic-certified coffee beans and 100% post-consumer recycled bottles.
We also engage heavily with our fans through social media, sharing our story and the behind-the-scenes process of making Bizzy Cold Brew. This connection with our audience has fostered a loyal community of cold brew enthusiasts who are passionate about the product and the brand’s mission.
Entrepreneurial caffeine
The journey from making two cups of cold brew a day to producing 350,000 daily was marked by relentless hard work, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Our story is a testament to the power of ambitious, entrepreneurial spirit and the impact of creating a product that meets a genuine need in the market.
Today, Bizzy Cold Brew is available in major retailers across the country and continues to grow. We remain hands-on, constantly exploring new ways to improve our cold brew and expand the product line. Our dedication to the craft and delivering an exceptional customer experience has solidified Bizzy Cold Brew’s place in the competitive coffee market.
As Bizzy Cold Brew looks to the future, we are focused on innovation and expanding our sustainability practices. We’re exploring options to reduce our environmental footprint and experimenting with different flavors and brewing techniques to keep our product fresh and exciting.
Our journey is an example of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a clear vision. Bizzy Cold Brew is not just a brand; it’s a story of two entrepreneurs who turned a personal quest for the perfect cup of coffee into a thriving business that brings joy and energy to millions of people every day.
More on entrepreneurship:
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- From barista to billionaire: Andrew Wilkinson reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and a life-changing offer from Charlie Munger in his new memoir
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