Creating a Healthier Hard Seltzer: Dominic’s Vision

Keywords: entrepreneurship, beverage industry, hard seltzer, tech background, gaming, marketing, creativity, business journey, TikTok cooking, product development, beverage industry, entrepreneurship, hard seltzer, product development, market research, sales strategy, small batch production, consumer packaged goods, founder-led sales, business challenges, market velocity, hard seltzer, alcohol laws, business growth, entrepreneurship

Summary:  In this episode, Mitch Beinhaker interviews Dominic Minogue, the founder of Dirty Water Hard Seltzer. They discuss Dominic's diverse background in business, transitioning from fashion to tech, and his experiences in the gaming industry. The conversation delves into the entrepreneurial mindset, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the balance between creativity and structure. Dominic shares his journey into the beverage industry, highlighting his motivations for creating a healthier hard seltzer option and his innovative approach to marketing through TikTok cooking content. In this conversation, Dominic Minogue discusses his journey in launching a hard seltzer brand, detailing the challenges and learning experiences he faced in the beverage industry. He emphasizes the importance of thorough research, community support, and the nuances of founder-led sales. The conversation also touches on the economics of small batch production and the competitive landscape of New York City. In this conversation, Dominic Minogue discusses the intricacies of launching and running a hard seltzer brand, including market dynamics, production processes, regulatory challenges, and strategies for growth. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market velocity, navigating alcohol laws, and the significance of building a strong brand presence. Additionally, he shares valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs on how to test their business ideas and find conviction in their products.

Takeaways

• Dominic has a diverse background, transitioning from fashion to tech.
• He found his passion in creating products that resonate with his personal tastes.
• The beverage industry offers opportunities for healthier alternatives.
• Dominic emphasizes the importance of testing and engagement in content creation.
• He believes in the necessity of accountability and guidance in entrepreneurship.
• The entrepreneurial journey is often more challenging than traditional employment.
• Creativity in business can be structured and procedural.
• Dominic's TikTok channel serves as a marketing tool for his beverage brand.
• He values the ability to pivot and adapt in business ventures.
• Understanding the market and consumer preferences is crucial for success. I always wanted to get back into physical goods.
• The hard sell to market is still growing.
• I waited a couple of years to pursue my idea.
• I did a lot of research because this was a brand new industry.
• The beverage industry people are very helpful and community-oriented.
• Founder-led sales is very underrated.
• I realized how hand holdy the business is.
• New York City is the most competitive market in the world.
• If you could make it in New York City, you could make it anywhere.
• My formulation is so simple, allowing me to hit economies of scale. Market velocity is crucial for small brands.
• Understanding the production process of hard seltzer is key.
• Alcohol laws vary significantly by state.
• Building a business requires careful planning and execution.
• Focus on market penetration and repeat customers.
• Navigating licensing and regulations is complex but necessary.
• Brand visibility is essential for growth.
• Sales strategies should include both bars and retail stores.
• Merchandising can help build brand recognition.
• Testing your product with real consumers is vital.

Titles

• From Fashion to Beverage: Dominic's Entrepreneurial Journey
• The Accidental Entrepreneur: Dominic Minogue's Story
• Creating a Healthier Hard Seltzer: Dominic's Vision
• Navigating the Beverage Industry with Dominic Minogue
• The Intersection of Tech and Beverage Entrepreneurship
• Dominic Minogue: A Journey Through Business and Creativity

Sound Bites

• "No one was really doing that."
• "No one's doing this."
• "I waited four years."
• "I did a lot of research."
• "I had to learn on my own."
• "My formulation is so simple."
• "You're not doing bad, right?"
• "It's called sugar brewing."
• "You can't have both, right?"
• "I just skipped that step."
• "It's a very Northeast beverage."
• "You want them to move volume."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dominic and His Journey

03:59 Dominic's Diverse Background in Business

05:19 Transitioning from Fashion to Tech

07:11 Experience in the Gaming Industry

09:40 The Entrepreneurial Mindset

10:51 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

12:17 Finding Balance Between Creativity and Structure

13:39 The Birth of Dirty Water Hard Seltzer

20:01 Exploring the Beverage Industry

23:00 The Birth of a Beverage Idea

30:17 Navigating the Beverage Industry

37:09 Challenges and Learning Experiences

39:45 Economics of Small Batch Production

43:50 Understanding Market Velocity and Product Demand

44:57 The Science of Hard Seltzer Production

46:28 Navigating Alcohol Laws and Regulations

49:08 Building a Business from the Ground Up

51:03 Strategizing for Growth and Expansion

57:04 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs