Using Customer Feedback To Fuel Product Innovation with Jordan Engelhardt

Entreprenista

“The power of e-commerce and the power of the small businesses is now and not just in the hands of the bigger companies, so go for it and make it happen.”

In this episode of Entreprenista, we are joined by Jordan Engelhardt, the Founder and President of Skinny Mixes LLC, the brand disrupting the beverage industry with guilt-free ways to enjoy a variety of classic cocktails, barista-style coffee creations, flavored waters, and so much more. With a knack for spotting a niche in the crowded cocktail mixer market, Jordan's journey from real estate appraiser to entrepreneurial powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring. Jordan walks us through her incredible transformation during the housing market downturn, where her quest for a healthier margarita sparked a business idea that would soon revolutionize the beverage industry. With just limes and determination, she embarked on a path that led from concept to reality in just 18 months—thanks to her mother’s unwavering support and a pivotal $5,000 loan. Discover how Jordan hustled tirelessly, pitching her innovative mixes to bars and liquor stores, navigating through initial rejections, and seizing an opportunity that catapulted Skinny Mixes into the limelight at Bed Bath & Beyond. This episode isn’t just about the triumphs; it’s a masterclass in the entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the power of customer feedback, strategic networking, and the art of starting small to make it big in the retail world. Skinny Mixes is now a testament to female-led innovation, offering delicious, better-for-you beverage options that cater to health-conscious cocktail lovers worldwide. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a retailer, or anyone with a product-based business, this conversation with Jordan is loaded with gems on market research, engaging customers, and crafting products that truly stand out on shelves.

We talked about:

• Managing growth and maintaining customer engagement
• Navigating the nuances of the beverage industry
• Social media marketing and retail strategy
• Retail partnerships
• Nurturing a dedicated customer community
• Product Development and COVID-19s impact on the market
• Starting and scaling a successful e-commerce business
• Work ethic and resourcefulness
• Finding a food and beverage lab
• Breaking into major retailers like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Walmart, and Target
• The pivot role of having community along the founder’s journey
• Jordan’s approach to team building and work culture

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Connect with Jordan Engelhardt:

• Skinny Mixes
• Instagram

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