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Most brands try to fake authenticity, but Rob Smith built his on it.
Rob and his brother James didn’t have a background in drinks, big investors, or industry connections. What they had was a gap year discovery in New Zealand, a real problem to solve, and the drive to figure it out.
The result? Arrowtown: a challenger drinks brand that’s carving its own path against industry giants. That’s proof that a brand with purpose, built on values and sustainability, can carve out its place.
🔗 Find Rob on LinkedIn
Takeaways from Rob’s episode
1️⃣ Authenticity is your unfair advantage
Big brands spend millions trying to fake what independent founders have naturally: a real story and genuine passion. Lean into it.
2️⃣ Persistence opens doors
It took Rob and his brother years of knocking before major retailers took them seriously. The lesson? Keep showing up.
3️⃣ Outsource what slows you down
Instead of building a factory, they partnered with manufacturers so they could focus on growth and sales.
4️⃣ Sustainability is more than a buzzword
Consumers want brands that actually care. Arrowtown ties its mission to removing plastic from the ocean, giving buyers a reason to choose them over bigger players.
5️⃣ Learn from those ahead of you
Rob used LinkedIn to connect with founders in the space, getting advice that saved him from costly mistakes. Never be afraid to ask.
📖 Rob’s book recommendations
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie — A timeless classic on building relationships, communication, and winning people over. Rob swears by its principles and even used one to land a wholesaler deal.
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday — A deep dive into Stoic philosophy and how challenges can be opportunities in disguise. Perfect for founders who need to develop resilience and long-term thinking.
In this episode we cover:
00:00 Introduction to Rob Smith
02:13 A Trip to Arrowtown
05:24 Navigating the Beverage Industry
08:55 Overcoming Challenges During COVID-19
10:38 Rebranding and Legal Challenges
13:17 Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Business
15:46 Funding and Growth Strategies
18:12 Scaling Up and Distribution
22:20 Competing with Industry Giants
29:01 The Dynamics of a Family Business
32:14 Learning From Peers
35:37 Rob's Books Recommendations
36:45 The Power of Listening
37:42 Resilience and Stoicism in Business
40:35 The Journey of Sacrifice
42:27 Finding Balance in Chaos
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