Winning in the store isn’t easy. To find the secret ingredients for growth, we set out to chat with execs who are manufacturing success at the store level. Here we spoke with Max Baumann, CEO of Bear Squeeze, on what it took to grow his delicious nutrition shake brand from small idea to shelf staple.
For more tips and strategies from other brand builders, check out our full interview series here!
Hey guys, I’m hanging out here with Max, CEO of Bear Squeeze. So Max, how did you get your start in this industry?
I originally started with a brand called Just Chill, a relaxation drink, about seven years ago. Since then, I’ve evolved a service-based company called BaseMakers, and now I’m doing Bear Squeeze.
You clearly have a lot of experience in this industry, so my next question would be: what would you say has been the secret to your success so far?
People. Relationships. If there’s one thing I could tell anyone who’s coming into this industry it would be to meet as many people as possible. It helps you get more investors, more retailer relationships, and ultimately I’d say that’s been the secret to my success so far.
If there’s one piece of advice you could give to someone who’s in a similar position to where you are right now, what would you say to them?
Work your ass off and meet as many people as you can!
Bonus question: What’s your favorite product on the market right now that you don’t make?
I like Vital Proteins. They have great collagen protein, which I use a lot.