From Tequila to Fresh Mixers: Ken MacKenzie’s Journey in the Beverage Industry

Join us in this exciting Maker Manager Money podcast episode as host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with Ken McKenzie, the visionary founder and CEO of Fresh Victor. With over 20 years of experience in the spirits and craft beverage industry, Ken shares his journey from co-founding Republic Tequila to launching Fresh Victor, a premium line of all-natural, cold-pressed mixers for cocktails and spirit-free drinks.

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

1. The Power of Connection Through Food and Drink 🍹
   Ken emphasized the importance of connecting with people over food and drink. Growing up in a large family, he learned that shared meals create lasting memories and foster relationships. This philosophy is at the heart of Fresh Victor, where the goal is to bring people together through delicious, all-natural mixers. As entrepreneurs, we should remember that our products can create experiences that resonate with our customers on a personal level.
2. Perseverance is Key 💪
   Ken's journey was filled with challenges, from navigating the complexities of the beverage industry to ensuring the freshness of his products. He highlighted that perseverance is essential for any entrepreneur. There were moments when he questioned whether he could continue, but he reminded himself of the bigger picture and the joy his product brings to people. This mindset is crucial for anyone facing obstacles in their entrepreneurial journey.
3. Innovation in the Beverage Space 🥂
   With the rise of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks, Ken pointed out a significant shift in consumer preferences. He believes crafting non-alcoholic drinks can be as complex and valuable as traditional cocktails. This opens up a world of opportunities for innovation in the beverage industry. As entrepreneurs, we should be aware of these trends and be ready to adapt our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The inspiration behind Fresh Victor and its unique flavors, including the award-winning grapefruit and sea salt and cactus pear and pomegranate.
• Ken's philosophy is about connecting people through food and drink and how it shapes the culture of hospitality.
• The challenges of creating fresh mixers and the importance of maintaining quality and shelf life.
• Insights into the evolving landscape of non-alcoholic beverages and the growing demand for mocktails.
• Ken's journey of perseverance and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Whether you're a beverage enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the world of mixers, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to check out Fresh Victor's website for delicious cocktail and mocktail recipes!

LINKS

• Follow Ken on LinkedIn
• Fresh Victor Website
• Follow Kyle on LinkedIn

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Ken MacKenzie and Fresh Victor
• 1:28 Awards and Flavors of Fresh Victor
• 2:38 Personal Favorites and Family Experiences
• 3:43 Connecting Over Food and Drink
• 5:10 The Importance of Culture in Hospitality
• 6:46 Ken's Journey into the Beverage Industry
• 8:14 Challenges of Starting a Tequila Brand
• 10:28 The Difficulty of Entering the Spirits Market
• 12:19 Learning Through Experience
• 13:22 The Aha Moment for Fresh Victor
• 19:19 Overcoming Initial Challenges
• 23:13 The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
• 26:23 Perseverance Through Hard Times
• 30:51 Brand Identity: Fresh Victor and the Llama
• 33:33 Flavor Development and Market Research
• 39:45 The Rise of Spirit-Free Drinks
• 44:01 Trends in Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• 46:07 Using Fresh Victor in Culinary Applications
• 47:12 Maker vs. Manager: Ken's Perspective