Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Gustafson.
Hi Jared, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2013, I had a work trip to Bend, Oregon, and my wife Deanne came with me. While in Bend, we saw kombucha on tap in many places at coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. I had no clue what kombucha was. Deanne loved this bubbly beverage, but until then, she had only seen it in cans and bottles.
When we got home, we did some research and realized that no one was distributing kegs of kombucha on tap in Southern California. So, we took a leap of faith and in 20214 started our small business, a full-service distributor of kegged kombucha. We now offer the best brands of kombucha and cold brew coffee on tap to restaurants, coffee shops, smoothie shops, wellness centers, bars, corporate offices, and homes.
We expanded our distribution to include Orange County, Riverside County, and Los Angeles in 20215. Last year, Kombucha On Tap rebranded to KEGJOY, embracing a more inclusive identity that promotes all the healthy beverages—kombucha, tea, and nitro cold brew coffee—we offer on tap.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For business owners, every day is a new challenge. We got to develop fast and effective problem-solving and learn from each hurdle. The biggest challenge was switching from a 40-hour-a-week job to an 80+ hour-a-week job.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Starting a business that aligns with my active and healthy lifestyle brings me great joy and keeps me motivated. The fact that our company has grown to employ over ten positive, healthy-minded individuals gives me a sense of accomplishment.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that we offer healthy, nonalcoholic beverages in a sustainable way, without relying on tons of plastic bottles or cans.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
With the rising consumer interest in non-alcoholic beverages, the industry has experienced a continuous expansion over the past years, offering a diverse range of options, including kombucha. Environmentally conscious individuals seeking sustainable options are driving the kombucha-on-tap trend. The non-alcoholic beverages on tap industry keeps growing, demonstrating that the increasing demand for healthy, non-alcoholic drinks on tap is more than just a trend; it’s shaping the future of drinking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kegjoy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kegjoy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KEGJOY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzX6TzFkEbfmg5fwL62Cmfg
