William Spencer: Building A Simpler, Cleaner Energy Water
Have you ever wondered about the murky ingredients in your energy drink? Imagine a beverage that delivers an organic boost without the crash. How do you even begin to take on the giants in the saturated beverage market?
William Spencer addressed these concerns by founding h2go, focusing on creating an energy drink that stands apart through its use of organic, natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. He discusses his choice of sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, the decision to use aluminum cans for environmental considerations, and his commitment to the 1% for the Planet initiative. William also shares his experience with the trials of entrepreneurship and his vision for expanding h2go beyond beverages to a wider array of simple, cleaner everyday products.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with William Spencer, Founder and CEO of h2go Energy Water, about creating a sustainable and healthy energy drink alternative. William shares the origins of h2go, the unique aspects of the drink, the challenges faced, the strategic use of social media, and the conscious business practices that drive the brand.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[2:32] William Spencer discusses the origins and motivations behind founding h2go
[7:31] The unique benefits of h2go and what sets it apart from conventional energy drinks
[10:59] Why William chose can packaging over plastic for h2go
[14:39] The importance of 1% for the Planet initiative in benefiting the environment
[17:01] William’s insights into the significance of local community and culture in brand building
[22:22] The financial and logistical challenges of scaling a beverage brand
[27:30] The integral role social media plays in h2go's growth and customer engagement
[31:05] William’s advice for aspiring and upcoming entrepreneurs in the beverage industry
About William Spencer
William Spencer is the Founder and CEO of h2go Energy Water, a mission-driven company dedicated to revolutionizing the energy drink industry with healthier, sustainable, and effective alternatives. He established h2go to offer a cleaner, organic alternative to traditional caffeinated beverages. Originally from Vermont, William is an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, and sunset aficionado. Besides h2go, he owns and runs other businesses, including Salomé LLC, William Spencer Agency, Spencer Distributing Corporation, and many more.
Quotable Moments:
"Caffeine...it's arguably our most important connection with plants."
"Energy should feel good; it shouldn't want to make you run through a wall."
"We're told we need all these additives...we just wanted something very raw and natural."
"We want this to be more of a lifestyle product; how does h2go fit into your daily routine."
"I see a whole portfolio of products that are just simpler and cleaner than some of the everyday products we take for granted."
Action Steps:
Choose cleaner energy drinks: Opt for beverages with transparent and organic ingredients to avoid unnecessary additives. By selecting drinks like h2go that focus on natural caffeine sources and zero sugar, you promote healthier energy consumption.
Embrace sustainable packaging: When possible, select products with sustainable packaging, like infinitely recyclable aluminum cans. This practice supports environmental sustainability and reduces your carbon footprint.
Support ethical sourcing: Look for products that guarantee fair labor and eco-friendly supply chains. It's a way to ensure your purchases help in the betterment of communities and the preservation of ecosystems.
Integrate social media for brand growth: Leverage the power of social media to connect with audiences and showcase authentic brand stories. Social platforms offer a broad audience reach and allow personal interaction with customers, key to building a community around your brand.
Pursue passion projects with research: If starting a mission-driven brand, thoroughly research the industry and potential co-founders beforehand. Proper research and a reliable business partner can mitigate challenges during the entrepreneurial journey.