114 | Bootstrapping Global Brands While Keeping 100% Ownership: Steve Perez on What Rally Driving Can Teach You About Focused Business
Description
Merry Christmas & Happy 2026. This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS.
Steve Perez reveals how he bootstrapped Global Brands (Owner of VK Vodka Kick and Franklin & Sons) from £200k to £65 million in four years without giving away equity. Starting with zero salary while working nights as a waiter, he funded growth by convincing suppliers to extend £100k monthly credit through radical transparency.
His philosophy: "Your business is your soul, your heart. Don't give it away too easily."
From his 400-acre farm supplying beef to his hotels, to using venues as R&D labs for drinks innovation, Steve's vertical integration proves you don't need London to build global brands. With 400 employees including three-generation families, he explains what rally driving taught him the about business:
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:47 Steve Perez: From Rally Driver to Businessman
02:26 The Beginnings of a Business Empire
05:40 Overcoming Early Business Challenges
08:29 The Rise of VK Vodka Kick
16:17 Bootstrapping and Supplier Relationships
22:33 The Perks of the Drinks Business
22:59 Building a Lasting Business Legacy
24:27 Family Business Dynamics
28:32 The Importance of Delegation
32:29 Navigating Risks and Trends
37:31 Vertical Integration and Local Impact
41:20 The Benefits of Smaller Cities
43:20 Conclusion and Contact Information
This episode is brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS, an Advisory helping drinks leaders execute bottom-up growth while managing stakeholder expectations. You can get in touch at bottomup@maffeodrinks.com
A Deep-Dive Analysis of This Episode is Available at maffeodrinks.com
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