Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanne Gustafson.
Hi Deanne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I worked as a TV news reporter, but a trip to Bend, Oregon, with my husband, Jared, changed everything and put us on the path to entrepreneurship.
While in Bend, we saw kombucha on tap everywhere, even at the gas stations. At the time, I was a huge fan of this bubbly beverage, but I had only seen it in bottles.
After some research, we realized no one was distributing kombucha on tap in Southern California. Therefore, starting our own company that distributes kombucha in kegs felt like the perfect match for our health-conscious, active lifestyle.
Our company, Kombucha On Tap, was launched in 2014. Since then, we partnered with exceptional local brands to distribute a variety of healthy beverages – kombucha, cold brew coffee, matcha tea, nitro tea, water kefir – to homes, offices, restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and yoga and fitness studios. KOT rebranded to KegJoy in 2024, embracing a more inclusive identity that promotes a wider range of healthy beverages.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe, there’s no such thing as a smooth road for entrepreneurs and business owners, and we had our fair share of challenges along the way. The main struggle in the first few years was learning which equipment and kegs deliver the best customer experience. Our focus throughout the years was on creating a positive work environment and developing a proactive, solutions-focused approach to overcoming challenges, rather than getting stuck or giving up. Another significant struggle for me was finding a balance between being a mom, a wife, and an entrepreneur. Juggling family life with two kids and work was difficult, and I actually had to step back in our company around our second year of running it when I noticed it was stressing me out and affecting our marriage.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the co-founder and co-owner of KegJoy, a niche distribution company specializing in kegged kombucha, cold brew coffee, nitro coffee, matcha, and sparkling water. We provide at-home and commercial-grade draft systems with nitrogen capability, from countertop to multi-tap setups.
We are known for treating our customers like family. With many of our partners, we built years-long friendships.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always been a curious person, and I asked many questions as a child. Luckily, in my family, it has always been considered a valuable and appreciated quality.
My openness and genuine curiosity led me to become a journalist, attending the Vanderbilt University, where I graduated with a BA in Communication. I worked as a TV and Web news reporter, anchor, and videographer for several years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kegjoy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kegjoy/
- Facebook: hhttps://www.facebook.com/KEGJOY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzX6TzFkEbfmg5fwL62Cmfg
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kombuchaontap/kombucha-on-tap/
