Unlock the secrets to transforming a college side hustle into a beverage behemoth with Chris Hunter, the ingenious creator of Four Loko. Our engaging conversation peels back the curtain on Chris's audacious journey through the world of entrepreneurship. From his first dollar earned through college coloring book sales to navigating the tempestuous waters of the beverage industry, Chris's story offers a treasure trove of insights on innovation, agility, and the sheer tenacity needed to build a brand that defines a generation.Embark on a rollercoaster ride with us as Chris opens up about pivoting from the infamous party drink to leading a plant-based beverage empire, Koya. Witness the strategic moves and personal life shifts that catalyze new business ventures and drive a brand to nationwide success. Chris's transition underlines the importance of foresight in capitalizing on health trends and scaling a business, proving that personal evolution can be the catalyst for professional revolution.Reflect on the transformative power of self-improvement and the courage required to steer your own fate, drawing inspiration from Chris's remarkable resilience to setbacks. His approach to customer engagement transcends conventional wisdom, showing how direct interaction can turn obstacles into victories. This episode isn't just a playbook on creating a successful brand—it's a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the relentless pursuit of escaping the drift to craft your destiny.Highlights:(01:40 - 03:08) Founder of Four Loco Brand(08:41 - 09:38) Word of Mouth Club Promotion Success(14:05 - 14:34) Starting Over in Chicago(22:20 - 22:48) Learning in Alcohol Industry Sales(25:38 - 26:21) Alcoholic Energy Drink Market Analysis(30:25 - 31:34) Pitching a New Beverage Product(53:45 - 54:28) Nightclub's Downfall After NFL Star's Scandal(57:02 - 57:46) Finding New Opportunities and Transitioning(59:40 - 01:00:30) Discovering Market Potential in Chicago(01:02:51 - 01:03:35) Starbucks Innovation Strategy DiscussionCHAPTERS (00:04) Escaping the Drift With Chris Hunter(03:20) Making Money Through College Promotions(12:32) Entrepreneurial Journey and Tenacity(18:10) Transitioning Careers and Taking Risks(24:46) Entrepreneurial Journey Into Alcoholic Energy Drink(34:33) Entrepreneurial Challenges in Beverage Business(39:21) Navigating Challenges and Pivots in Business(47:26) Importance of Structure and Partnership Agreements(50:38) Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned From Adversity(56:42) Transition to Plant-Based Drink Success(01:04:40) Effective Customer Relationship Strategies(01:11:19) Empowerment and Self-Improvement Podcast💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below! ☑️ If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space.➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company.➡️ Streamline Home Loans - An independent mortgage bank with more than 100 loan officers. The Simply Group, A national expansion vehicle partnering with large brokers across the country to vertically integrate their real estate brokerages.✅ Follow John Gafford on social media:Instagram ▶️ / thejohngaffordFacebook ▶️ / gafford2🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here:Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9Listen OnApple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.