Drink Up From cans of Whoopass energy drink to Berry White juice, Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. reflects the offbeat personality of its founder.
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Vital Stats:Peter van Stolk,38, founder
Company: Juice and sodamanufacturer started in 1996
2001 Sales: $33 million
Strange Brew: "Theconcept for the flavors comes from consumers, but we test them out.Every Friday, everybody in the company drinks soda andjuice."
Indie Soda Wars:"Without SoBe tea being bought out [by Pepsico], wewouldn't have been able to move the brand as fast as we have.Independent distributors [were looking for a new line ofalternative beverages], because a big piece of their business wasgone. We go to launches where distributors take sledgehammers toSoBe's coolers. It's personal. It's passionate. Youcan't buy that enthusiasm."
Office Space: "Whenpeople come into my office, they see a big painting by [pop artist]ManWoman of a guy in a little gray outfit juggling skulls. It'swhacked out."
What a Trip: "I was a22-year-old ski instructor, and I sold my car and bought someorange juice from Florida and sold that [in Canada]. You get onthis journey, and it's just one crazy ride after the next.It's pretty exciting."
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