How to Bring a Product to Retail: StartupNation Radio Featuring Andrew Blake
On this episode of StartupNation Radio, Jeff is joined by guest co-host, Andrew Blake.
Blake is President of Blake’s Family of Companies and the founder of Blake’s Hard Cider, an independent, family-owned Michigan craft cidery located in Armada, Michigan.
When Blake returned to the family business after college, he knew he wanted to create a product that enriched the tradition and authenticity his family business was known for. Blake's Hard Cider was established in 2013 and has since brought in more than $100 million in sales.
During the show, Blake shares:
- The backstory of his family business, Blake Farms, and its evolution
- The importance of creating an experience for customers, not just a transaction
- How he came up with the idea for Blake's Hard Cider, and how he brought it to retail
- How Blake's Hard Cider has grown since its initial launch
- The importance of gathering feedback when launching a product
- How new entrepreneurs can establish partnerships with distributors
- The power of authenticity