How a Young Solo Founder Is Taking on Alcohol Seltzer Giants | EP 39

In this episode of the UNinvested Podcast, host Sahil speaks with guest Dominic Minogue, founder of Dirty Water, a hard seltzer brand carving out its unique space in a crowded industry. Dominic shares insights on navigating strict alcohol regulations, building a shelf-stable product, and finding the sweet spot between brand marketing and sales. He also offers a look into his personal routines that help maintain balance in the demanding world of entrepreneurship.

What We Explore:

• The challenges of entering the alcohol market with minimal industry experience
• The importance of product formulation and working with flavor houses
• Differentiating a brand in a mature and saturated seltzer market
• Balancing founder-led sales efforts with building a team and scaling distribution
• Using content creation and personal storytelling to connect with consumers
• Considering strategic partnerships and new product lines, including non-alcoholic alternatives
• Maintaining personal well-being to stay focused and productive as a solo founder

Where to Find UNinvested:

• Website: https://www.uninvested.org/
• X: https://x.com/UNinvested_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uninvested

In this Episode, We Cover:

• [0:00] Introduction & Guest Background: Overview of UNinvested, introducing Dominic and Dirty Water’s origins
• [0:34] Entering the Alcohol Industry: Facing regulatory hurdles, discovering resources, and working with industry experts
• [2:01] Creating a Shelf-Stable Product: Partnering with flavor houses, iterating formulations, and positioning the brand for market entry
• [2:50] Standing Out in a Mature Market: Competing with household seltzer brands by focusing on simplicity, quality, and sessionability
• [5:00] Branding vs. Sales: Balancing marketing narratives with boots-on-the-ground selling, securing key retail placements, and nurturing accounts
• [8:00] First Sales & Distribution Lessons: Gaining initial traction through personal connections, creative merchandising, and founder-led relationship building
• [17:00] Content Creation & Personal Branding: Leveraging a personal following to support the brand and connect with potential customers
• [20:01] Long-Term Vision & Partnerships: Considering acquisition, equity deals, and expanding into new product categories, including THC-infused beverages
• [27:21] Personal Routines & Mindset: The importance of nonnegotiable habits, like daily running, to maintain mental health and resilience as a founder