Chris Hunter: An Entrepreneurial Journey From Founding Four Loko to healthy Koia

My guest on E348 of #thePOZCAST is Chris Hunter, a leader in the beverage industry. You have probably heard of the iconic Four Loko beverage he co-founded with his college buddies. He most recently co-founded the health-focused Koia and the unique Not Your Father's Root Beer. Chris has cemented his status as a visionary in the field. At Koia, Chris has led the company to an astounding $100M in sales yearly, with their plant-based protein shakes appearing in Whole Foods, Sprouts, 7-Eleven, and most recently, Starbucks. They are delicious! We dug into that story and a ton more.

Chris Hunter, the founder of Four Loko, shares his entrepreneurial journey from childhood to building a successful beverage company. The conversation covers themes of entrepreneurship, business challenges, leadership, and personal growth. It delves into the creation of Four Loko, the cultural impact, and the lessons learned from the business. The discussion also explores the importance of accountability and self-awareness in business and personal life. Chris Hunter shares his journey from building a successful beverage brand to finding personal growth through self-reflection and family. He discusses the impact of an Ayahuasca journey, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the evolution of Koya. His book 'Blackout Punch' reflects on his life and lessons learned.

Learn more about Koia: https://drinkkoia.com/ and follow them on Insta @Drinkkoia

Check out his book: Blackout Punch: https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-Punch-Entrepreneurs-Journey-Clarity/dp/196367801X

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Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and X @AdamJPosner.

Takeaways

- Entrepreneurial mentality can be ingrained from a young age, and early experiences can shape one's approach to business.
- The intersection of alcohol and caffeine in beverages has been controversial, and navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial for success.
- Leadership and team management require a balance of assertiveness and empathy and the ability to hire the right people for the right roles.
- Self-awareness and accountability are essential for personal and professional growth; learning from past experiences can lead to positive change.
- Consumer perception and the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics influence cultural impact and brand relevance.
- The impact of an Ayahuasca journey on personal growth and self-reflection
- The challenges and evolution of building a successful beverage brand
- The importance of family and personal growth in entrepreneurship
- The vulnerability and lessons learned reflected in the book 'Blackout Punch'